You think you know the Nicole Kidman story. The red hair, the porcelain skin, the AMC commercial where she tells us that heartbreak feels good in a place like this. Honestly, the meme-ification of Kidman has almost eclipsed the work itself lately. But if you actually sit down and look at the sheer, chaotic range of films with Nicole Kidman, you realize she isn’t just a "movie star." She’s a high-wire act who refuses to play it safe.
People love to talk about the "Kidmanaissance" that happened around Big Little Lies, but the truth is she never really left. She just stopped caring about being the "pretty girl" in blockbusters.
The Blockbuster Trap and the 2026 Shift
Most casual fans remember her from the 90s—the Batman Forever era where she played Dr. Chase Meridian. It was fine, but it was basically a cardboard cutout role. Compare that to her work in 2024 and 2025. She just wrapped Babygirl, a high-stakes erotic thriller that had everyone at the Venice Film Festival buzzing. Then there’s Holland, Michigan, a Hitchcockian thriller that proves she’s still the queen of domestic dread.
Wait, did you hear about the divorce? It’s all over the news right now. In late 2025, she filed for divorce from Keith Urban after nearly two decades. Most stars would go into hiding. Nicole? She’s booked solid through 2026. She’s literally filming Practical Magic 2 as we speak. She and Sandra Bullock are finally bringing the Owens sisters back, and the internet is losing its mind. It’s expected to hit theaters in September 2026.
Why "The Hours" Still Matters (And No, It Wasn’t Just the Nose)
Whenever anyone brings up films with Nicole Kidman, the 2002 film The Hours is the first thing critics mention. Yes, she wore a prosthetic nose to play Virginia Woolf. Yes, she won the Oscar.
But what most people get wrong is thinking the nose did the work. If you watch that movie today, the nose is actually the least interesting thing about it. It’s the stillness. She plays Woolf as a woman who is physically vibrating with the effort of staying alive. It’s a terrifying, quiet performance. It was the first time an Australian woman won Best Actress, which is a wild stat when you think about how many Aussies run Hollywood now.
The Weird Stuff You Probably Missed
If you want to understand Kidman, you have to look at the movies that flopped or stayed under the radar.
- The Paperboy (2012): This movie is absolute filth in the best way. She plays a death-row groupie. There is a scene involving a jellyfish sting that I won't describe here, but let's just say it's... unforgettable.
- Dogville (2003): Lars von Trier is a polarizing director, but Kidman’s work here is brave. The whole movie is shot on a bare stage with chalk outlines for houses. You have to be a special kind of actor to make that feel real.
- The Northman (2022): She played a Viking Queen. Her big monologue halfway through the movie is basically a masterclass in how to be absolutely terrifying while barely moving a muscle.
Breaking Down the Box Office Numbers
We think of her as an "indie" darling now, but her numbers are actually staggering.
- Aquaman (2018): $1.15 Billion.
- Happy Feet (2006): $384 Million.
- Batman Forever (1995): $336 Million.
- The Golden Compass (2007): $372 Million.
She’s one of the few actors who can pivot from a $200 million DC superhero movie to a weird psychological horror like The Killing of a Sacred Deer without losing her credibility. It’s a weirdly specific talent.
What’s Coming Next in 2026
Looking ahead, her schedule is kinda insane. Beyond the Practical Magic sequel, she’s returning for Big Little Lies Season 3. I know, everyone thought it was over, but the cast confirmed in late 2025 that they’re heading back to Monterey.
She also has Margo’s Got Money Troubles coming to Apple TV+ in 2026. She’s playing Elle Fanning’s mom, and based on the set photos from April 2025, she’s back to the iconic red hair. Then there’s Scarpetta, where she plays the titular Kay Scarpetta alongside Jamie Lee Curtis. It’s a massive mystery-thriller series that’s basically been in development hell for years, and she’s the one finally getting it over the finish line.
The Reality of Her Legacy
Kidman’s career isn't a straight line. It’s a zig-zag. She’s had huge hits and some truly spectacular misses (Grace of Monaco, anyone?). But that’s why she’s still relevant. Most actors are terrified of looking bad. Kidman seems to hunt for roles that make her look "ugly" or "unhinged."
Whether she’s playing a grieving mother in Rabbit Hole or a literal queen in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, she brings this weird, high-frequency energy to the screen. Honestly, we’re lucky she’s still doing it.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to catch up on the best films with Nicole Kidman before the Practical Magic sequel drops in 2026, here is your roadmap:
- Watch "To Die For" (1995): It’s a dark comedy about a weather girl who wants to be famous at any cost. It’s her best "early" performance and feels surprisingly modern in the age of influencers.
- Stream "Babygirl" (2024): It’s her most recent major film release and shows she hasn't lost her edge.
- Binge "The Undoing" or "Big Little Lies": If you haven't seen her TV work, you're missing the "Kidmanaissance" entirely.
- Track "Practical Magic 2" updates: Keep an eye on trade publications for the official trailer, which should drop by mid-2026.
Kidman is proof that you can be a movie star and a "serious" actor at the same time, as long as you're willing to be a little bit weird.