There are few actresses with a catalogue as expansive and recognisable as Kirsten Dunst. Her career has spanned several decades, beginning in 1994 when she was only 11 years old, appearing in Neil Jordan’s classic film Interview With A Vampire. She continued to deliver performances in some of the most memorable movies of the 90s, 00s, and 2010s, quicky becoming a household name after her performance as Mary Jane in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, making her one of the most in-demand actors of our generation. It’s no surprise that every so often, tweets referencing her stellar career go viral, proving her enduring appeal.
Dunst boasts a versatility in her catalogue that most would envy, perfectly embodying relatable, humorous roles as well as bringing fragility and vulnerability to more multidimensional performances. She has been outspoken about her experiences of sexism in the industry and how her performances have received a lack of acclaim. Awards aside, Dunst has carved a lane for herself in Hollywood, consistently bringing her own flair and star power to any role she plays. Here are Kirsten Dunst's best movies.
10 Spider-Man
No list addressing Dunst's career in film would be complete without the movie that propelled her into international superstardom, 2002's Spider-Man. Sam Reimi’s version of the marvel classic was a box office phenomenon and broke Hollywood records, paving the way for the superhero onslaught in cinema to come. Dunst played Mary Jane, the love interest of Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire). The performance marked a movement into the mainstream for Dunst, and spawned several successful sequels. Later in her career, Dunst reflected on the gender inequality she faced in this role, noting how her co-star was paid significantly more than her.
9 Interview with the Vampire
Dunst's career in Hollywood had a strong start when she starred in Neil Jordan's 1994 Interview with a Vampire, when she was only 11 years old. She played Claudia, a vampire who is trapped in the body of a young girl, but who has matured as time has passed and has become frustrated at her situation. The film received mixed reviews and was a box office success, however, Dunst's performance caught the eye of critics, and she was nominated for golden globe. Dunst gave a strong performance well beyond her years, and her career as an actor was off to a flying start.
8 The Beguiled
Dunst had a very strong relationship with director Sofia Coppola, someone for whom she would star in several career-defining roles for throughout her career. Dunst collaborated with Coppola for a third time in the 2017 film The Beguiled. The film is a southern gothic film, following the events which unfold after a soldier seeks refuge in an all-female boarding school during the civil war, exploring sexual tensions and rivalries within the group. Dunst plays Edwina, and her performance gained critical praise.
7 Bring It On
Bring It On was released in 2000, and went on to become a box office success and a cult classic, beginning the Bring It On franchise, and becoming a staple in the teenage rom-com phenomenon of the 90s and early 00s, an era which continues it's cultural significance today. Dunst played the main character and head cheerleader, Torrance. Her performance showcased her range as an actress, and made her a pop culture figure, propelling her the tabloid stardom of the early 00s.
6 Drop Dead Gorgeous
Michael Patrick Jann's 1999 satirical black comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous follows a small-town beauty pageant and starred an ensemble cast at the beginning of their careers including Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Denise Richards and Amy Adams. The film received mixed reviews from critics, some of which found that the satirical comedy did not land, however the film has gone on to achieve cult status, and is an interesting time capsule, showcasing several iconic Hollywood stars at the beginning of their careers.
5 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Michel Gondry's 2004 critical success Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind won the academy award for best original screenplay, and dealt with emotional topics concerning the fragility of memories and love, taking a literal interpretation of this with a universe where memories can actually be erased. Dunst stars alongside actors such as Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, playing Mary, the receptionist at the clinic who years for her boss, unaware of the memories which have been taken from her. Dunst's performance is hauntingly naive and allows the audience to painfully sympathise with her.
4 Marie Antoinette
Long term collaborators, Dunst and Sofia Coppola delivered the 2004 movie Marie Antoinette, depicting the life of the French queen in the years leading up to the French revolution. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with many taking issue with the historical inaccuracies and modern flair, however Dunst's performance was widely praised and cemented another strong entry in her catalogue of impressive performances.
3 The Virgin Suicides
The Virgin Suicides was the first collaboration between Dunst and Sofia Coppola, and saw the beginning of a strong relationship between director and actor. Dunst plays Lux Lisbon, one of the troubles sisters and gave a stellar performance which can be credited with giving teenage characters dimension in cinema, when they are often written as lacking substance. Dunst reflected on this role and praised Sofia Coppola for making her feel beautiful in an industry where women were often belittled to ttheir appearance.
2 The Power of the Dog
Dunst's most recent performance is in Jane Campion's western The Power of the Dog, which is currently available to stream on Netflix. Dunst plays Rose Gordon who is tormented by the actions of ranch owner Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch). Dunst's performance is raw and has widely been praised as one of the best of her career. There is award show buzz surrounding her performance and some recognition would be very well deserved.
1 Melancholia
Lars Von Trier's Melancholia is a wildly visual film, depicting the reality and ugly nature of depression with striking success.Dunst plays Justine, who has to navigate her destiny in an apocalyptic world while dealing with personal struggles. Dunst has stated that her performance in the film was linked to her own personal experiences with depression. Melancholia is unique and a must-watch for any Dunst fan, showcasing her abilities in all their glory.