Kate Beckinsale has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most beautiful and versatile actresses, seamlessly moving between action-packed blockbusters and heartfelt dramas. Best known for her role as the fierce vampire warrior Selene in the Underworld franchise, Beckinsale’s career spans a wide range of genres—from romantic comedies to period dramas and adrenaline-pumping thrillers. Whether she’s battling supernatural creatures or capturing hearts in romantic roles, Beckinsale’s commanding presence and impressive acting chops have made her a fan favorite for over two decades.
In this list, we’ll rank her 19 best performances across both film and television, showcasing the breadth of her talent. From her iconic portrayal in Underworld to standout roles in films like Serendipity and The Aviator, Beckinsale continues to prove why she’s one of the most captivating stars in the entertainment industry. Let’s dive into Kate Beckinsale’s most memorable roles.
19. Jolt (2021)
Returning to her action roots, Beckinsale plays a woman with anger management issues in this high-octane action-comedy. Her dynamic performance and knack for blending action with humor made Jolt a fun addition to her filmography.
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18. The Widow (2019, TV Series)
In this TV drama, Beckinsale stars as a woman searching for answers after her husband’s disappearance. The series gave Beckinsale a platform to deliver a deeply emotional and intense performance.
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17. The Only Living Boy in New York (2017)
In this drama, Beckinsale portrays a mysterious woman entangled in a young man’s complicated life. The film allowed Beckinsale to showcase her ability to navigate complex emotional territory.
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16. Contraband (2012)
Beckinsale starred alongside Mark Wahlberg in this fast-paced action thriller about international smuggling. She took on a supporting role, but her presence elevated the tension and drama of the film.
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15. The Last Days of Disco (1998)
In this witty drama about the 1970s disco scene, Beckinsale shines as Charlotte, a sharply intelligent and sometimes manipulative young woman navigating New York’s nightlife. Her performance alongside Chloë Sevigny showcases her ability to handle both humor and drama with ease.
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14. Brokedown Palace (1999)
Beckinsale stars opposite Claire Danes in this harrowing drama about two friends imprisoned in Thailand after being accused of drug smuggling. Her portrayal of Darlene, a character caught in a life-altering situation, offers a raw and emotional depth, making this one of her most gripping performances.
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13. Whiteout (2009)
This thriller set in Antarctica stars Beckinsale as a U.S. Marshal investigating a murder in one of the most isolated places on Earth. Her performance captured the tension and isolation of the role, even as the film received mixed reviews.
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12. Van Helsing (2004)
In this gothic horror adventure, Beckinsale portrayed Anna Valerious, a vampire hunter teaming up with Hugh Jackman’s Van Helsing. The film allowed her to further hone her action star reputation. A lot of her fans see this movie as that other vampire movie she did.
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11. Pearl Harbor (2001)
This Michael Bay-directed war drama starred Beckinsale as a nurse caught in a love triangle amidst the backdrop of World War II. The film’s visual spectacle and Beckinsale’s engaging performance made it a hit.
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10. Click (2006)
In this fantasy-comedy, Beckinsale plays the supportive wife of Adam Sandler’s character. While the film had its comedic moments, Beckinsale brought emotional depth, particularly in the film’s more poignant scenes.
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9. Love & Friendship (2016)
In this period comedy, Beckinsale stars as the scheming Lady Susan Vernon. Her sharp wit and masterful performance earned critical acclaim, reminding audiences of her versatility beyond action-packed roles.
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8. The Aviator (2004)
In Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed biopic about Howard Hughes, Beckinsale played screen legend Ava Gardner. Her performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio garnered praise for its sophistication and depth.
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7. Total Recall (2012)
In this sci-fi action remake, Beckinsale takes on the role of Lori, the deceptive and deadly wife of Colin Farrell’s character. Her performance as an antagonist is fierce and relentless, proving once again her talent for high-octane action roles.
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6. Serendipity (2001)
Stepping out of the action genre, Beckinsale shines in this romantic comedy opposite John Cusack. Serendipity is a heartwarming story about fate, love, and destiny, with Beckinsale’s charm front and center.
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5. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Though she only appeared briefly in this prequel, Beckinsale’s impact on the franchise continued as the film explored the origins of the vampire-lycan conflict.
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4. Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
In this final installment (so far) of the Underworld series, Beckinsale portrays Selene as she fights for survival and seeks to end the eternal war. The film solidified Beckinsale as an enduring figure in action films.
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3. Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Beckinsale reprised her role as Selene, with the character now facing new threats in a world where humans are aware of vampires. The action and Beckinsale’s intensity took center stage once again.
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2. Underworld: Evolution (2006)
The sequel to Underworld delves deeper into Selene’s character and the war between vampires and lycans. Beckinsale continued to impress audiences with her action prowess and commanding screen presence.
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1. Underworld (2003)
Kate Beckinsale’s breakout role as Selene, the fierce vampire warrior, in Underworld set her up as an action star. This film not only launched a franchise but also became iconic in the vampire-werewolf cinematic genre.
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