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After kicking off her film career with a few small roles—including playing a “Star Wars” character you likely forgot existed—Keira Knightley wasted no time becoming a full-fledged movie star. She didn’t even bother waiting until she was out of her teenage years to do so. By the time she was 20, Knightley had already done a “Star Wars” movie, a half-billion-dollar-grossing Disney adventure, a future holiday classic, and played the legacy character Queen Guinevere. And she was just getting started.

In fact, Knightley has been a part of so many strong films and television shows that we had no trouble leaving off the aforementioned holiday classic *Love Actually* and its controversial, stalker-esque scene—because it’s not even among her best work.

Herein lies the best films, as well as a television series, that Knightley has been a part of, taking into consideration both the overall project and Knightley’s performance in particular.

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### A Dangerous Method (2011)

Telling a fictionalized version of the complicated relationships between pioneering psychologists Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender), Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), and Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen), *A Dangerous Method* takes heavy creative liberties—especially regarding the alleged sexual relationship between Jung and Spielrein.

Director David Cronenberg insisted the relationship was meant to be clinical rather than titillating, but the erotic undertones are evident, and both Fassbender and Knightley knowingly play into it. Knightley’s performance as Spielrein showcases how brave she can be and how deeply she throws herself into a role. Cronenberg often focuses on Knightley’s face during scenes in which Jung “treats” Spielrein, masterfully displaying the conflicted overlap between shame and excitement—a true acting masterclass.

Sadly, despite Knightley owning every scene she’s in, the majority of accolades went to Fassbender and Mortensen, reflecting an unfortunately persistent gender imbalance in the industry.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen
**Director:** David Cronenberg
**Year:** 2011
**Rating:** R
**Runtime:** 99 minutes
**Where to watch:** Kanopy

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### Never Let Me Go (2010)

Alex Garland, one of our most underrated sci-fi screenwriters, is known for pushing the genre in fascinating new directions. One of his most overlooked gems is *Never Let Me Go*, a dystopian drama about a world where science has extended human lifespans but at a terrible cost.

The story follows former boarding school classmates Kathy H (Carey Mulligan), Tommy D (Andrew Garfield), and Ruth C (Keira Knightley), who come to realize the tragic role they play in this new world order. Without spoiling the film, be prepared for one of the bleakest endings in sci-fi history.

Despite its somber tone, *Never Let Me Go* is a must-watch for fans of daring, poetic sci-fi and those interested in diving deeply into Knightley’s discography.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield
**Director:** Mark Romanek
**Year:** 2010
**Rating:** R
**Runtime:** 103 minutes
**Where to watch:** Disney+

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### Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

It’s hard to believe Knightley was only 17 when she filmed *Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl*. Not only did she have the screen presence of an actress at least five years older, but she also held her own against heavyweights like Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush.

She plays Elizabeth Swann, a privileged young woman who embarks on a thrilling but dangerous pirate adventure. The movie’s massive success had a profound impact on Knightley’s career and personal life, thrusting her into the spotlight as a teen star and exposing her to intense media scrutiny.

Despite Knightley’s conflicted feelings about the film’s aftermath, *Pirates* remains a fun, high-seas adventure, and she’s a delight to watch.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush
**Director:** Gore Verbinski
**Year:** 2003
**Rating:** PG-13
**Runtime:** 143 minutes
**Where to watch:** Disney+

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### Misbehaviour (2020)

Keira Knightley often jumps at the chance to portray influential women in history, especially those who champion feminism. In *Misbehaviour*, she plays activist Sally Alexander, part of a group of female college students protesting the 1970 Miss World pageant, which they view as an event that objectifies women.

Though the film offers a somewhat glossy and sanitized version of the real events, smoothing over rough edges for a feel-good narrative, it remains well-made, and Knightley delivers an excellent performance.

As the 1970s now recede into history, films like *Misbehaviour* help preserve important milestones in feminist activism that might otherwise get overshadowed.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessie Buckley
**Director:** Phillipa Lowthorpe
**Year:** 2020
**Rating:** Not rated
**Runtime:** 106 minutes
**Where to watch:** Tubi, The Roku Channel

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### Atonement (2007)

Few movies are as narratively ambitious as *Atonement*, which spans roughly 60 years in just over two hours. It marks the second collaboration between Knightley and director Joe Wright, who found a muse in her after their work together on *Pride & Prejudice*.

*Atonement* earned nearly double the Oscar nominations of Wright’s previous film and is considered one of the best World War II movies of all time. Although it faced stiff competition from *No Country for Old Men* and *There Will Be Blood*, it remains an incredible achievement.

Knightley stars alongside James McAvoy as young lovers torn apart by misunderstandings and fate, only to be reunited during the war. The film masterfully blends the war epic and sweeping period romance genres.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan
**Director:** Joe Wright
**Year:** 2007
**Rating:** R
**Runtime:** 123 minutes
**Where to watch:** Available to rent or purchase through Amazon Video and Apple TV

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### Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Though not her first film, Knightley’s breakthrough role came in *Bend It Like Beckham*, a charming sports movie about Jess (Parminder Nagra), a teenager whose dreams of playing soccer are stifled by her family’s expectations.

Knightley plays Jules, a semi-pro player who encourages Jess to pursue her passion—even if it means sneaking around her parents. The film has sparked much debate over queer coding in Jules and Jess’s relationship, reflecting its depth and the complex issues it touches on.

This lighthearted, breezy movie continues to connect with audiences for many reasons, highlighting Knightley’s early promise.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Parminder Nagra, Archie Panjabi
**Director:** Gurinder Chadha
**Year:** 2002
**Rating:** PG-13
**Runtime:** 112 minutes
**Where to watch:** Disney+

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### Begin Again (2013)

Sometimes simple stories about music and friendship shine brightest. *Begin Again* is one of those—two people bond over their love of music, swapping favorite songs and helping each other rediscover passion.

Mark Ruffalo and Knightley share charming chemistry as producer Dan and songwriter Gretta. Not a typical love story, their relationship is platonic and focused on artistic rekindling rather than romance.

The film even manages to elicit a surprisingly strong performance from Maroon 5’s Adam Levine.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Adam Levine
**Director:** Joe Carney
**Year:** 2013
**Rating:** R
**Runtime:** 104 minutes
**Where to watch:** Tubi, Roku Channel

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### Official Secrets (2019)

In *Official Secrets*, Knightley portrays Katharine Gun, a British government linguist who leaked top-secret information to stop the 2003 Iraq invasion.

The film explores the heavy personal and ethical consequences of whistleblowing. Knightley delivers one of her best dramatic performances, portraying Gun’s internal struggles powerfully.

Her work was praised even by critics less favorable towards the film and helped spotlight Gun’s courageous story.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode
**Director:** Gavin Hood
**Year:** 2019
**Rating:** R
**Runtime:** 112 minutes
**Where to watch:** Netflix, Roku Channel

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### Black Doves (2024–present)

Though primarily a film actress, Knightley has done television roles with mixed success—until now. Her most recent TV appearance, *Black Doves*, debuted on Netflix in November 2024 and stands as some of her best work on any screen.

Knightley stars as Helen Webb, a secret agent whose identity is about to be exposed to London’s most dangerous criminals. Her partner, Sam Young (Ben Whishaw), helps protect her as she becomes a target.

The show earned Knightley her first-ever Golden Globe nomination for television as Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. With only six episodes in its first season, it’s an easy binge and highly compelling.

Season 2 was greenlit prior to Season 1’s debut, though a release date is pending.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire
**Creator:** Joe Barton
**Year:** 2024–present
**Episodes:** 6 (so far)
**Where to watch:** Netflix

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### Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Knightley’s first collaboration with Joe Wright was *Pride & Prejudice*, a fresh adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel.

Among countless adaptations, this film stood out, delivering one of the all-time greatest versions of Elizabeth Bennet. Knightley’s performance earned her first Oscar nomination.

Roger Ebert praised her for making the story feel real and relatable—“not a well-mannered ‘Masterpiece Theatre,’ but a film where strong-willed young people enter life with their minds at war with their hearts.”

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn
**Director:** Joe Wright
**Year:** 2005
**Rating:** PG
**Runtime:** 127 minutes
**Where to watch:** HBO Max

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### Colette (2018)

Another standout historical portrayal, *Colette* features Knightley as Sidonie-Gabriel Colette, focusing on the early 20th-century author’s struggle to claim credit for her work originally published under her husband’s name.

The film highlights Colette’s fight for recognition in a male-dominated world, with Knightley delivering a captivating performance.

Despite her many acclaimed roles, Knightley is often underrated, but films like *Colette* help showcase the depth of her talent.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Dominic West, Eleanor Tomlinson
**Director:** Wash Westmoreland
**Year:** 2018
**Rating:** R
**Runtime:** 112 minutes
**Where to watch:** Kanopy, Hoopla

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### The Imitation Game (2014)

Knightley received her second Oscar nomination for *The Imitation Game*, where she plays Joan Clarke, a British WWII codebreaker alongside Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch).

Her role could have been overshadowed by Cumberbatch’s powerhouse performance, but Knightley holds her own with a subtle, compelling portrayal.

Her depiction helped raise awareness of Joan Clarke’s important contributions, complementing Knightley’s growing reputation as a skilled actress.

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Matthew Goode
**Director:** Morten Tyldum
**Year:** 2014
**Rating:** PG-13
**Runtime:** 115 minutes
**Where to watch:** Available to rent or purchase through Amazon Video and Apple TV

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Keira Knightley’s career spans diverse genres and remarkable collaborations, showcasing her versatility and depth. Whether portraying historical figures, leading period dramas, or exploring complex sci-fi narratives, Knightley consistently delivers performances worth watching.
https://www.looper.com/2016920/best-keira-knightley-movies-tv-shows-ranked/