Movie fans it's time to raise a glass to Keira Knightley ! This super talented actress just hit the big 4-0 and what a career it has been. Seriously from period dramas to action flicks rom-coms to thrillers Keira has done it all. To celebrate we are taking a trip down memory lane to check out some of her most unforgettable roles. Get ready for a fact-filled journey through the best of Keira Knightley!
From Handmaiden to Action Hero: Keira Knightley's Incredible Range in 14 Memorable Roles
Keira burst onto the scene super early and has basically been a movie icon ever since. She started young and just kept racking up amazing roles. Vogue magazine put together a list of 14 of her most memorable performances and it is packed with gems. Let's dive into some highlights:
- Sabé (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace): Okay so she was only 14 here! Playing Queen Amidala's decoy in Star Wars is a pretty epic way to start in Hollywood.
- Jules (Bend It Like Beckham): Remember this feel-good movie? Keira as Jules the football-loving best friend was just fantastic. She totally nailed the tomboy vibe.
- Elizabeth Swann (Pirates of the Caribbean series): Hello global superstardom! Pirates made Keira a worldwide name. Elizabeth Swann was no damsel she was a swashbuckling adventurer holding her own with Captain Jack Sparrow.
- Juliet (Love Actually): Who can forget that iconic rom-com moment? Baker boy cap hoodie slouchy jeans Keira basically invented "Frazzled Englishwoman Chic" in this Christmas classic.
- Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice): This role is HUGE. Oscar nomination number one for Keira! Her Elizabeth Bennet is witty independent and totally iconic. Many consider this the definitive Elizabeth Bennet on screen.
- Cecilia Tallis (Atonement): Green dress alert! This movie is visually stunning and Keira as Cecilia is magnetic in this tragic love story set during World War II. Period drama queen status confirmed.
- Ruth (Never Let Me Go): A different kind of role for Keira here. More quiet and intense in this tearjerker about clones. She showed off a new subtle side to her acting.
- Anna Karenina (Anna Karenina): Ballgowns pearls drama! Keira took on Tolstoy's tragic heroine in this stylized romance. She is pure star power in this one.
- Gretta (Begin Again): Singing and playing guitar? Turns out Keira is multi-talented! This musical rom-com showed off her charming side and sweet voice.
- Joan Clarke (The Imitation Game): Oscar nomination number two! Keira played codebreaker Joan Clarke opposite Benedict Cumberbatch's Alan Turing. Sharp witty and totally held her own in this historical drama.
- Colette (Colette): From period costumes to literary rebel! Keira portrayed French author Colette breaking free from her husband and finding her own voice. She is fierce and independent in this role.
- Katharine Gun (Official Secrets): Trading corsets for parkas Keira played whistleblower Katharine Gun in this thriller. She is intense determined and at her understated best.
- Loretta McLaughlin (Boston Strangler): Noir vibes! Keira as a journalist in 1960s Boston chasing a serial killer. She is all about truth and justice in this eerie crime thriller.
- Helen Webb (Black Doves): Action heroine Keira is here! In this Netflix series she's a knife-wielding double-life operative. Proof she can do absolutely anything.
Seriously what a list right? From Star Wars to Netflix action Keira Knightley has proven she can conquer any genre.
Guardian Ranks Keira's 20 Best Films: Pride & Prejudice Atonement and More Top the List
Want even more Keira recommendations? The Guardian actually ranked her 20 best films. It's a great guide to her filmography. While they have "Official Secrets" at number one "Atonement" and "Pride & Prejudice" also score super high. They also shout out movies like "Bend It Like Beckham" "Colette" and "Never Let Me Go" as being essential Keira viewing.
Even some of her earlier or maybe lesser-known films get love on the list like "The Hole" and "Edge of Love" . It really shows how consistently great Keira has been throughout her career even in movies that might not be massive blockbusters.
Pride & Prejudice 20th Anniversary Re-Release: Relive the Magic on the Big Screen
Speaking of "Pride & Prejudice" did you know 2025 marks its 20th anniversary? To celebrate Focus Features is re-releasing it in theaters next month on April 20th! This is a perfect chance to see Keira's iconic performance as Elizabeth Bennet on the big screen again or for the first time if you missed it in 2005.
Pride & Prejudice was a box office hit grossing over $121 million worldwide. It also earned Keira that Oscar nomination and has just become a total classic romance movie. They are even releasing a vinyl soundtrack and limited edition merch for the re-release. Tickets are on sale now so grab yours and get ready to swoon over Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet all over again.
Keira Knightley: 40 Years of Movie Magic and Still Just Getting Started
So here's to Keira Knightley turning 40! She has given us so many memorable movie characters iconic fashion moments and just consistently great performances. From period dramas to action thrillers indie films to blockbusters Keira has shown incredible range and talent. And according to Vogue she is still just getting started which is super exciting. Happy Birthday Keira we can't wait to see what amazing roles you take on next!