So you're searching for films with Rachel Weisz? That's awesome. I remember first noticing her in The Mummy back in '99 and thinking - wow, this actress has something special. Cut to today, she's got an Oscar on her shelf and still chooses wildly different projects. Let's break down why her filmography is worth exploring.
Honestly, watching her in The Lobster changed how I see romantic comedies. That dry humor? Perfection. Though I'll admit, her character in The Bourne Legacy felt underused - too much running, not enough depth.
Must-See Films with Rachel Weisz
If you're new to her work, start with these essentials. Each shows a completely different side of her range:
| Film Title | Year | Role | Why Watch | Runtime | Where to Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Constant Gardener | 2005 | Tessa Quayle | Oscar-winning political thriller (her best work) | 129 min | Netflix/Prime |
| The Favourite | 2018 | Sarah Churchill | Sharp historical satire (Oscar nom) | 120 min | Hulu |
| The Lobster | 2015 | Short Sighted Woman | Absurdist dark comedy genius | 118 min | Kanopy |
| Disobedience | 2017 | Ronit Krushka | Raw LGBTQ+ drama | 114 min | Prime Video |
| The Mummy | 1999 | Evelyn Carnahan | Blockbuster fun (pop culture icon) | 125 min | Peacock |
Funny story - I dragged three friends to see The Lobster and two walked out confused. But that's Rachel Weisz for you. She doesn't play it safe. Her indie choices like Agora (historical drama about Hypatia) won't get big marketing budgets, but show incredible commitment.
Overlooked Gems Most People Miss
- Deep Blue Sea (1999) - Terence Davies' poetic drama. Best rainy Sunday watch.
- Sunshine (1999) - Three generations of Hungarian Jews. Heavy but stunning.
- Confidence (2003) - Con artist flick with Ed Burns. Pure entertainment.
- The Whistleblower (2010) - Tough UN investigative drama based on true events.
Rachel Weisz by the Numbers
Looking at her career stats shows fascinating patterns:
| Category | Stats | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Films | 50+ | Includes TV movies and voice work |
| Oscar Wins/Noms | 1 win, 2 noms | Won for The Constant Gardener |
| Genres Worked In | 12+ | Horror to period dramas to sci-fi |
| Lowest Rated Film | Dream House (2011) | 9% on Rotten Tomatoes (ouch) |
| Highest Grossing | The Mummy Returns | $435 million worldwide |
Her transformation in Youth (2015) blew my mind. That scene where she sings "You've Got the Love" while crying? Chills. Though honestly, her American accent in early films like Chain Reaction sounded shaky.
Why Directors Fight to Cast Her
Darren Aronofsky (her ex-husband) put it best: "She disappears into characters without vanity." That's rare in Hollywood. Watch how she:
- Uses micro-expressions instead of big gestures
- Mastered accents - British RP to Israeli to American Midwest
- Chooses flawed women over likable ones
Fun fact: She learned conversational Hebrew for Disobedience in 3 months. No wonder she's done films with Rachel Weisz are so consistently interesting.
Complete Filmography Breakdown
Here’s every major film with Rachel Weisz in order. Bookmark this:
| Year | Title | Character | Director | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Mummy | Evelyn Carnahan | Stephen Sommers | 61% RT (cult classic) |
| 2001 | Enemy at the Gates | Tania Chernova | Jean-Jacques Annaud | 53% RT |
| 2005 | The Constant Gardener | Tessa Quayle | Fernando Meirelles | 83% RT (Oscar win) |
| 2006 | The Fountain | Izzi Creo | Darren Aronofsky | 51% RT (divisive) |
| 2009 | The Brothers Bloom | Penelope | Rian Johnson | 65% RT |
| 2011 | The Deep Blue Sea | Hester Collyer | Terence Davies | 81% RT |
| 2016 | The Light Between Oceans | Hannah Roennfeldt | Derek Cianfrance | 60% RT |
| 2018 | The Favourite | Sarah Churchill | Yorgos Lanthimos | 93% RT (Oscar nom) |
| 2021 | Black Widow | Melina Vostokoff | Cate Shortland | 79% RT |
Notice how she avoids typecasting? Blockbusters (The Mummy), arthouse (The Lobster), superhero flicks (Black Widow) - she jumps genres constantly. Though I wish she'd do more straight comedies like The Brothers Bloom.
Upcoming Films with Rachel Weisz
- Dead Ringers (2023 series) - Gender-swapped remake of Cronenberg film
- Poor Things (2023 film) - Reuniting with Yorgos Lanthimos
- Seance on a Wet Afternoon (TBA) - Psychological thriller remake
Common Questions About Films with Rachel Weisz
What's considered her breakthrough role?
Definitely The Mummy (1999). Suddenly everyone knew the "bookish Egyptologist who kicks ass." Though film buffs argue her work in Stealing Beauty (1996) showed early promise.
Why did she win an Oscar for The Constant Gardener?
That death scene alone deserved the gold. She played an activist murdered for exposing pharmaceutical corruption. The rage and vulnerability? Masterclass. Still her career peak for me.
Saw it at Toronto Film Fest. Whole theater gasped during the flashback reveal. Never seen collective silence like that.
Which films with Rachel Weisz are best for date night?
Depends on your date! About a Boy (2002) for light Hugh Grant charm, The Brothers Bloom for quirky adventure, or Disobedience for... interesting conversations afterward. Avoid The Whistleblower unless you want to sob into popcorn.
What's her most underrated performance?
Deep Blue Sea (2011). Period drama about a woman leaving her husband. Painfully intimate. Box office bomb but critics adored it. Stream it on Criterion Channel.
Curated Viewing Playlists
Based on what you're in the mood for:
The "Make Me Think" List
- The Constant Gardener (political injustice)
- Disobedience (religious repression)
- Agora (science vs. religion)
The "Pure Entertainment" List
- The Mummy franchise
- Confidence (con artists)
- Chain Reaction (90s Keanu sci-fi)
The "I Want Weird Art" List
- The Lobster (dystopian dating)
- The Fountain (trippy sci-fi)
- Youth (existential ensemble)
Pro tip: Her films with Rachel Weisz often have killer soundtracks. The Fountain score by Clint Mansell? Haunting.
Behind the Scenes Stories
You don't do 50+ films without wild production tales:
- The Mummy (1999): Sand in everything. Weisz called it "exfoliation by force"
- Enemy at the Gates (2001): Learned to shoot rifles with Red Army veterans
- The Constant Gardener (2005): Lived in Kenyan slums for research
- The Lobster (2015): Had to remain expressionless for entire takes
Rumor has it she turned down Bond girl roles multiple times. Prefers complex parts over glamour. Respect.
Physical Transformations
Unlike some actors, she avoids Oscar-bait weight shifts. But subtle changes matter:
- Grew hair for 18 months for The Fountain's historical scenes
- Learned piano basics for Deep Blue Sea
- Wore restrictive corsets 14 hours/day on The Favourite
Final Thoughts from a Film Buff
After rewatching 20+ films with Rachel Weisz for this guide, here's my take: She's criminally under-discussed when listing great actors of her generation. While Streep gets headlines, Weisz quietly builds daring roles. Is she always perfect? Nah. My Blueberry Nights (2007) felt miscast. But when she clicks with material like The Favourite? Magic.
My advice? Skip her early rom-coms like Swept from the Sea. Head straight for late 2000s onward. That's when she stops being "pretty British actress" and becomes... well, Rachel Weisz.
What fascinates me is her post-Oscar choices. Many winners chase paychecks. She did indie films for scale. Next time you search films with Rachel Weisz, try something obscure like 360 (2011). You'll discover new layers. Then thank me later.