Unseen Gems: Halle Berry’s Top 10 Films You Can’t Miss

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In the 2020s, Halle Berry’s films have generally been successful, although none of them have managed to capture the attention of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences enough to secure an Oscar nomination. However, despite not receiving any Oscar nods, Berry remains a prominent figure in industry discussions, particularly in 2025. Apart from her kissing scenes, Berry has been a beloved figure in America since she placed first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant in 1986. Her fans admire her for both her striking beauty and her exceptional acting talent. As a result of her acting prowess, she made history by becoming the first black woman to receive an Oscar for Best Actress.

In 1991, Halle Berry made her first appearance in Spike Lee’s film “Jungle Fever.” Following this, she landed her breakout role in the movie “Boomerang” alongside Eddie Murphy. Since then, her career has been consistently successful. It can be safely concluded that most of Halle Berry’s films are worth watching, even those that received negative criticism like “Catwoman.” However, there are some standout performances that every film enthusiast should catch.

10
‘Executive Decision’ (1996)

In Executive Decision, terrorists hijack a commercial airliner, and promise doom if their leader isn’t released. A team of commandos, led by Lt. Colonel Austin Travis (Steven Seagal) is thus tasked with executing a midair boarding operation. During the mission, Jean (Halle Berry), a flight attendant, ends up being of great assistance.

Flight Attendant of the Decade

This exhilarating movie carries a dramatic edge that hints at nihilism, yet it’s filled with action and vibrant details. Remarkably, the director infuses the towering backdrops with a healing dose of witty dialogue and human touch. Despite being centered around fights, the cast’s performances are what truly captivate. Interestingly, Steven Seagal’s character meets an early demise, paving the way for Halle Berry and others to shine brightly. While it could have benefited from a more layered plotline, we’re still satisfied with what we got.

9
‘Things We Lost in the Fire’ (2007)

In the story titled “Things We Lost in the Fire,” the joy experienced is fleeting. Upon discovering that her husband Brian (David Duchovny) was fatally wounded while shielding a woman from her abusive partner, Audrey Burke (Halle Berry) grapples with her sorrow. To help alleviate her grief, she welcomes Brian’s former drug-addicted friend, Jerry (Benicio Del Toro), into their household and their lives. Unsurprisingly, relationships develop.

Finding Joy in Unlikely Places

By the mid-2000s, Berry and Del Toro had reached the pinnacle of their careers, with Berry at her peak and Del Toro solidifying his status as a superstar. Both actors deliver outstanding performances in this poignant, nearly perfect marital drama, portraying the pain of grief and addiction with remarkable empathy. Due to their compelling performances, this insightful screenplay truly resonates. To this day, it is often overlooked as one of the most underrated movies from the 2000s.

8
‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012)

In “Cloud Atlas,” directed by Tom Tykwer and the Wachowskis, we follow multiple stories set in six distinct time periods. This intricate tale is brought to life by a talented ensemble cast, with each plot intertwining and ultimately connecting back to the 2004 novel of the same name by David Mitchell.

An Epic Sci-Fi Adventure

Cloud Atlas, with its production budget estimated to be between $100 million and $146.7 million, is known as one of the priciest independent films ever produced, and this is evident throughout. The Wachowskis have a knack for grandeur. However, the sci-fi film leans more towards style than substance. It falls short compared to their masterpiece, The Matrix. Fortunately, the acting and music make up for it. It was well-received when it received a nomination for Best Original Score at the Golden Globe Awards.

7
‘X-Men’ (2000)

Halle Berry’s journey into the DC universe didn’t quite work out, but Marvel has been more favorable to her. In the X-Men series, we encounter a world where mutants are ostracized by humans. Despite this, Professor Xavier and the X-Men strive to safeguard humanity. However, their task is challenging because their ally, Magneto, advocates for the separation of mutants and humans.

The Beginning of a Wonderful Chapter

By seamlessly integrating CGI with on-site filming, this captivating superhero movie took several years to produce, and its creation was greatly appreciated by fans. This film crafts a tale that combines childlike wonder with mature and profound themes of prejudice and loneliness, which echo real-world experiences. Halle Berry’s portrayal of Storm is so enchanting that one can hardly imagine another actor filling her role; she might even be a valuable addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

6
‘Bulworth’ (1998)

Prior to reducing his pace, Warren Beatty played both director and lead actor in the film titled “Bulworth“. In this production, Beatty portrays a senator who, due to financial troubles, devises an unconventional plan: he orders a hit on himself, intending that his family will receive the insurance payout. However, matters become intricate when he develops feelings for Nina (Halle Berry), a passionate young activist.

All Is Fair in Love and Politics

As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but sing praises for the captivating screenplay of “Bulworth,” a groundbreaking work that fearlessly delves into complex themes like race, poverty, political corruption, and corporate power. It masterfully blends romance, suspense, and drama in a way that feels both fresh and compelling. The on-screen chemistry between Beatty and Berry is nothing short of electrifying.

On a broader note, the film’s portrayal of politics as a rigid yet unpredictable world adds depth to the narrative, making it even more enjoyable for viewers. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for standout performances by Don Cheadle and Oliver Platt in pivotal roles.

5
‘X2’ (2003)

In the film X2, it’s Brian Cox’s character, a former military commander, who aims to annihilate the mutants known as the X-Men. The question is, will he achieve this goal? Additionally, there’s a subplot about proposing a law for mutant registration, similar to the situation in Captain America: Civil War but with less conflict.

The Saga Continues

With warm, unhurried care, and primarily shot within studio settings, this superhero movie stands out remarkably against many other films from the 2000s. At times, the tension escalates significantly due to excellent acting performances, carefully planned action scenes, and a hauntingly intense musical score. On certain instances, these elements elevate the experience to terrifying heights. Indeed, X2 earned the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film.

4
‘Jungle Fever’ (1991)

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts on Spike Lee’s masterpiece, “Jungle Fever.” This powerful film delves deep into the intricate tapestry of race and society, as it follows the tumultuous relationship between Flipper Purify, a thriving Black architect (portrayed by Wesley Snipes), and his Italian-American secretary, Angie Tucci (breathed life into by Annabella Sciorra).

The narrative also introduces us to Vivian, skillfully played by Halle Berry, who is entangled in a troubled relationship with Gator Purify, Flipper’s brother and a drug addict, brilliantly brought to life by Samuel L. Jackson. The complex web of relationships, racial dynamics, and societal pressures unfold against the backdrop of 1980s New York City, making for a riveting watch that is both enlightening and emotionally charged.

The Ghosts of Racism

Spike Lee’s romantic drama, set in Harlem, brims with lively energy. The movie is fast-paced, filled with tension, and delves deep into character development. Halle Berry’s role may seem small, but it significantly adds depth as it shows how spouses can unknowingly fuel our deepest flaws. In essence, this film demonstrates exceptional cinematic skills, showcasing the vibrancy of the ’90s and rich color tones.

3
‘Monster’s Ball’ (2001)

In Monster’s Ball, we are initially introduced to Hank Grotowski (played by Billy Bob Thornton), a hardened prison guard with a penchant for cruelty towards inmates. Tragedy strikes when his son, Sonny (Heath Ledger), passes away, compelling him to question his beliefs and actions. His life undergoes further transformation when he crosses paths with Leticia Musgrove (portrayed by Halle Berry), a widow whose spouse was a convicted murderer.

An Academy Award-winning Performance

The movie presents a raw, uncompromising storyline without sugarcoating, literally. It doesn’t offer simple resolutions or answers to the problems and dilemmas encountered by its principal characters, but the director skillfully keeps us engaged. In essence, it offers a strikingly genuine, heartfelt portrayal of society’s darkest layers and the rough journeys that define everyday life for many people. Billy Bob Thornton delivers another stellar performance, while Halle Berry brings depth and raw emotion to her character. Her acting earned her an Oscar for Best Actress.

2
‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ (2019)

A significant blunder for the protagonist in ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, as he has just murdered a member of the High Table, consequently placing a $14 million bounty on his head. However, given his track record, it’s clear that there are few individuals more adept at eluding countless assassins than him.

John Wick and Friends

Fans of the John Wick series can count on a predictable yet thrilling narrative filled with numerous jaw-dropping action scenes. Notably, Halle Berry’s portrayal of an ex-assassin and manager of the Continental Hotel in Casablanca stands out among the cast. She even performed some of her own stunts for the film, which led to her breaking three ribs during production as she shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The movie garnered over 15 awards across various categories, demonstrating that the action genre can indeed showcase artistic finesse.

1
‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014)

Based on Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s 1981 “Days of Future Past” storyline from Uncanny X-Men, the film X-Men: Days of Future Past is set in two timeframes, with Wolverine venturing back to the ’70s. His mission? To alter a specific incident that threatens the survival of both humans and mutants. This dangerous turn of events unfolds following Dr. Bolivar Trask’s (portrayed by Peter Dinklage) invention of the Sentinels, lethal robots designed to eradicate mutantkind.

One of the Greatest Non-MCU Marvel Offerings

X-Men: Days of Future Past was a groundbreaking film during its release, but it was overshadowed by the more widely acclaimed Marvel Cinematic Universe movies at that time. Reassessing it now, it’s clear that it belongs among the top superhero films ever made. With a budget of $200 million, the production quality was nothing short of spectacular, boasting intricate sets and environments that perfectly captured the polished atmosphere of the ’70s and beyond.

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2025-03-05 02:53