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Jennifer Connelly started her career at the age of 11 with a role in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America (1984), where she played a young Deborah. In her early days, she was in films like Phenomena (1985), a supernatural horror movie, and Labyrinth (1986), a fantasy film that earned her a cult following.
While these films gave her visibility, her big break came years later with Requiem for a Dream in 2000, where she portrayed a struggling woman battling addiction, which solidified her status as an actress.
The following year, Connelly achieved her highest critical acclaim with A Beautiful Mind (2001), in which she played Alicia Nash. For the role, she got the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and received a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for the performance. According to Box Office Mojo, her films have grossed over $1 billion globally, with A Beautiful Mind contributing 3 million alone.
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Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinion and is listed in no particular order.
Requiem for a Dream, Blood Diamond, and 4 other best movies of Jennifer Connelly
1) A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Released on December 21, 2001, A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama directed by Ron Howard. The movie is based on the life of John Nash, who is a brilliant mathematician and struggles with schizophrenia while achieving groundbreaking work in game theory. Jennifer Connelly plays Alicia Nash, John's wife, who stands by him through the ups and downs of his personal and professional life.
Production began in early 2001, with a budget of $58 million. The film was shot across several locations, including Princeton University, which added authenticity to Nash's academic life. According to Box Office Mojo, A Beautiful Mind grossed $316.8 million worldwide.
It received widespread critical acclaim and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Connelly’s performance earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, along with a Golden Globe and BAFTA. The film remains one of the most successful and beloved dramas of the early 2000s.
2) Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream premiered on October 6, 2000. It’s an intense exploration of addiction, following four characters whose lives spiral out of control as they chase their dreams while falling deeper into substance abuse. Jennifer Connelly plays Marion Silver, who is an aspiring fashion designer and becomes trapped in a cycle of drug addiction with her boyfriend.
Filming started in late 1999 with a modest budget of $4.5 million. The movie was shot in New York City. According to Box Office Mojo, Requiem for a Dream grossed $7.4 million globally, becoming a cult favorite over time despite its limited initial release. The film is often remembered for its unflinching look at addiction and remains a milestone in Connelly’s career.
3) Blood Diamond (2006)
Blood Diamond, directed by Edward Zwick, was released on December 8, 2006. The movie is set during Sierra Leone’s civil war in the 1990s and focuses on the illegal diamond trade that fueled the conflict. Jennifer Connelly plays Maddy Bowen, a journalist determined to expose the brutal realities of the industry.
Production began in 2005, with filming taking place in South Africa and Mozambique to reflect the film’s war-torn setting. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie had a production budget of $100 million and grossed approximately $171 million worldwide.
4) House of Sand and Fog (2003)
Released on December 19, 2003, House of Sand and Fog is a drama directed by Vadim Perelman. The story revolves around a dispute over a house between Kathy Nicolo, played by Jennifer Connelly, and an Iranian immigrant family. Kathy is a recovering addict trying to reclaim her home, which was wrongly auctioned off.
Production began in late 2002, with a budget of $16.5 million. Filming primarily took place in Northern California, capturing the foggy and somber atmosphere that reflects the characters’ emotional struggles.
5) Labyrinth (1986)
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth was released on June 27, 1986. The fantasy adventure follows Sarah, a teenager played by Jennifer Connelly, as she journeys through a magical labyrinth to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King, portrayed by David Bowie. The movie mixes puppetry, musical elements, and imaginative storytelling, with Connelly’s performance anchoring the fantastical narrative.
Production began in 1985, with a budget of $25 million. The film was shot at Elstree Studios in England and featured groundbreaking visual effects and elaborate sets.
Connelly stars in the Apple TV+ series Dark Matter, which premiered on May 8, 2024.
