The Top 12 Jessica Chastain Movies, Ranked

Jessica Chastain is a unique actress for her ability to play a wide variety of roles without becoming typecast as one type of actress. Throughout her time as a movie star, Chastain has put her mark on any number of roles, consistently bridging something unique and exciting to the films in which she appears. It should come as no surprise to learn that Chastain began her career by training at Julliard, the famed performing arts conservatory in New York City. It did, however, take Chastain a bit longer than you might expect to break out in the movies, landing her first screen role at the age of 31.

Since that time, however, she has been a mainstay in Hollywood, garnering awards plenty with more surely to come. In 2022, Chastain took home her first Oscar in the Best Actress category for her role in The Eyes Of Tammy Faye. Now, we have ranked Chastain’s twelve best movies, ranked from worst to best. 

12. The Good Nurse (2022)

This film is based on the true crime case of mass murderer nurse Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne) who was responsible for up to 400 hospital murders (but charged with just 29), and Amy Loughrenn (Chastain), a nightshift nurse who eventually uncovers the truth of his actions.

Several factors make The Good Nurse work. One is its excellent script with a consistent tone that never wanes or falters, keeping us moving through the story at a slow but deliberate pace. The acting is also excellent, with Redmayne and Chastain really shining in their respective roles.

In his portrayal of Cullen, Redmayne is aptly understated, creepy, and foreboding. He is a consistent actor, and this performance is no different. He is quiet here in a way that makes him seem more dangerous. Chastain embodies the qualities of a good nurse in Loughrenn, but she can step up when needed. She is steely, compassionate, and on the mark as the whistleblower of the story.

11. Miss Sloane (2016)

Miss Sloane is a political drama that touches on some very topical issues. Chastain plays one of the most sought-after and formidable lobbyists in D.C. However, when she takes on her most powerful opponent, she may find winning too costly.

Chastain gives a real powerhouse performance as Elizabeth Sloane, a tough-as-nails lobbyist, which carries much of the movie. As a whole, the film is entertaining and clever in its portrayal of Washington’s complex power struggles, promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

It’s also one of Chastain’s best performances, with a character that allows her to show so much of her skill set. She also displays so much depth and dimension for a character that could, in another actor’s hands or on the page by itself, seem more cold and unrelatable.