15 Best Kathy Bates Movies, Ranked

Kathy Bates is undoubtedly one of the most skilled and talented actresses in the industry today, with a successful career spanning over 50 years. Before pursuing acting, the star studied theatre and later moved to New York City to create her dream career. Her breakthrough role came in the form of a movie adaptation of Stephen King‘s Misery, which earned Bates the distinction of being the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress in a horror/thriller genre picture.

Even after decades in the industry, this award-winning actress continues to flourish in her craft. Some of her recent works include the coming-of-age film Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, and the drama The Miracle Club. With a plethora of iconic projects on her resumé, it’s difficult to choose the actress’ best movie. However, Bates’ name is closely related to a few projects in which she towers above her surroundings. The best Kathy Bates movies are gripping, layered, and poignant, largely thanks to the large, meaningful role she plays.

15 ‘The Highwaymen’ (2019)

Appeared as Ma Ferguson

The Highwaymen tells the untold true story about the lawmen who brought down the infamous American robbery team, BonnieParker and Clyde Barrow. Directed by John LeeHancock, the film counts on many well-known faces and makes for a good way to kill time. Bates plays Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, the first elected female chief executive of Texas.

Although slow-moving (some may find it slightly boring), this Netflix original movie is a sincere, character-driven period piece that is still enjoyable. Part of what makes it good is how it flips the script and presents viewers with an innovative take on the story we all know. The Highwaymen offers Bates a role worthy of her talents, even if the story isn’t necessarily the best.

14 ‘Shadows and Fog’ (1991)

Appeared as an Unnamed Sex Worker

Shadows and Fog is a 1991 black-and-white comedy that illustrates a bookkeeper’s (Woody Allen) quest to find a vigilant group determined to catch a murderer after being awakened by his neighbors who ask for his help. This eventually leads him to meet a sword swallower (MiaFarrow, who was the filmmaker’s wife then) from the visiting circus. Bates plays an unnamed sex worker.

This tribute to German Expressionism with the writer FranzKafka in theme by the controversial director, writer, and actor Woody Allen is considered one of his most underappreciated works by critics. Nevertheless, it is definitely not for everyone; Allen’s idiosyncrasies are on full display, making Shadows and Fog a kind of love-it-or-hate-it situation. Plus, Bates’ role is quite small in this movie.

Rent on Amazon

13 ‘On the Basis of Sex’ (2018)

Appeared as Dorothy Kenyon

This great female-directed drama led by Felicity Jones serves as a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. On the Basis of Sex introduces viewers to the American lawyer and jurist’s fight for equal rights, including the cases she handled throughout her extraordinary career. Bates plays attorney, judge, feminist, and political activist DorothyKenyon.

Even if slightly cheesy and not groundbreaking or revolutionary, Mimi Leder’s inspirational film makes for a fascinating and not-so-subtle biopic about the timeless wrestle to finally be heard, reflecting on gender roles and inequalities, and shedding light on the incredible doings of a brave woman. On the Basis of Sex is well-acted, featuring great performances from those involved, including Bates, who plays a supporting yet meaningful character in this inspiring story.

Rent on Amazon

12 ‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)

Appeared as Gertrude Stein

Also directed by the controversial filmmaker mentioned above, the fantasy comedy Midnight in Paris is an unconventional film of its genre following a nostalgic screenwriter (Owen Wilson) who experiences a strange phenomenon where he is transported back to the 1920s every day at midnight. Bates plays a minor role as the legendary art critic Gertrude Stein.

It is quite understandable if some audience members prefer to draw away from Allen’s work. However, Midnight in Paris is a whimsical love letter to the city of love that results in an entertaining and charming viewing, featuring some well-known faces in the industry, including Rachel McAdams, Bates, and Tom Hiddleston. Midnight in Paris is a great tribute to Paris and an homage to the creative process, featuring an enchanting fantasy tale in service of a good, old-fashioned story about creativity and the power of the written word.

11 ‘Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean’ (1982)

Appeared as Stella Mae

In this incredibly entertaining 20th-century comedy-drama movie directed by Robert Altman, a group of passionate fans gather to reconnect on the 20th anniversary of James Dean‘s passing. The film stars an ensemble of performers, including Cher and Sandy Dennis, with Bates playing Stella Mae, one of the Disciples of James Dean on the anniversary of his passing.

Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean is perhaps not as long as its title, but it is assuredly as original and creative. Featuring fantastic performances from those involved and exceptional dialogue to match, Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean is an often-forgotten gem that makes for a fantastical, moving, and smart movie experience.

Rent on Amazon

10 ‘At Play in the Fields of the Lord’ (1991)

Appeared as Hazel Quarrier

Directed by HéctorBabenco, the epic adventure film At Play in the Fields of the Lord is a dramatic adventure film that takes place in the 1960s. The narrative follows Martin Quarrier (Aidan Quinn), a missionary, as he travels to Brazil with his wife Hazel (Bates) and their son Billy (Niilo Kivirinta) to convert the Niaruna people.

A Greek tragedy located in the Amazon, At Play in the Fields of the Lord provides food for thought about cultural conflict and power, as well as its consequences. Bates is reliably great in the film and often makes up for some of its weaker elements and stumbles. Still, this believably accurate story sends out an interesting message about faith and beliefs. Its screenplay is adapted from the 1965 novel of the same name by American author PeterMatthiessen.

Rent on Apple TV

9 ‘Primary Colors’ (1998)

Appeared as Libby Holden

In Mike Nichols’smart political comedy-dramaPrimary Colors, Jack Stanton (John Travolta) is a presidential candidate whose campaign is observed by a young man named Henry Burton (Adrian Lester). However, Stanton’s biggest challenge is perhaps facing the challenge of addressing a sex scandal that arises during the election. Bates plays troubleshooter Libby Holden, a key figure in handling the situation.

Loosely based on Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, Primary Colors provides viewers with an outlook on the nature and shadow sides of contemporary American politics. Despite being a satire, Nichols’ 1998 remarkably well-acted manages to be moving at times. Bates is in top shape as the unbalanced Holden, delivering a performance that earned her a second Oscar nomination in 1999. Bates is one of the film’s strongest assets, with the actress giving one of her most well-known performances.

Watch on Tubi

8 ‘Titanic’ (1997)

Appeared as Margaret “Molly” Brown

A timeless classic blockbuster, James Cameron‘s iconic love story based on the recounts of the sinking of the titular ship incorporates both historical and fictionalized elements. It mostly centers on a seventeen-year-old aristocrat (Kate Winslet) who falls in love with a good-hearted but poor artist (Leonardo DiCaprio) aboard the luxurious, doomed cruise. Bates as the American socialite and philanthropist MollyBrown.

A commercial and critical success featuring great acting performances, Titanic remains one of the best epic movies in cinema and one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Titanic belongs entirely to DiCaprio and especially Winslet, but Bates is a memorable part of the action — her inspired, feisty take on Molly Brown is unforgettable, fierce, and among the most remarkable aspects of Titanic.

7 ‘Richard Jewell’ (2019)

Appeared as Barbara “Bobi” Jewell

One of Bates’ most critically acclaimed features of recent times is Richard Jewell. The film follows the real story of Richard Jewell (played by Paul Walter Hauser), a security guard who discovered a backpack full of explosives at the Atlanta Summer Olympics of 1996 and raised the alarm before the bomb exploded. Bates plays Richard’s concerned mother, Bobi.

With amazing direction by ClintEastwood, this incredibly acted tale about investigations gone wrong makes for an incredibly powerful, humane, and sincere viewing experience. Richard Jewell features one of Bates’ strongest roles, with the actress stealing the spotlight whenever she steps on the screen. She received her fourth and most recent Oscar nomination for her work in the film, a well-deserved acknowledgment of her efforts.

6 ‘Revolutionary Road’ (2008)

Appeared as Helen Givings

Bates’ second film with DiCaprio and Winslet is Sam Mendes‘ Revolutionary Road. Based on the eponymous novel, the film follows Frank and April Wheeler, a young couple residing in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s, as they face challenges in reconciling their issues while simultaneously raising their two children. The iconic actress masterfully plays Helen Giving, a woman who helps the couple buy their home at 115 Revolutionary Road.

Tackling marriage, forgiveness, and loneliness, this intelligent and touching flick features top-notch writing and equally great acting. Revolutionary Road is a visceral, relentless deconstruction of marriage, with DiCaprio and Winslet delivering career-best performances. Bates’ aloof portrayal of Helen is the perfect contrast to the protagonists’ plight; she represents the trap of the American dream, which Frank and April so desperately want to avoid.

5 ‘About Schmidt’ (2002)

Appeared as Roberta Hertzel

Released to critical and commercial success, this humorous, must-see character study by Alexander Payne stars three-time Oscar winner Jack Nicholson as the lead character, Warren Schmidt. After leading a safe and predictable life, Warren is forced to reflect on his marriage, his existence, and his relationship with his estranged daughter.

A masterclass in acting, About Schmidt flawlessly blends comedy and drama and features not only one of Nicholson’s best roles to date but also offers audiences a fantastic performance by the versatile Bates, who plays the aging but free-spirited Roberta Hertzel. Her performance is electrifying and instantly noteworthy, earning her a third Oscar nomination. Bates provides About Schmidt with an instant jolt of energy that’s sorely missed once she’s gone.

4 ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’ (2023)

Appeared as Sylvia Simon

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is one of 2023’s brightest surprises in the genre, ranking high among the best comedies of the year. The film follows an 11-year-old girl’s (AbbyRyderFortson) journey after her family relocates from the city to the suburbs. This forces her to adjust to new friendships, emotions, and the onset of puberty. Bates plays Grandma Sylvia, who loves her granddaughter but intrudes far too much in her upbringing.

An incredible coming-of-age period piece, this excellent KellyFremonCraig adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel of the same name is equal amounts innocent, sweet, and wholesome. Furthermore, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a powerful examination of faith, religion, and family — it is a fun and moving story, with three-dimensional characters, that remains true and relevant to today’s audiences of all ages.

Watch on Starz

3 ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ (1991)

Appeared as Evelyn Couch

Jon Avnet‘s two-time Oscar-nominated (Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Screenplay) Fried Green Tomatoes centers on a discontented housewife (Bates) who becomes friends with a charming elderly woman (Jessica Tandy) in a nursing home. The old lady shares fascinating stories of people she knew, which captivates Evelyn’s attention.

Celebrating friendship and human connection, this 1991 feature counts on memorable powerhouse performances by both leads. Bates is stellar in Fried Green Tomatoes, a film that cemented her as a leading lady and showcased a lighter side to her after her Oscar-winning turn in Misery. The movie is an enjoyable, lovable, and engaging narrative that could only result in a memorable and touching sisterhood tale that is the perfect pick for anyone looking to watch a female-centric flick.

2 ‘Dolores Claiborne’ (1995)

Appeared as Dolores Claiborne

Dolores Claiborne is a gripping and underrated psychological thriller from the 90s based on Stephen King’s eponymous novel. The premise follows a big-city reporter who visits a small town where her mother has been detained for the murder of an old woman for whom she served as a housekeeper.

Definitely one of the actress’ most intriguing roles and best performances, Dolores Claiborne is a riveting character study that allows Bates to flex her acting chops. This Taylor Hackford feature is melancholic and intense, providing audiences with a thrilling time throughout its entirety. Bates is outstanding in the role, effortlessly commanding the film and supporting the story almost single-handedly. It’s no surprise Dolores Claiborne is Bates’ favorite movie of hers.

Rent on Amazon

1 ‘Misery’ (1990)

Appeared as Annie Wilkes

The film that brought the star to the spotlight, Misery, was the first Stephen King adaptation that Bates partook in. This frightening kidnapping flick is among the best in the genre because it offers an unconventional narrative: it centers on a famous author (JamesCaan) who realizes that the treatment he is receiving after being saved from a car accident is a nightmarish tale of confinement and abuse.

Incredibly eerie, haunting, and captivating, this classic drama thriller by Rob Reiner remains the project that stands out most in Bates’ career, even after all these years. She delivers a superb performance, effortlessly blending near-childlike innocence with unforgiving cruelty. Bates’ mercurial, unsettling performance is among the all-time best, with Annie Wilkes often ranking among cinema’s greatest villains. To anyone looking for Kathy Bates’ best movies — this is it.

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