Last updated on: October 8, 2025

Let me pose this question to you. If I say the name Richardson or Redgrave, what immediately springs to mind? For the vast majority of film enthusiasts, it’s pure acting royalty. Joely Richardson was all but born into the cinema world, but in some strange way, she’s somehow managed to escape the shadow of her legendary family and forge a name all her own.

I’ll be honest—I’ve always had a respect for actors who can become any character. Joely is one of those. She’s a queen one moment, enduring a haunted spaceship the next, and before you can blink, she’s running around with puppies in tow after Glenn Close’s unforgettable Cruella de Vil. And here’s the thing: no matter whether she’s the star or in a supporting role, she always makes you feel something.

So, rather than sending you off with yet another list of movie credits, I thought I’d take you on a tour of the top 7 movies of Joely Richardson—the ones that reveal her true self as an actress. I’ll show you what made each performance stand out, why these performances were significant, and perhaps even make you watch again a movie you’d forgotten she was in.

Ready? Let’s get started.

A Quick Look at Her Career

Before we dive into the movies, it’s good to know where Joely is from. Imagine this: having Vanessa Redgrave as your mother and Tony Richardson, director of the Academy Award-winning film Tom Jones, as your father. Not exactly a typical childhood, right? To make matters worse, her sister Natasha was also an actress. For some, all that would be too much to handle. For Joely, it became motivation.

She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), honed her craft, and forged her own career bit by bit. She didn’t merely coast on the fame of her surname—she earned credit for her versatility.

She has done television (Nip/Tuck being a notable example), but in her movies, she truly demonstrates the full range. Seeing her act is like browsing through various genres in your streaming collection: sci-fi, period dramas, war films, even Disney fare.

The Top 7 Movies of Joely Richardson

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

If you’ve watched David Fincher’s frightening remake of Stieg Larsson’s book, you’ll know it’s not a film you can easily forget. It’s grim, it’s sinister, and it has you riveted to the screen. Daniel Craig is the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist, and Rooney Mara is unforgettable as Lisbeth Salander. But hidden amongst that cold Scandinavian narrative is Joely Richardson, who stars as Anita Vanger.

Anita is not the most boisterous or flamboyant character, but Richardson imbues her with a quiet intensity that draws you in. She goes soft, almost protective, but there is something you can sense lurking beneath. As the truth ultimately unfolds, Anita becomes an important part of the puzzle.

I recall seeing this and thinking, Wow, Joely doesn’t require much screen time to make an impression. That’s her talent—getting into a part and making you remember her even as the credits are rolling.

2. The Patriot (2000)

Now, let’s change gears. From Swedish thrillers to Revolutionary War epics. The Patriot was one of those grand, sweeping Hollywood movies that everyone appeared to see when it was first released. Mel Gibson stars as Benjamin Martin, the unwilling hero who finds himself fighting against the British.

Joely Richardson is Charlotte Selton, Benjamin’s sister-in-law, and she’s pretty much the center of the story when things get bad. The fighting may propel the plot, but it’s Charlotte’s stead that keeps the family together. She’s tough without being brutal, sympathetic without being gullible.

Think about it: in a film full of muskets, bayonets, and fiery speeches, it’s Joely’s tenderness that gives the audience a reason to care about what’s at stake. She grounds the chaos with emotion. And if you’ve ever needed proof that Richardson can shine in Hollywood blockbusters, this is it.

3. Snowden (2016)

Oliver Stone’s Snowden is one of those films that has you questioning each and every one of your phone’s apps. It’s an adaptation of the true story of Edward Snowden (portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the whistleblower who revealed the U.S. government’s spying activities.

Joely takes on the role of Snowden’s mom, and although it’s not the largest role in the movie, it’s important. She’s the emotional anchor, reminding us that behind each headline and political controversy there’s a family facing the backlash.

I like to think of her performance here as the soft echo in a film full of noise. You’ve got hacking, whistleblowing, and high-stakes drama, but Richardson gives us the human side—the quiet heartbreak of a parent watching her child make a world-altering decision.

4. Event Horizon (1997)

Alright, time for one of mine. If you enjoy cult horror movies, you’ve already no doubt seen Event Horizon. And if not—prepare yourself. This film is not for the faint of heart. It’s half sci-fi, half psychological nightmare, and half “what did I just see?”

Joely portrays Lieutenant Starck, one of the ill-fated crew members who were sent to investigate a spaceship that went missing in a black hole and has now inexplicably reappeared. The film is frightening, and Richardson’s acting is part of what makes it successful. She does not depict Starck as a stereotypical “final girl” horror cliché—she is intelligent, she is strong-willed, and she is agonizingly human.

The film wasn’t a huge hit when it first came out, but over the years, it’s developed a serious cult following. And honestly? Joely’s performance is one of the anchors that keeps it from flying off into pure chaos. If you’re into horror marathons, this is one to add to your list.

5. Anonymous (2011)

Picture being cast in the role of Queen Elizabeth I and then discovering your actual mother, Vanessa Redgrave, will be playing the older version of your character. That’s what befell Joely in Roland Emmerich’s Anonymous.

The movie dives into the controversial idea that Shakespeare didn’t actually write his own plays, but it’s Richardson’s portrayal of the young Queen Elizabeth that gives the film a beating heart. She plays her with a mix of steel and vulnerability, which isn’t easy when you’re embodying one of history’s most powerful women.

There’s something beautiful about a mother and daughter playing a role in two phases of life. It gives depth to the performance, and you can sense that genuineness when you see it. Even if you do not enjoy historical dramas, Richardson’s queen is time well spent.

6. Return to Me (2000)

 

Not all fantastic Joely Richardson parts involve combat or crowns. Sometimes, it’s the understated roles that pack the biggest punch. Return to Me is a romantic drama about love, loss, and second opportunities. David Duchovny stars as a widower who falls in love with a woman who unknowingly received his late wife’s heart in a transplant.

Richardson is Elizabeth Rueland, Duchovny’s wife, and even though she passes away early in the movie, she is remembered throughout. She’s the glue that holds the story together. Even during her short time on screen, Joely makes Elizabeth unforgettable.

It’s bittersweet. You feel her loss as much as her presence, and it makes the emotional beats of the story resonate that much more. This is Joely at her finest—subtle, authentic, and profoundly moving.

7. 101 Dalmatians (1996)

And on a lighter note, let’s end there. Disney’s 101 Dalmatians might be best remembered for Glenn Close’s unhinged turn as Cruella de Vil, but Joely Richardson is also notable as Anita Campbell-Green, the kind and gentle owner of the dalmatians.

It is all pure charm. She is warm, gentle, and softens the movie’s over-the-top bad guy with a healthy dose of sweetness. For goodness’ sake, she makes you love her and the dogs from the start.

For most families, this film is a family classic. And for Richardson, it’s evidence that she can move into family fare as easily as she does into thrillers and historical epics. Seeing her here is like a reminder that not all great work has to be weighty or serious—sometimes, it’s about sharing happiness.

Why These Films Matter

Looking at these seven films, what stands out to me is the range. Joely doesn’t box herself in. She can do sci-fi horror one year, a historical queen the next, and then turn around and star in a Disney classic. That’s rare.

And perhaps that’s what makes her special—she’s not pursuing fame, she’s pursuing characters. She wants to play challenging roles, tell challenging stories that linger with people. Whether you know her as Anita from 101 Dalmatians or Starck from Event Horizon, you know her.

Honorable Mentions

• The Affair of the Necklace (2001) – opulent period drama.

• Red Sparrow (2018) – A gripping spy thriller.

• Nip/Tuck (2003–2010) – Not a movie, but one of her most recognizable TV performances.

Where to Watch Them

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Netflix, Prime Video.

• The Patriot – Hulu, Prime Video.

• Snowden – Prime Video, Apple TV.

• Event Horizon – Paramount+, Prime Video.

• Anonymous – Apple TV, digital rental.

• Return to Me – Hulu, Prime Video.

• 101 Dalmatians – Disney+.

So get your popcorn and settle in for a Joely Richardson marathon.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the reality: Joely Richardson was born into acting royalty, perhaps, but she’s repeatedly demonstrated her worth with performances that are intense, emotional, and indelible. She’s not simply “Vanessa Redgrave’s daughter” or “Natasha Richardson’s sister.” She’s Joely—an actress in her own right.

Her best 7 movies prove to us what she can bring: courage, vulnerability, warmth, and depth. And if you’re like me, you’ll be in the middle of watching one movie and then proceed to add three more on your watchlist.

So here’s my challenge to you: watch one of these films tonight, hit play, and let Joely Richardson remind you why movies are important.

Because sometimes, it’s the quieter performances—the ones hidden between the blockbusters—that linger with us longest.