Last updated on: July 26, 2025
That’s what it’s like watching Kelly Reilly act. Whether she’s stealing scenes in Yellowstone as the fierce, fearless Beth Dutton or quietly devastating you in an indie drama, Kelly has that rare ability to pull you right into the story — no fuss, no flash, just raw, real talent.
So, if you’ve only just discovered her (or even if you’ve been a fan since her British theatre days), I’ve got a list for you: the 7 best Kelly Reilly movies that show off exactly why she’s one of the most compelling actresses working today.
Let’s dive in.
Who Is Kelly Reilly?
Let me set the scene. Before she became the queen of Montana in Yellowstone, Kelly Reilly was making waves in London’s West End. She wasn’t born into Hollywood royalty. She didn’t explode onto the scene in some overnight teen drama. She built her career the old-fashioned way — stage by stage, script by script.
She’s done Shakespeare. She’s worked with directors like Guy Ritchie and Robert Zemeckis. She’s been in period dramas, psychological thrillers, European comedies, and horror flicks that’ll mess with your head. What’s wild is how easily she blends into any role — not because she disappears, but because she inhabits them so completely.
That’s what makes watching her such a treat. She doesn’t just play a character. She becomes them.
1. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Okay, let’s start with a classic. Pride & Prejudice, directed by Joe Wright, is one of the most beautifully shot Austen adaptations ever — and nestled within its charming countryside balls and biting banter is Kelly Reilly as Caroline Bingley.
Now Caroline isn’t exactly the heroine here. She’s the elegant but icy socialite who throws all kinds of shade at Elizabeth Bennet. But even though she’s not the most likable character, Reilly makes her captivating.
It was a small role, but it made a lasting impression.
2. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Switching gears to something a little more action-packed. Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is all quick cuts, gritty London streets, and bromantic banter between Holmes and Watson. But in the middle of all that chaos? Kelly Reilly, playing Mary Morstan — Watson’s better half.
She’s calm, composed, and no-nonsense. And the chemistry between her and Jude Law? Subtle but totally believable.
She gives Watson something to fight for. And Kelly plays her with this quiet strength that makes you root for her from the jump.
3. Flight (2012)
Now this one hits hard. Flight isn’t an easy watch, but it’s one of the most powerful films Kelly’s ever been in. She plays Nicole, a recovering addict trying to rebuild her life.
Their relationship isn’t romanticized. It’s messy, complicated, and painfully real. Watching Kelly as Nicole, you see every ounce of struggle, hope, and heartbreak.
It’s one of those performances where you don’t even think about the actress. You just feel for the character.
4. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Yes, she’s back as Mary Morstan. And yes, she’s still awesome. In this sequel, Mary’s now Watson’s wife, which ups the emotional stakes big time.
She’s not just there to smile and wait at home — she’s worried, she’s involved, and she’s part of what makes Watson more than just Sherlock’s sidekick.
Even in a film packed with explosions and double-crosses, Kelly manages to shine.
5. Calvary (2014)
This one’s for the indie film lovers. Calvary is haunting, dark, and deeply philosophical. Kelly plays Fiona, the daughter of a priest (Brendan Gleeson) who’s received a death threat.
Fiona is carrying her own emotional scars — depression, estrangement, past trauma. When she returns home, the father-daughter dynamic is raw and real.
There’s one moment where she just quietly breaks — no shouting, no drama. Just this quiet unraveling. It crushed me.
6. L’Auberge Espagnole (2002)
Want to see a different side of Kelly? Check out this European gem. L’Auberge Espagnole (aka The Spanish Apartment) is a fun, chaotic, feel-good film about a group of international students living in Barcelona.
Kelly plays Wendy, the sharp-tongued British girl with wit to spare. It’s a lighter role, but still packed with personality.
She’s part of this colorful, culturally diverse household, and she fits right in.
7. Eden Lake (2008)
Now brace yourself. This one’s intense.
Eden Lake is not your average horror film. It’s brutal, emotionally disturbing, and — honestly — kind of hard to watch. But Kelly Reilly? She’s phenomenal.
She plays Jenny, a school teacher whose romantic weekend turns into a nightmare when a group of violent teens begins to torment her and her boyfriend.
By the end, you’re not just rooting for her — you’re exhausted with her.
Why Kelly Reilly Deserves More Spotlight
Look, I’ll say it: Kelly Reilly should be a household name. She’s not just “the actress from Yellowstone.” She’s one of those rare performers who disappears into a role without losing her presence.
She doesn’t chase the spotlight. She lets her work speak for itself.
Watching her is like reading a great novel — layers unfold the longer you stay with her character.
So What’s Next for Her?
With Yellowstone still making waves and fans begging for spin-offs or prequels (Beth origin story, anyone?), it feels like the world is finally catching up to what her fans already knew: Kelly Reilly is something special.
There are whispers of new projects — possibly even directing. But no matter what’s next, one thing’s for sure:
Whatever she touches, she elevates.
Final Thought
Some actors entertain you.
Kelly Reilly makes you feel.
And that’s what makes these 7 movies worth every minute of your time.
So go ahead — lose yourself in her world.
