Halle Berry Films: Favorites and Not So Favorites

Halle Berry has graced the silver screen with memorable performances that have solidified her status as a Hollywood icon. From her Oscar-winning role in “Monster’s Ball” to her captivating portrayal of the mutant Storm in the “X-Men” series, Berry’s diverse range and undeniable talent have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. She brings a unique charisma and depth to many characters, captivating audiences and earning her a devoted fan base. However, no matter how accomplished the actor, they have all had their share of flops, and Ms. Berry is no exception to that rule. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of Halle Berry’s filmography first.

Favorites: Here are some highly rated Halle Berry films

MONSTER’S BALL (2001): Halle Berry delivers a breathtaking performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. She stars alongside Billy Bob Thornton and the late Heath Ledger in a poignant drama that explores themes of grief, racism and redemption. Berry portrays Leticia Musgrove, a grieving widow who forms an unlikely connection with Thornton’s character, a corrections officer involved in her husband’s execution. Berry’s portrayal is raw, emotionally charged, and showcases her exceptional talent. The film’s powerful storytelling and the chemistry between the actors make “Monster’s Ball” an emotionally resonant and unforgettable cinematic experience. IMDB Rating: 7.1

INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE (1999): Madonna once said that she was born to play the role of Eva Peron. One might feel the same about Halle Berry’s portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge in this HBO film. Berry’s resemblance to Dandridge is indeed extraordinary but just one facet of her outstanding performance in this film. She captures all facets of Dorothy’s life: her troubled relationships with men due to the scars of early abuse; the agony and pathos she endured from trying to care for her disabled daughter alone; and the ups and downs of her career, from her Oscar nomination for “Carmen Jones” to the racism she had to deal with. IMDB Rating: 7.0

DIE ANOTHER DAY (2002): In “Die Another Day,” Halle Berry joined the James Bond franchise as Jinx Johnson, a skilled NSA operative. Her inclusion injected new energy into the series, and she shared great on-screen chemistry with Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond. Berry’s portrayal brought a strong and confident female character to the forefront of the Bond universe, defying traditional gender roles. The film’s action sequences, plot twists, and Berry’s captivating performance make “Die Another Day” a standout entry in the Bond series and an entertaining spy thriller. It’s an example of how Halle Berry’s presence can elevate a film, even within an established franchise. IMDB Rating: 6.1

X-MEN SERIES (2000-2014) Halle Berry’s presence in the “X-Men” series added depth and charisma to the ensemble cast, which included Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Ian McKellen. Berry played the iconic role of Storm, a mutant with the power to control the weather. Her character is both strong and empathetic, making her a standout favorite in the franchise. The X-Men series is known for its thrilling action sequences and its exploration of social issues, benefiting greatly from Berry’s talent. Her portrayal of Storm showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with strength, making these films a must-see for fans of both superhero and character-driven stories. IMDB Ratings: 7.9 to 6.6

Halle Berry’s lower-rated films

B*A*P*S (1997): Halle Berry was top-billed in this comedy, which also starred veteran actor Martin Landau and relative newcomer Natalie Desselle as the main characters. The girls are waitresses who go to Hollywood to earn some money so they can buy their own restaurant. They are enlisted to act as granddaughters of a rich man (Landau). One trivia item on IMDB says screenwriter Troy Byers wasn’t happy with the final result. However, one wonders why it’s not rated higher on IMDB when many left positive reviews to offset the dismal ones. IMDB Rating: 4.7

CATWOMAN (2004): While Halle Berry is undeniably a talented actress, “Catwoman” is widely regarded as one of the low points in her career. Co-starring Benjamin Bratt and Sharon Stone, the film received scathing reviews from both critics and audiences alike. Berry’s portrayal of the iconic DC Comics character Catwoman was criticized for its campy tone and lackluster storytelling. Despite Berry’s efforts, “Catwoman” is often cited as a prime example of a superhero film gone awry. IMDB Rating: 3.4

An interesting fact about Halle Berry is that she fought for the role of the crack ho Vivian in Spike Lee’s JUNGLE FEVER (1991), her first big screen role. She was determined to not be typecast as just another glamour gal. Even a cursory stroll through her filmography shows that she has certainly succeeded.