Monica Bellucci – 10 Best Movies

By Vlad Zakh · March 18, 2026

Italy Drama thought provoking

Monica Bellucci became an international icon with Malèna, playing a woman ostracized by her Sicilian town for her beauty, before taking on one of cinema’s most harrowing roles in the reverse-chronology thriller Irreversible. She crossed into Hollywood as Persephone in The Matrix Reloaded and as Mary Magdalene in The Passion of the Christ, building a career spanning French, Italian, and American cinema.

Malena (Malèna) (2000) 01

Malena (Malèna) (2000)

TMDB ★ 7.6

In this coming-of-age drama set during World War II, Bellucci plays Malèna, a beautiful woman whose presence stirs the desires of an entire Italian village. Through the eyes of a young boy, the film explores themes of lust, jealousy, and innocence lost.

"Women are full of temptations. We should never let them into our hearts."

Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore · 1h 48m · Rated R

Where to watch

Rent: JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home · Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd Amazon Prime Video
Irreversible (Irréversible) (2002) 02

Irreversible (Irréversible) (2002)

TMDB ★ 7.2

A controversial and experimental film, "Irreversible" follows the story of a woman assaulted in a subway underpass. Bellucci portrays Alex, the victim, and the film tells the story in reverse, exploring the consequences of violence and revenge.

"Time destroys everything."

Directed by Gaspar Noé · 1h 37m · Rated NR

Where to watch

Stream: BFI Player

▶ Trailer Letterboxd NetflixAmazon Prime Video
The Passion of the Christ (2004) 03

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

TMDB ★ 7.5

In Mel Gibson's biblical epic, Bellucci plays Mary Magdalene, a pivotal figure in the life of Jesus Christ. The film depicts the final 12 hours of Christ's life, emphasizing his crucifixion and the emotional impact on those around him.

"No one could separate him from his mother's love."

Directed by Mel Gibson · 2h 07m · Rated R

Where to watch

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand · Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd Amazon Prime Video
The Apartment (L'Appartement) (1996) 04

The Apartment (L'Appartement) (1996)

TMDB ★ 6.8

This French romantic drama revolves around Max, a young executive, and his complex relationships with two women, one of whom is played by Bellucci. The film explores themes of love, betrayal, and identity.

"We don't know the real value of a moment until it becomes a memory."

Directed by Gilles Mimouni · 1h 56m · Rated R

▶ Trailer Letterboxd Amazon Prime Video
The Matrix Reloaded (2003) 05

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

TMDB ★ 7.1

In the second installment of "The Matrix" trilogy, Bellucci appears as Persephone, the wife of the Merovingian. She plays a pivotal role in Neo's quest, and her character is enigmatic and seductive.

"Cause and effect, my love."

Directed by Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski · 2h 18m · Rated R

Where to watch

Stream: YouTube TV, VIX · Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand · Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd NetflixAmazon Prime VideoHBO MaxHuluYoutubeTV
The Brothers Grimm (2005) 06

The Brothers Grimm (2005)

TMDB ★ 5.9

Bellucci portrays the Mirror Queen, an evil sorceress, in this fantasy adventure film inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. She brings a sense of dark allure to the character, challenging the protagonists with her magical powers.

"You see, it is your soul which interests me."

Directed by Terry Gilliam · 1h 58m · Rated PG-13

Where to watch

Stream: fuboTV, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd Amazon Prime VideoHulu
Shoot 'Em Up (2007) 07

Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

TMDB ★ 6.5

In this action-packed thriller, Bellucci plays Donna Quintano, a lactating prostitute who finds herself involved in a high-stakes battle alongside the film's protagonist. Her character adds unexpected depth to the film's unconventional storyline.

"Are you afraid, Mr. Smith?"

Directed by Michael Davis · 1h 26m · Rated R

Where to watch

Stream: Howdy Amazon Channel · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd Amazon Prime VideoHBO Max
Under Suspicion (2000) 08

Under Suspicion (2000)

TMDB ★ 6.1

Bellucci appears as Chantal Hearst, the wife of a wealthy lawyer, in this crime thriller starring Gene Hackman and Morgan Freeman. The film delves into the complexities of truth and deception, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

"You must tell them the truth, Henry."

Directed by Stephen Hopkins · 1h 50m · Rated R

Where to watch

Stream: fuboTV · Rent or buy: Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd NetflixAmazon Prime VideoYoutubeTV
Don't Look Back (Ne te retourne pas) (2009) 09

Don't Look Back (Ne te retourne pas) (2009)

TMDB ★ 5.6

In this psychological thriller, Bellucci plays Jeanne, a woman who experiences a traumatic event that leads to a series of unsettling discoveries. The film explores themes of memory, trauma, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.

"The mind is a vast and frightening labyrinth."

Directed by Marina de Van · 1h 50m

Where to watch

Stream: Philo

▶ Trailer Letterboxd Amazon Prime Video
The Whistleblower (2010) 10

The Whistleblower (2010)

TMDB ★ 6.7

Based on real events, this drama features Bellucci as Laura Leviani, a woman connected to a human trafficking scandal involving international peacekeepers. The film sheds light on the disturbing realities of sex trafficking and corruption.

"These girls need someone to speak for them."

Directed by Larysa Kondracki · 1h 52m · Rated R

Where to watch

Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, fuboTV, Amazon Prime Video with Ads · Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home

▶ Trailer Letterboxd NetflixAmazon Prime VideoYoutubeTV

Streaming availability data from JustWatch, via TMDB. Availability changes often, so check the service before you plan a movie night.

You might also like

Best 20 Italian Drama Movies

Best 20 Italian Drama Movies

italy

 6 Best Translator and Interpreter Movies

6 Best Translator and Interpreter Movies

drama

 6 Best Biblical Epics of All Time

6 Best Biblical Epics of All Time

drama

 Best 20 Italian Romance Movies

Best 20 Italian Romance Movies

italy

 Keanu Reeves – 10 Best Movies

Keanu Reeves – 10 Best Movies

Keanu Reeves

 Sophie Marceau – 10 Best Movies

Sophie Marceau – 10 Best Movies

Sophie Marceau

Vlad Zakh

Vlad Zakh

Founder, Movieix

Founder of Movieix, built to fix a specific annoyance: most recommendation sites are just algorithm-driven noise. Our lists are researched and organized by who's in a film, where it's from, and the mood you're actually in tonight.