Legendary films starring Monica Bellucci that you must watch at least once

I remember very clearly that in the early days of social media, when I still logged into Facebook to play video games, I came across a photograph of a captivating woman in a tight black dress, who looked as though she had stepped out of another, spellbinding era. It was, of course, Monica Bellucci in the film Malena, and one of the iconic stills from that movie, which I have since seen at least a thousand more times. My early teenage brain was mesmerized, and I immediately started googling “Monika Beluči,” because I simply could not get a grip on the spelling of her last name (was it two c’s or just one?).

In any case, that is how I, and I believe many other girls my age, discovered Monica Bellucci, one of the most recognizable beauties in the world and, as we would only realize later, a brilliant actress. I was always looking for her on red carpets and in the pages of magazines, and my friends and I would debate how it was even possible that Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel were a couple. A little older, I decided to watch films starring Monica Bellucci, convinced that even if they were not good, my time would still be well spent, since for an hour and a half or two I would simply admire her beauty. Of course, it turned out that the films in her portfolio are outstanding, and that she is a superb actress. If Monica Bellucci has captivated you as well, films with her in the leading role will leave you breathless. Below, I single out legendary films starring Monica Bellucci, perfect for watching during cold winter evenings.

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Monica Bellucci, films that marked her career

Malena (2000)

Monica Bellucci, Malena, a role that marked the history of European cinema. In this film by director Giuseppe Tornatore, Bellucci is not only a symbol of unattainable beauty, but also of silent female suffering in a society that idealizes beauty while simultaneously condemning it. The film is ideal for winter escapism, as it takes us to a poetic, slower, and warmer time, to an Italy that I, at least, always dream of when everything around me is buried in snow. Malena becomes a metaphor for loneliness, the projections of the male gaze, and the price that comes with beauty, an exceptionally important and timeless theme. And precisely because we remember the film for Monica Bellucci’s breathtaking beauty, its message is all the more significant.

Courtesy of Miramax Films

The Apartment (1996)

In a thriller that combines eroticism, mystery, and psychological tension, Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, and Sandrine Kiberlain deliver excellent performances. The Apartment is a film that relies on atmosphere, set within seductive, dark Parisian interiors. It follows a young writer (Cassel) who leaves his longtime girlfriend (Bellucci) in Paris in order to move to New York and start his career. However, after some time he returns to France, ready to settle down with a new fiancée (Kiberlain), until he accidentally runs into his first love again. Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel met on the set of this film, and their chemistry soon spilled over from the screen into real life, making them one of the most recognizable European acting couples.

Courtesy of Studio Canal

Irréversible (2002)

Gaspar Noé’s controversial film occupies a special place in Monica Bellucci’s career, as it represents a radical departure from her previous roles. Irréversible is filmed in reverse and explores the development of human relationships over time, emphasizing the irreversibility of decisions. This is another film in which Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel play a couple on screen, whose relationship is brutally cut short by a tragic event. In this way, their shared cinematic narrative continues, further cementing their status as one of the most intriguing acting pairs in European cinema. In this film, Bellucci steps out of her comfort zone and the aura of glamour we are accustomed to, embracing a rather extreme role and confirming her reputation as an actress unafraid to push boundaries.

Courtesy of Studio Canal

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

In Mel Gibson’s controversial and visually striking epic, which was immensely popular worldwide, Monica Bellucci plays Mary Magdalene. Her refined portrayal brings a sense of empathy and calm to a film filled with intense scenes and extreme emotions. She follows Jesus during the final hours of his life, from the trial to the crucifixion. With this role, Monica Bellucci proved herself in an international, Hollywood production, while retaining the distinctive elegance and charisma that make her unforgettable on the big screen.

Icon Productions

The Matrix Revolutions (2003)

Monica Bellucci appeared in the second installment of the hit Matrix trilogy as the alluring and mysterious Persephone, who plays a key role and helps Neo and his allies reach the Merovingian, revealing layers of intrigue and emotional complexity within the digital universe. Although a supporting character, Monica’s performance was so elegant and striking that it left a lasting impression and is considered one of the trilogy’s unforgettable moments. From a career perspective, this film proved that Bellucci excels even in action-packed productions.

Courtesy of Warner Bros

Spectre (2015)

In 2015, Monica Bellucci added a James Bond film to her portfolio. She portrays Lucia Sciarra, a mysterious and sophisticated woman who enters James’s world in order to fulfill her own secret goals. In the film, Lucia is connected to the main antagonist and helps uncover the network of the Spectre organization. This role was also a historic moment for Monica Bellucci, as she officially became the first Bond woman over the age of 40, redefining the notion of glamour, sexuality, and strength within the franchise, and defying Hollywood’s pervasive ageism.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Tim Burton and Monica Bellucci are a pairing I did not know I needed, and they very quickly became a duo I truly enjoy seeing on the red carpet, as well as on the big screen. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a sequel to Burton’s cult classic and follows Lydia Deetz, now the host of a paranormal talk show, who returns to Winter River after a family tragedy and reopens a portal to the afterlife, unleashing chaos and bringing back the legendary Beetlejuice. Monica Bellucci plays Delores, his enigmatic and dangerous former partner.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.