All 25 Kathryn Bigelow Movies In Order — All The Best (And Worst) Films To Watch Online
Get ready to dive into the world of Kathryn Bigelow, a groundbreaking director known for her thought-provoking films. In this movie roundup article, we will explore some of her most iconic works, from thrilling action movies to thought-provoking dramas. Prepare to be inspired and entertained as we take a journey through the remarkable career of one of the most influential directors in Hollywood.
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1. Regrouping (1976)
Immerse yourself in Regrouping, an enigmatic film released in 1976, where the spotlight shines on four female artists navigating their way through the complexities of life in a women’s group. With its gripping documentary-style drama, the film delves deep into the heart of feminist ideals, unveiling a world of passion, love, and self-discovery.
2. Union City (1980)
“Union City” is a captivating 1980 film that explores the complexities of love, obsession, and the simple pleasure of a glass of milk. Set in the quirky town of Union City, the movie follows an ordinary man who becomes obsessed with finding the culprit behind the theft of his milk bottles. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he neglects his young, vibrant wife, who has her own dreams and aspirations.
3. The Loveless (1981)
The Loveless, a gritty drama directed by the renowned Kathryn Bigelow, is set in the world of rough-and-tumble motorcycle gangs. The film’s explosive plot unfolds as a group of bikers, led by the menacing J. Don Ferguson and Robert Gordon, stop in a sleepy southern town to participate in the prestigious Daytona motorcycle races. As tensions rise among the gang members, they find themselves embroiled in a series of dangerous and deadly encounters.
4. Born in Flames (1983)
“Born in Flames” (1983) is an intriguing movie set in a dystopian world where the peaceful revolution has led to society’s transformation. The film envisions a future where a variety of issues such as racism, feminism, and minority rights are handled by the government.
5. Perfect (1985)
“Perfect” (1985) is a drama and romantic film starring John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis. A heart-pounding tale that blends passion and hard work, the movie follows the life of a female aerobics instructor and a male reporter in pursuit of a story on health clubs. As their paths cross, the chemistry between them is palpable — but love it’s not, at least not at first sight.
6. Working Girls (1986)
Working Girls takes us behind the doors of a luxurious Manhattan brothel, offering an unflinching look at the day-to-day lives of its high-end prostitutes, clients, and the formidable madam who rules over them. The movie deftly explores the intricate dynamics between the women and their customers, as well as the motivations that drive these transactions. Through powerful performances from the female cast and the provocative direction of Lizzie Borden, Working Girls delves deep into the complexities of the human condition and the harsh realities faced by those working in the sex trade.
7. Near Dark (1987)
“Near Dark” (1987) is a chilling horror film directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Eric Red. The movie follows the life of a small-town farmer’s son, Caleb Colby, who is bitten by a seductive drifter and reluctantly joins a group of nomadic vampires. As Caleb navigates this shadowy world, he embarks on a quest to find a cure for his newfound vampirism and to protect his estranged father.
8. Blue Steel (1990)
Blue Steel is a gripping neo-noir crime drama that dives headfirst into the twisted mind of a dangerous psychopath. Set in the gritty backdrop of New York City, Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Meg March, a rookie police officer whose life becomes intertwined with a chilling cat-and-mouse game.
9. Point Break (1991)
‘Point Break’ is the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action-thriller that takes us on a wild ride with an FBI agent gone rogue. When agent Johnny Utah (Patrick Swayze) is assigned to catch a group of bank robbers, he takes on the role of a surfer himself to infiltrate the tight-knit community. As he bonds with his fellow surfers (Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey) and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he realizes that not everything is as it seems.
10. Strange Days (1995)
Strange Days, a 1995 film directed by Kathryn Bigelow, takes you on a journey into the dark and twisted underbelly of Los Angeles in 1999. Ralph Fiennes plays Lenny Nero, a former cop turned street-hustler who inadvertently uncovers a sinister conspiracy lurking beneath the city’s surface. Set against a backdrop of cyberpunk culture and virtual reality technology, Strange Days masterfully blends elements of crime, drama, and science fiction, creating a gripping tale of uprising and civil unrest.
11. Undertow (1996)
“Undertow” (1996) is a chilling drama thriller that takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and unexpected twists. Directed by Eric Red, the film centers on a young man named Jack who stumbles upon a remote hunting cabin while on the run from a thunderstorm. However, his temporary refuge quickly becomes a perilous trap when he discovers that the cabin’s inhabitants are not as ordinary as they seem.
12. The Weight of Water (2000)
Enter the captivating, enigmatic universe of “The Weight of Water”, a bone-chilling crime drama helmed by none other than Kathryn Bigelow. This gripping picture is set in the early 19th century and centers around an intrepid newspaper photographer who embarks on a riveting investigation into a 1873 double murder that inexplicably echoes her own life.
13. K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
In the face of a nuclear nightmare, Russia’s first nuclear submarine faces a life-or-death fight for survival in the gripping action-drama, K-19: The Widowmaker. As the submarine malfunctions on its inaugural voyage, the courageous crew is thrust into a race against time to save their ship and avert a catastrophic nuclear disaster.
14. The Motel (2005)
“The Motel” (2005) is a unique coming-of-age comedy-drama set in a suburban motel. Our protagonist, thirteen-year-old Ernest Chin, navigates the challenges of adolescence amidst the colorful cast of characters residing in the motel. His friendship with the self-destructive and charismatic Sam Kim serves as a rite of passage that brings both men’s lives into focus.
15. The Hurt Locker (2008)
The Hurt Locker is a riveting 2008 film that explores the intensity and moral dilemmas faced by military personnel. Set during the Iraq War, the film follows the story of a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad who comes to odds with his fellow soldiers due to his maverick approach to his work. Alongside the Sergeant, his colleagues struggle to balance their safety and duty, as they encounter numerous high-stakes situations while attempting to disarm dangerous bombs.
16. The 82nd Annual Academy Awards (2010)
Join hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, a star-studded event celebrating the best in film. This electrifying ceremony, held in 2010, features Rachel McAdams, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Carey Mulligan among the illustrious cast.
17. The 83rd Annual Academy Awards (2011)
Revisit the glitz and the glamour of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, a celebration of cinematic masterpiece and the best in film for the year 2010. The Academy Awards ceremony, also known as “The Oscars, “ stands as the preeminent event for celebrating artistic achievement across the world of cinema. Directed by Don Mischer and Troy Miller, with writers such as Jon Macks and Jordan Rubin, the 2011 awards show promises a night to remember.
18. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
“Zero Dark Thirty” is a gripping thriller that chronicles the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden following the September 2001 attacks in the United States. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film delves into the psychological toll of the hunt, the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, and the painstaking efforts to track down bin Laden.
19. The Oscars (2013)
Prepare to be dazzled as Seth MacFarlane takes the helm as the 85th Academy Awards’ host in this 2013 film, The Oscars. The show, known for its glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments, is set to surprise and delight viewers with MacFarlane’s witty charm.
20. And the Oscar Goes to… (2014)
“And the Oscar Goes to. . “ is a documentary that takes a captivating journey through the fascinating history of the prestigious Academy Awards. The film unravels the stories behind the iconic statuette, offering an insightful look at the people, milestones, and drama that shaped the Oscars.
21. Cartel Land (2015)
Cartel Land (2015) is a captivating documentary that offers an intimate look at the ongoing drug crisis along the United States-Mexican border. Directed and co-written by Matthew Heineman, this 80-minute film takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the harsh reality of the drug trade and its impact on various communities.
22. A War (2015)
“A War” presents a pulse-pounding, riveting drama, that boldly probes the multifaceted moral dilemmas of war and the profound consequences of choices made under such intense pressure. The film unfolds in the backdrop of Afghanistan, where it chronicles the unfolding chain of events after a Danish commander, during an encounter with the Taliban, executes a decision that successfully rescues his troops, but unfortunately claims the lives of numerous Afghan civilians in the process.
23. Detroit (2017)
“Detroit” paints a chilling portrait of an event that shook the nation. Set during the 1967 Detroit riots, the film tells the story of a group of rogue police officers who, instead of dispensing justice, resort to retaliation.
24. Triple Frontier (2019)
“Triple Frontier” is a pulse-pounding, adrenaline-fueled cinematic masterpiece that brings together five former special forces operatives, played by renowned stars such as Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, and Charlie Hunnam. These seasoned professionals have reunited after many years, and their mission seems straightforward — to take down a ruthless South American drug lord. However, things never go as planned in this intense action-thriller, and the characters ultimately find themselves entangled in a web of power, money, and unforeseen consequences.
25. American Symphony (2023)
Dive into the inspiring journey of American Symphony (2023), a moving and intimately personal documentary following musician Jon Batiste as he embarks on an ambitious mission to compose a symphony. This compelling narrative intertwines with the challenging struggles of his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, who battles cancer throughout their ordeal. Director Matthew Heineman masterfully captures the intricate emotions and raw vulnerability, showcasing a new aspect of Batiste’s musical genius.
