We all know and love Uma Thurman for her roles in iconic films like Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill series, but there's so much more to her filmography.
1. Mad Dog and Glory (1993)
Let's start by throwing it back to the 90s, shall we? In this crime-comedy, Uma plays Glory, a woman used as a "gift" to repay a favor to a shy crime scene photographer played by Robert De Niro. De Niro saves a mobster's life, and voila, he gets Glory for a week. But here's the kicker—they actually start to form a genuine connection. The film dabbles in moral quandaries while sprinkling in some classic 90s wit. It may have been a box office flop, but it's a narrative win in my book.
2. Beautiful Girls (1996)
Ah, the quintessential reunion movie. A piano player, Willie, heads back to his small hometown for a high school reunion and gets reunited with old pals and flames. Uma plays Andera, the big-city cousin of Willie's friend, who's kinda like this alluring enigma to the small-town folks. Her character dishes out wisdom while navigating the flirtations and admirations of the local guys. This one's a quirky look at the crossroads of life, just when you're supposed to have it all figured out.
3. The Truth About Cats & Dogs (1996)
Let's keep the 90s train rolling. In this rom-com, Uma plays a model named Noelle who helps her friend Abby, a radio host who feels insecure about her looks. When a caller falls for Abby's voice, Noelle steps in to impersonate her in person. What ensues is a series of comedic mishaps and mistaken identities. Will the guy ever find out the truth? And how will Abby handle the fallout? The film brings humor and heart to the age-old topic of self-esteem and love.
4. Gattaca (1997)
Ready for a genre shift? Welcome to a dystopian future where genetic engineering rules the day. Uma plays Irene, a genetically "valid" woman who falls for Vincent, a "faith-born" man with inferior genes. Vincent assumes the identity of a genetically superior man to work at Gattaca, a prestigious space exploration company. As their love story unfolds against a backdrop of societal oppression, you're forced to question the ethics of it all. Trust me, this film's more than just sci-fi window dressing.
5. The Golden Bowl (2000)
Based on a Henry James novel, this movie is dripping in Edwardian era elegance. Uma is Charlotte, who marries a wealthy American, Adam, played by Nick Nolte. What Adam doesn't know is that Charlotte was once in love with his son-in-law, Prince Amerigo. Cue the drama, folks! The film weaves a complicated web of love, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. It didn't rake in the bucks, but if you're into historical drama, this is a must-watch.
6. Paycheck (2003)
Do you like a dash of sci-fi with your action? Then Paycheck is the film for you. Uma stars opposite Ben Affleck in this thriller based on a Philip K. Dick story. Affleck plays Michael Jennings, an engineer who can't remember the last three years of his life due to some memory erasing shenanigans. Uma plays Rachel, his old flame and co-worker, who helps him uncover a pretty serious conspiracy. Yeah, there's techy gobbledygook, but don't get lost in it—focus on the chemistry and high-stakes drama.
7. Prime (2005)
Uma plays Rafi, a recently-divorced 37-year-old woman who starts dating a much younger man, David. The deliciously awkward twist? Her therapist, played by Meryl Streep, is David's mom. Imagine pouring out your love life details to your therapist, only to find out you're talking about her son! It's a fresh spin on the May-December romance narrative, with plenty of laughs and cringes.
8. My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)
Ever wondered what it would be like to date a superhero? Spoiler: not as fun as it sounds. In this comedy, Uma plays G-Girl, a superhero who starts dating a regular guy named Matt. When he breaks up with her for being too controlling (and, well, for tossing a live shark into his apartment), she goes full-on psycho ex. If you've ever had a messy breakup, this one will feel hilariously and terrifyingly relatable.
9. The Life Before Her Eyes (2007)
This one's a bit of a psychological trip. Uma plays the adult version of Diana, who survived a high school shooting. The story flips between her past and present, showing how the trauma affected her life. In the past, young Diana is a wild teen, in stark contrast to her friend Maureen, a devout Christian. The shooting forces a life-changing decision on them. It's a deep dive into the lingering effects of trauma wrapped up in a suspenseful narrative.
10. Ceremony (2010)
Uma plays Zoe, a woman about to get married, who becomes the obsession of a younger man named Sam, who decides to crash her wedding. It's less about the wedding and more about coming-of-age, as Sam has to confront his feelings and grow up a little. Sure, it's awkward and cringey, but it's also sweet and kind of endearing.
