The 10 Best Gillian Anderson Movies, According to Rotten Tomatoes

1. Robin Robin (2021) – 100%

In this charming Aardman animation, Anderson lends her voice to the Cat character. Now, Robin Robin isn't your typical tale—it spins the yarn of Robin, a bird who's raised by a loving family of burglars—well, mice burglars, to be exact. Imagine a bird thinking it's a mouse—adorable, right?

As Robin grows, the stark reality hits her—she isn't a mouse (shocking!). Her ensuing identity crisis and ambitious (albeit, clumsy) attempts to prove herself form the crux of this heartwarming tale. In this whimsical world, Cat, with an air of elegance and cunning, has her eyes set on the same prize as Robin—a shiny jewel.

2. The Widowmaker (2015) – 100%

Anderson steps into the narrator's shoes in this intense documentary. The plot is thick with the ominous shadows of heart disease, specifically focusing on the stent, a small but mighty piece of medical equipment. The Widowmaker unveils the ins and outs, the politics, and the controversies surrounding the prevention of heart disease. It's a thrilling ride through the convoluted pathways of the human heart and the medical industry. Every beat, every revelation, makes you question—why isn't life-saving technology accessible to all?

3. Sister (2012) – 96%

Meet Kristin Jansen, a part of a stirring story set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. But don't let those serene landscapes fool you. Simon, a 12-year-old boy, takes on the world—well, the world of luxury resorts. His MO? Stealing equipment from rich tourists. Kristin is intertwined in Simon's world, a realm where childhood and maturity collide. With every stolen ski and snowboard, Simon isn't just bagging equipment but grappling with family secrets and the icy slopes of adolescence.

4. Princess Mononoke (1997) – 93%

Anderson breathes life into Moro, the wolf goddess, in this iconic Studio Ghibli film. Amidst the enchanting forests and mystical creatures, a war brews between industrial humans and nature gods. Enter Ashitaka, a young warrior, cursed by a demon. Seeking a cure, he's plunged into the heart of this conflict. Moro, with her commanding presence, stands as the protector of the forest. Each character, each creature, weaves a rich tapestry of nature's majesty and the imminent threat of its destruction.

5. The Last King of Scotland (2006) – 87%

Set against the turbulent skies of Uganda, Sara Merrit finds herself entwined in the chaotic reign of Idi Amin, the infamous dictator. This narrative isn't a historical recount but a chilling walk through the garden of manipulation and power, seen through the eyes of Nicholas Garrigan, a young Scottish doctor. Sara is a pivotal element in this world where charm swiftly morphs into terror. With the film's earnings of $48.4M, it's a story of power, manipulation, and moral ambiguity isn't just watched, it's experienced.

6. Shadow Dancer (2012) – 84%

Kate Fletcher is a complex character in a world of espionage and secrets. Colette McVeigh, an active member of the IRA, is caught, and Kate Fletcher steps in. But this isn't your run-of-the-mill spy story. It's Belfast, 1993—the air is thick with tension, secrets are as abundant as the rain, and every step Colette takes, Kate shadows. Colette's loyalties are split, a reality that manifests in every clandestine meeting, every hushed whisper.

7. The House of Mirth (2000) – 82%

In the midst of New York's high society, where wealth and status are king, Lily Bart is a captivating but tragic figure. Struggling against the chains of societal expectations and financial dependency, Lily's journey is as heartbreaking as it is mesmerizing. Every smile, every gesture is a transaction, a bid for security. As she navigates this gilded world, choices, and consequences, shadows and light intertwine.

8. The Mighty (1998) – 75%

Enter the world of Loretta Lee, interwoven with the extraordinary friendship between two boys, Kevin and Max. Kevin's afflicted with a disease that limits his physical abilities, Max is a slow learner but a giant in stature. Together, they're unshakable. Loretta Lee, a woman with her own shaded past, adds layers to this tale of camaraderie. In their world, knights slay dragons, and friendship is the mightiest sword.

9. Viceroy's House (2017) – 72%

Lady Edwina Mountbatten walks the corridors of power and politics as India, after 300 years of British rule, stands on the brink of independence. It's a world brimming with political intrigue, and yet, deeply personal narratives of love and loss. India is partitioned, and amidst the upheaval, Lady Edwina is more than a silent spectator.

10. The Mighty Celt (2005) – 71%

Meet Kate, in a narrative where the thrill of greyhound racing collides with the throes of personal battles. Donal, a young boy, dreams of winning races with his dog, The Mighty Celt. But in the backdrop, the echoes of the Northern Ireland conflict linger. Kate is pivotal, her life intertwined with Donal's ambitions and the haunting legacies of the past. Every race, every moment, is a sprint not just for glory but for personal redemption and the elusive touch of healing.