There were some soon-to-be major acting talents who just starting to really step onto the map the moment I was born. One of these was Kate Winslet, who has been in so many films that I have grown up loving to watch. While she starred in the 2022 HBO series Mare of Easttown (which she won a Primetime Emmy award for), this famous actress has done so much in the film industry that’s worthy of praise.  

From gems like Finding Neverland to big-time blockbusters like Titanic, Winslet has done it all and now, here are the best Kate Winslet movies.

By Alexandra Ramos

This was one of the first films that put Kate Winslet on the map. In Sense and Sensibility, we see the story of the impoverished Dashwood family, which focuses on the two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and how they embody good sense and sensibility, showing the difference between the two. 

There’s a reason why Winslet started to grow in popularity after this film. Her performance was praised and she definitely received bigger roles afterward, as you can see from this list. But, it’s always fun to return to some of her earlier work, seeing how far she has come as an actress.

If you want a love story, look no further than Iris. This film tells the real-life love story of Iris Murdoch and her husband, John Bayley, from their time as students to her battle through Alzheimer’s, showing the beauty of love. 

Let me tell you that I’ve seen this film and have cried plenty of times (what can I say, love turns me into a softy), but Kate Winslet shines in her role and has brilliant chemistry alongside Hugh Bonneville. Definitely a great love story for the ages. Plus, Judi Dench also stars, and anything with Dench is a winner in my book.

Titanic is the James Cameron hit that took the world by storm, telling the love story of Jack and Rose on the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic back in 1912, a story of forbidden love and bravery in the face of death. 

I feel like there’s not much I can say to make you see this film. Not only is it one of the most popular films of all time, but it also really shot Kate Winslet to stardom, having her become a household name. With Leonardo DiCaprio in the Titanic cast at her side, the two of them became worldwide megastars. Just don’t ask me to paint you like one of my French girls.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind follows the love story of an estranged couple who have erased each other from their memories. 

The chemistry between Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey, to me, is comparable to her with Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic, if not better, and the story is just amazing. It combines elements of science-fiction, love, psychological thriller – it’s everything you could want in a film. Trust me, if you decide to watch this, you won’t regret it. Winslet even received an Academy Award nomination for this film – it’s truly one of her best.

If you’ve ever wondered how Peter Pan was created, look no further than Finding Neverland. In this biographical drama, we learn the story about J.M. Barrie, and the relationship he has with the family who inspired him to create Peter Pan in the first place. 

Kate Winslet plays Sylvia Llewelyn Davies, the real-life mother to the boys who inspired the story, and she does a fantastic job, creating that wonderful sense of magic and wonder. And, this movie is stacked with stars. We have Johnny Depp as the playwriter, J.M. Barrie, Dustin Hoffman as Charles Frohman, Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn – all based on real people. It’s a great movie, especially if you’re interested in the tale of one of the best Disney characters.

In Little Children, we see two individuals, both bound by marriage, who end up falling for each other, creating a whirlwind of problems. 

I know that when I first read the premise for this story I was a bit unexcited to watch it, just because it sounded like any normal affair movie. But, let me say that Little Children is a step above all the others. Not only do Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson have stunning chemistry, but the story is also out of this world. There are so many twists and turns you could never expect. Seriously, watch this film. It’s freaking crazy.

It’s the reunion the world had been waiting for – Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet back together. In Revolutionary Road, we see a 1950’s couple, Frank and April Wheeler, who are both struggling with their marriage after personal problems begin to come between them, creating a slow and tiring breakdown. 

Revolutionary Road is heartbreaking and brilliant at the same time, because it shows the true complexities of marriage, and how love can dissolve if problems are not dealt with. DiCaprio and Winslet work amazing together, like before, and provide a great viewing experience – as sad as it can be to watch.

Contagion is about a virus spread through respiratory droplets and fomites, showing the loss of social order in a pandemic, and how hard it is truly to contain a disease before vaccination is introduced. 

Contagion is an amazing thriller that, while it feels a little too real to some now, is still a great watch. Kate Winslet is among the many stars in the Contagion cast, like Marion Cotillard, and Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston. There’s a lot to love about the film, and if you can get past the hefty parallels with 2020, then it’s a good film to watch.

When you think of Christmas films, I bet that The Holiday come up at least once. Starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, it's about two women with guy problems who decide to swap homes in different countries, and both end up meeting a local man and falling in love. 

With all the heavy-hitters on this list filled with drama and intensity, I can happily say that The Holiday is the complete opposite. Not only is it a feel-good film with plenty of sweet moments throughout, but it’s also funny and warmhearted. Genuinely, you won’t regret watching this film, even if it’s not the holiday season.

Steve Jobs is a biographical film that tells the story of the legendary Apple genius, Steve Jobs. The film covers fourteen years in the life of the company. 

Kate Winslet portrays Joanna Hoffman, a marketing executive and one of the original members of Apple. While the film itself gives plenty of fun facts about Jobs’ life in general, it also gives you a bit of an eye into how an incredible tech company was formed, and what it took to get it to its height. Winslet received another Academy Award nomination for this role, so it’s not a surprise that this is on the list.

As the last entry, Wonder Wheel is a great period drama with plenty of wonders to go around. This film takes place in 1950s Coney Island, and tells the stories of the second wife and the estranged daughter of a carousel operator – who are both pursuing an affair with the same lifeguard. 

I know, it already sounds so dramatic. What really makes Wonder Wheel special is the chemistry between Kate Winslet and Juno Temple, a mother-daughter team who captures your interest while you’re waiting for the hurricane that is their affairs with the lifeguard to boil over. The set pieces are amazing as well, and they really transport you back in time.