Mila Kunis, an actress whose talent truly transcends genres, has consistently captivated audiences with her remarkable versatility and magnetic presence on screen. From her early beginnings as a young talent to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved and recognizable stars, her filmography is a testament to an impressive range that allows her to seamlessly transition between romantic comedies, intense dramas, and everything in between. It’s a fascinating journey through the dynamic landscape of modern cinema, continually showcasing her ability to surprise and delight.
What truly sets Kunis apart is not just her ability to immerse herself fully in the characters she portrays, but also how her dynamic portrayals breathe life into each role, often serving as pivotal elements that elevate the entire film. Her work consistently showcases exemplary technique and a natural knack for connecting with viewers, whether she’s navigating the complexities of modern romance, displaying amazing comedic timing, or tackling darker, more psychological themes. This undeniable appeal is why fans worldwide continue to admire her extraordinary range and magnetic presence, eager to see what captivating performance she’ll deliver next.
As Mila Kunis marks another year, reaching 42, it’s the perfect moment to dive into some of the phenomenal work that has defined her career. While many might first know her from her breakout role as Jackie Burkhart in “That ’70s Show,” her extensive roster includes 37 films and features in 27 television shows, proving her enduring impact across various media. This in-depth look explores a selection of her must-see movies, charting her diverse filmography and celebrating the roles that have touched hearts and left a lasting impression on audiences globally, inviting you to rediscover the breadth of her incredible talent.
1. **The Color of Time (2012)**: This 2012 independent biographical drama offers a unique entry point into Mila Kunis’s diverse filmography, showcasing her involvement in a project that truly stands apart from her more mainstream fare. Written and directed collaboratively by twelve New York University film students, with their teacher James Franco also starring, this film is based on Pulitzer Prize-winning poet CK Williams’ collection of the same name. It’s a testament to Kunis’s willingness to engage with more experimental and artistically driven ventures early in her career, demonstrating her commitment to varied roles and a depth beyond typical Hollywood fare.
The film intricately weaves together adaptations of 11 poems, creating a mosaic-like poetic road trip through CK Williams’ life, offering a non-linear yet deeply immersive narrative experience. This enchanting piece beautifully encapsulates Williams’ journey, providing a narrative depth that relies heavily on atmospheric portrayal and evocative performances rather than conventional plot progression. Kunis, alongside Franco, delivers an amazing performance that contributes significantly to the film’s rich, contemplative tone, proving her ability to shine even in unconventional cinematic structures. Her presence lends credibility and emotional resonance, making it a noteworthy selection for those exploring the breadth of her acting capabilities.
2. **Four Good Days (2020)**: This powerful 2020 drama, directed and produced by Rodrigo García, is based on the impactful Washington Post article “How’s Amanda? A Story of Truth, Lies and an American Addiction.” Mila Kunis delivers a widely praised and intensely raw performance in this film, captivating viewers as Molly, a young woman grappling with years of opioid addiction. Her portrayal vividly captures the desperation, vulnerability, and immense pain of someone wrestling with such a devastating struggle, offering a stark and unflinching look at the realities of addiction and its grip on individuals and families.
The film deeply explores addiction and its profound impact on individuals and their families, particularly highlighting the strained, complex relationship between Molly and her mother, Deb (Glenn Close). Molly’s history of detox attempts—more than a dozen with no signs of recovery—weighs heavily on their interactions, creating a cycle of hope and profound disappointment. When a doctor offers a glimmer of hope through a monthly shot, contingent on Molly remaining sober for four days, the film plunges into the excruciating challenges and difficult choices faced by both Molly and her loved ones. Kunis’s performance adds a crucial layer of emotional depth, illustrating the harrowing cycle of hope and despair that families of addicts often experience.
3. **Gia (1998)**: “Gia” stands as a significant, albeit early, entry in Mila Kunis’s career, differing from many on this list as it is a biographical drama television film rather than a theatrical release. This movie vividly recounts the life and tragic downfall of Gia Carangi, one of the world’s first supermodels who rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While Angelina Jolie portrays the adult Gia, Mila Kunis takes on the crucial role of the younger Gia, specifically the 11-year-old version, offering viewers essential insight into her formative years and demonstrating her early talent.
Kunis’s performance as young Gia Carangi garnered particular praise, adeptly transporting us into Gia’s background and early experiences that profoundly contributed to her eventual path in the demanding modeling industry. She skillfully captures the innocence and vulnerability of a girl on the cusp of discovering her identity and aspirations, providing essential context to the later complexities of Gia’s life. Although her screen time is naturally less than Jolie’s, Kunis’s presence is emotionally resonant and pivotal, enriching the film’s emotional depth by contextualizing Gia’s journey within her impressionable formative years, underscoring the powerful biography that exposes the negative effects of young girls being sexualized and paraded.
4. **Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)**: One of Mila Kunis’s more recent and impactful films, “Luckiest Girl Alive” is a compelling mystery thriller directed by Mike Barker, adapted from Jessica Knoll’s bestselling 2015 novel of the same title. This film delves into the life of Tiffani “Ani” Fanelli, a sharp-tongued New Yorker who seemingly has it all: a sought-after position at a glossy women’s magazine, a killer wardrobe, and a dream Nantucket wedding on the horizon. Yet, beneath this polished exterior, dark truths from her past threaten to unravel her meticulously constructed life, forcing a confrontation with hidden trauma.
The narrative intensifies when a crime documentary director invites Ani to share her side of a shocking incident—a school shooting—that occurred during her teenage years, forcing her to confront and relive deeply seated trauma that she has tried to bury for years. The film masterfully explores the intricate themes of trauma, resilience, and the societal pressures women face, delving into Ani’s internal dialogues as she contemplates participating in the documentary and the impact of these choices on her journey toward confronting her history. Despite some “wobbly messages,” Mila Kunis delivers one of her most convincing dramatic performances to date. Her portrayal of Ani is a standout, capturing the complex balance women often face.
5. **Oz the Great and Powerful (2013)**: In this visually stunning 2013 fantasy adventure, Mila Kunis steps into the magical and iconic world of Oz, offering a fresh take on beloved characters and immersing herself in a tale of magic, ambition, and transformation. Directed by Sam Raimi and written by David Lindsay-Abaire and Mitchen Kapner, the film serves as a spiritual prequel to the classic 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, setting its events 20 years before the original 1900 novel. Kunis joins a star-studded cast including James Franco as Oscar Diggs, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams, creating a vibrant new chapter in the Oz saga.
Within this enchanting narrative, Kunis portrays Theodora, who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, a role that demands a complex and evolving performance. Her character is initially presented as a naive and genuinely good witch, possessing a pure heart and a strong belief in the goodness of others. However, through a series of betrayals, emotional turmoil, and the manipulations of her sister, she undergoes a dramatic and tragic transformation into the iconic villain known for her green skin and malevolent cackle. Kunis adeptly captures Theodora’s evolving emotional landscape, from innocence to despair and ultimately, to profound wickedness.
6. **Boot Camp (2008)**: Also known as “Punishment” in the UK, this 2008 psychological thriller offers a stark and intense portrayal of at-risk teens subjected to what they believe is a rehabilitation program in Fiji, but which turns out to be a sinister, prison-like camp where kids face systemic abuse and brainwashing. Written by Agatha Dominik and John Cox and directed by Christian Duguay, the film pushes boundaries and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, presenting a harrowing narrative that highlights Kunis’s capacity for darker, more emotionally charged roles.
Mila Kunis delivers a powerful performance as Sophie, a character shipped off to this harsh environment by her passive mother and brutally domineering stepfather. In a desperate act of solidarity and love, her boyfriend fakes a drug problem to accompany her, leading them both into the terrifying reality of the camp, where their bond is tested under extreme duress. The film meticulously builds tension, exposing the brutal methods employed by the camp’s staff and the psychological toll it takes on its young inhabitants. Kunis skillfully conveys Sophie’s initial vulnerability, palpable fear, and eventual fierce resilience as she and her boyfriend desperately try to escape.
