Kim Basinger, with her iconic beauty and undeniable talent, has graced the silver screen for decades, delivering memorable performances in a variety of films. While critically acclaimed for her dramatic roles, Basinger has also starred in several box office hits that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Blockbusters
Batman (1989): This Tim Burton classic, a groundbreaking superhero film, catapulted Basinger to international stardom. As photojournalist Vicki Vale, she shared the screen with Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker, contributing to the film’s immense popularity and record-breaking box office success grossing $411.3 million to finish as the No. 1 film at the 1989 box office.
Michael Keaton and Kim Basinger in Batman (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Fifty Shades Darker (2017): Part of the highly successful “Fifty Shades” trilogy, this erotic romance saw Basinger reprise her role as Elena Lincoln, Christian Grey’s former dominant. The film, despite mixed reviews, proved to be a massive box office draw, grossing $381.5 million and further solidifying Basinger’s enduring star power.
8 Mile (2002): This critically acclaimed drama, starring Eminem, tells the story of a young aspiring rapper struggling to overcome personal and professional obstacles. Basinger, playing Eminem’s supportive and understanding mother, delivered a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance. The film grossed $245.8 million worldwide.
Never Say Never Again (1983): Basinger starred alongside Sean Connery in this unofficial James Bond film, playing Domino Petachi. The film, while not as critically acclaimed as some of Connery’s earlier Bond outings, still achieved considerable box office success, grossing $160 million worldwide.
L.A. Confidential (1997): This neo-noir crime drama, featuring an ensemble cast, garnered critical acclaim and box office success. Basinger, as Veronica Lake-esque actress Lynn Bracken, delivered a powerful performance that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film, co-starring Russell Crowe, Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito, grossed $126.2 million worldwide.
Notables
9 1/2 Weeks (1986): This controversial and provocative film, co-starring Mickey Rourke, became a cult classic and a significant box office success, solidifying Basinger’s status as a sex symbol.
The Natural (1984): This legendary baseball drama, starring Robert Redford, Glenn Close and Wilford Brimley features Basinger as Memo Paris, a seductive and alluring femme fatale, received critical acclaim and enjoyed box office success. Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Michael Madsen, Joe Don Baker and Richard Farnsworth also star in the film directed by Barry Levinson.
Final Analysis (1992): This psychological thriller, co-starring Richard Gere and Uma Thurman, explored themes of obsession and deceit. Despite mixed reviews, the film garnered significant box office attention by grossing $28.6 million, showcasing Basinger’s ability to navigate complex and dramatic roles.
The Nice Guys (2016): This neo-noir action-comedy from writer-director Shane Black, starring Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, was a critical and commercial success. Basinger, in a supporting role, added a touch of glamour and intrigue to the film. The film grossed $59.6 million worldwide.
The Getaway (1994): This action-packed thriller, co-starring her then-husband Alec Baldwin, delivered high-octane thrills and resonated with audiences, achieving moderate box office success, grossing $30.1 million worldwide. James Woods, Michael Madsen, David Morse, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Richard Farnsworth also starred in the remake of the 1972 film starring Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw.
Grudge Match (2013): This sports comedy, starring Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone as aging boxers, brought together a star-studded cast, including Basinger. While not a critical darling, the film enjoyed moderate box office success, capitalizing on the nostalgia factor.
Wayne’s World 2 (1993): This sequel to the cult classic comedy saw Basinger appear in a cameo role as Honey Hornee alongside Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. Though a minor part, her presence undoubtedly contributed to the film’s box office success, grossing $47.7 million worldwide.
Legacy for Kim Basinger
These films demonstrate Basinger’s versatility as an actress and her enduring appeal to audiences worldwide. From blockbuster action films to critically acclaimed dramas, Basinger has consistently delivered captivating performances that have solidified her place as a Hollywood icon.
