It only took Ava Gardner a few years in Hollywood to become one of the most popular leading ladies in movies. She had a fantastic career that would see her play many memorable roles picking up more than a few awards and nominations along the way. We are going to look at the 5 best Ava Gardner movie roles ever.
Ava Gardner’s rise to stardom was marked by her captivating screen presence and versatile performances across a range of genres. From her early roles in films like The Killers (1946), where she showcased her sultry charm as a femme fatale, to her critically acclaimed performance in Mogambo (1953), which earned her an Academy Award nomination, Gardner proved her ability to command the screen.
Her roles often blended glamour with emotional depth, as seen in films like The Barefoot Contessa (1954) and On the Beach (1959), where she portrayed complex characters navigating love, loss, and societal expectations. Throughout her career, Gardner’s magnetic beauty and acting prowess made her a timeless icon in cinema history. Here are the 5 best Ava Gardner movie roles ever.
This was the movie that really made people take notice of Ava Gardner. It is a classic film noir about two hit men and the investigators trying to piece together their crime. It will captivate you from the moment it starts. Ava Gardner absolutely steals the show as the beautiful and glamorous Kitty Collins, alongside Burt Lancaster as Swede and Edmond O'Brien as Jim Reardon.
After her role here, she became a highly sought-after actress. While not her first acting role, Gardner’s portrayal of Kitty Collins not only launched her into stardom but also redefined the femme fatale archetype in film noir. Her ability to convey both allure and menace set a new standard for female characters in the genre, influencing countless performances in subsequent decades.
Ava Gardner delivered a captivating performance as Eloise Y. Kelly, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This vibrant romantic drama follows Eloise, a spirited showgirl stranded in Kenya, where she develops a powerful attraction to large game tracker Victor Marswell, played by Clark Gable. The arrival of a married couple, Donald Nordley (Donald Sinden) and Linda Nordley (Grace Kelly), who are there to film gorillas, sparks a compelling love triangle that heightens the film’s tension.
Gardner’s dynamic portrayal showcases her emotional range and screen presence, making this one of her standout roles. Though she didn’t win the Oscar, losing to Audrey Hepburn for Roman Holiday, her performance remains a highlight of her illustrious career. Her role in Mogambo showcased her ability to hold her own against industry giants like Clark Gable and Grace Kelly, reinforcing her status as a leading lady who could convey both strength and vulnerability. This performance helped cement why this is one of the 5 best Ava Gardner movie roles ever, particularly in international markets where the film’s exotic setting resonated.
🎥 The Barefoot Contessa (1954)
Ava Gardner shines as Maria Vargas in this poignant drama, a role that seamlessly blends her signature glamour with profound emotional depth. The film follows the rise of Maria, a Spanish dancer discovered by a film director, Harry Dawes (Humphrey Bogart), who transforms her into a Hollywood star. As Maria navigates fame, love, and personal turmoil, her relationships with wealthy playboy Alberto Bravano (Marius Goring) and Italian count Vincenzo Torlato-Favrini (Rossano Brazzi) deepen the complexity of her tragic journey. Gardner’s captivating performance as the vulnerable yet alluring Maria cemented her status as a cinematic icon, making this film a standout in her career.
The film’s exploration of fame and its personal costs mirrored Gardner’s own experiences in Hollywood, lending authenticity to her performance. Her portrayal of Maria Vargas contributed to discussions about the commodification of female stars, making The Barefoot Contessa a culturally significant commentary on the industry, and why it's on the list of the best Ava Gardner movie roles.
🌊 On the Beach (1959)
In this gripping post-apocalyptic drama, Ava Gardner delivers a haunting performance as Moira Davidson, a woman grappling with the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe. Set in Australia, the last bastion of humanity, the film explores Moira’s romance with American submarine commander Dwight Towers (Gregory Peck), alongside the struggles of scientist Julian Osborn (Fred Astaire) and the couple Peter and Mary Holmes (Anthony Perkins and Donna Anderson).
Gardner’s work in On the Beach reflected her ability to tackle socially relevant themes, as the film’s anti-nuclear message resonated with Cold War-era audiences. Her nuanced performance helped elevate the film’s emotional weight, contributing to its lasting reputation as a poignant warning about humanity’s future.
Ava Gardner delivers a very powerful performance in this movie. It's about the journey of a man called Rev Lawrence Shannon (Richard Burton) who is leading a bus full of middle aged women on a trip to Mexico. Along the way the man has to deal with the things that have gone in his life. They stop at a hotel where Maxine Faulk is running it and she has a very strong attraction to Lawrence, but as he is a man of the cloth he needs to fight his temptations.
🏁 Ava Gardner’s Lasting Impact on Classic Cinema with these the 5 Best Ava Gardner movie roles.
The 5 best Ava Gardner movie roles reveal a remarkable career defined by versatility, charisma, and emotional depth. From her breakout performance in The Killers to her Oscar-nominated role in Mogambo, Gardner proved she could captivate audiences in noir, drama, and romance alike. Her ability to embody complex characters, whether the glamorous Kitty Collins, the spirited Eloise Y. Kelly, or the tragic Maria Vargas in The Barefoot Contessa, solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most enduring leading ladies. Each role highlighted her magnetic screen presence, blending beauty with a raw, authentic vulnerability that resonated with viewers across generations.
Exploring the best Ava Gardner movie roles reveals a legacy that transcends her era, leaving an indelible mark on cinema history. In films like On the Beach and The Night of the Iguana, she brought nuance to characters facing profound emotional and societal challenges, showcasing her range beyond the glamour for which she was often celebrated. Her performances, paired with her ability to hold her own alongside stars like Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, and Gregory Peck, underscore her status as a true icon.
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Ava Gardner’s international appeal, seen in films shot across continents, also helped bridge American cinema with global audiences, solidifying her as a cultural ambassador of her era. Gardner’s contributions to film continue to inspire, reminding us of her unparalleled talent and enduring cinematic allure. Do take the time to watch these the 5 best Ava Gardner movie roles.
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.
