Kelly Reilly’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows prove why she’s one of the most captivating talents working today. Born in 1977 in Chessington, England, Reilly first burst onto the scene with her commanding performances in British theater before crossing over to acclaimed movie and TV show roles. From historical dramas to nail-biting thrillers, she’s shown an incredible range that keeps audiences hooked. Fans love Reilly’s fierce screen presence, emotional depth, and that unmistakable blend of toughness and vulnerability she brings to every role.

Over the years, Kelly Reilly has earned praise for stealing scenes from major stars and carving out her own unforgettable characters. Whether she’s going toe-to-toe with Hollywood heavyweights like Robert Downey Jr. or leading gritty psychological dramas, she has proven she elevates any cast she’s part of. With iconic roles like Beth Dutton in Yellowstone and standout performances in films like Flight and Eden Lake, Reilly has cemented herself as a powerhouse. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows showcase not just her versatility, but also her fearless commitment to playing complex, layered characters that viewers can’t help but root for – or fear.

Blended image of Dawn Olivieri as Sarah Atwood and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone

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10

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Kelly Reilly Plays Mary Morstan

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Sherlock Holmes

PG-13

Adventure

Mystery

Action

ScreenRant logo

9/10

27

8.4/10

Release Date

December 25, 2009

Runtime

128 minutes

Director

Guy Ritchie

Writers

Anthony Peckham, Simon Kinberg, Michael Robert Johnson

Sequel(s)

Sherlock Holmes 3, Sherlock Holmes 2

Cast

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    Mark Strong

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    Eddie Marsan

Franchise(s)

Sherlock Holmes

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Directed by British gangster movie legend Guy Ritchie, Sherlock Holmes brought a stylish, gritty energy to the classic detective stories, and Kelly Reilly found herself right at home in its thrilling world. The 2009 movie stars Robert Downey Jr. as the brilliant detective and Jude Law as his trusty sidekick Dr. Watson. Reilly played Mary Morstan, Watson’s clever and charming fiancée, who quickly proves she’s more than just a love interest. She brought a quiet strength and wit to the role that made Mary memorable, even in a film packed with action and heavyweights.

While Sherlock Holmes primarily focuses on Holmes and Watson’s adventures, Reilly’s Mary added important emotional stakes to the story, grounding Watson’s character and making his choices feel more personal. Reilly’s poised and spirited performance stood out in a film brimming with bold personalities. Though Sherlock Holmes wasn’t a major awards contender for her specifically, its global success boosted her visibility to a wider audience. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows always highlight her ability to hold her own alongside A-listers, and Sherlock Holmes was an early and exciting example of that talent.

9

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

Kelly Reilly Plays Caroline Bingley

Pride & Prejudice (2005) - Poster - Keira Knightley

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Pride & Prejudice

ScreenRant logo

10/10

8.4/10

Release Date

November 23, 2005

Runtime

2h 9m

Director

Joe Wright

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Keira Knightley

    Keira Knightley

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    Matthew Macfadyen

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Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice is the lush and beautifully shot 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, and Kelly Reilly made an impression as the cunning Caroline Bingley. Sharing the screen with stars like Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, Reilly delivered a deliciously sharp performance as the elegant but scheming socialite vying for Mr. Darcy’s affections. She managed to make Caroline’s snobbery both detestable and oddly magnetic, showing off her knack for playing complex antagonists.

In a movie filled with sweeping romance and heartbreak, Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Caroline added a biting edge that helped elevate the story’s emotional stakes. Her performance brought nuance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional, embodying the grace and cruelty of England’s nobility. Though she didn’t receive award nominations for the role, her work was a key part of what made the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice so beloved. Many of the best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows often feature her stealing scenes with a single icy glance, and Pride & Prejudice is a perfect early example.

8

Brittania (2018)

Kelly Reilly Plays Kerra

Britannia (2017)

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Britannia

TV-MA

Action

Drama

Fantasy

10.0/10

Release Date

2018 – 2021-00-00

Cast

See All

Creator(s)

Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth, James Richardson

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Created by Jez and Tom Butterworth alongside James Richardson, 2018’s Britannia is a wild, genre-blending historical fantasy set during the Roman invasion of Britain. Kelly Reilly starred as Kerra, a fierce Celtic princess caught in the brutal power struggles of ancient Britain. Reilly’s commanding performance made Kerra a standout character – equal parts warrior and strategist – bringing gravitas and heart to a chaotic world filled with mysticism and betrayal.

In Britannia‘s first season, Reilly’s Kerra emerged as a fan favorite thanks to her fearless leadership and deeply human vulnerability. Sharing the screen with David Morrissey and Zoë Wanamaker, Reilly once again proved that she could headline an ambitious series with style. Though Britannia didn’t pick up major awards buzz, it became a cult hit, especially praised for Reilly’s magnetic presence. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows often see her playing tough, complicated women, and Kerra’s fight for survival in Britannia is one of her most thrilling turns yet.

7

Black Box (2014)

Kelly Reilly Plays Catherine Black

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Black Box

TV-14

Drama

Thriller

Release Date

2014 – 2014-00-00

Network

ABC

Directors

Simon Curtis

Cast

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In Black Box, a medical drama created by Amy Holden Jones, Kelly Reilly stepped into the lead role as Dr. Catherine Black, a world-famous neuroscientist hiding her bipolar disorder from the world. The show dives deep into the complexities of mental illness, with Reilly delivering a fearless, raw performance that made Catherine feel painfully real. It was a gutsy move for Reilly to lead a U.S. primetime series, and she made every second count.

Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Catherine’s brilliance, vulnerability, and struggles brought authenticity to the series, even when the show’s tone occasionally veered into melodrama. Though Black Box only lasted one season, critics praised Reilly’s performance as the show’s beating heart. Sharing scenes with Vanessa Redgrave, Reilly showcased her ability to portray inner turmoil with staggering emotional depth. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows tap into her willingness to tackle tough, messy characters, and Black Box remains one of her boldest roles.

6

Russian Dolls (2005)

Kelly Reilly Plays Wendy

Kelly Reilly in Russian Dolls

Directed by Cédric Klapisch, Russian Dolls (also known as Les Poupées Russes) is a charming, globe-trotting romantic comedy that serves as a sequel to L’Auberge Espagnole. Kelly Reilly reprised her role as Wendy, the witty and sharp-tongued Englishwoman navigating the complicated world of love and friendship. Acting alongside Romain Duris and Audrey Tautou, Reilly delivered a performance full of warmth, humor, and heartbreaking honesty.

What makes Wendy stand out is how Kelly Reilly brought a refreshing complexity to the role – never letting her become just the quirky best friend or the heartbroken ex. Her chemistry with the rest of the ensemble cast made the sprawling storylines feel deeply personal. Russian Dolls was a critical and box office success in Europe, and Reilly’s performance helped solidify her status as one of the most exciting young talents of the time. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows often feature her bringing a sharp intelligence to her roles, and her turn as Wendy is no exception.

5

10×10 (2018)

Kelly Reilly Plays Cathy Noland/Natalie-Ann Stevens

Kelly Reilly in 10x10

Directed by Suzi Ewing, 10×10 is a taut, high-stakes thriller that plays like a game of psychological chess. Kelly Reilly starred as Cathy Noland, a woman kidnapped by a mysterious man, Robert Lewis (played by Luke Evans), only for the story to reveal shocking secrets about her true identity. In a movie built almost entirely around two characters, Kelly Reilly’s chilling, layered performance kept audiences guessing until the very end.

Kelly Reilly gave Cathy a mesmerizing duality, shifting seamlessly between victim and possible villain. Her ability to maintain tension in such an intimate, claustrophobic setting showcased just how compelling she is as a performer. 10×10 might not have been a huge blockbuster, but it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves suspenseful character-driven dramas. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows highlight her talent for playing morally complex characters, and 10×10 is a brilliant example of her taking full control of the screen.

4

Flight (2012)

Kelly Reilly Plays Nicole Maggen

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Flight

R

Thriller

Drama

Release Date

November 2, 2012

Runtime

138 minutes

Director

Robert Zemeckis

Writers

John Gatins

Cast

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Robert Zemeckis’s Flight is a gripping drama about addiction, redemption, and survival, anchored by a powerhouse performance from Denzel Washington. However, alongside Washington, Kelly Reilly carved out her own unforgettable space as Nicole Maggen, a recovering heroin addict who forms a fragile bond with Washington’s broken pilot. Her performance brought soul and vulnerability to a story already heavy with emotional stakes.

Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Nicole earned her a Hollywood Film Festival Spotlight Award, and many critics singled her out for praise. Acting opposite Denzel Washington in such emotionally raw scenes could be intimidating, but Reilly matched his intensity with quiet strength and heartbreaking honesty. Flight was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and remains one of Zemeckis’s most acclaimed films. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows showcase her ability to hold her own with acting legends, and Flight is a shining example of her extraordinary talent.

3

True Detective (2015)

Kelly Reilly Plays Jordan Semyon

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True Detective

TV-MA

Drama

Mystery

Crime

ScreenRant logo

8/10

40

9.4/10

Release Date

January 12, 2014

Network

HBO Max

Showrunner

Nic Pizzolatto

Directors

Cary Fukunaga

Writers

Nic Pizzolatto

Cast

See All

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    Colin Farrell

    Ray Velcoro

Creator(s)

Issa López, Nic Pizzolatto

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The second season of HBO’s True Detective might have divided audiences, but Kelly Reilly’s performance as Jordan Semyon was a standout. Created by Nic Pizzolatto, season 2 of True Detective dove deep into corruption, trauma, and betrayal, and Reilly played the steely yet tender wife of Vince Vaughn’s Frank Semyon. Jordan wasn’t just a background character – she was a power player in her own right, with Reilly imbuing her with quiet intelligence and emotional gravity.

Appearing throughout True Detective season 2, Kelly Reilly brought a sense of tragic inevitability to Jordan’s story, making her relationship with Frank one of the season’s most compelling elements. Sharing the screen with the likes of Rachel McAdams, Colin Farrell, and Taylor Kitsch, Reilly once again proved she could thrive in complex, brooding narratives. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows often feature her playing women of hidden strength, and her turn in True Detective remains one of her most underrated achievements.

2

Eden Lake (2008)

Kelly Reilly Plays Jenny

Eden Lake Film Poster

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Eden Lake

R

Horror

Thriller

7.0/10

Release Date

September 12, 2008

Runtime

91 Minutes

Director

James Watkins

Writers

James Watkins

Cast

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Directed and written by by James Watkins, Eden Lake is a brutal survival horror from the UK that sees Kelly Reilly’s Jenny fighting for her life against a gang of violent teenagers. It’s one of the most harrowing movies in her filmography, and Reilly’s raw, gut-wrenching performance helped earn the disturbing movie a nomination for Best British Film and a win for Best Horror at the 2009 Empire Awards.

Facing relentless terror, Kelly Reilly captured Jenny’s descent from carefree optimism to primal desperation in Eden Lake with terrifying authenticity. Sharing the screen with Michael Fassbender, Reilly held her own in a film that refuses to pull punches. Eden Lake is often hailed as one of the most intense horror films of the 2000s, and much of that credit goes to Reilly’s fearless work. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows showcase her emotional bravery, and Eden Lake is a masterclass in physical and psychological endurance.

1

Yellowstone (2018-Present)

Kelly Reilly Plays Beth Dutton

Yellowstone Poster

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Yellowstone

TV-MA

Western

Drama

ScreenRant logo

7/10

432

8.9/10

Release Date

2018 – 2024-00-00

Network

Paramount

Showrunner

Taylor Sheridan

Writers

Taylor Sheridan, John Linson

Franchise(s)

Yellowstone

Cast

See All

  • Headshot Of Kevin Costner In The Premiere Of Horizon: An American Saga

    Kevin Costner

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    Finn Little

Creator(s)

Taylor Sheridan, John Linson

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Created by Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone has become a cultural phenomenon, and at the heart of it all is Kelly Reilly’s unforgettable portrayal of Beth Dutton. As the brilliant, ruthless daughter of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, Reilly has crafted one of television’s most iconic characters – equal parts ferocious, broken, and deeply loyal. Yellowstone is full of memorable presences, and while Kevin Costner was the key draw for audiences in season 1, it’s Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton who has arguably kept viewers coming back for more.

Across Yellowstone‘s multiple seasons, Kelly Reilly’s performance has earned her critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, including a nod from the Critics’ Choice Awards. She’s surrounded by a stellar cast, including Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, and Cole Hauser, but Reilly consistently dominates every scene she’s in. The best Kelly Reilly movies and TV shows often feature her at her most fearless, and Beth Dutton is the ultimate proof of her talent. With each season of Yellowstone, Reilly adds more layers to Beth, making her one of the most compelling – and unpredictable – characters on TV today.

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