Veering away from the alluring yet perplexing facets of fame, the annals of film history are filled with actors who have maintained a low profile despite navigating the mainstream cinema landscape. Demi Moore, born in Roswell, New Mexico, and nurtured in the urban milieu of the South-Central states, is one such figure. This celebrated actress has a story that belies the glamorous facade of Hollywood. Despite a tumultuous early life, she clawed her way to the top. Her acting journey began with a teenage stint on daytime TV, a surprising springboard for a young woman who was briefly married to musician Freddy Moore at just 18.
After appearing on shows like “General Hospital” from 1982 to 1983, Demi Moore landed breakout roles in the romantic comedies “Blame It on Rio” (1984) and “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985). By the 1990s, Moore had become a household name, particularly after her acclaimed role in “Choices” (1990), which was a defining genre film of that year. She continued to make diverse choices, earning a nomination for Best Villain at the MTV Film Awards for her captivating performance in “Disclosure” (1995).
Demi Moore, a star always in the spotlight, rose to fame not just for her captivating looks but also for her bold role selections. Her career saw a downturn after relocating to Idaho to focus on her family, a move the media wrongly attributed to her separation from Bruce Willis. Despite this, Moore’s tenacity and her intriguing persona have kept her in the limelight, ensuring her career never faded into obscurity. Her recent film, “The Substance,” marks a significant comeback, garnering praise at the Cannes Film Festival, including the Best Screenplay award. Following is a list of her five highest-rated films based on the critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. A Few Good Men (1992) | Rating- 84%
Rob Reiner’s dialogue-intensive mainstream legal drama, based on Aaron Sorkin’s 1989 play of the same name, chronicles the court-martial of two US Marines accused of murdering a fellow Marine and the trials and tribulations their lawyers face while preparing for the case. Although the film adheres to the typical structure of a patriotic drama, it executes this adeptly and examines the system so incisively that it avoids becoming overly manipulative or succumbing to exaggerated drama. The performances, featuring Tom Cruise’s flamboyant, nostalgia-evoking charm and Jack Nicholson’s reliable presence, render this film a classic of its time, earning nominations for four Oscars, including Best Picture.
In the movie, Demi Moore portrays Lt. Commander Joanne Galloway, a tenacious and resolute Navy attorney who plays a pivotal role in revealing the truth behind the contentious court-martial. Roger Ebert described her performance as “attractive and determined,” appreciating the efforts she lends to teach the character of Tom Cruise the seriousness of his job. The dynamic between her character and that of Cruise was appreciated, the chemistry between them shining through the Hollywood conventions. The critical consensus mentions, “An old-fashioned courtroom drama with a contemporary edge, “A Few Good Men” succeeds on the strength of its stars, with Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, and especially Jack Nicholson delivering powerful performances that more than compensate for the predictable plot.“
4. Margin Call (2011) | Rating- 87%
JC Chandor’s “Margin Call” is a thrilling narrative centered on pivotal figures within an investment bank during a 24-hour window at the onset of the financial crisis. This taut and engagingly crafted piece of commercial filmmaking garnered numerous accolades for its sharp, engaging script—penned by Chandor himself—which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film’s dramatic tension is bolstered by its stellar ensemble cast, featuring Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany, and Simon Baker. Additionally, “Margin Call” achieved significant success on DVD and Blu-Ray platforms.
In the film, Moore portrays Sarah Robertson, the chief risk officer and the sole female executive at the investment firm, grappling with the onset of the impending crisis. Being part of a film replete with powerful performances, her portrayal is distinguished as part of the ensemble. Yet, her composed and sharp presence has been recognized for its distinction as she adeptly navigates the stakes of being the only woman in a high-stakes environment burdened with heavy responsibilities. The critical consensus for the film says, “Smart, tightly wound, and solidly acted, Margin Call turns the convoluted financial meltdown of ’08 into gripping, thought-provoking drama.”
3. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) | Rating- 87%
Directed and co-written by Tom Gormican with assistance from Kevin Etten, “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent” stands as a meta-entertainment piece in the most original and inventive sense. This action-comedy stars Nicolas Cage, who plays a version of himself as Nick Cage, and delves into the celebrity-fan dynamic with stylistic nods to its lead actor and a celebration of his work. The film’s sharp and inspired humor, which received critical acclaim after its premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival, is a major highlight. However, its meta aspect was somewhat elusive for audiences already captivated by the multiverse concept in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” resulting in a less favorable box office performance.
In the film, Demi Moore appears in a cameo, playing a fictionalized version of herself. Her elegance and persona, coupled with a knowing self-awareness, ensure that her presence enhances the film’s central theme and its overtly exuberant tone. Her role as Cage’s wife on screen allows the script, and consequently the audience, to indulge in the charming nostalgia of seeing a duo once celebrated for their influential film roles and dominant ’90s presence, however cheesy it may seem.. The critical consensus reads, “Smart, funny, and wildly creative, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent presents Nicolas Cage in peak gonzo form — and he’s matched by Pedro Pascal’s scene-stealing performance.
2. If These Walls Could Talk (1996) | Rating- 88%
“If These Walls Could Talk” is an engaging HBO anthology television film. Directed by Nancy Savoca and featuring the iconic American singer Cher, who directs and stars in the third story, the film powerfully portrays the struggles of three women dealing with abortion. As a significant cultural artifact from the era before Roe vs. Wade, it garnered attention at its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, becoming HBO’s highest-rated TV film and winning three Golden Globes and four Emmy Awards.
The opening segment focuses on Claire Donnelly, a widowed nurse from suburban Chicago grappling with an unplanned pregnancy. The character’s depiction and narrative are exceptional, offering a pioneering perspective on the challenges women faced regarding issues like abortion in the 1950s. Although the segment is disturbing because of its graphic nature, the profound effect and lasting impression stem from Demi Moore’s poignant performance as Claire Donnelly.
1. The Substance (2024) | Rating- 91%
For an actress with as varied a career as Demi Moore, it seems fitting that her most critically acclaimed film and performance would emerge at this later stage in a compelling film that is very much a product of its time. Directed by the skilled genre filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance” is a feminist body horror film characterized by such raw allure and exquisite violence that it commands attention for the sheer scale and depth of talent on display. David Ehrlich of IndieWire described “The Substance” as the “most sickly entertaining theatrical experience of the year,” and it also clinched the Best Screenplay award at Cannes this year.
The movie features Demi as Elisabeth Sparkle, a middle-aged fitness influencer who is expelled from her fitness empire and resorts to a mysterious remedy known as “The Substance” for rejuvenation. Her portrayal is emotionally complex and perfectly aligns with the film’s raw and visceral rhythms. In fact, Demi Moore’s electrifying performance at the festival has turned heads. She embodies a powerful force for aspiring directors seeking an extraordinary lead female actor who celebrates aging with undeniable charisma.
