What Movies Has Famke Janssen Been In?

Alright, let’s talk about What Movies Has Famke Janssen Been In? She’s one of those actresses who pops up in a movie and you immediately go, “Oh, it’s her! This is about to get interesting.” Honestly, the woman’s got some serious range — one minute she’s shooting lasers out of her eyes as Jean Grey in X-Men, next she’s crushing dudes (literally) as Xenia Onatopp in GoldenEye. And then there’s Taken, where she’s basically everyone’s worst nightmare as the mom whose daughter just can’t catch a break.

But, hey, if you think that’s all she’s got, you’re kidding yourself. She’s done thrillers, dramas, weird indie flicks… The woman does not stick to one lane. It’s like she wakes up and just spins a genre wheel and says, “Guess I’m doing a horror movie today.” You gotta respect that.

So, whether you’re Team Jean Grey, low-key rooting for Xenia just for her sheer chaos, or you’re here for some of her lesser-known stuff (seriously, try Deep Rising if you want to see her running around a cruise ship being chased by giant sea monsters), Famke’s filmography is a wild ride. Grab your popcorn, maybe a seatbelt, and go see what she’s been up to — she’s never boring, I’ll tell you that much.

GoldenEye (1995)

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen charging onto the big screen as Xenia Onatopp in “GoldenEye” – honestly, what a trip. I mean, who could forget her? That crazy mashup of danger and sex appeal? Just wild. She basically steamrolled her way through that movie (and several unlucky secret agents), making “Bond girl” seem like the world’s weakest, most boring job description. Xenia wasn’t really about subtlety—she was out there breaking necks (literally) and chewing scenery.

And for Janssen, man, that role was like rocket fuel for her career. You could tell she was having a blast, leaning all the way into that over-the-top villain energy. Kind of impossible to look away, right? Plus, Pierce Brosnan coming in fresh as 007 needed something big to play off, and there she was. Their scenes together…whew, all that smirking and those psychological cat-and-mouse games? Yeah, that’s the stuff. No wonder fans still go on about her—Xenia’s like the gold standard for Bond baddies with a truly unhinged twist.

Plus, let’s not pretend she wasn’t way more interesting than a lot of the “here’s my evil plan” guys. Xenia’s a blend of clever and brutal—just when you think you’ve got her figured out, bam, she’s got you in some ridiculous body vice. Critically, everybody seemed to dig it. The movie blew up, she got tons of props, and suddenly Hollywood was calling her name.

Look, when people talk about iconic villain performances, Janssen’s Xenia always pops up. Can’t help it—she just owned that role. Hard not to respect an actor who can pull off both high-glam and sheer, hilarious menace at the same time. Guess sometimes you just have to crush expectations…and, you know, a couple of ribs while you’re at it.

X-Men (2000)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen basically crushed it as Jean Grey in the first “X-Men” movie. Honestly, she just owned that part—telepathy, telekinesis, being the moral backbone of the group (not exactly easy when your coworkers include a dude with metal claws and a guy who can read minds). Famke’s take on Jean Grey wasn’t all big dramatic speeches and sparkling powers—she gave her, like, this low-key vibe that made you actually buy her as a genius doctor, but also someone with a boatload of empathy. You felt for her. Plus, she managed to hold her own alongside heavyweights like Hugh Jackman (everyone’s favorite grumpy Canadian), Patrick Stewart, and Ian McKellen chewing the scenery as usual.

Let’s be real, the whole superhero movie craze owes a big “thank you” to that first “X-Men” flick, and part of the reason it worked so well was Famke grounding the mayhem with actual human emotion. She had this whole push-pull thing going—Jean wants to help people, she wants to belong, but, whoops, her powers are terrifying even to her. And come on, the tension between her and Wolverine? It’s messy and awkward in a way that feels real (and sets the stage for even juicier drama later on).

Critics and fans both gave her a ton of props, and for good reason—she gave Jean Grey, a character who could’ve felt super one-dimensional, a ton of depth. Maybe that’s why, after all these years and like, a million superhero movies later, her Jean Grey still feels iconic. Famke Janssen didn’t just play a superhero, she made you care about one. Pretty cool for a mutant.

Taken (2008)

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen

Honestly, “Taken” is mostly remembered for Liam Neeson wrecking shop and delivering that iconic “particular set of skills” line, but let’s not sleep on Famke Janssen as Lenore. She’s not out there snapping necks or hijacking car chases—she’s the ex-wife, sure, but her anxiety and desperation are what turn all that violence into something that actually feels like it matters. Famke gives us the gut-punch of parental terror, not just filling space but holding down the emotional fort in a story exploding with testosterone.

You gotta admit, watching her freak out as her daughter goes missing, you start to feel it in your own stomach. It’s raw, it’s frantic, and honestly? It keeps Bryan’s whole rampage from just turning into another shoot-’em-up flick. The weirdly tender moments between her and Liam Neeson’s character—awkward ex-couple vibes and all—crank up the tension and give the movie some depth. Not gonna lie, those scenes with the two of them—awkward, pained, worried—really sell the stakes in a way all the punching and shooting never could.

“Taken” blew up way bigger than anyone saw coming (sequels galore), and Famke kept at it, bringing just enough realism and motherly freak-out to ground the whole wild ride. She’s not just wallpaper, she’s adding that layer of “oh God, what if it happened to me?” underneath the badassery. Bottom line: without her, Neeson’s rampage is just empty calories—she’s the reason the whole thing has any weight at all.

X2: X-Men United (2003)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen‘s back as Jean Grey in “X2: X-Men United,” and honestly, she just steals the damn show. You can tell right away—Jean’s not just the smart, empathetic one anymore. There’s this crackling energy around her telekinetic stuff, like she’s got a secret nuclear reactor simmering inside. That look in her eyes? Yeah, she knows it, too.

The chemistry with Wolverine? More intense than ever. Those scenes got all sorts of subtext, and you can’t help but root for (or against) them, depending which X-fan camp you’re in. Plus, in this movie, you actually feel Jean wrestling with the weight of what she’s becoming. She’s still got that sharp intelligence, sure, but now it’s mixed up with something bigger—and way scarier.

And I mean—let’s be honest—Janssen brings layers, not just vibes. You see her struggling, stepping up, and then, every so often, unleashing a hint of raw power that makes you go: “Whoa, did you see that?” “X2” gave her room to stretch out and actually show what Jean’s made of, not just as some professor’s pet project, but as a real player on the mutant field.

The sequel totally ups the ante with all that mutant persecution and acceptance stuff, and Jean’s right in the thick of it. Janssen nails that mix of empathy and, like, low-key ‘about to lose control’ energy. Fans of the comics? Most of ‘em still eat up her take on Jean. Basically, her work in “X2” teases the wild ride her character’s headed for—everybody who knows the comics is just waiting for that Dark Phoenix moment.

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen

Man, “X-Men: The Last Stand” really flipped the script for Famke Janssen as Jean Grey. She went all-in on the wild Phoenix side, and honestly, it was kinda intense. Remember how Jean started out all calm, the team’s voice of reason? Yeah, that goes flying out the window here. Suddenly she’s this unstoppable force—like, you’re not even sure if she’s gonna save everyone or tear the place apart. The shift was nuts.

Famke totally ran with it, too—one minute she’s barely holding it together, next minute, boom, it’s devastation central. You could actually feel how much she was struggling, trying not to lose herself to all that power. That showdown with Wolverine at the end hit way harder because of it. You really buy that these two had a history and it’s actually tragic, not just superhero dramatics for the sake of it. “The Last Stand” might be messy in places, but Janssen’s Phoenix is straight-up unforgettable. At this point, you can’t really picture anybody else as Jean. She made the role her own, no question.

Taken 2 (2012)

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen’s back as Lenore in “Taken 2”—yeah, that poor woman just can’t catch a break. Seriously, she and her daughter Kim can’t even go on vacation without some vengeful dude popping up to ruin the party. This time, it’s basically, “Hey, remember all those bad guys Bryan wiped out in the first movie? Well, their angry dad wants payback.” Classic action sequel logic.

But here’s the thing: Lenore’s not just sitting around waiting to be rescued anymore. Nope. She actually jumps into the chaos alongside Bryan, and let’s be real, that’s kind of awesome. She’s learning the ropes—bit of ducking, a dash of running, some mom grit. Instead of just being the damsel who screams a lot, she’s out there, helping Liam Neeson play action dad.

Famke’s performance? Way more layered this time around. It’s like you can see Lenore slowly realizing, “Oh wow, my ex-husband’s life is seriously nuts and maybe I need to get with the program or end up in another car trunk.” Her vibe with Bryan and Kim feels pretty real, all that family-in-crisis stuff, and honestly, it keeps things from going full dumb-action-movie. There are stakes, you actually care about what happens to her.

All in all, “Taken 2” cranks up the action, but Janssen gives it heart. She sells that whole transformation from scared civilian to someone who’s gonna fight (at least a little) for her family. Not a bad move for a franchise that could’ve just kept her tied to a chair the whole time.

Taken 3 (2014)

Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen slid back into the role of Lenore Mills for “Taken 3,” and honestly, the poor woman just can’t catch a break—danger keeps hunting her down like it’s got nothing better to do. This time, she’s basically the match that lights Bryan Mills’s final rampage. You can see it on her face: she’s flat-out exhausted from all the chaos, but she’s stubborn and clings to her daughter with the kind of love that makes the whole rescue-vengeance thing a lot less silly.

Janssen doesn’t just float around in the background, either. Her Lenore gets wrapped tightly into the main story, kicking off all the madness and giving Bryan a very personal reason to go full Liam Neeson mode (again). The whole time, she’s dealing with the fallout from everything that went down before, but there’s this quiet grit to her—you know she’d fight tooth and nail for her kid. Honestly, as wild and over-the-top as these movies get, Janssen’s steady presence glues the emotional mess together. Without her, it’d just be Neeson punching Europe for no reason, but thanks to her, it actually feels like family matters. So, yeah—her story wraps up here, pretty much tying the trilogy together in a way that feels, if not happy, at least like something’s come full circle.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)

Starring: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen as Muriel in “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”? Man, what a ride. She didn’t just chew the scenery, she practically devoured it and asked for seconds. There’s this wild mix she pulls off—deadly charm with a kind of fierce, boss-witch energy that makes you think, “Oh, everyone else is doomed, aren’t they?” Honestly, it looked like she was having an absolute blast with the whole fantasy chaos. You can tell she dove headfirst into the role—one minute seductive, the next minute blasting spells and glaring daggers.

Her Muriel isn’t messing around, either. She’s not your typical cackling bog witch. No, she actually shoves Hansel and Gretel (yeah, those Hansel and Gretel) through all sorts of magical mayhem, cranking the action up to an 11 every time she storms onto the screen. It’s over-the-top and totally owning it, like she read the script and thought, “You want theatrical? Hold my broomstick.”

Also, let’s be real: this movie is all about turning that old fairy tale into something nuts, and Famke’s right at the heart of it. She’s got that villain swagger down—one moment she’s spinning schemes, next she’s kicking off legit magical brawls. The movie itself might be bonkers, but Janssen gives it that extra jolt of dark, delicious fun. She really proves here she can go full wicked and still make you root for more wickedness.

The Wolverine (2013)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen snuck back in as Jean Grey for “The Wolverine,” popping up in Logan’s dreams and haunting his mind like some sort of beautiful ghost with emotional baggage. Even if she was just a vision, man, you could feel the heaviness every time she showed up—you know, that gut-punch of old love and regret lurking in the shadows. It’s like, no matter how much Logan tries running from his past, there’s Jean: a walking, talking “remember me?” just waiting to make things more complicated.

Honestly, her appearances weren’t front and center, and she probably spent more time laying around in white sheets than wielding mutant powers, but wow, did it land. Fans totally noticed. That bittersweet closure? People ate it up. Gave Logan’s story some real soul—less of the gruff lone wolf, more of a guy wrestling with heartbreak. It’s those little moments with Jean that tied his whole messy arc together. Less action, more feels, for once.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

Starring: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Famke Janssen

Oh man, seeing Famke Janssen show up again as Jean Grey in “X-Men: Days of Future Past”? Talk about goosebumps. It’s like the X-Men movies whipped up a nostalgic cocktail—mixing the OG cast with their younger selves running around, and I was so here for it.

Famke popping in, even if it wasn’t a huge part, felt like meeting up with an old friend at a reunion. She and the rest of the original crew—yeah, even the background cameos—were basically the glue holding the whole wild timelines mashup together. Honestly, this movie could’ve been a total trainwreck if they didn’t sneak in those old faces to bridge things. But seeing Jean Grey again just made it hit way harder how much history these characters have. You could really feel the stakes, you know?

Also, Wolverine running around trying to fix everybody’s mess—classic—but it wouldn’t hit the same without those flashes of Jean and the rest reminding you why you cared in the first place. That continuity, that sense that all these crazy stunts actually mean something because, hey, these characters go way back with us? Gold.

Long story short, Famke showing up = instant upgrade in emotional weight. The flick might’ve been packed with mutants and time-travel shenanigans, but her return was the heartstring-tugger longtime fans wanted. It’s like, yeah, the X-Men have been through hell, but at least they’re still together—for now, anyway.

House on Haunted Hill (1999)

Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen, Taye Diggs

Let’s be real: in the “House on Haunted Hill” remake, Famke Janssen basically ran the show as Evelyn Price. Yeah, sure, Geoffrey Rush struts around all millionaire-dark-and-twisty as Stephen Price, but Janssen? She’s the perfect mix of dangerous and magnetic. Evelyn’s not just some boring party planner. She’s got the whole “let’s throw a sleepover in a haunted nuthouse” thing going, waving a fat stack of cash to anyone who survives the night. Totally normal behavior, right?

Janssen just chews through the role. She’s smart, cold, kinda hilarious in that “I absolutely don’t trust you” sort of way. Evelyn’s got more layers than a birthday trifle—scheming, bitter, eye-rolling at her husband every other scene. You almost forget there are actual ghosts in the movie, ‘cause she brings enough drama to fill the asylum. It’s not your standard damsel routine, and thank god for that. She makes you wonder who the real monster is—her or the house? Honestly, “complicated” barely covers it. There’s shade, so much attitude, and every time Evelyn’s on screen, you can feel the other characters tense up. That’s how you know it’s working.

Deep Rising (1998)

Starring: Treat Williams, Famke Janssen, Anthony Heald

Alright, so in “Deep Rising,” Famke Janssen jumps in as Trillian St. James—a thief with more brains and wit than your average damsel in distress. Honestly, she’s not messing around on that fancy cruise ship, which, in classic ’90s monster-movie style, basically turns into a buffet for some gruesome sea beast.

Famke nails the whole ‘I’m-in-over-my-head-but-I’ve-got-this’ vibe. She’s clever, scrappy, and honestly, doesn’t waste time waiting to be rescued. Instead, she teams up with Treat Williams (and, let’s be real, some real sketchy mercenaries), handling the insane chaos like she’s done this before.

If you’re expecting her to just shriek and run, forget it. Trillian brings a mix of sass and smarts—she’s got survival instincts that actually feel believable for once, instead of the usual “Oh no, I tripped while running away from the monster!” trope. Plus, her back-and-forth with the rest of the cast, especially Treat’s character, delivers that sweet combo of reluctant teamwork and gallows humor. Definitely gives the film a pulse.

Bottom line? Trillian stands out. She’s not just monster bait—she holds her own, lifts the suspense, and makes the carnage a little more fun to watch. Famke didn’t just survive the movie…she kinda stole the show.

The Faculty (1998)

Starring: Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen in “The Faculty”—now there’s a classic ‘90s throwback. She starts off as your run-of-the-mill English teacher, the kind who probably gives too much homework but actually seems to care. Then, boom, things get all weird and you’re not sure if she’s handing out poetry assignments or plotting to body-snatch you. Watching her switch from nurturing to… let’s call it “mildly menacing” was half the fun.

The whole vibe of her character is this: maybe she’s just stressed, maybe she’s hosting an alien parasite. Who knows? That’s the beauty of it. Famke keeps you guessing with this subtly creepy energy. You can practically see the students doing math in their heads every time she shows up—is she on our side, or is she about to turn us into pod people? Honestly, she nailed that unsettling, could-snap-at-any-moment vibe. It makes you start side-eyeing your own teachers. Or was that just me? Anyway, she really cranked up the paranoia and tension, making the flick way more fun for anyone who loves a good, campy high school horror.

Rounders (1998)

Starring: Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Turturro, Famke Janssen

Oh man, this is all kinds of mixed up. So first off, in “Rounders,” Famke Janssen plays Petra, but she’s definitely not Mike’s girlfriend—she runs a poker club and has this… I dunno, kind of flirty, shady friendship with Mike. Mike’s actual girlfriend is Gretchen Mol’s character, and she is the one who’s all “no more poker, please!” Petra’s just, like, orbiting the story in her own cool way.

Janssen’s Petra brings this laid-back, almost dangerous energy to the film. She’s no emotional anchor—she’s more of a wild card, honestly. Someone you’d want on your side for a midnight poker hustle, not someone you’d settle down for brunch with. There’s always this feeling that she gets the darkness and madness of poker, almost like she’s cheering it on from the sidelines. Every scene she’s in, you get these little sparks that kick up the tension, and maybe she kind of represents what keeps pulling Mike back—excitement, risk, freedom. So yeah, Famke’s character doesn’t exactly offer stability, but she adds some real spicy flair to the drama. The movie wouldn’t be the same without her hint of danger, that’s for sure.

Lord of Illusions (1995)

Starring: Scott Bakula, Famke Janssen, Kevin J. O’Connor

Famke Janssen totally owned it as Dorothea Swann in “Lord of Illusions.” Seriously, she waltzed right into this messed-up world of dark magic and secrets as the widow of some legendary illusionist, and suddenly you’ve got Scott Bakula chasing shadows and asking way too many questions. If you’re expecting a cardboard damsel, forget it—Famke did mysterious and seductive so well you almost suspect she’s got her own tricks up her sleeve.

Her vibe? All sultry glances and “maybe I’m innocent, maybe I’ll stab you in your sleep,” you know? I found myself actually rooting for her even when the supernatural mayhem started ramping up. She does vulnerable, sure, but there’s this steeliness underneath—like she’s seen things you’d run from. Every scene with Harry D’Amour gets this tense, electric charge, like you’re waiting for something to explode. Honestly, she’s the reason half the plot even works. Take her out, and the puzzle just falls apart. And yeah, she basically steals every moment she’s in. Mystique for days.

I Spy (2002)

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Owen Wilson, Famke Janssen

Man, remember “I Spy”? Famke Janssen absolutely owned it as Special Agent Rachel Wright. She’s basically the only adult in a room full of class clowns—Owen Wilson bumbling his way through spy work, and Eddie Murphy cracking jokes every second. Famke’s playing it cool (well, as cool as you can when you’re surrounded by chaos), rolling her eyes so hard you can practically hear them. She’s all business—sharp, serious, and just barely holding it together—but you can tell she secretly wants to lose it at these goofballs.

Honestly, it’s wild how she manages to pull off those action scenes while also playing the straight-faced foil to Murphy and Wilson, who are clearly just riffing half the time. That whole slick, competent energy she brings? It totally keeps the movie from spinning off the rails. If anyone ever says women in action comedies are just set dressing, point them to Famke in this film. She’s running the show—while also probably thinking, “Why am I the only one with a clue here?” Iconic stuff.

Don’t Say a Word (2001)

Starring: Michael Douglas, Brittany Murphy, Famke Janssen

Alright, here’s what actually happened in “Don’t Say a Word”: Famke Janssen rolled up as Elisabeth Burrows, basically the kind of character who’s seen way too much and has the scars to prove it. She’s not just some random sidekick—she’s a legit force of nature, still dealing with old wounds while stuck in this totally bonkers jewel-heist situation. Michael Douglas plays the psychiatrist, doing his best frazzled-dad routine while Janssen’s character keeps the suspense turned up to eleven. You could cut the tension between them with a butter knife.

I mean, Famke isn’t just playing Elisabeth—she’s seriously *being* Elisabeth. She comes off desperate, fierce, totally unpredictable, and you get the sense she’d walk through fire to get what she wants. Honestly, the best parts of the movie are just watching her and Douglas circle each other, both kind of dangerous, both kind of desperate—like two alley cats that might kiss or kill each other, depending on how the wind blows. You’re never really sure what she’ll do next, which is kind of awesome and totally nerve-wracking.

Hide and Seek (2005)

Starring: Robert De Niro, Dakota Fanning, Famke Janssen

Oh man, Famke Janssen in “Hide and Seek” really nailed that whole “I’m a grounded psychologist but whoa, this family’s got issues” vibe. She walks in all calm and professional, trying to untangle the mess with De Niro’s freaked-out widower and Dakota Fanning, who’s basically got the world’s creepiest imaginary friend. At first, she’s got her “I’ve seen it all” poker face but then—yikes—her guard drops when things go from “awkward therapy chat” to “wait, is this kid’s friend even real?”

Janssen doesn’t just sit there and let the plot happen to her. She’s the audience’s sanity check. Like, we’re all thinking, “Is everyone else seeing this?” as she tries to piece together what’s real and what’s just bonkers. The way she bounces off De Niro, you can almost smell the tension—trauma, grief, denial, all rolled into a big messy ball. She starts off all logical and ends up basically clutching her pearls. Love it.

The Postcard Killings (2020)

Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Famke Janssen, Cush Jumbo

So, Famke Janssen jumps in as Valerie Kanon in “The Postcard Killings,” and honestly? She does not take the backseat. Valerie’s this grieving, angry mom—more than just a plot device standing in the shadow of her ex (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, because of course). You can feel the heartbreak oozing out of her every move, but she’s not just there falling apart. Nope, she’s right in the thick of the chase, jetting around Europe to hunt down whoever murdered their daughter. Kinda badass, actually.

Famke brings this vibe that’s half shatter-on-the-floor devastation, and half steel-eyed “I will eat nails for breakfast if it gets me answers.” She and Morgan have this messy, complicated chemistry, like exes who’d rather punch walls than hug it out, but still somehow glue the whole movie together. Look, the film leans hard on that bond—the “even-if-I-hate-you-we’re-in-this-together” agony—so without her, it’d just be another forgettable cop chase with sad dads. She’s the emotional gasoline here, sparking all the best scenes.

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Primal (2019)

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Famke Janssen, Kevin Durand

Famke Janssen as Dr. Ellen Taylor in “Primal”? Oh man, talk about being thrown into the deep end. She’s not your typical action-movie doc—picture a Navy physician who seriously has to keep her cool while stuck on a ship with a cagey hunter, some nightmare-level animals, and, just for kicks, a political assassin doing rounds. Wild, right?

Honestly, what makes Janssen’s take on Dr. Taylor so good isn’t just that she knows her way around scalpels and Navy protocol. It’s that you actually buy her as someone who’s holding it together (barely, sometimes) with chaos literally snapping at her heels. She’s smart, obviously—the film doesn’t let you forget that—but she’s also got guts, scrambling to patch up wounds or outwit whichever threat comes tumbling down the hall next. You get the sense she’d rather be anywhere else, but she powers through, making her the low-key MVP keeping everyone alive while the action blows up around her. It’s classic Janssen—brains, grit, and just the right hint of “can you please stop getting attacked by leopards for two seconds?”

Dangerous (2021)

Starring: Scott Eastwood, Tyrese Gibson, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen kicks butt as Agent Shaughnessy in “Dangerous.” Honestly, the FBI should be taking notes from her. She’s got that whole “don’t mess with me” vibe, chasing down Scott Eastwood’s troubled character who just can’t seem to catch a break (because of course the universe threw him into a conspiracy the second he got out of prison).

Watching her try to untangle this whole wild mess? It’s intense. She’s that sharp, unflappable investigator who rolls her eyes at nonsense but won’t let go until she’s nailed the truth. It’s less about dramatic speeches and more about determined glares and just plowing straight through the chaos. Janssen nails that sense of authority—like yeah, you kinda want her on your side if the world is falling apart.

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The Vault (2021)

Starring: Freddie Highmore, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Sam Riley, Famke Janssen

Alright, so, in “The Vault” (or “Way Down”—because Hollywood just can’t pick one title), you’ve got Famke Janssen rolling in as Margaret, one of the brains in the gang trying to jack the Bank of Spain. And get this: they’re pulling this off right in the middle of the 2010 World Cup final, like no one’s gonna notice? Classic movie logic.

Famke’s Margaret isn’t just chilling in the background, either. She brings some real edge to the crew—basically, that “I’ve-seen-some-stuff” vibe you need in a proper heist. She’s not stealing the whole spotlight, but you can bet whatever trickery they’re up to, Margaret’s probably the one who’s already five steps ahead, sipping espresso while everyone else is sweating over blueprints.

Honestly, she gives the role just enough sneaky charm and badass energy to make the team believable. Who else is gonna keep all those euro nerds in line while chaos explodes outside over some soccer match? You gotta love the timing—using the World Cup as a smokescreen. Only in the movies, right?

Redeeming Love (2022)

Starring: Abigail Cowen, Tom Lewis, Famke Janssen

Alright, let’s get real for a second—Famke Janssen as Mae in “Redeeming Love”? She basically stomps into that Gold Rush drama with enough attitude and grit to make you rethink every old-school Western film you’ve seen. She’s the madam, which, I mean, power move, right? But it’s not all swagger and sharp comebacks; you can tell she’s carrying a boatload of baggage. Life’s roughed her up a bit, and it shows, not just in the way she talks but in all those little glances and micro-expressions—classic Janssen style.

Mae isn’t just some background character whose only job is to be “the tough lady with secrets.” Nope. She’s got her fingers in plenty of pies, trying to hold things together in a town where everybody’s got a price, and trust is, uh, not exactly the currency of choice. Interacting with the rest of the cast, you get that push-pull—her trying to protect herself but also, weirdly, kinda rooting for some redemption, maybe even for herself. Under all that bravado, she’s just trying to survive and maybe find a sliver of hope, which, let’s be honest, is pretty relatable anywhere, Gold Rush-era or not.

Locked In (2023)

Starring: Finn Cole, Lena Headey, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen shows up as Dr. Allsworthy in “Locked In,” and honestly, you can tell right off the bat she’s going to stir the pot. The whole thing kicks off with a woman waking up (classic thriller move) literally next to her dead husband, zero clue what went down. Enter Dr. Allsworthy—sort of your resident mind-sifter—probably poking into all the messy, confusing corners of memory loss and guilt trips.

Not gonna lie, Janssen has that vibe, ya know? She’s not just there for background noise—she’s the type who pulls the strings, or at least helps peel back what’s real and what’s all in our unlucky leading lady’s head. Wouldn’t be shocked if half the suspense rides on whether you can even trust Dr. Allsworthy. And with Janssen in that role, you’ve got someone who can crank up the tension just by arching an eyebrow. It’s all pretty deliciously nerve-wracking, if that’s your thing.

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Boy Kills World (2023)

Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Jessica Rothe, Michelle Yeoh, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen as Hilda Van Der Koy? Oh, she’s absolutely chewing up the scenery in “Boy Kills World.” Seriously, you drop Janssen in a flick like this, you know she’s not playing some background extra sipping coffee. She’s power, menace, the whole deal—probably the kind of villain who strolls through chaos without spilling her wine.

The film itself is wild: dude loses his family, runs into the jungle, and gets some seriously messed-up life advice from a shaman—basically, “forget your innocence, become a walking weapon.” So, naturally, Hilda’s smack dab in the middle of that whirling mess, pulling strings or cracking skulls (or both?). I mean, who else is gonna stand toe-to-toe with a vengeance-obsessed silent assassin?

If you’re expecting Janssen to be a shrinking violet, think again. She’s either orchestrating the madness or at least giving the protagonist about ten new reasons to go on his bonkers revenge spree. Classic dystopian chaos, but with that Famke twist.

Knights of the Zodiac (2023)

Starring: Mackenyu, Madison Iseman, Sean Bean, Famke Janssen

Famke Janssen showed up as Guraad in “Knights of the Zodiac,” which, by the way, riffs off that old-school manga. Honestly, I wouldn’t call her your average, run-of-the-mill character—she’s either plotting world domination or tossing out cryptic advice, supervillain or wizardly mentor-style. You know how these things go.

The movie itself? Follows this scrappy street kid who gets drafted by some cosmic warrior order (basically, knights with more glitter and drama). Janssen, as Guraad, totally commands the screen—either throwing serious shade as the main baddie or, who knows, maybe dropping wisdom bombs when things get too weird. In any case, she’s one of those characters you can’t just ignore. Big magical energy, strong attitude, and probably a few secrets up her sleeve. That’s Guraad for you.

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Blackout (2024)

Starring: Josh Duhamel, Abbie Cornish, Nick Nolte, Famke Janssen

Alright, here’s the real talk:

Famke Janssen jumps in as DEA Agent Monroe in “Blackout”—yeah, she’s the one in the suit with the don’t-mess-with-me vibe. So there’s this guy, right? Dude wakes up in a hospital, total memory wipe, zero clue who he is, but guess what? The cartel and some seriously shady cops are all hot on his trail. Honestly, Monroe could swing either way—maybe she’s got his back, or maybe she’s got her own twisted agenda. Who knows?

Janssen almost always brings this no-nonsense intensity to her roles, so you can bet Monroe’s not just sitting on the sidelines. She’s in the middle of the whole chaotic mess, digging for answers, probably giving the lead dude whiplash with her rapid-fire questions. Whether she ends up friend or foe… yeah, that’s half the fun of watching. Basically, she’s the kind of character who knows more than she lets on and is probably two steps ahead of everyone. Good luck keeping up with her.

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Long Gone Heroes (2022)

Starring: Ben Kingsley, Guy Pearce, James Floyd, Famke Janssen

Alright, just to cut to the chase: Famke Janssen dives into the role of Pa Quinn in “Long Gone Heroes.” And, man, she’s not just wallpaper in the background—her character’s got some real weight. The movie’s all about this ex-Special Forces guy who gets yanked out of whatever semi-peaceful life he’s attempted to cobble together because his protégé lands in a pile of trouble—framed for murder, no less. Nobody said walking away was easy.

So, Pa Quinn—yeah, sounds like she’s either holding some keys to the story or probably knows where all the bodies are buried. Could be someone the main guy trusts (as much as anyone ever trusts anyone in these movies), or maybe she’s running her own secret side hustle. In a world stacked wall-to-wall with lies and double-crosses, you bet she’s either got his back or a knife aimed squarely at it. That’s the vibe. Plus, let’s be real—Famke doesn’t really do “forgettable” characters, so expect some sparks.

The частное пионерское. Фильм второй. Обратная сторона (2013)

Starring: Semyon Treskunov, Yegor Klinaev, Anfisa Vistingauzen, Famke Janssen

So, Famke Janssen popped up in this Russian kids’ adventure flick—“Частное пионерское. Фильм второй. Обратная сторона” (yeah, try saying that three times fast). Kind of wild, right? She’s mostly known for kicking butt in Hollywood, so seeing her in a movie for younger Russian audiences? Didn’t see that coming.

Honestly, not much out there in English about what she actually does in the film—she could be the world’s coolest school principal or maybe a mysterious neighbor with a dark secret (classic Famke, honestly). But her showing up at all screams that she’s not afraid to try new stuff, even if it means tossing herself into a totally different culture’s idea of what counts as childhood adventure.

This isn’t your typical Hollywood action vibe—it’s a whole different scene. For Famke, that probably meant dialing things way back, maybe even flexing some acting muscles we don’t usually see. It’s sort of refreshing, honestly. Makes you think maybe more big-name stars should jump into international kids’ movies just for the weird, fun of it.

The Show (2017)

Starring: James Franco, Josh Peck, Zoe Levin, Famke Janssen

Okay, so let’s talk about Famke Janssen in “The Show.” She’s playing this character, Mason, who’s smack in the middle of all this reality TV madness. The whole movie kind of messes with your head — you’re never really sure where the “show” ends and actual reality begins. It’s all very meta. Frankly, Mason is right at the core of this wild circus.

Famke’s bringing that perfect, almost too-perfect reality TV vibe. You know, the kind where you can’t tell if she’s genuinely losing it or if she’s playing it up for the cameras—classic reality trash, except turned up to eleven. The way she kind of swims through this disaster showcases exactly how fake and over-the-top these shows can get. You’re sitting there thinking, “Wait… was that scripted?” Spoiler: probably, but also, does it matter? The show’s clearly out to roast the whole fame machine and how far folks (network execs especially) will go to squeeze drama out of people’s actual lives.

So yeah, Mason’s scenes pretty much nail this commentary—she’s the puppet and the puppet-master, stuck in the middle of all this manipulation and, dare I say, exploitation. Add in Janssen’s trademark ice-cool delivery and, honestly, you’ve got a character that’s both hilarious and a little uncomfortable. Reality TV, but make it existential.

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Horror movies have thrilled audiences for generations, but what are the top 10 scariest movies of all time? From classic supernatural tales to modern psychological thrillers, this list will send shivers down your spine. If you enjoy horror content, don’t miss our Top 15 Horror Movies of the Decade and our Guide to Underrated Horror Films. Many of the titles featured here, like The Exorcist and Hereditary, are frequently discussed in horror communities and have earned critical acclaim. To learn more about the genre’s history, check out the Wikipedia page on horror films.

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Index of  What Movies Has Famke Janssen Been In?