Hilary Swank Filmography: From Karate Kid to Oscar Gold

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Hilary Swank Filmography

Hilary Swank’s career journey is captivating in its own right. Beginning in Nebraska and moving on to Hollywood red carpets, Swank has consistently broken boundaries and provided powerful performances across various genres. She has earned two Academy Awards and multiple accolades over her lengthy filmography – making her one of the leading names in entertainment today. Let’s delve into her journey, exploring some of her essential films that helped define her path while showing her diversity as an actress.

Movie TitleRelease DateCastBudget (USD Million)Box Office (USD Million)
Buffy the Vampire SlayerApr 10, 1992Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, Luke Perry, Hilary Swank616.6
Quiet Days in HollywoodApr 16, 1992Chad Lowe, Hilary Swank, Laura LeightonNoneNone
The Next Karate KidSep 9, 1994Pat Morita, Hilary Swank, Michael Ironside55.4
Cries Unheard: The Donna Yaklich StoryOct 23, 1994Jaclyn Smith, Hilary Swank, Richard Yniguez
KounterfeitMar 3, 1996Bruce Payne, Hilary Swank, Xander Berkeley
Terror in the FamilyJan 25, 1996Hilary Swank, Michael Madsen, Melinda Dillon
All Night LongJan 24, 1997Hilary Swank, Deon Richmond, Alex McArthur
Time and TideNov 9, 1997Francis Fisher, Hilary Swank, Mary McDonnell
Boys Don’t CryDec 25, 1999Hilary Swank (Brandon Teena), Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard26
The Affair of the NecklaceOct 20, 2001Claire Danes, Hilary Swank, Adrien Brody5038.1
InsomniaApr 26, 2002Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank46115.8
11:14Jan 17, 2003Hilary Swank, Patrick Swayze, Christopher Eccleston2254.9
Red DustMay 9, 2003Chiwetel Ejiofor, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman2540.5
Million Dollar BabyDec 10, 2004Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman30216.8
FataleOct 20, 2006Rebecca Miller, Hilary Swank, Antonio Banderas88.5
Freedom WritersJan 5, 2007Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Glenn3593.3
P.S. I Love YouDec 21, 2007Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, Kathy Bates50156.9
The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonDec 25, 2008Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Elle Fanning, Hilary Swank150338.6
New Year’s EveDec 31, 2011Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Hilary Swank5055.4
The ApparitionAug 24, 2012Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan, Hilary Swank1411.7
You’re Not YouOct 10, 2014Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Toni Collette, Hilary Swank123.8
The HomesmanNov 28, 2014Hilary Swank, Tommy Lee Jones, Meryl Streep, John Voigt123.8
Walking on SunshineSep 26, 2014Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Isla Fisher, Hilary Swank3046.2
Mary ShelleyMay 25, 2018Elle Fanning, Maisie Williams, Douglas Booth, Hilary Swank102.4
I Am MotherJun 7, 2019Rose Byrne, Clara Rugaard, Luke Hawker, Hilary Swank5.9
Hilary Swank Films in Chronological Order
Hilary Swank Filmography

In detail about Hilary Swank Filmography:

Early Days and the Breakthrough

Swank made her mark early on through television roles like those seen on “Camp Wilder” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.” In 1992, she made her film debut with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” but it was her powerful portrayal of Brandon Teena in “Boys Don’t Cry” (1999) that truly propelled her career forward and earned her one of her two Academy Awards (Oscar). This powerful performance proved that Swank could enact emotionally complex characters authentically while handling sensitive topics effectively.

Championing Real-Life Heroes

Swank made her mark as an actress by portraying inspiring individuals based on true stories. In “Erin Brockovich” (2000), Swank gave life to an unforgettable portrayal of a determined single mother taking on powerful corporations for justice, winning another Academy Award. Later, in “Iron Jawed Angels”, she gave voice to Alice Paul from Suffragette Nation, who advocated for women’s right to vote – these roles further established Swank as someone able to portray strength, resilience, and a fierce fight for justice – making her iconic.

Expanding Her Horizons

Swank can take on challenging roles, such as Lily Sparks in “Amelia”, and showed her versatility by branching into different genres. For instance, “The Black Dahlia” (2006) gave audiences an intimate glimpse of Swank’s darker side, while “P.S. I Love You” (2007) allowed her to express tenderness and vulnerability. Swank kept audiences entertained while showing that she excelled beyond typecasting.

Taking the Lead

Swank was not limited to acting, however. She expanded into producing with films like “Amelia” (2001) and “Conviction” (2010) as well as “You’re Not You” (2014), giving her more creative control and championing stories she believed in. Furthermore, Swank has taken on diverse roles, such as playing an emotionally disturbed lawyer in “The Resident” (2011) or leading a wagon train through “The Homesman” (2014) – showing she wasn’t afraid to challenge herself physically and emotionally.

Recent Ventures and Looking Ahead

Swank has recently been exploring various platforms. She can be seen in films like “Logan Lucky” (2017) and the thriller “The Hunt” (2020), where she showcased both comedic timing and action skills. On television, Swank appeared in miniseries such as “Trust” (2018) and the space drama “Away” (2020). She recently became known for playing investigative journalist Eileen Fitzgerald on Alaska Daily (2022-present).

More Than Just Awards

Although Swank’s awards showcase her extraordinary talent, her impact reaches far beyond them. As an advocate for various social causes-environmental concerns, LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare among them-she uses her platform to spread awareness. Audiences appreciate Swank’s genuineness and her dedication to social justice, which add a whole new element to her already impressive career.

Concluding Thoughts

Hilary Swank’s filmography is a testament to her dedication, versatility, and willingness to take risks. She consistently delivers captivating performances that stay with audiences long after the credits roll, which bodes well for Swank as she navigates diverse roles and platforms with ease and charisma. We can expect her journey to continue pushing boundaries while charming audiences with her talents and unyielding spirit.

Did Hilary Swank really bulk up like that for Million Dollar Baby?

You betcha! Swank famously gained 19 pounds of muscle for her role as Maggie Fitzgerald, the determined boxer. Her dedication even led to injuries, showcasing her commitment to authenticity.

Wait, is that really her singing in Boys Don’t Cry?

Believe it or not, the powerful vocals of Brandon Teena, the transgender teen Swank portrayed, belong to her! She underwent vocal training to capture the character’s essence, adding another layer to her transformative performance.

What’s the shocking secret behind her iconic Million Dollar Baby ending?

SPOILER ALERT! The final scene, where Maggie seemingly whispers something to Frankie, has sparked endless fan theories. Swank herself has remained tight-lipped, fueling the mystery and solidifying the film’s emotional impact.

From Karate Kid to Oscar gold: Did Hilary Swank actually know karate?

While she didn’t have a black belt before filming, Swank underwent rigorous training to convincingly portray Julie Pierce in The Next Karate Kid. Her dedication and athleticism shone through, making the fight scenes believable and thrilling.

Is it true that Hilary Swank almost turned down Erin Brockovich?

Almost! Swank initially hesitated due to the character’s strong language and potentially unlikable nature. Thankfully, she embraced the challenge, delivering an Oscar-winning performance that cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with.

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