Films

Mila Kunis Turns 42: 10 Movies That Showcase Her Talent

From her early days as a teen star to her later roles in dramatic films and her work as a producer, Mila Kunis has forged a career that is as versatile as it is successful

Mila Kunis attends Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
© (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)Mila Kunis attends Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Born Milena Markovna Kunis in Soviet Ukraine, she immigrated to the United States as a child and quickly found her footing in the industry, evolving into a versatile talent with a knack for both sharp comedy and intense drama.

Mila Kunis is married to Ashton Kutcher, and they have two kids. Together, they make one of the most enduring couples in Hollywood.

Her big screen debut was in 1995 in the film Piranha. Mila Kunis had her breakout as the fast-talking, fashion-obsessed Jackie Burkhart on the hit sitcom That ’70s Show. Lying about her age at the time to land the role, she went on to star in all eight seasons of the show from 1998 to 2006. After that she made a deliberate shift to film, showcasing her versatility.

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Films Featuring Mila Kunis

Friends With Benefits (2011)

2011 – Sony Pictures

2011 – Sony Pictures

Mila Kunis plays Jamie Rellis, a New York headhunter who is sharp, witty, and emotionally guarded. She meets Justin Timberlake’s character and forms a friendship that includes a no-strings-attached se*ual relationship. However, as they spend more time together, genuine emotions begin to surface, challenging the terms of their original agreement.

Ted (2012)

2012 – Universal Pictures / IMDb

2012 – Universal Pictures / IMDb

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Mila Kunis plays Lori Collins, the grounded, ambitious girlfriend of a man whose best friend is a living, foul-mouthed teddy bear. In a film packed with absurd humor and fantasy, Kunis provides the emotional anchor.

Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)

IMDb

IMDb

In a darker turn, Mila Kunis stars as Ani FaNelli, a successful writer hiding a traumatic past that resurfaces when a documentary forces her to confront long-buried truths. Kunis delivers one of her most layered performances, capturing Ani’s polished exterior and the pain simmering beneath it.

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Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

IMDb / 2008 – Universal Pictures

IMDb / 2008 – Universal Pictures

In this romantic comedy, Mila Kunis plays Rachel Jansen, a hotel concierge in Hawaii who helps a heartbroken guest recover after a messy breakup. When Peter (Jason Segel) arrives at the resort to “escape” his ex-girlfriend—only to find her vacationing there with her new boyfriend—Rachel offers him both emotional support and unexpected connection.

Four Good Days (2020)

IMDb

IMDb

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Mila Kunis transforms into Molly Wheeler, a heroin addict trying to rebuild trust with her estranged mother during a critical period of detox and recovery. In one of her most raw and stripped-down roles, Kunis gives a haunting, emotionally charged performance. Even though the film did not receive that high critical scores, Kunis’ performance was on point.

Black Swan (2010)

IMDb

IMDb

In Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller, Mila Kunis plays Lily, a new dancer in a prestigious New York ballet company whose arrival destabilizes the fragile world of the lead performer, Nina (Natalie Portman). Lily is free-spirited, sensual, and seemingly effortless; everything Nina struggles to embody as she prepares for the demanding dual role in Swan Lake. Her portrayal earned critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild nomination,

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Max Payne (2008)

IMDb / 2008 Twentieth Century Fox

IMDb / 2008 Twentieth Century Fox

In this action-thriller based on the video game, Mila Kunis plays Mona Sax, a Russian assassin seeking vengeance for her sister’s murder. Teaming up with Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg), Mona navigates a dark, corrupt underworld filled with violence and betrayal. Kunis brings a cool, hardened edge to the role, though the film itself received mostly negative reviews. Despite limited character development, her presence adds intensity and style to the gritty narrative.

The Book Of Eli (2010)

IMDb

IMDb

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Set in a post-apocalyptic America, The Book of Eli follows a lone wanderer (Denzel Washington) protecting a sacred book that may hold the key to humanity’s survival. Mila Kunis plays Solara, the daughter of a tyrant’s consort who escapes and joins Eli on his journey. Kunis gives a grounded, compelling performance in a role that balances vulnerability with growing strength.

Goodrich (2024)

IMDb

IMDb

Andy Goodrich’s (Michael Keaton) life gets upside down when his younger wife leaves him and enters a 90-day rehab program while also threatening divorce. Andy takes charge of their 9-year-old twins, a parenthood world he is not prepared for. With his career falling by the wayside, he soon leans on his pregnant daughter (Mila Kunis) for support, ultimately becoming the father she never had. Mila Kunis’s portrayal is a real highlight of the film. From her own battles with being a soon-to-be mother to having mixed feelings for her father, she truly delivers.

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Blood Ties (2013)

IMDb

IMDb

This crime drama, set in 1970s New York, explores loyalty and betrayal between two brothers on opposite sides of the law. Mila Kunis plays Natalie, a working-class woman and love interest of Clive Owen’s character, who struggles to reconnect with his past. Though a supporting role, Kunis brings emotional depth to Natalie, portraying a woman torn between loyalty, caution, and unresolved affection. Her performance adds a softer, more personal layer to the gritty crime narrative.

As she celebrates her 42nd birthday, her continuing presence in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera, proves her legacy is still very much being written.

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Carolina is a bilingual entertainment and sports writer fluent in English and Spanish. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales (UCES) in Buenos Aires and has a solid background in media and public affairs. In 2020, she won first place in journalistic feature writing at the EXPOCOM-FADECCOS competition, which brings together student work from universities across Argentina. She also completed a year-and-a-half internship in the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, where she worked closely with journalists and media operations. Carolina specializes in entertainment writing, with a focus on celebrity news, as well as romantic and drama films.

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