8 Movies That Made Keira Knightley the Historic Romance Queen

No one makes swoonier, more romantic period films than Keira Knightley. Here are some of her most hot-and-heavy historic films.

' Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' (2003)

The romance of Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner is a key reason why we love this movie so much. He seems to spend most of the movie trying to prevent her from kidnapped or killed. Luckily, she's a resourceful lass who can more than handle herself.

'King Arthur' (2004)

In this revisionist version of the legendary tale, Knightley's Guinevere is as fierce a fighter as either husband Arthur (Clive Owen) or Lancelot (Ioan Gruffudd). The romance in this film is strictly between Arthur and Guinevere (sorry, Lancelot), despite the chemistry between Keira and Ioan.

'Pride & Prejudice' (2005)

Knightley got her first Oscar nomination as spirited, independent Elizabeth Bennett. We applaud when she rejects arrogant Mr. Darcy (Matthew McFadyen)... but we melt with her when he walks across the misty fields at dawn to reaffirm his love for her.

'Atonement' (2007)

We're still not over that library sex scene... or the jaw-dropping gorgeousness of this iconic green dress.

'The Duchess' (2008)

Once again in her element as gorgeously dressed but unhappily married woman in this 18th century British drama: Here, Knightley marries the much older duke (Ralph Fiennes), and finds forbidden love with a far more attractive earl (Dominic Cooper). Hayley Atwell shines as Lady Elizabeth, her best friend -- until she begins an affair with the Duke. The film won an Oscar and a BAFTA for Best Costume Design.

'A Dangerous Method' (2011)

Knightley goes all out as a hysterical Russian patient who begins a torrid affair with her psychologist, Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender). David Cronenberg's film examines the rift that occurred between Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen) and his protegé, Jung, which was largely due to the relationship that Freud disapproved of so strongly.

'Anna Karenina' (2012)

Reteaming with her "Pride & Prejudice" director Joe Wright, Knightley is sumptuous as the tragic literary heroine, who throws away everything for the love of a dashing young officer (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

'Colette' (2018)

Knightley stars as famed French writer Colette, whose first books that were published under her philandering husband (Dominic West)'s name. The film drew praise for her performance and the lavish production (and sensuous scenes with her female lover) but was overlooked at awards time.