Not Only 'Doctor Who': 5 Best Movies & TV Shows Starring Karen Gillan, Ranked by IMDb
From psychological dramas to dark comedies and from horror films to touching stories about friendship.
Karen Gillan made pop culture history by playing one of Doctor Who's companions and then transforming into Nebula, one of the most multifaceted heroines in the MCU.
Even after gaining popularity, the actress isn't afraid to experiment with independent films and collaborate with up-and-coming directors.
5. 'Dual', 2022
IMDb Score: 5.8/10
Karen Gillan's character, Sarah, discovers that she has a terminal illness. In the movie's world, people with very little time left can participate in a replacement program to create a clone of themselves for their family.
Sarah decides to undergo the procedure. However, just as her clone is eager to replace her, she discovers that she has been cured. The government then organizes a duel to the death for the clones.
To win, she hires a combat instructor played by Aaron Paul and begins intensive training.
4. 'Late Bloomers', 2023
IMDb Score: 6.1/10
28-year-old Louise, played by Karen Gillan, is struggling to get over her breakup with her ex and tries to numb the pain with alcohol. After another binge, she ends up in the hospital with a broken hip. There, she shares a ward with an elderly Polish woman named Antonina.
Their mutual dislike eventually blossoms into a warm friendship that transcends language and age barriers.
3. 'Oculus', 2013
IMDb Score: 6.6/10
The plot follows Karen Gillan's character, a sister, and her brother as they return to their childhood home to confront the mystical mirror that led to the tragic death of their parents.
Karen's character believes the cursed object plays tricks on the minds of those nearby, instilling terrifying visions. But can she convince those who thought she and her brother were crazy?
Gillan creates a unique horror genre character, conveying the manic delight of an encounter with the otherworldly – something she's been preparing for her entire life.
2. 'Douglas Is Cancelled', 2024
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
The series follows TV presenters Madeline (played by Karen Gillan) and Douglas, who host a popular news show together and consider each other close friends.
One day, an explosive post appears online – Douglas told a sexist joke at a recent wedding, though he doesn't remember what he said.
The show's creators panic and try to come up with an alternative joke to cover it up, but Madeline suddenly reposts the message to her huge audience, seemingly intending to draw more attention to her co-host.
1. 'The Life of Chuck', 2024
IMDb Score: 7.3/10
The world is facing an apocalypse: communications and electricity are cut off, and people everywhere begin to see a portrait of someone named Chuck. We first meet Chuck as he dies in a hospital room, then, we go back in time to his childhood.
Tom Hiddleston stars as Chuck, and Karen Gillan plays a woman who sees his portraits everywhere. Gillan admitted that, even after seeing an unfinished version of The Life of Chuck, she cried with delight for several days.
She attended the Toronto Film Festival in 2024, during the last months of her pregnancy. Karen now devotes all her time to her daughter, born in December of last year.
