In 1981, Catherine played the leading role in her debut film "Body Heat", demonstrating her unique acting skills and mature charm. In 1983, she played Delores Benedict in the comedy film "The Man with Two Brains." In 1984 and 1985, Katherine was best known for her roles as romantic thriller writer Joan Wilder in "Romancing the Stone" and as Irene "Prizzi's Honor" (Prizzi's Honor). Walker won two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress, thus ascending to the throne of international superstar. In 1985 and 1989, she collaborated with Michael Douglas in the film "The Jewel of the Nile" and the black comedy "The War of the Roses". In 1986, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for "Peggy Sue Got Married." Prior to 2000, Catherine's other film credits included Crimes of Passion, Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Accidental Tourist, Switching Channels, V.I. Warshawski, Undercover Blues, Serial Mom, Naked in New York, Moonlight and Valentino, The Real Blonde, Legalese and Baby Geniuses (Baby Geniuses) etc.

Although Catherine's performance in the film was average in the late 1990s, in 2000 she appeared naked in the stage play "The Graduate", which caused a great sensation and caused a lot of controversy. Catherine's film credits include "The Kid Stays In the Picture," "Without Love" and "Monster House."