Bonham Carter made her professional acting debut in a television commercial at the age of 16.

Her first major role came in Trevor Nunn's 'Lady Jane', where she played the titular character. While the film itself received mixed reviews, it provided Bonham Carter with significant exposure and established her as a rising star.

James Ivory's 'A Room with a View' became a critical and commercial success. Bonham Carter's portrayal of Lucy Honeychurch solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile actress, cementing her image as a 'corset queen' due to the period dramas she frequently appeared in.

Bonham Carter starred alongside Mel Gibson in Franco Zeffirelli's 'Hamlet', furthering her international recognition.

Throughout the 1990s, Bonham Carter continued to appear in numerous period dramas, including 'Howards End' (1992), 'Mary Shelley's Frankenstein' (1994), and 'Twelfth Night' (1996). These roles reinforced her image as a leading lady in historical adaptations.

Bonham Carter's performance in 'The Theory of Flight', where she portrayed a woman with ALS, showcased her range and willingness to take on challenging roles. This marked a departure from her primarily period-drama work.