She received a Laurence Olivier Award for her performance in the West End theatre production of Arms and the Man (1981) and later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Subsequent notable film appearances include The Little Vampire (2000), Silent Hill (2006), Skin (2008), Solomon Kane (2009), The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010), Thor: The Dark World (2013), A Christmas Prince (2017) and its two sequels, and Gretel & Hansel (2020).

The Kriges later moved to Port Elizabeth, where Alice grew up in what she has described as a "very happy family", with two brothers, one of whom became a physician and the other a Professor of Surgery.

[4] Krige made her professional debut playing the female lead in the 1976 South African romantic drama film Vergeet My Nie directed by Elmo De Witt.

The following year, Krige starred as Lucie Manette in the American historical television film A Tale of Two Cities opposite Chris Sarandon.

[6] She went on to play Sybil Gordon in the British historical film Chariots of Fire and Eva Galli/Alma Mobley in Ghost Story, both released in 1981.

Her other television films include Second Serve (1986), Baja Oklahoma (1988) playing country singer Patsy Cline, and Max and Helen (1990).

[8] In 1987, she starred alongside Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway in the black comedy film Barfly, which received positive reviews from critics.

Later that year she guest-starred in an episode of popular teen drama series, Beverly Hills, 90210 playing beautiful ranch owner named Anne who dated Luke Perry's character.

She appeared in a made-for-television movies Judgment Day: The John List Story (1993), Jack Reed: Badge of Honor (1993), Sharpe's Honour (1994), Donor Unknown (1995), Devil's Advocate (1995), Hidden in America (1996), Indefensible: The Truth About Edward Brannigan (1997), and Deep in My Heart (1999).

[17] In 2008, she starred in the biographical drama film Skin alongside Sophie Okonedo and Sam Neill receiving positive reviews.

[20] Krige's science fiction career has expanded into television, with prominent roles in miniseries adaptations of Dinotopia (2002) and Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (2003).

She had recurring roles on Deadwood, and guest starred on Six Feet Under, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The 4400, Dirty Sexy Money and NCIS.

In 2011, Krige appeared in the BBC's final season of Spooks, playing Russian double agent Elena Gavrik.