Julia Roberts’ Best Movies, Ranked
As one of the most iconic actresses of all time, Julia Roberts has tackled a wide variety of different roles over the course of her storied career. Her natural charm and effortless charisma has made her a Hollywood favorite for more than 30 years, so it’s no surprise that she has also been nominated for numerous awards and has won a few, too. Here is a look at Julia Roberts’ best movies, ranked.
Pretty Woman
At the top of any list of Julia Roberts’ best movies has to be Pretty Woman. This modern-day Cinderella story is responsible for making Roberts a household name and earned her the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a leading role in 1991. In the film, Roberts plays a woman who is hired by a wealthy businessman (Richard Gere) to accompany him to various social events. As the relationship progresses, the two start to fall in love.
My Best Friend’s Wedding
My Best Friend’s Wedding was released in 1997 and once again proved Roberts’s immense talent as an actress. During this period of her career, Roberts was considered one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood and this film only cemented her reputation. In the movie, Roberts plays Julia, a woman who found out that her best friend (Dermot Mulroney) is getting married. She does everything she can to stop the wedding, including trying to steal the groom for herself.
Erin Brockovich
Erin Brockovich was released in 2000, and it is the movie that made Julia Roberts an Academy Award-winning actress. Set in the 1990s, Roberts plays Erin Brockovich, an unemployed single mother who stumbles upon a massive corporate scandal. Through her courage and commitment, she threatens a powerful energy firm and captures the heart of local citizens and the nation at large.
Runaway Bride
Runaway Bride is a romantic comedy starring Roberts, Richard Gere, and Joan Cusack which was released in 1999. This movie follows the story of a love-shy woman who has a habit of running away from her weddings on the eve of each one. When a newspaper writer (Gere) sets out to write a story on her, and “figure out why she can’t seem to say ‘I do’.”
Ocean’s Eleven
Ocean’s Eleven was first released in 2001 and it stars an all-star cast, including Roberts, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. Roberts stars as Tess, a bar owner and ex-girlfriend of the leader of the Ocean’s eleven team. In the film, the team concoct an ambitious plan to steal money from a Las Vegas casino. Despite the steep odds, they pull it off, thanks largely to the camaraderie and trust between the members of the team.
The Pelican Brief
The Pelican Brief is a 1993 crime thriller which was based on the novel by John Grisham. In the movie, Roberts stars as a law student who discovers that Supreme Court justices have been murdered due to their involvement in a controversial case. Roberts gives a remarkable performance as the student and her kooky, lovable charm shines through in her role in this movie.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a 1999 romantic comedy starring Roberts and Hugh Grant, and it is one of Roberts’ most beloved films. In the movie, their characters experience a classic case of opposites attract and quickly fall in love. The movie is full of sweet and funny moments that audiences can’t help but adore, and it has become a classic British romance.
Eat Pray Love
Eat Pray Love is a 2010 drama, starring Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman who embarks on a journey around the world in search of inner peace. She eventually finds it by traveling to Italy, India, and finally to Bali, during her transformative journey. Roberts gives a powerful performance as Gilbert and her portrayal of the character has become iconic.
The Mexican
The Mexican is a 2001 adventure comedy starring Roberts and Brad Pitt. Roberts plays a gangster’s moll, who agrees to help her boyfriend retrieve a priceless antique pistol on a journey through Mexico. In exchange for her help, her gangster boyfriend promises her freedom. Throughout the movie, Roberts has great chemistry with Pitt and the two have some of the funniest scenes in the film.
Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias is a 1989 drama set in Louisiana and it serves as one of the most quintessential Roberts films. In the movie, she plays the part of Shelby, which was the only leading role for a woman of color in the entire film. The movie follows the life of a tight-knit group of women and the amazing friendship at the center of the story.
Duplicity
Duplicity is a 2009 romantic comedy/thriller starring Roberts and Clive Owen. The movie follows an ex-CIA agent and an ex-MI6 agent who team up to conduct a scam involving a rival corporation. Roberts plays the part of an MI6 agent who is determined to crack the case and come out on top.
Julia Roberts is one of the most acclaimed and beloved actresses of all time. She has tackled a wide variety of roles throughout her career and delivered powerful performances in each of them. From timeless classic Pretty Woman to charming comedies like My Best Friend’s Wedding, Roberts has definitely left her mark on the industry. Here is a look at Julia Roberts’ best movies, ranked.
