Explore the best movies of these celebrated actresses, showcasing their diverse talents across genres. Whether you’re in the mood for comedy, drama, or romance, these films highlight their standout performances and captivating roles.
Comedy and Drama
Whoopi Goldberg
- Sister Act (1992) – PG – IMDb: 6.4
- Goldberg shines as a lounge singer who hides in a convent and turns the choir into a sensation, blending humor with heartfelt moments.
- The Color Purple (1985) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.8
- A powerful drama where Goldberg plays Celie, a woman overcoming adversity in the early 20th century South, delivering an unforgettable performance.
- Ghost (1990) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.0
- In this supernatural romance, Goldberg plays a psychic who helps a murdered man communicate with his beloved, mixing romance with mystery.
- Made in America (1993) – PG-13 – IMDb: 5.4
- A comedy where Goldberg stars as a single mother discovering her daughter’s unexpected background, blending humor with family dynamics.
- Jumpin’ Jack Flash (1986) – PG-13 – IMDb: 5.6
- Goldberg stars as a bank teller who gets caught up in international intrigue and adventure, offering a mix of comedy and action.
Romance and Drama
Annette Bening
- American Beauty (1999) – R – IMDb: 8.3
- Bening delivers a standout performance as a frustrated housewife in this acclaimed drama exploring suburban life and personal crises.
- The Kids Are All Right (2010) – R – IMDb: 7.0
- A compelling family drama where Bening plays a lesbian mother whose life is disrupted by the return of her children’s biological father.
- Being Julia (2004) – R – IMDb: 6.6
- Bening stars as a renowned actress in this drama about ambition, betrayal, and the complexities of life in the theater world.
- The Grifters (1990) – R – IMDb: 7.0
- A crime thriller where Bening plays a con artist caught in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal, showcasing her ability to play complex characters.
- Captain Marvel (2019) – PG-13 – IMDb: 6.9
- In this superhero film, Bening portrays an enigmatic alien with significant influence on the storyline, adding depth to this Marvel adventure.
Classic and Fantasy
Maggie Smith
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) – PG – IMDb: 7.9
- Smith won an Oscar for her role as an unconventional teacher influencing her students in this classic drama.
- Harry Potter Series (2001-2011) – PG/PG-13 – IMDb: 7.7 (average)
- Smith is unforgettable as Professor Minerva McGonagall in this beloved fantasy series, bringing warmth and authority to her role.
- Downton Abbey (2019) – PG – IMDb: 7.7
- Smith reprises her role as the sharp-witted Dowager Countess in this film continuation of the hit TV series, blending humor and drama.
- A Room with a View (1985) – PG – IMDb: 7.4
- In this romantic drama, Smith plays a wealthy matriarch in a tale of love and social expectations, adding gravitas to the story.
- The Lady in the Van (2015) – PG-13 – IMDb: 6.7
- Smith stars as a homeless woman living in a van in this touching and humorous drama based on a true story.
Musical and Drama
Barbra Streisand
- Funny Girl (1968) – G – IMDb: 7.6
- Streisand’s iconic performance as Fanny Brice in this musical drama won her an Academy Award and remains a classic.
- Yentl (1983) – PG – IMDb: 6.7
- Streisand stars as a Jewish woman disguising herself as a man to study Talmudic law, blending music with a powerful narrative.
- The Way We Were (1973) – PG – IMDb: 7.0
- A romantic drama where Streisand plays a passionate woman whose relationship with a man is challenged by their differing ideals.
- A Star Is Born (1976) – PG – IMDb: 6.8
- Streisand shines as a rising singer whose romance with a troubled musician is both uplifting and heart-wrenching.
- Meet the Fockers (2004) – PG-13 – IMDb: 6.3
- In this comedy, Streisand plays the eccentric mother-in-law in a hilarious family gathering, adding charm and humor to the mix.
Drama and Action
Jennifer Lawrence
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – R – IMDb: 7.7
- Lawrence won an Oscar for her role as a young widow in this touching and comedic exploration of mental health and romance.
- The Hunger Games Series (2012-2015) – PG-13 – IMDb: 7.2 (average)
- Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen in this dystopian series, bringing strength and resilience to her role as a revolutionary hero.
- American Hustle (2013) – R – IMDb: 7.2
- A gripping drama where Lawrence plays a manipulative housewife in a tale of cons and deception, showcasing her dramatic range.
- Joy (2015) – R – IMDb: 6.6
- Lawrence stars as Joy Mangano, a real-life entrepreneur who rises from humble beginnings to become a successful businesswoman.
- Mother! (2017) – R – IMDb: 6.6
- A psychological horror film where Lawrence plays a young wife whose life spirals into chaos, offering a haunting and intense experience.
Conclusion
These films highlight the exceptional talents of Whoopi Goldberg, Annette Bening, Maggie Smith, Barbra Streisand, and Jennifer Lawrence. From heartwarming dramas and hilarious comedies to thrilling action and timeless classics, these movies are a testament to their impressive careers and versatile acting skills. Dive into these selections to enjoy some of the finest performances in film history.