Julia Roberts is undeniably one of Hollywood’s greatest stars, with a career spanning decades and a diverse range of roles that have cemented her place in cinematic history. Whether she’s playing a quirky, lovable prostitute or a determined legal assistant, Roberts has showcased an impressive versatility. In this article, we’ll dive into Julia Roberts’ 10 best film performances, including iconic hits like Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, and ask the question: Which one stands as her best performance ever?
The Beginnings of Julia Roberts’ Career
Before we jump into her most iconic roles, let’s take a look back at the early days of Julia Roberts’ career. After her breakthrough in Steel Magnolias (1989), Roberts quickly became a household name. However, it wasn’t until her performance in Pretty Woman (1990) that she truly became a global superstar. Her natural charm, relatable warmth, and undeniable beauty made her the star of the 1990s and beyond.
1. Pretty Woman (1990): The Role That Made Julia Roberts a Superstar
Why It’s Iconic
If there’s one film that encapsulates Julia Roberts’ ability to light up the screen, it’s Pretty Woman. Playing Vivian Ward, a spirited prostitute who gets swept off her feet by a wealthy businessman (Richard Gere), Roberts delivered a performance that was both heartwarming and captivating. Her infectious smile and vulnerability gave the film its charm and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
The Impact
Pretty Woman turned Roberts into one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. It’s a role that will forever be associated with her name, showcasing her talent for blending humor, depth, and raw emotion in a single performance.
2. Erin Brockovich (2000): A Career-Defining Role
Why It’s Iconic
In Erin Brockovich, Julia Roberts proved her dramatic chops by portraying the real-life activist who fought against a major corporation for its role in poisoning a city’s water supply. The role earned Roberts her first Academy Award for Best Actress, and rightfully so. She brought Erin’s fierce determination, compassion, and unapologetic attitude to life, creating a memorable, empowering portrayal of a woman taking on the system.
The Impact
Erin Brockovich marked a pivotal moment in Roberts’ career, demonstrating that she could hold her own in more serious, award-worthy roles. Her portrayal of the real-life figure resonated with audiences and critics alike, cementing her status as a leading actress in Hollywood.
3. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997): A Love Story with a Twist
Why It’s Iconic
In this romantic comedy, Roberts plays Julianne, a woman who realizes she’s in love with her best friend just as he’s about to marry someone else. It’s a perfect example of Julia’s comedic timing and charm. While her character is often seen as the antagonist, Roberts navigates the complexity of Julianne’s emotions with authenticity, making her both relatable and funny.
The Impact
While My Best Friend’s Wedding is primarily a rom-com, it showed that Julia Roberts could balance both comedic and dramatic elements seamlessly. This film remains one of her most beloved performances.
4. Runaway Bride (1999): A Perfect Follow-Up to Pretty Woman
Why It’s Iconic
Teaming up with Richard Gere once again, Roberts plays Maggie Carpenter, a woman who has a habit of running away from her weddings. The film mixes romance and humor, with Roberts once again shining in a role that allows her to embrace both comedic and heartfelt moments. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Pretty Woman, it’s still a charming and enjoyable film.
The Impact
Runaway Bride capitalized on the chemistry between Gere and Roberts, cementing their status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic on-screen couples. While it may not be as iconic as Pretty Woman, it was a successful follow-up to her star-making turn.
5. August: Osage County (2013): A Complex Family Drama
Why It’s Iconic
In August: Osage County, Roberts plays Barbara Weston, the daughter of a dysfunctional family brought together by the death of their father. The film is an ensemble piece, with Roberts holding her own among a talented cast, including Meryl Streep. Her raw, emotional performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
The Impact
While this wasn’t a traditional Julia Roberts film, it showcased her range as an actress, capable of portraying deep, troubled emotions with honesty and authenticity. It marked a shift in her career, as she began to take on more complex, nuanced roles.
6. The Pelican Brief (1993): A Political Thriller with Heart
Why It’s Iconic
In this legal thriller based on John Grisham’s novel, Roberts plays Darby Shaw, a law student who uncovers a conspiracy involving the highest levels of the U.S. government. Her character’s intelligence and bravery are key to the story’s success, and Roberts delivers a performance that combines both vulnerability and strength.
The Impact
While The Pelican Brief was more of a thriller, it showcased Roberts’ ability to shine in a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative. It proved that she could lead a film in genres outside of rom-coms and dramas.
7. Sleeping with the Enemy (1991): A Thrilling Escape
Why It’s Iconic
In Sleeping with the Enemy, Roberts plays Laura, a woman who escapes an abusive marriage and starts a new life under an assumed identity. The suspenseful plot and Roberts’ portrayal of a woman on the run elevated the film from being just another thriller to a captivating drama with emotional depth.
The Impact
The film marked Roberts’ transition into more serious, intense roles, showing that she could tackle both romance and thriller genres. This film proved her versatility and broadened her appeal to a wider audience.
8. Closer (2004): A Raw, Uncompromising Drama
Why It’s Iconic
In Closer, Julia Roberts plays Anna, a woman caught in a web of love, deceit, and betrayal. The film’s raw, unapologetic look at relationships pushed Roberts to new depths as an actress. She brings Anna’s complexity to life, making her simultaneously sympathetic and frustrating.
The Impact
Closer was a significant departure from Roberts’ usual fare, showing her willingness to take on darker, more mature material. It was a performance that displayed a new side to her acting range.
9. Mona Lisa Smile (2003): An Inspirational Teacher in the 1950s
Why It’s Iconic
In Mona Lisa Smile, Roberts plays Katherine Watson, an art history professor at Wellesley College who challenges the conservative, traditional views of her students in the 1950s. Her performance as a woman ahead of her time was both inspirational and empowering.
The Impact
This role highlighted Julia’s ability to portray strong, determined women who challenge societal norms. It was a thought-provoking film that gave Roberts the chance to inspire audiences with her portrayal of a woman fighting for change.
10. Fireflies in the Garden (2008): A Family Drama with Deep Emotions
Why It’s Iconic
In Fireflies in the Garden, Roberts plays Lisa, a mother who grapples with her past and the complexities of her relationship with her family. The film explores themes of love, loss, and regret, and Roberts delivers a nuanced and tender performance.
The Impact
Though Fireflies in the Garden didn’t achieve widespread recognition, it is a film that showcases Julia Roberts’ ability to portray deep, emotional struggles with authenticity. It’s a subtle but powerful performance in a smaller, intimate drama.
Conclusion: Julia Roberts’ Legacy in Film
Julia Roberts’ career is a testament to her incredible range and versatility as an actress. From Pretty Woman to Erin Brockovich, her performances have defined decades of cinema. While each role showcases a different facet of her talent, it’s her ability to create characters that feel real, raw, and relatable that has earned her a place as one of the greatest actresses of all time.
FAQs
1. Which Julia Roberts movie earned her an Academy Award?
Julia Roberts won her Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Erin Brockovich (2000).
2. What is the most iconic Julia Roberts movie?
Pretty Woman (1990) is often considered the most iconic Julia Roberts movie, marking her breakout role.
3. Did Julia Roberts ever play a villain?
In Closer (2004), Roberts played a character involved in a web of deceit and betrayal, which showcases a more complicated, morally grey character.
4. What movie did Julia Roberts star in alongside Meryl Streep?
Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep starred together in August: Osage County (2013), where Roberts portrayed a daughter grappling with family issues.
5. What was Julia Roberts’ role in Runaway Bride?
In Runaway Bride (1999), Julia Roberts played Maggie Carpenter, a woman with a history of running away from her weddings, who finds love with Richard Gere’s character.
