List of the Best Meryl Streep Movies Ranked Meryl Streep Filmography

October 2024 · 12 minute read

When it comes to acting prowess, few can match the talent and range of Meryl Streep. With a career spanning decades, she has captivated audiences with her unforgettable performances and has become one of the most respected actors in the industry. From dramas to comedies, Streep has showcased her versatility in a wide variety of roles. But which of her movies are truly the best?

Today, we dive into the world of Meryl Streep’s filmography to rank the top movies of her career. From critically acclaimed dramas to must-watch performances, we’ll uncover the cinematic gems that have solidified her status as an iconic actress.

So, if you’ve ever wondered which movies featuring Meryl Streep are worth watching, or if you’re curious to see where your favorite performances rank, then this article is for you. Prepare to be inspired, moved, and entertained as we explore the best of the best from Meryl Streep’s extraordinary filmography.

best meryl streep movies ranked

Key Takeaways:

Into the Woods (2014)

In the enchanting Into the Woods, Meryl Streep delivers a bewitching performance as “The Witch.” This film, adapted from the acclaimed stage musical, takes viewers on a magical journey through a fairy tale world. Streep’s portrayal of the complex and captivating character earned her an unexpected Oscar nomination, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility. Despite mixed reviews, her acting prowess shines through in this visually stunning and musically enchanting film.

FilmYearRoleOscar Nominations
Into the Woods2014The Witch1

Julie & Julia (2009)

“Julie & Julia” is a biographical comedy-drama that showcases the incredible talent of Meryl Streep as she takes on the role of the iconic chef Julia Child. The film artfully weaves together the stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell, a passionate blogger inspired by Child’s recipes and zest for life. Streep’s portrayal of the beloved culinary legend was met with widespread acclaim, solidifying her status as one of the finest actors of her generation.

Streep’s performance in “Julie & Julia” was nothing short of extraordinary. With remarkable attention to detail, she fully embodied the essence of Julia Child, capturing her vivacity, wit, and unbridled joy in the kitchen. Streep’s portrayal of this beloved figure resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning her yet another Oscar nomination, further cementing her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating actresses.

The film not only showcases Streep’s exceptional acting abilities, but it also highlights the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. As viewers follow the parallel journeys of Julia Child and Julie Powell, they are inspired to embrace their own passions and find fulfillment in the pursuit of their goals.

Julie & Julia

Falling in Love (1984)

Falling in Love” is a mesmerizing romance film that beautifully captures the undeniable chemistry between the legendary talents of Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro. Released in 1984, this captivating movie tells the poignant story of two individuals who unexpectedly find themselves falling in love, despite being committed to other relationships. Streep and De Niro’s performances in “Falling in Love” are nothing short of outstanding, showcasing their extraordinary acting abilities and delivering heartwarming portrayals that resonate deeply with audiences.

Directed by Ulu Grosbard, this touching romance film stands as a testament to the power of true love and the complexities of navigating one’s emotions. Streep’s portrayal of Molly Gilmore is masterful, capturing the vulnerability and passion of a woman torn between her obligations and her heart’s desires. De Niro’s character, Frank Raftis, exudes charm and depth, embodying the struggles of a man grappling with his own conflicting emotions.

“Falling in Love” is a must-watch for fans of Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, and fans of romantic films that explore the intricacies of relationships. The on-screen chemistry between Streep and De Niro creates a captivating and believable love story that will leave viewers feeling a range of emotions long after the credits roll.

As the film beautifully illustrates the complexities of falling in love, Streep and De Niro’s exceptional performances solidify “Falling in Love” as a timeless romance film that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Falling in Love

The Post (2017)

“The Post” is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg that delves into the brave and groundbreaking journalism of The Washington Post during the Vietnam War era. The film centers around the publishing of the Pentagon Papers, a classified government study revealing the truth behind America’s involvement in the war. Meryl Streep delivers a powerful performance as Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, who must navigate the challenges and pressures of a male-dominated industry.

Directed by Steven Spielberg and featuring an all-star cast including Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, “The Post” offers a compelling portrayal of the power of journalism in holding those in power accountable and fighting for the truth. Streep’s performance as Katharine Graham showcases her talent for bringing complex and influential women to life on the big screen. Her nuanced portrayal earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

“The role of a journalist is not to be popular. The role of a journalist is to seek the truth and report it, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

In an industry dominated by men, Katharine Graham’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women in positions of leadership. Streep’s portrayal captures the determination and courage of Graham as she defies expectations and fights for the freedom of the press.

The Post Meryl Streep

Movie DetailsRating
DirectorSteven Spielberg
StarringMeryl Streep, Tom Hanks
GenreHistorical Drama
Release Year2017
AwardsOscar nomination for Meryl Streep

Heartburn (1986)

In the realm of dramedy, one film that shines brightly is “Heartburn” directed by Mike Nichols. Starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, this movie takes audiences on an emotional roller coaster as it delves into the complexities of love and relationships.

The story follows two characters who fall deeply in love and quickly decide to tie the knot. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn as they face inevitable challenges that put their relationship to the test. Streep and Nicholson both deliver breathtaking performances, showcasing their extraordinary range as actors.

This poignant yet sometimes comedic exploration of relationships skillfully captures the nuances of love, heartache, and the messy realities of life. With Mike Nichols at the helm, the film beautifully balances moments of drama and humor, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

To fully appreciate the brilliance of “Heartburn,” it’s crucial to recognize the remarkable chemistry between Streep and Nicholson. Their on-screen dynamic captivates audiences, drawing them into the emotional depth of the story.

Heartburn

Heartburn’s powerful storytelling combined with the exceptional performances of Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson make it a must-watch dramedy that explores the complexities of relationships like no other.

Don’t Look Up (2021)

“Don’t Look Up” is a political satire directed by Adam McKay that captures the essence of our tumultuous times with biting humor and thought-provoking commentary. The film follows the journey of two astronomers, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who discover a comet hurtling towards Earth. Realizing the imminent threat to humanity, they embark on a mission to alert the world about the impending disaster.

In this darkly comedic portrayal, Meryl Streep delivers a remarkable performance as the fictional President of the United States, showcasing her unmatched talent and versatility. Streep’s portrayal of a leader mired in political games, indifference, and denial perfectly encapsulates the incompetence and division that often hinder progress.

With its scathing critique of politics, media sensationalism, and humanity’s tendency to ignore urgent issues, “Don’t Look Up” serves as a timely reflection of our society. The film masterfully blends satire with poignant insights, challenging viewers to question the state of the world and our collective responsibility to address pressing global challenges.

“Don’t Look Up” exposes the absurdities of our modern world and highlights the dire consequences of our apathy towards existential threats. It serves as a wake-up call to acknowledge and confront the issues that demand our attention and action.

Don't Look Up

With a star-studded cast that includes Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and many more, “Don’t Look Up” is a captivating and thought-provoking film that demands to be seen. The movie is available for streaming on Netflix, making it easily accessible to a wide audience.

The Cast of “Don’t Look Up”

ActorCharacter
Meryl StreepPresident Janie Orlean
Leonardo DiCaprioDr. Randall Mindy
Jennifer LawrenceDr. Kate Dibiasky
Jonah HillJason Orlean

As “Don’t Look Up” combines stellar performances, sharp writing, and compelling storytelling, it serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to reflect and critique our society. This political satire has already garnered critical acclaim and has become a topic of conversation among viewers worldwide.

August: Osage County (2013)

“August: Osage County” is a powerful family drama that revolves around the dynamics of a dysfunctional family coming together for a reunion. Based on the critically acclaimed play of the same name, the film explores the deep-rooted conflicts, hidden secrets, and emotional turmoil that surface during their time together.

Meryl Streep delivers a captivating performance as the family matriarch, Violet Weston. Her portrayal showcases her incredible talent for portraying complex and multi-dimensional characters. With her masterful acting skills, Streep brings to life the complexities and struggles of Violet, capturing the audience’s attention and immersing them in the intense family dynamics.

The ensemble cast of “August: Osage County” adds depth and richness to the film. With actors such as Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, and Chris Cooper, the film benefits from the exceptional performances of each cast member, creating a truly immersive and authentic portrayal of a dysfunctional family.

Throughout the film, the audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the family confronts their past, confronts one another, and confronts themselves. This gripping exploration of family dynamics and the impact of unresolved issues resonates with viewers, making “August: Osage County” a must-watch for fans of compelling family dramas.

Want to know more about Meryl Streep’s incredible performances? Check out the complete list of Meryl Streep movies that showcase her immense talent and versatility.

Facts about “August: Osage County”

Key InformationDetails
DirectorJohn Wells
GenreDrama
Release Year2013
Main CastMeryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch
AwardsThe film received two Academy Award nominations and was nominated for various other awards, including the Golden Globe Awards.

Experience the raw emotions and powerful performances in “August: Osage County” as Meryl Streep leads an ensemble cast in this captivating family drama.

August: Osage County

Little Women (2019)

“Little Women” is a mesmerizing period drama directed by Greta Gerwig, known for her unique storytelling style and attention to detail. Based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, this film beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood, love, and self-discovery in 19th century Massachusetts.

The ensemble cast, including the legendary Meryl Streep, brings the beloved characters to life with their remarkable performances. Streep, although having a relatively small role, portrays the stern and pragmatic Aunt March with her signature brilliance and grace, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The film received critical acclaim for its captivating storytelling, stunning cinematography, and strong performances. It was a true celebration of womanhood, highlighting the struggles, dreams, and resilience of the March sisters in a time when societal conventions constrained their ambitions.

With Greta Gerwig’s brilliant direction and a talented ensemble cast, “Little Women” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of this timeless tale. This period drama captivates and resonates with audiences, reminding us of the importance of family, love, and the pursuit of our dreams.

FAQ

What are the best Meryl Streep movies ranked?

Some of the best Meryl Streep movies include “Into the Woods,” “Julie & Julia,” “Falling in Love,” “The Post,” “Heartburn,” “Don’t Look Up,” “August: Osage County,” and “Little Women.”

What is “Into the Woods” about?

“Into the Woods” is a film adaptation of the acclaimed stage musical. Meryl Streep plays “The Witch” in this fairy tale-inspired movie.

What is “Julie & Julia” about?

“Julie & Julia” is a biographical comedy-drama where Meryl Streep portrays the iconic chef Julia Child.

What is “Falling in Love” about?

“Falling in Love” is a romance film that showcases the chemistry between Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro.

What is “The Post” about?

“The Post” is a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the true story of journalists at The Washington Post who published the Pentagon Papers. Meryl Streep portrays Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper.

What is “Heartburn” about?

“Heartburn” is a dramedy directed by Mike Nichols, starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson. It explores the tumultuous relationship between two characters who fall in love and quickly get married, encountering inevitable problems along the way.

What is “Don’t Look Up” about?

“Don’t Look Up” is a political satire directed by Adam McKay. Meryl Streep portrays the fictional President of the United States in this darkly comedic film about two astronomers trying to warn the world about an impending comet collision.

What is “August: Osage County” about?

“August: Osage County” is a family drama based on a play of the same name. Meryl Streep delivers a captivating performance as the family matriarch as the film explores the dynamics of a dysfunctional family coming together for a reunion.

What is “Little Women” about?

“Little Women” is a period drama directed by Greta Gerwig, based on the classic novel. Meryl Streep’s role may be smaller, but her performance leaves an impact as the film delves into the lives of the March sisters in 19th century Massachusetts.

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