10 Iconic Julia Roberts Movies That Shaped Her Legendary Hollywood Career

10 Iconic Julia Roberts Movies That Shaped Her Legendary Hollywood Career

Julia Roberts has captivated audiences worldwide with her dazzling smile and remarkable acting range for over three decades. From romantic comedies to powerful dramas, her film choices have established her as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and bankable stars. These 10 films represent the defining moments that transformed Roberts from a promising actress into a cultural icon whose name alone can sell a movie.

1. Pretty Woman (1990)

A modern fairy tale that catapulted Roberts to international fame overnight. Her portrayal of Vivian Ward, a Hollywood prostitute who falls for a wealthy businessman, combined vulnerability with street-smart charm that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Despite initial mixed critical reviews, the film grossed over $460 million and cemented Roberts as America’s sweetheart. Her infectious laugh and that iconic red dress became part of pop culture history.

Fun fact: Roberts was actually the director’s second choice for the role after several other actresses turned it down – a decision they likely regretted when she received an Oscar nomination for her performance!

2. Steel Magnolias (1989)

Roberts shines as Shelby, a young diabetic woman determined to live life on her own terms despite her health challenges. Among a powerhouse ensemble cast including Sally Field and Shirley MacLaine, the 22-year-old Roberts still managed to stand out.

Her emotional scenes, particularly those with Field who played her mother, demonstrated Roberts had dramatic range far beyond her years. The heartbreaking hospital sequence remains one of the most moving moments in her entire filmography.

This performance earned Roberts her first Academy Award nomination, signaling to Hollywood that a major new talent had arrived who could handle complex emotional material.

3. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Roberts transformed completely to embody real-life legal assistant Erin Brockovich, a single mother who helped win the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit against a major corporation. Gone was the polished romantic lead, replaced by a tough-talking woman in mini-skirts and push-up bras.

Her fierce portrayal balanced vulnerability with uncompromising determination, creating a character audiences couldn’t help but root for. Director Steven Soderbergh captured Roberts at her most authentic and powerful.

The performance finally earned Roberts her Academy Award after two previous nominations, cementing her place among Hollywood’s elite dramatic actresses while proving she could carry a film based on sheer acting prowess.

4. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Roberts brilliantly plays against type as Julianne Potter, a food critic who realizes she’s in love with her best friend only after he announces his engagement to someone else. Unlike her previous romantic heroines, Julianne is manipulative, selfish, and ultimately fails to get the guy – a refreshing twist on the genre.

The film showcased Roberts’ willingness to embrace flawed, even unlikable characters while still maintaining audience connection. Her karaoke scene attempting “I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself” revealed her comedic vulnerability.

With its unconventional ending and morally complex protagonist, this film helped evolve the romantic comedy genre while proving Roberts could handle nuanced character work.

5. Notting Hill (1999)

With the unforgettable line, “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her”, Roberts captured the universal vulnerability of love in this charming British-American romance. Playing movie star Anna Scott opposite Hugh Grant’s bookshop owner, Roberts delivered a masterclass in romantic comedy.

The film’s genius lies in Roberts essentially playing a version of herself – a famous actress struggling with fame, privacy, and finding authentic connection. Her chemistry with Grant created movie magic that continues to enchant viewers decades later.

Roberts’ performance balanced glamour with genuine emotion, making audiences believe a global superstar could fall for an ordinary man, cementing her status as the queen of romantic comedies.

6. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Roberts brought elegance and sharp wit to Steven Soderbergh’s stylish heist film as Tess Ocean, ex-wife to George Clooney’s Danny. Though surrounded by an ensemble of Hollywood heavyweights including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, Roberts held her own with effortless charisma.

Her performance demonstrated her ability to shine in a supporting role without demanding center stage. The scenes where Tess must impersonate a famous actress (hilariously, Julia Roberts herself) showcased her self-awareness and willingness to poke fun at her celebrity status.

This film marked Roberts’ transition into more mature roles while proving she could be part of a blockbuster franchise without being its sole attraction – a rare quality among stars of her magnitude.

7. Closer (2004)

Roberts took a bold risk with Mike Nichols’ unflinching relationship drama, playing Anna, a photographer entangled in a web of love, lust, and betrayal. The film’s raw exploration of intimate relationships represented a stark departure from her more accessible roles.

Her restrained performance conveyed volumes through subtle expressions and carefully measured dialogue. Working alongside Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen, Roberts abandoned her signature warmth to portray a woman capable of both receiving and inflicting emotional wounds.

Though divisive among fans accustomed to her sunnier roles, critics praised her courage in tackling such complex material. This film demonstrated Roberts’ artistic ambition and willingness to challenge audience expectations at the height of her commercial power.

8. Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

Roberts delivers a masterful supporting performance as Joanne Herring, a wealthy Texas socialite with unexpected political influence during the Soviet-Afghan War. With perfectly coiffed hair and a steel-magnolia demeanor, she creates a fascinating character who uses charm and cunning to navigate a male-dominated political landscape.

Her scenes opposite Tom Hanks crackle with intellectual chemistry rarely seen in Roberts’ romantic pairings. Director Mike Nichols captures her ability to command attention in every frame without overshadowing the film’s complex political narrative.

This performance showcased Roberts’ evolution into character-driven roles that prioritized substance over star power. Her Southern accent and conservative styling represented a complete transformation that earned critical praise.

9. The Normal Heart (2014)

Roberts delivers one of her most understated yet powerful performances as Dr. Emma Brookner, a physician fighting to raise awareness during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Her wheelchair-bound character’s frustration and compassion become the emotional anchor of this HBO film.

Her devastating monologue about being denied research funding showcases Roberts at her most raw and impassioned. Without her usual physical mobility, she relies entirely on facial expressions and vocal delivery to convey her character’s righteous anger.

This performance demonstrated Roberts’ commitment to meaningful storytelling and willingness to use her star power to bring attention to important social issues. Though a supporting role, her presence lent commercial viability to a difficult subject matter.

10. Ben Is Back (2018)

Roberts delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Holly Burns, a mother desperately trying to keep her drug-addicted son alive during his unexpected Christmas visit home. Her portrayal captures the exhausting vigilance, fierce love, and terrifying uncertainty faced by parents of addicts.

Working opposite Lucas Hedges, Roberts creates a completely believable mother-son dynamic filled with complicated history. Her face registers every emotion – hope, fear, determination – often simultaneously, showcasing her remarkable control as an actress.

This later-career gem proves Roberts’ continuing evolution as a performer willing to explore challenging emotional territory. The film’s intimate scale allows her subtle acting choices to shine, demonstrating that her dramatic powers have only deepened with age and experience.