Julia Roberts Filmography: A Complete Guide To Her Movies

Hey guys! Let's dive into the amazing filmography of Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood's most beloved and iconic actresses. From her early roles to her more recent work, Julia Roberts has graced the screen with her talent, charm, and unforgettable smile. This guide will walk you through her incredible career, highlighting her most memorable performances and the impact she's had on the film industry. Get ready to explore the movies that made her a superstar!

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Julia Roberts's journey to stardom began in the late 1980s with a series of roles that showcased her potential. Her early work included appearances in television series and smaller films, but it wasn't long before she landed roles that would catapult her into the spotlight. One of her first notable roles was in the film Mystic Pizza (1988), where she played Daisy Arujo, a young waitress working in a pizza parlor in Mystic, Connecticut. This role allowed her to demonstrate her ability to portray relatable and engaging characters, capturing the hearts of audiences with her natural charisma and on-screen presence. Mystic Pizza was a critical and commercial success, helping to establish Julia Roberts as a rising star in Hollywood. Following this, she appeared in Steel Magnolias (1989), an ensemble dramedy where she played Shelby Eatenton Latcherie, a young woman battling diabetes. This role not only displayed her range as an actress but also earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, solidifying her position as a serious talent in the industry. These early roles were crucial in shaping her career, showcasing her versatility and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, setting the stage for her breakthrough role in Pretty Woman.

Pretty Woman and Superstardom

In 1990, Julia Roberts starred in Pretty Woman, a romantic comedy that would become a cultural phenomenon and cement her status as a leading lady. In Pretty Woman, she played Vivian Ward, a charismatic and independent sex worker who enters into a business arrangement with wealthy businessman Edward Lewis, played by Richard Gere. The film's Cinderella-esque storyline, combined with the undeniable chemistry between Roberts and Gere, resonated with audiences worldwide. Pretty Woman was a massive box office success, grossing over $463 million worldwide, and earning Julia Roberts an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This role not only showcased her comedic timing and dramatic range but also highlighted her ability to portray strong, independent female characters who defy societal expectations. The film's success transformed Julia Roberts into a household name, making her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Pretty Woman remains a beloved classic, and its impact on popular culture is undeniable, solidifying Julia Roberts's place in cinematic history. The role of Vivian Ward is iconic, and Julia Roberts's performance is often cited as one of the greatest in the romantic comedy genre.

Diverse Roles and Critical Acclaim in the 1990s

Following the massive success of Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts continued to diversify her roles, proving her versatility and solidifying her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. Throughout the 1990s, she starred in a variety of genres, showcasing her ability to tackle both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill. In 1991, she appeared in Sleeping with the Enemy, a thriller where she played a woman who fakes her own death to escape her abusive husband. This role demonstrated her capacity to portray vulnerable and complex characters, earning her critical acclaim for her powerful performance. Later that year, she starred in Hook, Steven Spielberg's imaginative reimagining of Peter Pan, where she played Tinkerbell. This role allowed her to explore a more whimsical and fantastical side, further showcasing her range as an actress. In 1993, she starred in The Pelican Brief, a legal thriller based on the novel by John Grisham, where she played a law student who uncovers a conspiracy involving the Supreme Court. This role highlighted her ability to handle complex and intelligent characters, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress. Throughout the 1990s, Julia Roberts continued to choose roles that challenged her and allowed her to grow as an actress, earning her critical acclaim and solidifying her place as one of the most talented and respected actresses in the industry. Her ability to transition seamlessly between genres and portray a wide range of characters cemented her status as a true Hollywood star.

Box Office Hits and Romantic Comedies in the Late 1990s

As the 1990s drew to a close, Julia Roberts continued to dominate the box office with a string of successful films, particularly in the romantic comedy genre. Her ability to charm audiences with her infectious smile and natural charisma made her a perfect fit for these lighthearted and heartwarming stories. In 1997, she starred in My Best Friend's Wedding, a romantic comedy where she played Julianne Potter, a woman who realizes she's in love with her best friend just as he's about to get married. The film was a massive success, grossing over $299 million worldwide, and further solidified her status as a queen of the romantic comedy genre. Her performance was praised for its wit, humor, and emotional depth, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. In 1999, she starred in Notting Hill, alongside Hugh Grant, where she played Anna Scott, a famous actress who falls in love with a bookstore owner in London. The film was another huge success, grossing over $363 million worldwide, and further cemented her reputation as a box office draw. Notting Hill is considered one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, and Julia Roberts's performance is often cited as one of her best. These films not only showcased her comedic timing and on-screen chemistry but also demonstrated her ability to portray strong, independent female characters who defy societal expectations. Julia Roberts's success in the romantic comedy genre made her one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, and her films from this era remain popular and beloved by audiences worldwide.

Erin Brockovich and an Oscar Win

In 2000, Julia Roberts took on the role of Erin Brockovich in the biographical legal drama of the same name, a performance that would earn her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress. Erin Brockovich tells the story of a single mother who becomes a legal clerk and uncovers a conspiracy involving a large corporation polluting the water supply of a small town. Julia Roberts's portrayal of Erin Brockovich was praised for its authenticity, grit, and emotional depth, showcasing her ability to embody strong, real-life characters with nuance and complexity. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $256 million worldwide, and solidified her status as one of the most talented and respected actresses in the industry. Her Oscar win was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it marked a significant milestone in her career. Julia Roberts's performance in Erin Brockovich is often cited as one of her best, and it remains a powerful and inspiring portrayal of a woman fighting for justice. The film's success brought attention to the real-life story of Erin Brockovich and the importance of environmental protection, further cementing Julia Roberts's legacy as an actress who uses her platform to make a difference.

Later Career and Continued Success

Following her Oscar win for Erin Brockovich, Julia Roberts continued to take on diverse roles, showcasing her versatility and solidifying her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. She starred in a variety of genres, from comedies to dramas, and continued to earn critical acclaim for her performances. In 2001, she starred in Ocean's Eleven, a heist film where she played Tess Ocean, the ex-wife of George Clooney's character, Danny Ocean. The film was a massive success, spawning several sequels and further cementing her status as a box office draw. In 2003, she starred in Mona Lisa Smile, a drama where she played a free-spirited art history professor who challenges the conservative norms of a women's college in the 1950s. This role allowed her to explore themes of female empowerment and social change, showcasing her ability to portray complex and thought-provoking characters. In recent years, Julia Roberts has continued to work steadily in film and television, taking on roles that challenge her and allow her to grow as an actress. Her continued success is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. Julia Roberts remains one of the most beloved and respected actresses in Hollywood, and her contributions to the film industry are undeniable.

A Lasting Legacy

Julia Roberts's legacy in the film industry is undeniable. With a career spanning over three decades, she has captivated audiences with her talent, charm, and unforgettable smile. Her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from romantic heroines to strong, independent women, has made her one of the most versatile and respected actresses in Hollywood. Julia Roberts's films have grossed billions of dollars worldwide, and she has earned numerous awards and accolades, including an Academy Award, Golden Globe Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her impact on popular culture is immeasurable, and her films continue to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Julia Roberts has not only entertained audiences but also inspired them with her portrayals of strong, resilient women who overcome adversity. Her commitment to her craft and her dedication to using her platform to make a difference have made her a role model for aspiring actors and actresses around the world. Julia Roberts's filmography is a testament to her talent, hard work, and enduring appeal, solidifying her place as one of the greatest actresses of all time. From her early roles to her more recent work, she has consistently delivered memorable performances that have touched the hearts of audiences worldwide.