12 Best Meryl Streep Movies, Ranked

Without a doubt, Meryl Streep might be unparalleled among all screen performers in being synonymous with the idea of an exceptional actress. With more Academy Award nominations than any other actor, she’s delivered outstanding performances spanning a wide range of styles, genres, and character types, making it challenging to comprehend her versatility. Additionally, Streep demonstrates remarkable discernment in choosing her roles, resulting in an impressive list of credits during her 48-year career as both a film and television actress.

In this collection, we’ve arranged a list of 12 top-notch films starring Meryl Streep, considering not only the movies’ quality but also their significance in Streep’s impressive acting career. As a result, some less recognized titles take precedence over well-known films like “Little Women” and “Manhattan,” where Streep had minor roles. You’ll discover a variety of choices; following Meryl Streep’s career has been nothing short of enjoyable and enriching.

12. A Prairie Home Companion

In a unique manner, Robert Altman managed to bring out exceptional performances from some of the most renowned actors in cinematic history. Despite both Altman and Meryl Streep achieving their Hollywood breakthroughs in the 1970s, they didn’t collaborate until Altman’s final film, “A Prairie Home Companion,” released in 2006. This movie is considered one of the finest works from these two cinematic titans of America.

As a devoted admirer of Robert Altman’s work, I can wholeheartedly say that “A Prairie Home Companion” is much like other Altman films – a vibrant ensemble piece that introduces us to various characters, yet Meryl Streep stands out as one of the most captivating figures. This film offers a fictionalized glimpse into the backstage world of the weekly Minnesota radio show with the same intricate detail that Altman is renowned for in his community portraits. The narrative revolves around the team’s struggle to deliver their final broadcast, and Streep brings Yolanda Johnson, one of the three singing Johnson Girls alongside her sister Rhonda (Lily Tomlin) and daughter Lola (Lindsay Lohan), to life. It serves as a heartwarming, delicate, and hilarious farewell for Altman, showcasing him at his creative peak. Witnessing Streep immerse herself in Altman’s naturalistic style is truly a precious experience.

11. Kramer vs. Kramer

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about my personal favorite film from 1979 – “Kramer vs. Kramer,” a masterpiece directed by Robert Benton. This seemingly ordinary, $8 million family drama defied expectations, outperforming all other films in the U.S. and Canada that year, raking in over $170 million globally. It wasn’t just its box office success that made it stand out; it also scooped up the prestigious Best Picture award, along with four additional Oscars.

Among those awards was a well-deserved Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Meryl Streep in her second career nomination. It’s intriguing to consider that “Kramer vs. Kramer” played a significant role in the meteoric rise of Meryl Streep’s legendary status in Hollywood.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself deeply immersed in the heart-wrenching divorce drama portrayed in the movie. Meryl Streep brilliantly embodied Joanna Kramer, nee Stern, a woman who, eight years into her marriage with Ted (played by Dustin Hoffman), suddenly recognized her profound dissatisfaction with life and felt alienated from herself. Leaving their son Billy (Justin Henry) in Ted’s care, she later decided to take on full-time parenting responsibilities. However, Ted had grown accustomed to caring for Billy, leading to a fierce custody battle – one where everyone involved had valid reasons for their actions, no simple solutions were forthcoming, and both adults faced the heartbreaking reality of causing their child pain. Despite the film’s dated gender politics, it continues to stand out as a powerful character drama born from the creative landscape of New Hollywood.

10. Mamma Mia

Throughout almost 50 years of acting, Meryl Streep has made many enjoyable and catchy movies. However, none of her films are as delightful as “Mamma Mia.” Directed by Phyllida Lloyd in 2008 and based on the Broadway musical with all ABBA songs, “Mamma Mia” was a huge success thanks to Streep’s brilliant lead performance. She was the ideal choice for a film that required a loving, charming, and versatile actor at its heart – someone who could invite viewers in with her friendly familiarity while also astonishing them with her enthusiasm for the lively spectacle.

Meryl Streep portrays Donna Sheridan, a hotel owner on the Greek coast who’s feeling stressed about her business. What she doesn’t know is that her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has invited three of Donna’s old lovers to her upcoming wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. As the story unfolds, there are romantic mishaps, heartwarming memories, and energetic musical performances set against a stunning Mediterranean scenery. Streep’s performance gives the movie a solid foundation while also allowing it to take flight, and the outstanding supporting cast matches her enthusiasm at every turn. In this role, more than any other, you can tell that she’s thoroughly enjoying herself.

9. She-Devil

Back in the late ’80s, Susan Seidelman’s “She-Devil” wasn’t exactly a box office hit or critically acclaimed, but looking back now, it feels like a gem that was perhaps just too progressive for its time. It’s sort of like a precursor to “Death Becomes Her,” with a feminist twist – a movie that revels in and cleverly flips female rivalry stereotypes, all while serving up doses of sharp social commentary and cartoonish humor. As a gamer, I’d say it’s one of those underrated titles you’ve got to seek out and appreciate for its boldness.

In the spotlight is Roseanne Barr, delivering her characteristic wide-ranging performance that could explain why the film doesn’t hold much cult status nowadays. However, it’s Meryl Streep who truly steals the show as Mary Fisher, a novelist. She masterfully combines opulent glamour and over-the-top diva qualities with impeccable comedic timing, creating an iconic high camp performance that perfectly suits “She-Devil”. The film’s plot revolves around a neglected housewife (Barr) seeking revenge on her husband (Ed Begley Jr.) after he leaves her for a successful romance writer (Streep). As such, Streep’s character provides the perfect counterpoint with her ethereal presence and spot-on humor. The film is both hilarious and cleverly made, and its direction by Seidelman exudes a charm and understanding of cinematic language that feels nostalgic when compared to today’s lackluster studio comedy productions.

8. Sophie’s Choice

If you ask any ardent fan of Meryl Streep about her most memorable role, it’s likely they’ll mention “Sophie’s Choice.” This 1982 film directed by Alan J. Pakula may not be as highly praised critically these days, but it continues to stand out as a powerful demonstration of the emotional depth and raw power that Streep can bring to her dramatic roles. With exceptional performances from Streep, Kevin Kline, and Peter MacNicol, the film’s harrowing, deeply human historical drama still delivers a significant emotional impact.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase that like this: In 1947, living in New York City, I found myself as Zofia, a Polish immigrant named Sophie, from the movie “Sophie’s Choice.” At first, I formed a bond with Stingo, a friendly young novelist. But my relationship with Nathan was tumultuous and abusive. Unbeknownst to Stingo, I was haunted by the ghost of my traumatic past as an Auschwitz prisoner, carrying a secret so profound and heart-rending that it gave the film its title (a secret known in popular culture, but I won’t reveal it here to avoid spoilers for those who may not be familiar with it). This role was one of Meryl Streep’s most haunting and emotionally intense performances, and she delivered it flawlessly.

7. The Bridges of Madison County

In no other film does Clint Eastwood show such genuine and heartfelt performance as a director or actor than “The Bridges of Madison County.” With a screenplay by Richard LaGravenese adapted from Robert James Waller’s novel, the 1995 movie masterfully transforms a four-day acquaintance between two strangers into one of cinema’s most poignant and moving love stories.

It transpires that there’s ample time for Eastwood and Meryl Streep to convince audiences of a deeply moving, soul-stirring romance between National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid and Italian war bride Francesca Johnson. The story unfolds when Robert encounters Francesca in Madison County, Iowa, while on an assignment to capture the region’s historic covered bridges. With her family away at a fair, Francesca finds herself alone, and as she develops a bond with Robert, it becomes clear that she too feels a sense of loneliness within her marriage, yet struggles to leave it behind.

The movie beautifully captures the essence of 1965 small-town Iowa, much like Eastwood’s signature style, and LaGravenese’s script skillfully delves into the emotional turmoil caused by longing and acceptance. Ultimately, it boils down to an exceptional acting duet between two talented performers, with Eastwood showing remarkable vulnerability and Streep exhibiting sheer greatness in her role.

6. The Devil Wears Prada

By 2006, it appeared that the general public was well aware of Meryl Streep’s acting abilities. However, as always, she proved she had more up her sleeve than anticipated by playing a pivotal role in “The Devil Wears Prada”. This film showcased her remarkable talent for metamorphosing into one of the most formidable characters of her career.

In certain aspects, Streep’s character Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” foreshadows J.K. Simmons’ Oscar-winning performance in “Whiplash”. Miranda is the merciless ruler atop the fictional Runway fashion magazine, making it a kind of purgatory for aspiring journalist Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway). Andy initially knows little about fashion and takes the job as Miranda’s assistant as a temporary solution before moving on to more prestigious opportunities. However, she becomes increasingly intrigued by the high-fashion world and gets drawn into the demanding, exhausting work culture at Runway, with Miranda serving as both Andy’s worst fear and a reluctant guide.

1. The movie stands as an emblematic piece of 2000s pop culture, often overlooked but superior in quality. It marked the final flourish of intelligent, well-crafted, financially successful character dramas in Hollywood that were yet to be fully appreciated. Meryl Streep, instead of exaggerating her role, skillfully captured Miranda’s complex dimensions and nuances, even adding a line during improvisation that has left an indelible mark on “The Devil Wears Prada”.

2. The movie is a symbol of 2000s pop culture and deserves more recognition for its quality than it currently receives. It represented the last breath of smart, polished, financially successful character dramas in Hollywood before they fell out of favor, and Streep portrayed Miranda with a depth and subtlety that went beyond what most might have done, even improvising a line that has become iconic in “The Devil Wears Prada”.

3. This movie is an icon of 2000s pop culture, deserving more praise for its quality than it typically receives. It was the last hurrah of intelligent, refined, financially successful character dramas in Hollywood, and Streep brought Miranda to life with a nuanced performance that included improvising a line that has become legendary in “The Devil Wears Prada”.

4. The movie is a representative piece of 2000s pop culture, often underestimated but superior in quality. It signified the swan song of smart, well-crafted, financially successful character dramas in Hollywood, and Streep breathed life into Miranda with a subtlety that few others could match, even improvising a line that has become iconic in “The Devil Wears Prada”.

5. The movie embodies the essence of 2000s pop culture and deserves more acclaim for its quality than it usually receives. It was the last gasp of smart, finely-tuned, financially prosperous character drama in Hollywood, and Streep’s portrayal of Miranda was so attuned to her depths and shades that she even improvised a line that has become synonymous with “The Devil Wears Prada”.

5. Doubt

In certain cases, a movie resembling a play too closely can be a drawback, but this isn’t true for John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt.” Instead of attempting to hide its origins as a Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage production, it proudly showcases them. The film primarily takes place in confined spaces, utilizing lengthy dialogue scenes and occasional emotional soliloquies. It relies on the power of the script and the acting talent to hold the audience, and with a script as strong as this one, and actors like Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis, the outcome is quite potent.

In this story, Meryl Streep portrays Sister Aloysius Beauvier, a stern and traditional school principal in the Bronx during 1964. She becomes suspicious that Father Brendan Flynn (played by Hoffman) could be sexually abusing Donald Miller (Joseph Foster), the first Black student at their parochial school. Initially treating this as an investigation, her suspicions escalate into a battle of power between the school and the church’s two most influential figures. This struggle mirrors various internal conflicts within the Catholic Church and the broader United States society during the mid-20th century. Shanley’s play is renowned for its depth and mounting intensity, and he skillfully captures these elements on screen, allowing Streep and Hoffman to deliver their exceptional performances that make the confrontation between them truly awe-inspiring.

4. Death Becomes Her

Meryl Streep is frequently underestimated in her comedic roles, with her casting in “The Devil Wears Prada” initially facing backlash due to this misconception. However, the lack of horror movies in her filmography stands out even more: Out of all her films, only Robert Benton’s “Still of the Night” and Robert Zemeckis’ “Death Becomes Her” can truly be categorized as horror. Notably, “Death Becomes Her,” released in 1992, is a rare horror-comedy for Streep, making it doubly uncommon. Furthermore, this film is one of the finest productions of Streep’s career and also offers one of her most outstanding acting performances to date.

In a striking resemblance to “She-Devil,” “Death Becomes Her” shares a common theme where Meryl Streep portrays a glamorous woman who steals another woman’s husband, inciting revenge. What sets it apart is its fantastical element. A satire of the extravagance and obsession with youth in Beverly Hills, the movie puts actress Madeline Ashton (Street) and writer Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn in one of her most iconic roles) in competition for the affections of plastic surgeon Dr. Ernest Menville (Bruce Willis). However, an unusual turn of events occurs when they both consume an elixir of eternal youth provided by the enigmatic Lisle Von Rhuman (Isabella Rossellini). This film isn’t a cult classic and a fixture of pop culture for no reason: it’s relentlessly funny and full of surprises. At its peak, “Death Becomes Her” showcases director Robert Zemeckis and all four actors at their best. Particularly Streep, who delves deep into the most outrageous, comedic role of her career.

3. The French Lieutenant’s Woman

The French Lieutenant’s Woman, a film starring Meryl Streep that boasts significant arthouse pedigree, was based on the renowned postmodernist novel of the same name by John Fowles. The adaptation was penned by Harold Pinter and directed by Karel Reisz, a prominent figure in British cinema. Similar to the book, the movie employs a metafictional approach, depicting a Victorian romance between a paleontologist and an independent woman, while also showcasing the relationship that blossoms between the actors portraying them on screen. Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons take on both roles in both narratives.

This kind of film is best experienced without much discussion. Simply put, “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” stands out as one of the most unique, captivating, and thought-provoking films from the 1980s, thanks to the collaboration of directors Reisz and Pinter, actors Irons and Streep. Despite posing intricate questions about art, selfhood, acting, and the essence of fiction, while also engaging in complex games with its unconventional narrative structure, the film remains a deeply moving double love story that showcases Streep and Irons’ intense, mesmerizing chemistry. There isn’t another Meryl Streep performance quite like it – there simply isn’t another movie quite like this one.

2. Adaptation

Talking about movies that delve into stories-within-stories and films-inside-films, Meryl Streep revisited this theme around twenty years after “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” by appearing in Spike Jonze’s “Adaptation.” Unlike its source material, the nonfiction book “The Orchid Thief” by Susan Orlean, “Adaptation” didn’t borrow its title. Instead, it was named after the struggles of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman to develop a screenplay from Orlean’s book. Interestingly, “Adaptation” actually portrays those struggles – in essence, it’s a film about its own challenging creation process.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this:

I, as a film enthusiast, find myself immersed in the unique tale of Nicolas Cage playing twin brothers named Charlie and Donald Kaufman. While the real-life Charlie grapples with creating an accurate portrayal of Susan Orlean’s captivating exploration into the illicit world of orchid poaching in Florida, we delve into the movie he’s finding so difficult to write: a tale that follows Susan (Meryl Streep) encountering and forming a profound bond with the quirky horticulturist, John Laroche (Chris Cooper). Each part stands out on its own, but when they intertwine, it results in something extraordinary – a blend of surreal, side-splitting humor, and breathtaking performances from Meryl Streep that showcase her exceptional talent for detailed character development and lighthearted comedy.

1. Postcards from the Edge

There’s no denying that Carrie Fisher was an exceptionally intelligent, witty, and gifted individual who graced our planet. However, often overlooked is her remarkable work as a screenwriter in movies. In 1997, she penned one of the most impactful scenes in “Anastasia,” while her adaptation of her semi-autobiographical novel, “Postcards from the Edge,” into a film in earlier years, was a brilliant exploration of her relationship with her mother Debbie Reynolds. This film, under Mike Nichols’ direction, transformed into Meryl Streep’s defining role, capturing the essence and versatility of her acting talents perfectly.

People know Carrie Fisher as one of the brightest, funniest, and most talented people around, but they don’t talk enough about her fantastic work as a movie screenwriter. For instance, she wrote a memorable scene in “Anastasia” (1997), and years earlier, she adapted her book, “Postcards from the Edge,” into a film that delved deeply into her relationship with her mother Debbie Reynolds for humor and emotion. Mike Nichols directed this movie adaptation of “Postcards from the Edge,” which became Meryl Streep’s signature role, showcasing her acting abilities at their best.

The summary aptly captures Streep’s perfection by skillfully depicting her versatility in portraying serious dramatic characters and hilarious comedic roles. She takes on the role of Suzanne Vale, an actress recently out of rehab who is compelled to live with her self-centered mother and fellow actress Doris Mann (Shirley MacLaine) to revive her career. Streep’s acting masterfully satirizes and sincerely embodies the perils of Hollywood stardom, crafting a character so vast and intriguing that it seems almost unreal – if not for the awareness that Carrie Fisher conceived her. “Postcards from the Edge” is a remarkable family drama, appearing simple yet profoundly insightful and penetrating, while also serving as an extraordinary encounter of two acting legends at their peak performance.

2025-04-05 21:32