Blake Lively’s Best Performances, Ranked

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As I delve into the captivating world of Blake Lively’s career, it is impossible not to be mesmerized by the sheer magnitude of her talent and versatility. From her humble beginnings on television to her current status as a Hollywood A-lister, Blake has undeniably left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry.

Her breakout role as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl catapulted her to international stardom and established her as a household name. The iconic character embodied the quintessential Upper East Side it-girl, with her enchanting beauty, captivating charm, and unparalleled grace. It was a role that defined an era and cemented Blake’s status as a style icon for generations to come.

However, it is not just her on-screen charisma that sets Blake apart. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from comedies like The Age of Adaline to intense dramas such as The Town, showcases her immense acting range and dedication to her craft. Each role she undertakes is approached with a level of professionalism and passion that is truly inspiring.

One cannot discuss Blake Lively’s career without mentioning the impact she has had on the fashion world. Her impeccable style and flawless red carpet appearances have earned her countless accolades, making her a go-to for designers looking to showcase their latest creations. It seems that wherever Blake goes, elegance follows.

In closing, I must share a little joke to lighten the mood. When asked what her secret was for maintaining such an enviable figure, Blake replied with a wink, “I have a personal trainer… and a very understanding pastry chef.” Indeed, it seems that Blake Lively’s life is nothing short of a fairy tale come true, filled with glamour, drama, and a dash of humor. Long live the queen of the Upper East Side!

Born in America, Blake Lively started her acting career in the late 1990s, with her first screen appearance at age 10 in the movie “Sandman” (1998), directed by her father. Since then, she has consistently worked in the industry. For her performances, Lively has been honored with awards from various prestigious institutions such as Teen Choice Awards, National Board of Review, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association, CinemaCon Award, People’s Choice Awards, among others.

2024 marked a peculiar shift in Blake Lively’s acting journey following her acclaimed performance in Justin Baldoni’s film “It Ends with Us,” adapted from Colleen Hoover’s book. The conflict between Lively and Baldoni escalated to public accusations, with Baldoni facing allegations of a smear campaign against Lively. Both parties have exchanged claims of unhealthy on-set behavior. Whether this incident will impact Lively’s career remains uncertain; for now, let’s take a look at Blake Livery’s top acting performances to date, ranked.

15
‘All I See Is You’ (2016)

Gina

A psychologically intriguing movie titled “All I See Is You” directed by Marc Forster, revolves around a woman named Gina who has been blind since childhood. After a successful cornea transplant, she gains her sight for the first time, opening up a whole new world for her and challenging her relationship with her husband James, as she starts to question her dependence on him due to her newfound independence.

A Transformative Character Study

I found the movie to be a quiet success due to its unique theme that delves into the profound role our senses play in shaping our understanding of reality. However, on the whole, it felt somewhat superficial, which may explain why both critics and viewers struggled to resonate with it. Nonetheless, Blake Lively’s captivating portrayal of Gina truly stood out. Her acting skillfully depicted the character’s strength, vulnerability, curiosity, transformation, and ultimately, her confrontation with the truth about herself, adding another impressive layer to her acting repertoire.

14
‘Accepted’ (2006)

Monica Moreland

In a humorous and endearing fashion, Accepted is a film directed by Steve Pink that tells the story of Bartleby Gaines, a high school graduate who gets turned down by every college he applies to. In response, he concocts a plan to establish his own university – the South Harmon Institute of Technology (S.H.I.T.). With the aid of his friends, Bartleby repurposes an old psychiatric hospital into a temporary campus. As more students apply to S.H.I.T., events take a turn for the chaotic.

Ridiculous but Feel-Good Underdog Story

In an unusual yet captivating way, the story unfolds as Bartleby and his companions transform their sham college into a legitimate institution, which is portrayed in the movie “Accepted.” The film beautifully illustrates friendships formed by those who don’t conform to societal norms, and stars like Justin Long, Anthony Heald, and Lewis Black deliver exceptional performances. Blake Lively, appearing as Monica, Bartleby’s love interest, shines brightly in this role. Her endearing screen presence paved the way for her to secure the part of Serena van der Woodsen on “Gossip Girl” just a year later.

13
‘Savages’ (2012)

Ophelia “O” Sage

A stylish action thriller titled “Savages” was directed by Oliver Stone. In this film, Blake Lively portrays Ophelia “O” Sage, a carefree young lady who finds herself entangled in a perilous love triangle with her two best friends, Chon and Ben, who are cannabis cultivators residing peacefully in Laguna Beach. However, their tranquility is disrupted when a ruthless Mexican drug cartel kidnaps O, compelling the two men to make desperate attempts to save her from the clutches of the brutal cartel members.

Intense Love Triangle and High-Stakes Action

The film “Savages” emphasizes style over substance, meaning that the storyline is packed with action and tension, but it lacks a deep emotional resonance. The captivating performance of Salma Hayek as O is particularly noteworthy, as she convincingly portrays a free-spirited woman who becomes a pawn in a dangerous power play. Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Taylor-Johnson deliver strong performances as Chon and Ben.

12
‘It Ends With Us’ (2024)

Lily Bloom

In this eagerly awaited film based on the hugely successful book by Colleen Hoover, Blake Lively portrays Lily Bloom, a vibrant woman pursuing her ambition of establishing her own flower shop. A serendipitous meeting with a captivating neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid sets off an unexpected turn in her life. As her former love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, Lily finds herself grappling with the dilemma of two suitors and faced with challenging decisions regarding her path ahead.

Heartfelt Exploration of a Sensitive Subject

In Baldoni’s skilled direction, Hoover’s emotional source material receives a fitting adaptation. Baldoni, who both produced and starred as Ryle, joined forces with Lively, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate, and Hasan Minhaj in this production. The film’s narrative, enhanced by Lively’s heartfelt and exposed portrayal that seamlessly transitions between moments of joy, fear, and deep anguish, garnered it positive reviews. The movie titled “It Ends With Us” generated a global box office revenue of $351 million on a production budget of only $25 million.

11
‘Elvis and Anabelle’ (2007)

Anabelle Leigh

In the realm of Blake Lively’s films as well as within the romance genre, Elvis and Annabelle stands somewhat underappreciated. This film tells the story of Anabelle Leigh, a girl from a small town who has an unusual affection for beauty pageants. After making it to the finals, a devastating accident puts her in a coma. However, when Elvis, a young man grappling with his purpose as a mortician, gives her a kiss, she miraculously awakens, and they embark on a romantic journey together.

A Poignant Love Story

The tale of Elvis and Anabelle, crafted by Will Geiger, bears a storybook charm. This film showcases an unconventional Southern love story that delves into the challenges faced by the characters in confronting societal norms and personal struggles. However, it also beautifully explores themes of love and sorrow, painting them vividly. Remarkably, Max Minghella and Blake Lively deliver captivating performances, yet it’s Lively as Anabelle who leaves a lasting impression with her poignant portrayal.

10
‘Green Lantern’ (2011)

Carol Ferris

2011 found me captivated by “Green Lantern,” a superhero flick that centers around a fearless test pilot named Hal Jordan. This ordinary man was chosen by an extraordinary power ring, handpicked as the successor to Abin Sur, the previous Green Lantern of Sector 2814. With great responsibility came great adventure, as I was whisked away to join the esteemed Green Lantern Corps, becoming their first human member. The Guardians of the Universe had created this intergalactic police force, harnessing the green energy of willpower and dividing the cosmos into 3,600 sectors, each with its own Green Lantern protecting it.

Commanding Presence in Superhero Epic

In the movie “Green Lantern”, Blake Lively portrays Carol Ferris, who holds the position of vice president at Ferris Aircraft and has a long-standing affection for Hal. She is known for her intelligence, drive, and emotional richness, enriching the film with complexity. For her performance, she was nominated for Choice Movie Actress Sci Fi/Fantasy at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards and won the Jupiter Award for Best International Actress in 2012.

9
‘The Age of Adaline’ (2015)

Adaline Marie Bowman

In 2015, there was a romantic fantasy movie titled The Age of Adaline. The plot revolves around a woman who survived a near-fatal car crash only to be rejuvenated by a bolt of lightning. This extraordinary incident resulted in her body no longer aging past the age of 29. After being found by FBI agents trying to kidnap and experiment on her, she manages to flee and live in hiding for years until she encounters a soulmate who persuades her to settle down.

Explores Timeless Love

In “The Age of Adeline,” Blake Lively plays Adaline Marie Bowman, also known as Jennifer “Jenny” Larson, the lead character who has eternal life. She seamlessly transitions between Adaline’s different phases, from a wary recluse to a woman courageous enough to risk love. Her performance in the movie earned her broad acclaim, awards, and nominations at events like the Teen Choice Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Saturn Awards.

8
‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2’ (2008)

Bridget Vreeland

In 2008, I was part of the team that brought to life “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2,” a heartfelt comedy-drama and the second chapter in our beloved film series. This movie is an adaptation of the novel “Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood,” blending elements from “The Second Summer of the Sisterhood” and “Girls in Pants.”

In this story, we follow our cherished childhood friends as they navigate their first year at college. As fate would have it, they spend the summer apart, each on unique journeys. Despite the search for the elusive Traveling Pants, they don’t find them. However, they do reunite in beautiful Greece, where they deepen their unbreakable bond and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Lively’s Captivating Character Arc

In “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2”, the character portrayed by this actor was Bridget Vreeland, the vivacious member of the quartet of friends who stood out for her boldness and spirit. In 2009, the movie garnered nominations at the Teen Choice Awards in the category of Choice Movie: Romance. The film continues to be noteworthy due to its exploration of college life, relationships, and personal growth. Additionally, the cast’s on-screen camaraderie is particularly commendable.

7
‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee’ (2009)

Young Pippa

2009’s film titled “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee” delves into the complex and turbulent history of its protagonist, Pippa. This includes her struggles with substance abuse, explicit photography, and dancing, as well as other challenges. As the story unfolds, Pippa enters a relationship with a married man, eventually marrying him and starting a family. However, when her husband betrays her, she finds solace in another love interest.

Intricate Portrait of a Marriage

The movie named “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee” was penned and helmed by Rebecca Miller, with its script derived from her 2007 novel carrying the same title. Actress Blake Lively embodies the youthful version of Pippa in the film. Speaking about her character, Lively noted that “Rebecca wrote such a beautifully complex character… It was effortless to grasp her essence and her innermost feelings. Having her guidance throughout made it incredibly simple to portray the same character consistently.

6
‘Café Society’ (2016)

Veronica Hayes

Café Society

In the year 2016, this film titled Café Society is a romantic comedy-drama that tells the story of Bobby Dorfman, who comes from a traditional Jewish family and decides to embark on a new life in Hollywood during the 1930s. Bobby gets a job working for his uncle, where he crosses paths with Vonnie, whom he falls deeply in love with. However, since Vonnie is his uncle’s mistress, their relationship remains platonic. Heartbroken and returning to the Bronx, Bobby finds work in a nightclub. As things start falling into place and he finds new love, Vonnie reappears and once again steals his heart.

Lively Showcases her Incredible Range

The movie, titled “Woody Allen’s work,” is a nostalgic and visually rich period film. It features Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Steve Carell as its stars. Meryl Streep plays Veronica Hayes, a woman who has recently divorced, whom the character Bobby meets at a nightclub, eventually dating, marrying, and starting a family with. The movie was written and directed by Woody Allen and received a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Eagle Award in 2017.

5
‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ (2005)

Bridget Vreeland

The Sisterhood of the Magic Pants

In 2005, this movie named ‘The Sisterhood of the Magic Pants’ was released. It is a blend of comedy and drama that revolves around four inseparable friends who discover an enigmatic pair of pants that somehow fits each one perfectly, despite their varying sizes. As they have spent numerous summers together, for the first time, they find themselves apart during the summer. To keep their bond alive, these friends share the magical pants with one another, symbolizing their unbreakable connection no matter where life takes them.

Breakout Performance That Launched a Career

The movie “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” was helmed by Ken Kwapis in terms of direction, with Delia Ephron and Elizabeth Chandler penning the script. This cinematic adaptation was inspired by Ann Brashares’ novel of the same name published in 2001. Blake Lively portrayed Bridget in this film, a role she reprised throughout subsequent installments of the “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” movie series. For her outstanding performance, Lively was recognized with a nomination for Choice Movie Breakout Female at the Teen Choice Awards in 2005.

4
‘The Shallows’ (2016)

Nancy Adams

2016’s thrilling survival horror movie, “The Shallows,” revolves around a young medical student who finds herself in peril when she gets stranded 200 yards from safety while surfing. To stay alive, she battles through a terrifying shark attack. Miraculously, she makes it to a floating buoy nearby and manages to evade the shark by swimming amidst a school of jellyfish that had earlier stung her, as well as the predator itself.

A Pure, Gut-Wrenching Survival Thriller

The movie was helmed by Jaume Collet-Serra (director) and Anthony Jaswinski (screenwriter), with Blake Lively portraying Nancy Adams, a medical student who finds herself in a life-threatening struggle with a shark while on vacation and surfing. Lively’s performance garnered her the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress, along with nominations for Best International Actress at the Jupiter Awards and for Choice Summer Movie Star: Female at both the Jupiter Awards and Teen Choice Awards.

3
‘A Simple Favor’ (2018)

Emily Nelson

The film titled “A Simple Favor” is a 2017 black comedy-mystery-thriller. It revolves around Stephanie, a mommy blogger, who embarks on an quest to unearth the truth behind her best friend Emily’s mysterious disappearance. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Emily’s confidant and husband, as they join forces in their pursuit for answers. As Stephanie delves deeper into Emily’s past, she uncovers secrets that challenge the image of Emily’s seemingly flawless life, which included a thriving career, loving family, and luxurious lifestyle.

Complex and Mesmerizing Portrayal

In the film “A Simple Favor,” Blake Lively portrays Emily Nelson, an enigmatic, lethal deceiver who artfully ensnares her best friend and spouse into staging her demise for a fraudulent insurance claim. Her captivating screen presence alongside Anna Kendrick is one of the movie’s standout aspects, as she masterfully imbues the character with a tantalizing mix of mystery, polish, and suspense. A follow-up to the film was confirmed in May 2022, with both actresses expected to return for the second installment.

2
‘The Town’ (2010)

Krista “Kris” Coughlin

In the 2010 crime drama movie titled “The Town,” a Boston bank robber named Doug nurtures affection for a woman who had been a victim in one of his earlier heists. Ben Affleck portrays Krista “Kris” Coughlin, an ex-girlfriend of Doug’s, who got into a car accident with her child while driving under the influence. Kris ultimately turns against Doug when she collaborates with the FBI and provides them information about his criminal activities, following pressure from Agent Frawley.

Lively Stands Out Among a Powerful Ensemble

2010 saw “The Town” receiving significant recognition, including Best Ensemble Cast and Best Ensemble from both the National Board of Review and Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association. It was also listed among the Top Ten Films and recognized for its outstanding ensemble acting by the National Board of Review. Furthermore, it garnered numerous nominations at various award ceremonies. Notably, Sienna Miller’s performance in the film stands out as particularly vibrant and intense, with her co-starring alongside Rebecca Hall, Ben Affleck, and Jeremy Renner on screen.

1
‘Gossip Girl’ (2007 – 2012)

Serena van der Woodsen

The TV series titled “Gossip Girl” revolves around the lives of wealthy teenagers residing in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where they engage in backstabbing actions against each other. This series is unique as it is watched over by an unidentified blogger who always keeps tabs on them. The narrative commences when a popular teenager named Serena van der Woodsen mysteriously reappears in the Upper East Side after being absent for some time. Upon her return, she reconnects with her old friend and foe Blair Waldorf, meets her mother Lily, and develops a romantic connection with Dan Humphrey, an aspiring writer who remains her primary love interest throughout the show.

The Most Iconic Role In Lively’s Career

Starting from 2007, Blake Lively portrayed the role of Serena on the hit show “Gossip Girl” until 2012. Her performance earned her recognition such as awards from the Teen Choice Awards, Newport Beach Film Festival, and nominations at other award ceremonies. Throughout the series, her character guided us through the dynamic life of Manhattan’s high society, often alongside her fellow star Leighton Meester’s character, Blair Waldorf. The popularity of “Gossip Girl” led to adaptations in multiple countries, and it won a total of 18 Teen Choice Awards and garnered numerous award nominations.

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2024-12-30 08:05