Since her breakthrough in the late '80s, Julia Roberts has been one of the most celebrated A-list stars in Hollywood due to her charismatic presence on screen, iconic romantic-comedy roles, reputation as "America's Sweetheart," versatility of career, and distinct smile.
You might be in the mood to watch some of the best works from Roberts. Here is our list of recommendations for her movies that you can watch right now.
Steel Magnolias
Steel Magnolias follows a young beautician, newly arrived in a small Louisiana town, who finds work at the local salon, where a small group of women share a close bond of friendship and welcome her into the fold.
The film marked Roberts' breakthrough role on the big screen as her character became the heart and soul of the story and the catharsis of its iconic heartbreaking moment. She also received her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Pretty Woman
The romantic-comedy classic Pretty Woman follows a corporate raider who hires a hooker to act as a business escort in Beverly Hills, California.
The film turned Roberts into a global star and set her career in the following years as one of the biggest A-list stars. This is also one of her most iconic roles and, to this day, it is still considered to be her signature character. This role also led to her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Where You Can Stream: Hulu
The Pelican Brief
Based on the John Grisham novel, The Pelican Brief follows a law student who uncovers a conspiracy, putting herself and others in danger.
This is one of Robert's biggest box office hits in the 90s. Not only because of her starring involvement, but it also co-stars Denzel Washington, who was at the height of his A-list fame at that time as well.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video
My Best Friend's Wedding
In My Best Friend's Wedding, when a woman's long-time friend reveals he's engaged, she realizes she loves him herself and sets out to get him, with only days before the wedding.
The film has become one of the most iconic romantic comedies of the '90s due to Roberts' leading presence, its unique concept, and iconic moments and needle drops that are still being talked about to this day.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Notting Hill
Notting Hill follows Anna Scott, a famous actress, who falls in love with William Thacker, owner of a bookstore in Notting Hill. However, the paparazzi's fascination with her complicates their bond.
This is also another signature romantic comedy from Roberts during the 1990s. It is celebrated for her exceptional chemistry with Hugh Grant and its quotable lines that are still relevant in pop culture today.
Where You Can Stream: Peacock, Starz
Erin Brockovich
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich follows a flamboyant law firm secretary who works tirelessly to gain justice for a small town wrecked by a utility company's pollution.
The film marked a turning point in Roberts' career as it elevated her status into a mainstream drama actress. She won an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance and swept the category in all televised awards ceremonies. This is now celebrated as one of her most iconic works.
Where You Can Stream: Prime Video
Ocean's Eleven
Ocean's Eleven follows Danny Ocean, a gangster, who rounds up a gang of associates to stage a sophisticated and elaborate casino heist, which involves robbing three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously during a popular boxing event.
While the ensemble is male-led, Roberts still stood out as Tess Ocean, the love interest of the main character. She reprised the role in the second film, and there are rumors that she might return in the long-gestating Ocean's 14 legacy sequel.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Closer
Closer focuses on the relationships of two couples that become complicated and deceitful when the man from one couple meets the woman of the other.
The film is another great showcase for Roberts as a dramatic performer. This was also an opportunity for her to work with one of the best filmmakers, Mike Nichols. Throughout the years, this has gained a reputation as one of her underrated works.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
August: Osage County
Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, August: Osage County explores the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them.
Roberts received another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, thanks to her standout role as Barbara Weston. This is one of the darkest roles of her career, not because of the character, but rather the serious themes that the film deals with and the explosive moments that she did.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Leave the World Behind
Leave the World Behind follows a family's getaway to a luxurious rental home that takes an ominous turn when a cyberattack knocks out their devices, and two strangers appear at their door.
This is one of Roberts' rare genre projects, and it is a wonderful showcase to prove her chops in the mystery/thriller genre. While the film's reception was divisive, it ended up becoming one of the most viewed films on streaming that year.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
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