Reese Witherspoon has been one of the most reliable stars since the '90s due to her charismatic screen presence, Southern charm, and defining roles that made her an icon.
Throughout her career so far, she has won an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Golden Globe Awards. She is also the founder of the production company Hello Sunshine, which has produced several female-led projects.
You might be in the mood to watch a movie that stars Witherspoon, so here is our list of recommendations for some of the best in her filmography.
Pleasantville
In Pleasantville, two 1990s teenage siblings find themselves transported to a 1950s sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that colorless, complacent world.
While she was not the main focus of the film, Witherspoon managed to stand out on her own as she became one of the heart and soul, and gave depth to a character that could have been thankless.
Where You Can Stream: MGM+
Cruel Intentions
Cruel Intentions follows two vicious step-siblings of an elite Manhattan prep school who make a wager: to deflower the new headmaster's daughter before the start of term.
Even at a younger age, Witherspoon managed to shine in a mature role in a thriller that is full of complicated twists and shocking moments that defined the pop culture of that era. She notably co-starred with Ryan Phillippe, who eventually became her husband.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Election
Election follows a high school teacher who meets his match in an overachieving student politician, Tracy Flick, who is attempting to run for student government president.
This is one of Witherspoon's most defining films of her career, and the role of Tracy Flick is considered one of her most memorable characters. It is also a unique entry in the "high school" genre, as it is more focused on the political aspect and character study of a toxic person in this context.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
American Psycho
American Psycho follows a wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, who hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.
Witherspoon played the role of Evelyn Williams, Bateman's fiancée, whom he actually has no romantic affection for. It might be a supporting role, but she still managed to have some standout moments as her character was crucial to the main character's descent into madness.
Where You Can Stream: Prime Video, Peacock
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde follows fashionable sorority queen Elle Woods, who follows her ex-boyfriend to law school, where she discovers that there is more to her than just looks.
Elle Woods is arguably Witherspoon's most iconic role of her career, and it inspired a lot of women to apply to law schools just like her. Not only did the film become a pop culture sensation, but it also spawned into a franchise with a sequel and a prequel TV series that is set to premiere next year, which is produced by Witherspoon.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Sweet Home Alabama
Sweet Home Alabama follows a young woman who has reinvented herself as a New York City socialite, as she must return home to Alabama to obtain a divorce from her husband after seven years of separation.
This film solidified Witherspoon as one of the queens of the romantic-comedy genre in the 2000s. While several story elements did not age, the film is still highly regarded to this day due to Witherspoon's effortless charm.
Where You Can Stream: Netflix
Walk the Line
Walk the Line explores the life of country music legend Johnny Cash, from his early days on an Arkansas cotton farm to his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
Witherspoon's performance as June Carter received a lot of acclaim from critics, resulting in her Oscar win for Best Actress. Not only did she elevate the material of her character, but she also successfully matched with Joaquin Phoenix, who plays Johnny Cash.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Just Like Heaven
Just Like Heaven follows a lonely architect who finds an amazing apartment, only to discover it's haunted by the spirit of the previous tenant, an overachieving doctor.
This is another film in her filmography that solidified Witherspoon as a romantic-comedy queen. Aside from its unique story, her exceptional chemistry with Mark Ruffalo made this a rewatchable classic.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Wild
Based on a true story, Wild chronicles one woman's 1,100-mile solo hike undertaken as a way to recover from a recent personal tragedy.
Witherspoon received her second Oscar nomination for her performance in the film. It's another impressive and moving work from her as she successfully embodied the struggles of Cheryl Strayed, as well as her undeniable bravery.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
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