Reese Witherspoon has unquestioningly left an indelible mark on the silver screen.
The actress has starred in numerous cult classics as well as multiple box office hits; she’s even won the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actress.
Of course, in recent years, Reese has been more focused on other endeavours.
For instance, she pivoted from film to television and starred in the shows Big Little Lies and Morning Wars.
Not to mention she runs the companies Hello Sunshine and Draper James, and an extremely successful book club.
But Reese’s film career is still mighty impressive; ultimately, it’s a testament to her enduring presence in Hollywood.
And so, we’ve rounded up our favourite Reese Witherspoon movies below…
Cruel Intentions
Director: Roger Kumble
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe
Genre: Drama, Romance
Release: 1999
A cult classic of the late 90s, Cruel Intentions sees Reese in one of her breakout roles as Annette Hargrove, a virtuous and headstrong young woman who becomes entangled in a web of seduction and manipulation orchestrated by the cunning Kathryn Merteuil, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Reese’s performance adds incredible depth, elevating the film beyond typical teen drama fare.
Where to watch: Stream Cruel Intentions now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.
Election
Director: Alexander Payne
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Matthew Broderick, Chris Klein
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Release: 1999
In Election, Reese delivers a tour de force performance as Tracy Flick, an ambitious high school student vying for student body president. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering determination, Reese brings Tracy to life and the film serves as a brilliant showcase of both her comedic timing and dramatic range.
Where to watch: Stream Election now on Paramount+ FREE for 7 days. Subscribe here.
Just Like Heaven
Director: Mark Waters
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Release: 2005
Just Like Heaven offers a delightful blend of romance and fantasy, with Reese portraying Elizabeth Masterson, a spirit who finds herself haunting her former apartment and its current occupant, David Abbott, played by Mark Ruffalo. Reese’s effervescent charm shines through in this heartwarming tale of love transcending the boundaries between the living and the dead.
Where to watch: Stream Just Like Heaven now on Stan.
Legally Blonde
Director: Robert Luketic
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair
Genre: Comedy
Release: 2001
Legally Blonde catapulted Reese to superstardom with her iconic portrayal of Elle Woods, a determined and vivacious sorority girl who defies expectations by enrolling in Harvard Law School. Reese’s impeccable comedic timing and undeniable charisma make Elle Woods an unforgettable character, earning her a place in the pantheon of cinematic heroines.
Where to watch: Stream Legally Blonde now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.
Pleasantville
Director: Gary Ross
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Release: 1998
In Pleasantville, Reese delivers a nuanced performance as Jennifer, a rebellious teenager transported into a black-and-white 1950s sitcom world. As Jennifer challenges the status quo and embraces change, Reese navigates the complexities of her character with grace and authenticity, which at the time earned her copious accolades for her portrayal of a young woman coming of age.
Where to watch: Stream Pleasantville now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.
Sweet Home Alabama
Director: Andy Tennant
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Release: 2002
Sweet Home Alabama showcases Reese’s irresistible charm and southern flair as Melanie Carmichael, a New York fashion designer grappling with her roots in small-town Alabama. Reese’s magnetic presence elevates the film, infusing it with humour, heart, and genuine emotion as Melanie confronts the past and discovers where her heart truly belongs.
Where to watch: Stream Sweet Home Alabama now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
Walk the Line
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Joaquin Phoenix
Genre: Biography, Drama, Music
Release: 2005
In Walk the Line, Reese delivers a powerhouse performance as June Carter Cash, the beloved country music icon and wife of Johnny Cash – she won an Academy Award for Best Actress thanks to this film. Plus, her chemistry with Joaquin Phoenix, who portrays Cash, is electrifying, making Walk the Line a must-see for music lovers and cinephiles alike.
Where to watch: Stream Walk the Line now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
Water for Elephants
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz
Genre: Drama, Romance
Release: 2011
Water for Elephants transports audiences to the mesmerising world of a travelling circus during the Great Depression, where Reese shines as Marlena Rosenbluth, a captivating performer caught in a tumultuous love triangle.
Where to watch: Stream Water for Elephants now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
Wild
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern
Genre: Biography, Drama
Release: 2014
In Wild, Reese delivers a raw and transformative performance as Cheryl Strayed, a woman embarking on a solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to heal from personal loss and find redemption. Her commitment to the role earned her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Where to watch: Stream Wild now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
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