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Meryl Streep's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - October 29th 2024, 11:20 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Meryl Streep appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Little Women — 20. Little Women (2019)

Meryl as Aunt March is an absolute hoot. She's the quintessential “tough-love” aunt, throwing barbs with precision and almost stealing scenes with her no-nonsense pragmatism. In a movie full of optimism and youth, she brings a perfectly jaded counterpoint that’s oddly endearing. Even with limited screen time, she makes Aunt March unforgettable. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped One True Thing — 19. One True Thing (1998)

In this tearjerker, Streep plays a mother dying of cancer with an unnerving authenticity. She’s as suffocating as she is sympathetic, creating a mother-daughter tension that feels so real you can almost feel the room closing in. Despite the movie’s melodrama, Streep finds a grounded sadness in her character that hits hard. It’s a masterclass in understated emotion. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Ironweed — 18. Ironweed (1987)

Streep joins Jack Nicholson in this bleak Depression-era story, and while it’s really Jack’s show, she’s memorable as a haunted alcoholic. The film itself is dreary and unrelenting, but her fragile, heartbreaking presence is like a soft light in a very dark room. It’s a tough watch, but Streep makes it worth it, even if the character doesn’t have much depth. | © TriStar Pictures

Cropped Plenty — 17. Plenty (1985)

In this challenging role, Streep is a WWII resistance fighter grappling with post-war disillusionment. The movie’s moody, and her character is prickly, but Streep nails Susan’s complex bitterness. She draws you into this flawed woman’s story, playing her as both fierce and strangely vulnerable. It’s not an easy role to love, but Streep’s take is haunting. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped A Cry in the Dark — 16. A Cry in the Dark (1988)

“Dingo’s got my baby!” might have become a punchline, but Streep’s performance in this true crime drama is anything but. She’s riveting as a mother wrongly accused, playing an unsympathetic, closed-off character with stoic realism. It’s a raw, unglamorous role that showcases her range — unlikable but unforgettable. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Death Becomes Her — 15. Death Becomes Her (1992)

In this cult classic, Streep is hilariously over-the-top as a washed-up actress obsessed with eternal youth. It’s campy, it’s ridiculous, and she goes all in, pulling off comedy and satire with flair. She’s hideously shallow yet somehow sympathetic — a true black comedy gem that proves Meryl can laugh at herself. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Julie Julia — 14. Julie & Julia (2009)

Streep’s Julia Child is a towering, joyfully eccentric portrayal of the famous chef. She brings warmth and charm, diving into Julia’s quirks with love and humor. Against the modern storyline, Streep’s scenes are the movie’s heart, showcasing how much fun she has embodying Child. It’s simply delightful. | © Sony Pictures

Cropped August Osage County — 13. August: Osage County (2013)

As the sharp-tongued Violet Weston, Streep devours this family drama with pure venom. She’s spiteful, bitter, and heartbreaking all at once, making Violet’s dark humor almost lovable. It’s a performance that leaves a mark — a bit over-the-top but captivating from start to finish. No one does family dysfunction quite like her. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped Out of Africa — 12. Out of Africa (1985)

In a sweeping epic, Streep plays a woman surviving in colonial Kenya, and it’s a role that demands patience. Her portrayal is subtle and wise, though the movie itself feels a bit pretentious. Streep handles the slow pace gracefully, transforming what could’ve been pure Oscar bait into a soulful performance. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Hours — 11. The Hours (2002)

As Clarissa Vaughan, Streep is all about quiet suffering in this interwoven tale of love and loss. She’s mesmerizing as a woman grappling with unspoken regrets, and her scenes are achingly sad yet profoundly beautiful. It’s a restrained performance that leaves you reflecting long after the credits roll. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped The Post — 10. The Post (2017)

Streep shines as Kay Graham, the hesitant publisher stepping up during a historic crisis. It’s a role that’s less showy than her usual, but she delivers a quiet strength that’s truly inspiring. Opposite Tom Hanks, Streep’s natural authority makes her transformation from socialite to bold leader feel real and empowering. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Silkwood — 9. Silkwood (1983)

In this true story, Streep plays Karen Silkwood, an unassuming hero fighting for safety at a nuclear facility. Streep disappears into the role, embodying Karen’s everyman courage without any glamour or pretension. It’s a haunting, subtle performance, cementing her as an actress willing to go where few dare. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Defending Your Life — 8. Defending Your Life (1992)

Streep’s charm in this quirky Albert Brooks comedy is irresistible. She’s the ideal, saintly character in Judgment City, yet she’s so down-to-earth that it feels believable. Her warmth and humor light up the screen, making her Julia as lovable as any romantic lead. It’s Streep showing her lighter side with absolute ease. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped The Bridges of Madison County — 7. The Bridges of Madison County (1995)

Streep breathes life into a lonely housewife rediscovering passion in this beautifully simple romance. Her chemistry with Clint Eastwood is electric, elevating what could’ve been a schmaltzy tale into something poignant and real. Streep plays desire and longing with authenticity that stays with you. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Kramer vs Kramer — 6. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Streep’s performance as a mother struggling with her choices is raw and nuanced. She takes what could’ve been a one-note character and infuses her with layers of love and guilt. It’s a heartbreaking look at the complexities of family, and she more than earned that Oscar. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Adaptation — 5. Adaptation (2002)

Playing a fictionalized version of writer Susan Orlean, Streep gives one of her loosest, most genuine performances. She’s vulnerable, a bit lost, and totally charming, making her character feel more like a real person than a caricature. It’s a departure from her usual style, and she’s simply mesmerizing. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped The Devil Wears Prada — 4. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Streep as Miranda Priestly is an absolute masterclass in commanding a scene. Her icy delivery and controlled disdain make her both terrifying and captivating. She elevates what could’ve been a caricature into a cultural icon — effortlessly proving that good acting can be deliciously fun. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Doubt — 3. Doubt (2008)

As Sister Aloysius, a strict Catholic school principal, Streep gives a chilling performance that blurs the lines between right and wrong. She’s intimidating, but there’s a tragic complexity to her conviction that’s hard to shake. It’s a reminder that even in rigid roles, Streep finds a depth that lingers. | © Miramax

Cropped The Deer Hunter — 2. The Deer Hunter (1978)

In a small but crucial role, Streep brings humanity to this Vietnam War epic. She plays a character caught in the emotional fallout of war, with a tenderness that offsets the film’s brutal themes. It’s understated yet impactful, showing early signs of her talent for subtlety. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Sophies Choice — 1. Sophie’s Choice (1982)

Streep’s portrayal of Sophie is hauntingly powerful, cementing her status as one of the greats. She takes on immense trauma and tragedy with such grace and depth that it’s impossible not to be moved. This role is emotionally exhausting, but she pulls it off with heartbreaking beauty. | © Universal Pictures

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Meryl Streep isn’t just an actress; she’s a cinematic force. With a career spanning decades and an Oscar collection that could double as a museum exhibit, she’s taken on roles that range from heartbreakingly serious to wildly comedic, each one unforgettable in its own way. But when it comes to her top 20 performances, some truly stand above the rest.

From iconic dramas to cult comedies, we’re ranking her greatest roles from worst to best. So let’s dive into the powerhouse moments, emotional depth, and sheer brilliance that make Meryl Streep a legend onscreen.

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Meryl Streep isn’t just an actress; she’s a cinematic force. With a career spanning decades and an Oscar collection that could double as a museum exhibit, she’s taken on roles that range from heartbreakingly serious to wildly comedic, each one unforgettable in its own way. But when it comes to her top 20 performances, some truly stand above the rest.

From iconic dramas to cult comedies, we’re ranking her greatest roles from worst to best. So let’s dive into the powerhouse moments, emotional depth, and sheer brilliance that make Meryl Streep a legend onscreen.