Winona Ryder's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

1-21

Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 22nd 2024, 19:30 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Winona Ryder 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 Lucas — 20. Lucas (1986)

Winona Ryder made her film debut in *Lucas*, playing Rina, a sweet and supportive friend in this coming-of-age drama. While her role is relatively minor, she brings a quiet charm to the character that hints at the star she’d soon become. The movie itself is heartfelt but dated, leaning heavily on high school tropes that haven’t aged well. Still, Ryder’s natural screen presence shines through, making her a memorable part of an otherwise average film. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Experimenter — 19. Experimenter (2015)

In *Experimenter*, Ryder plays Sasha Menkin, the supportive wife of Stanley Milgram, the psychologist behind the famous obedience experiments. While the film is an intriguing exploration of human behavior, Ryder’s role feels a bit underdeveloped. She does her best with the material, adding warmth and grounding to a story dominated by intellectual concepts. It’s a solid performance, but the movie doesn’t give her much room to flex her acting muscles. | © Magnolia Pictures

Cropped Star Trek — 18. Star Trek (2009)

In J.J. Abrams’ *Star Trek*, Ryder briefly appears as Amanda Grayson, Spock’s human mother. While her screen time is limited, she brings a quiet grace to the role, embodying a maternal warmth that contrasts with the cold logic of Vulcan culture. Unfortunately, her character’s tragic fate comes so quickly that it doesn’t leave much of an emotional impact. Ryder does well with what she’s given, but this is far from her most memorable role. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped The Iceman — 17. The Iceman (2012)

Winona Ryder plays Deborah Kuklinski, the wife of notorious hitman Richard Kuklinski, in *The Iceman*. She captures the character’s naivety and eventual disillusionment as she discovers the truth about her husband’s double life. Ryder’s performance is strong, but the film itself focuses more on Michael Shannon’s brooding portrayal of Kuklinski, leaving her character somewhat sidelined. Still, she brings emotional depth to a role that could have been easily overlooked. | © Millennium Films

Cropped Great Balls of Fire — 16. Great Balls of Fire! (1989)

Ryder takes on the role of Myra Gale Brown, the teenage bride of rock ‘n’ roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis, in *Great Balls of Fire!*. Her performance is compelling, balancing youthful innocence with growing maturity as her character grapples with the controversial marriage. The film itself leans heavily on its flashy musical numbers, sometimes at the expense of deeper storytelling. Ryder’s portrayal adds a layer of complexity, but the movie struggles to find its footing between drama and spectacle. | © Orion Pictures

Cropped The House of the Spirits — 15. The House of the Spirits (1993)

In *The House of the Spirits*, Ryder plays Blanca Trueba in this sweeping family saga based on Isabel Allende’s novel. While the film’s ambitions are grand, its execution is uneven, and Ryder’s performance occasionally feels lost amidst the sprawling narrative. She brings a sincere warmth to Blanca, but the movie’s pacing and overstuffed plot don’t give her character the depth she deserves. It’s a noble effort in a film that struggles to live up to its source material. | © Miramax Films

Cropped How to Make an American Quilt — 14. How to Make an American Quilt (1995)

Winona Ryder stars as Finn Dodd, a young woman navigating life and love while seeking wisdom from a group of quilting elders. The film’s ensemble cast is its biggest strength, and Ryder does a lovely job anchoring the story with her relatable vulnerability. While the movie can feel overly sentimental at times, Ryder’s performance gives it a grounded emotional core. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a cozy, heartfelt film that suits her well. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Alien Resurrection — 13. Alien: Resurrection (1997)

As Annalee Call, a mysterious android in *Alien: Resurrection*, Ryder ventures into sci-fi horror territory. While she delivers a solid performance, the film itself is a polarizing entry in the *Alien* franchise, with its mix of campy moments and grotesque visuals. Ryder does her best to inject humanity into her character, but the movie’s chaotic tone often works against her. It’s a fascinating, if flawed, addition to her diverse filmography. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped The Crucible — 12. The Crucible (1996)

In *The Crucible*, Ryder plays Abigail Williams, the scheming and vengeful young woman at the center of the Salem witch trials. She brings a fiery intensity to the role, capturing Abigail’s dangerous mix of desperation and cunning. The film’s heavy-handed dramatics can be overwhelming, but Ryder’s performance stands out as a highlight. It’s a role that showcases her ability to play deeply flawed, morally complex characters. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Beetlejuice Beetlejuice — 11. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Returning as Lydia Deetz in *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, Ryder steps back into one of her most beloved roles. While nostalgia runs high, the sequel doesn’t quite recapture the quirky magic of the original. Ryder, however, slips seamlessly back into Lydia’s gothic charm, delivering a performance that feels like a warm hug for longtime fans. Even if the film isn’t perfect, her presence is a delightful reminder of why we fell in love with Lydia in the first place. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Bram Stokers Dracula — 10. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

In Francis Ford Coppola’s lavish adaptation of *Dracula*, Ryder plays Mina Harker, caught in a whirlwind of romance, horror, and gothic intrigue. While her performance is earnest, it’s occasionally overshadowed by the film’s dramatic excesses and Gary Oldman’s mesmerizing turn as Dracula. Still, Ryder brings a delicate vulnerability to Mina, making her a compelling counterpart to the film’s darker elements. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Reality Bites — 9. Reality Bites (1994)

As Lelaina Pierce, Ryder captures the quintessential angst of Generation X in *Reality Bites*. Her performance is full of wit and charm, perfectly encapsulating the struggles of post-college life in the 90s. The film itself feels like a time capsule, and Ryder’s portrayal of a conflicted creative navigating love and ambition is the heart of the story. It’s a role that solidified her status as a voice of her generation. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Black Swan — 8. Black Swan (2010)

Though her role is brief, Ryder leaves a haunting impression as Beth, a fading prima ballerina in *Black Swan*. Her character’s unraveling serves as a chilling warning to Natalie Portman’s protagonist, and Ryder brings a raw, almost tragic intensity to the part. It’s a small but significant performance that reminds us of her ability to deliver unforgettable moments, even in limited screen time. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Mermaids — 7. Mermaids (1990)

As Charlotte Flax, a teenager grappling with her eccentric mother and her own coming-of-age struggles, Ryder shines in *Mermaids*. Her performance captures the awkwardness and confusion of adolescence with humor and heart, balancing the film’s quirky tone with emotional depth. Her chemistry with Cher and Christina Ricci is delightful, making this family dramedy a nostalgic gem. | © Orion Pictures

Cropped Little Women — 6. Little Women (1994)

Winona Ryder’s portrayal of Jo March in *Little Women* is an absolute triumph. She embodies the fiery independence, ambition, and emotional depth of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved character with stunning authenticity. Jo’s journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and family devotion feels both timeless and deeply personal through Ryder’s nuanced performance. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast, particularly Susan Sarandon and Christian Bale, is delightful. This adaptation remains a classic in part because Ryder’s Jo feels so alive and relatable. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped The Age of Innocence — 5. The Age of Innocence (1993)

In *The Age of Innocence*, Ryder plays May Welland, a seemingly docile fiancée with a sharp mind and a knack for quiet manipulation. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety, perfectly capturing May’s facade of innocence while hinting at her calculated control over her situation. Martin Scorsese’s lush, romantic period drama gives Ryder the perfect backdrop to shine, and she more than holds her own alongside Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer. This role earned her a well-deserved Oscar nomination. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Edward Scissorhands — 4. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Ryder’s role as Kim Boggs in *Edward Scissorhands* is both heartwarming and iconic. She transforms from a wary suburban teenager to someone who sees the beauty in Edward’s uniqueness, creating an emotional arc that resonates deeply. Her chemistry with Johnny Depp is enchanting, and her ability to blend whimsy with grounded emotion makes her performance unforgettable. Tim Burton’s surreal fairy tale wouldn’t be the same without Ryder’s heartfelt portrayal grounding the fantastical story. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Girl Interrupted — 3. Girl, Interrupted (1999)

In *Girl, Interrupted*, Ryder plays Susanna Kaysen, the introspective narrator of this journey through mental illness and institutionalization. While Angelina Jolie’s Oscar-winning performance steals much of the spotlight, Ryder’s grounded portrayal anchors the film, providing its emotional core. She captures Susanna’s quiet struggle with identity and her search for meaning with subtlety and grace. Ryder’s ability to make Susanna feel relatable and human ensures that her performance remains a vital part of this poignant drama. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Heathers — 2. Heathers (1988)

In *Heathers*, Winona Ryder stars as Veronica Sawyer, a disenchanted high schooler navigating the cutthroat world of teenage cliques. Her dark humor, deadpan delivery, and vulnerability make Veronica one of the most iconic antiheroes in teen movie history. Ryder perfectly captures the absurdity and tragedy of the film’s sharp satire on popularity, peer pressure, and rebellion. Her chemistry with Christian Slater adds an extra layer of chaotic energy, making their love-hate dynamic unforgettable. Ryder’s performance anchors this dark comedy, turning Veronica into a timeless symbol of teenage angst and biting wit. | © New World Pictures

Cropped Beetlejuice 1 — 1. Beetlejuice (1988)

As Lydia Deetz, Winona Ryder gave us one of the most memorable goth characters in cinema history. Her quirky, melancholic performance captures Lydia’s fascination with the macabre and her yearning to connect with the supernatural. Ryder’s deadpan delivery and emotional vulnerability make her the perfect counterbalance to the chaotic antics of Michael Keaton’s Beetlejuice. It’s a role that cemented Ryder’s status as a star and remains a cultural touchstone for fans of offbeat, spooky comedy. | © Warner Bros.

1-21

Winona Ryder is a true Hollywood icon, effortlessly blending charm, mystery, and raw emotion in a career spanning decades. From her early days as the ultimate 90s “it girl” to her recent resurgence as a fan-favorite in Stranger Things, Ryder has captivated audiences with her magnetic performances and undeniable talent. Whether she’s portraying quirky misfits, gothic heroines, or complex dramatic roles, Winona has a knack for making every character unforgettable.

In this list, we’re diving into her top 20 movie roles, ranking them from worst to best, to celebrate the highs and occasional missteps of her incredible filmography. Let’s see how your favorites stack up!