Reese Witherspoon is one of the most successful and respected actors working today. She has also become an incredible businesswoman and inspiration for women worldwide. In 2016, the actress founded the production company Hello Sunshine alongside Seth Rodsky and Sarah Harden. From the start, the company’s mission has been to tell more women-driven stories on film, and provide opportunities for women cast and crew, which has been apparent over the past couple of years with the release of their projects like Hot Pursuit, the upcoming Legally Blonde 3, and, most recently, Where the Crawdads Sing.
Witherspoon is no stranger to the limelight and has been acting in films since she was 14 years old, making her debut in the 1991 drama film Man in the Moon. Since then, she has gone on to portray some of the most iconic characters in pop culture, specifically Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. In 2006, Witherspoon took home her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the musical/drama Walk the Line, alongside fellow Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix. The number of incredible films Witherspoon has been a part of is endless. Here are eight of the actress’ best drama films, ranked.
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8 Cruel Intentions
Columbia Pictures
The 1999 romantic drama Cruel Intentions is based upon the classic 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses with a modern twist. The story revolves around wealthy, elite New York City high school students. The film was a hit and went on to become a series, with Cruel Intentions 2 and Cruel Intentions 3 following the first. It has been reported that director Roger Kumble had to get Witherspoon drunk to convince her to play the iconic role of Annette. Luckily, Kumble’s idea worked and Witherspoon agreed, because we can’t imagine anyone more perfect for the role.
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7 The Good Lie
Alcon Entertainment
In 2014, Witherspoon stepped into the role of Carrie Davis in The Good Lie. The actress starred alongside Ger Dunay, Arnold Oceng, Kuoth Wiel, Emmanuel Jal, and Corey Stoll. The Good Lie tells the story of Sudanese refugees who are given the opportunity to take shelter in the United States after rebel forces massacred their homes. The experiences and relationships the refugees make in the States change their lives forever. This film is both heartbreaking and uplifting due to the incredible screenplay and acting.
6 Water for Elephants
Fox 2000 Pictures
5 The Man in the Moon
Pathé Entertainment
Witherspoon’s very first performance was at the age of 14 when she starred as Dani Trant in the 1991 drama/romance The Man in the Moon. This role propelled Witherspoon into stardom and really set off her career. Since this part, she has gone on to do incredible work, but this project is proof that the actress is a natural and possessed such a strong gift at such a young age. This coming of age film from director Robert Mulligan is somewhat of a cult classic and is still enjoyed today, all these years later.
4 Inherent Vice
IAC Films
The great Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice stars long-time on-screen partners Joaquin Phoenix and Witherspoon, as well as Katherine Waterson, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Benicio de Toro, Jena Malone, Martin Short, and Maya Rudolph. All of Anderson’s films are so unique to him and his style of filmmaking, and Inherent Vice is no exception to this. The story is based on an unconventional Los Angeles-based private investigator and his journey investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. Inherent Vice earned Anderson an Oscar nomination in 2015 for Best Adapted Screenplay.
3 Mud
Everest Entertainment
Love, crime, and determination fuel the characters in director Jeff Nichols’ drama/indie film Mud. The compelling story revolves around two young boys who make it their mission to help a fugitive hide from society and attempt to reunite him with his true love. Matthew McConaughey does an incredible job playing the film’s lead character Mud, and stars alongside Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Witherspoon, Bonnie Sturdivant, and Sam Shepard.
2 Wild
River Road Entertainment
Wild is a beautiful collaboration between Witherspoon and director Jean-Marc Vallée, and is truly one of the actress’ best films to date. The two have worked on other projects together, such as the hit limited series Big Little Lies, but something about this particular film is so special and stands out from the rest. Cheryl Strayed (Witherspoon) goes on an unforgettable solo journey throughout the wild in an attempt to heal and recover from a personal tragedy. Witherspoon received her second Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her work in the film.
1 Walk the Line
20th Century Fox
Coming in at number one on our list of the best Reese Witherspoon drama movies is Walk the Line. This film is not only at the top of the list because it’s a great movie, but also because of the incredible, transcending performance Witherspoon gave. Her portrayal of June Carter Cash won the actress her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 2006. Phoenix, who played Johnny Cash, was also nominated for Best Actor, and the film received three additional nominations including Best Sound Mixing, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing.
