If you’re a fan of Meryl Streep, you recognize her timeless talent, and if not, you’re on the brink of understanding why her acting abilities are globally admired. This remarkable actress has infused the film industry with a sense of culture, enthusiasm, and most importantly, a driving force for growth.
Among Meryl Streep’s many outstanding performances, some notable roles to recall are her portrayal of a stern yet emotionally reserved boss in The Devil Wears Prada, as well as her role as a journalist and other diverse characters she has embodied over the years.
Just in case you didn’t realize, Meryl Streep has also lent her talent to an animated project. With that tidbit hopefully sparking your interest even more, let’s dive right into Meryl Streep’s most memorable performances throughout her career.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Role: Mrs. Fox
Director: Wes Anderson
Release Year: 2009
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Genre: comedy
Where to Watch: Not available online
Why It’s One of Her Best:
This animated comedy movie boasted an exceptional voice cast, featuring heavyweights like Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, and Owen Wilson. Notably, it was also up for an Academy Award. While Meryl Streep is always commendable in her roles, this film showcased her talent alongside other prominent actors.
Wes Anderson pushed creative boundaries by utilizing Meryl Streep’s voice for Felicity Fox to deliver a wry, humorous touch. This is arguably one of Meryl Streep’s finest performances, an achievement made possible only through the director’s skillful work. Fantastic Mr. Fox offers a blend of emotions, humor, and shared enjoyment – perfect for watching with friends.
Manhattan
Role: Jill Davis
Director: Woody Allen
Release Year: 1979
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Genre: romantic comedy
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Why It’s One of Her Best:
Among the most remarkable filmmakers in Hollywood history, Woody Allen undeniably stands out. Moreover, having Meryl Streep collaborate with him on the Manhattan project is widely recognized as a catalyst for some of her finest acting work.
The film earned two nominations at the Academy Awards: one for Best Original Screenplay, and another for Mariel Hemingway in the category of Best Supporting Actress.
Little Women
Role: Aunt March
Oh, I simply can’t contain my excitement! Back in 2019, the visionary Greta Gerwig graced us with her masterpiece. It’s a cinematic gem, rated an impressive 7.8/10 on IMDb. If you haven’t guessed already, we’re talking about a Drama here – a genre that she truly excels in. And the best part? You can stream it right now on Prime Video! It’s a must-watch for any film enthusiast like myself!
Why It’s One of Her Best:
Little Women is a movie with much to discuss. It boasts an impressive cast, led by a woman who has firmly established herself in Hollywood. Meryl Streep was one more talented addition to the already stellar team that gave outstanding performances, such as Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen.
Meryl Streep’s top-notch performances must include the one from the movie under consideration, where she gave a splendid performance as Aunt March. She appears in the film frequently, approximately every 20 minutes, and her portrayal is both prickly and challenging, yet captivating.
The Hours
Role: Clarissa Vaughan
Director: Stephen Daldry
Release Year: 2002
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Drama
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Why It’s One of Her Best:
Initially, let’s give credit to the talented cast. The film showcases impressive acting from none other than Meryl Streep, as well as from her co-stars like Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Stephen Dillane.
In the same-titled novel by Michael Cunningham, “The Hours” showcases yet another remarkable performance by Meryl Streep, portraying multiple characters. Interestingly, the year “The Hours” was released, Meryl Streep also appeared in Spike Jonze’s “Adaptation,” earning her an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress.
Speaking of her work, she received double nominations at the Globes and won for Best Adapted Screenplay. In “The Hours,” Meryl Streep portrays a character eagerly planning a party for an old love interest.
Discuss a memorable scene in the movie: The emotional breakdown of the actress portrayed by Meryl Streep (Ricki) during her performance with Jeff Daniels in “Ricki and the Flash” is often cited as one of the most impactful turning points in the film.
A Prairie Home Companion
Role: Yolanda Johnson
Director: Robert Altman
Release Year: (2006)
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Musical
Where to Watch: Not available
Why It’s One of Her Best:
In this film, it’s clear that Meryl Streep delivers an exceptional performance, particularly when working alongside Robert Altman, who was also nominated for an Oscar. The movie, “A Prairie Home Companion,” beautifully showcases the outstanding chemistry between Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin.
As members of the musical duo known as the Johnson Girls, the actress featured in Let Them All Talk and Lily Tomlin create an enchanting melody, which is notably the most authentic and realistic portrayal of a fictitious band within the realm of music presentation.
The story follows the representation of the behind-the-scenes of a public radio show.
Death Becomes Her
Role: Madeline Ashton Menville
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Release Year: 1992
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Genre: Body Horror
Where to Watch: Apple TV
Why It’s One of Her Best:
Among the many outstanding roles I’ve seen Meryl Streep play, Death Becomes Her stands out as one of her finest performances. In 1992, it was among the top two films that truly captured my attention. Interestingly, her portrayal in this film is often considered the second most impressive act in her illustrious career. Moreover, it earned an Oscar for its exceptional visual effects.
The Manchurian Candidate
Role: Eleanor Shaw
Director: Jonathan Demme
Release Year: 2004
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Genre: Political thriller
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Why It’s One of Her Best:
Originating from the same creative sphere as the renowned director behind The Silence of the Lambs, who went on to win an Oscar for this film, Meryl Streep joined the cast of a political thriller. Her acting in this production is seamlessly harmonious with that of Denzel Washington.
In this film featuring a standout performance by Meryl Streep, she shares scenes with her on-screen son, portrayed by Liev Schreiber. To put it simply, Meryl Streep undeniably outshone everyone else in this movie, earning herself a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globe Awards.
It’s Complicated
Role: Jane Adler
Director: Nancy Meyers
Release Year: 2009
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Genre: romantic comedy
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Why It’s One of Her Best:
In this humorous production, Meryl Streep collaborated with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Emotions whirled as the trio entertained us, showcasing what love could be like even in one’s 60s. Remarkably, the icon delivered an exceptional performance that earned her two Golden Globe nominations – the first for her role here, while the second was for Mamma Mia! This was arguably Meryl Streep’s finest acting display yet.
The River Wild
Role: Gail Hartman
Director: Curtis Hanson
Release Year: 1994
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Genre: survival
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Why It’s One of Her Best:
In this role, Meryl Streep delivers an exceptional, unparalleled performance unlike any other we’ve seen from her before. Her character exudes strength and authenticity, but here she truly shines in action. This is arguably Streep’s finest work, offering a captivating experience with unexpectedly terrifying twists woven throughout the film’s narrative.
In this production similar to Don’t Look Up, another highly acclaimed actor, Kevin Bacon, joins the cast. This character portrays a woman who will go to any lengths and is determined to safeguard her family. For The River Wild, Meryl Streep garnered a Golden Globe award and was nominated for SAG, but she missed an Academy Award nomination.
Hope Springs
Role: Kay
Director: David Frankel
Release Year: (2012)
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Why It’s One of Her Best:
In this instance, Meryl Streep collaborated once more with director David Frankel, following their successful partnership on The Devil Wears Prada. This performance, in turn, garnered her yet another Golden Globe accolade and an Academy Award nomination.
In this film, you’ll find a contagious dose of humor, as it pairs Tommy Lee Jones – famously known for his roles in The Fugitive and Men in Black – with another talented actor. This romantic comedy revolves around their characters who are working to rekindle the romance in their marriage. The outcome is nothing short of laugh-out-loud moments, which we’ll let you discover for yourself!
Go watch Meryl Streep’s best performance today.
Conclusion
As an utterly devoted admirer, I’d boldly claim that Meryl Streep possesses a breathtaking versatility in her acting craft. Reflecting on her illustrious filmography, it becomes evident that Meryl Streep has consistently delivered some of the finest performances to grace the silver screen. Whether it’s her electrifying portrayals in action flicks or her enchanting roles in romantic comedies, she never fails to captivate a vast audience like myself.
Additionally, she didn’t stop there; Meryl Streep also appeared in dramatic, suspenseful, and musical productions too.
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2025-05-23 14:07