Top 10 Coolest Things About Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep has had an incredibly versatile and long-lasting career, excelling in everything from serious dramas and book adaptations to popular TV shows, musicals, and big-budget comedies. Here are ten standout roles and projects that demonstrate how she became such a respected and renowned actress.

‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ (1979) – the breakthrough that won her first Oscar

Meryl Streep won an Academy Award for her role as Joanna Kramer. She worked to improve her character by suggesting changes to the script, including a key scene in the courtroom. The film sparked important discussions in Hollywood about child custody, careers, and raising families. It also marked the beginning of a successful working relationship between Streep, director Robert Benton, and co-star Dustin Hoffman.

‘Sophie’s Choice’ (1982) – the performance that redefined screen acting

Meryl Streep fully immersed herself in the role of Sophie Zawistowski, learning both Polish and German to make her performance sound genuine. This dedication earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film is now celebrated for its realistic and deeply moving character development, and Streep’s performance further established her as an actress known for mastering accents and creating complex, emotionally rich characters.

‘Out of Africa’ (1985) – epic romance anchored by precision and poise

Meryl Streep worked with director Sydney Pollack again on the film Out of Africa, shooting much of it in Kenya. The movie won an Academy Award for Best Picture, and Streep’s performance was celebrated for its delicate balance between personal emotion and grand, classic Hollywood style. Her strong connection with Robert Redford was key to a story told through letters, beautiful scenery, and recollections. The film demonstrated Streep’s talent for making subtle, impactful choices within a large and epic story.

‘Death Becomes Her’ (1992) – a visual-effects milestone with razor-sharp timing

Meryl Streep’s hilarious performance as Madeline Ashton came at a time when digital effects were rapidly advancing, and the film ultimately won an Oscar for its makeup and visual effects. Streep showcased her talent for physical comedy and expertly navigated complex scenes filmed against green screens. She worked closely with director Robert Zemeckis, precisely hitting her marks so effects could be seamlessly added later. Over time, the movie has gained a dedicated following thanks to its darkly funny style and unique blend of genres.

‘Adaptation.’ (2002) – meta storytelling that landed another Oscar nomination

Okay, so Meryl Streep is just incredible in ‘Adaptation.’ She totally nailed Charlie Kaufman’s really complex script, which was this cool mix of real life and made-up stuff. She even got an Oscar nom for it! Working with Spike Jonze, she played off Nicolas Cage, who was pulling double duty with two roles, and Chris Cooper, who was fantastic. What I loved was how she brought this subtle mix of humor and real emotion to the part. You hear screenwriters talk about this movie all the time because it’s so clever with how it’s put together and the way it messes with expectations.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006) – a cultural touchstone built on restraint

As a movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Meryl Streep’s work in ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ The way she built Miranda Priestly’s power wasn’t through yelling, but through this incredibly controlled, almost whispered delivery – it really changed how I think about portraying authority in films. I also really admired that she fought for – and got – a better salary, especially when the initial offer didn’t match her value or the movie’s potential. The film itself was a huge success, of course, and it definitely sparked a renewed interest in stories about the fashion world and those sharp, funny workplace comedies. And her performance? It racked up a ton of awards and, honestly, completely redefined what we expect from a ‘boss’ character on screen.

‘Doubt’ (2008) – ensemble fireworks with nominations across the board

Meryl Streep starred as Sister Aloysius alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman, with strong supporting performances from Viola Davis and Amy Adams. All four actors were nominated for Oscars for their work in the film. The movie, based on John Patrick Shanley’s play, kept the play’s complex moral questions while taking advantage of the visual possibilities of film. Streep created a tense and compelling character through careful attention to her movements, pauses, and way of speaking.

‘Julie & Julia’ (2009) – channeling Julia Child with culinary verve

Meryl Streep played Julia Child in a film where her story was combined with that of a modern-day food blogger. Streep’s performance received a lot of awards and nominations, and she worked hard to mimic Child’s movements, voice, and cooking style on television. The movie also sparked a new wave of interest in cooking at home, traditional French cooking methods, and Julia Child’s lasting impact.

‘The Iron Lady’ (2011) – transformative character work with prosthetics and voice

Meryl Streep’s performance as Margaret Thatcher was incredibly detailed, involving thorough study of Thatcher’s speech patterns, along with extensive makeup and techniques to show her aging. She won an Oscar for this role. The film itself was a great example of how actors, hair and makeup artists, and sound designers worked closely together to create a realistic portrayal. Streep’s work demonstrated how skilled artistry and acting can come together to create a convincing and complete depiction of a real person’s life.

‘Into the Woods’ (2014) – Sondheim on screen with full-tilt vocals

Meryl Streep, playing the Witch, skillfully performed demanding songs by Stephen Sondheim, which included fast-paced lyrics and required a wide vocal range. She worked closely with experienced musical directors during recording and performance to ensure the music stayed true to the original score. This role garnered her another Academy Award nomination, solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress in both musical and dramatic films. The movie successfully brought Sondheim’s complex ideas to a wider audience, while still capturing the dark and thought-provoking nature of the original stage production.

Tell us about your favorite Meryl Streep performances! What role or specific detail from one of her movies stands out to you the most? Share in the comments below!

2025-11-06 03:49