Julia Roberts has long been one of Hollywood’s most beloved and bankable stars. With her radiant smile, undeniable charisma, and emotional depth, she has captivated audiences for more than three decades. From romantic comedies that defined a generation to hard-hitting dramas that earned her critical acclaim, Julia Roberts’ movies have become timeless staples in cinematic history. Her performances resonate because she brings authenticity and warmth to every role—whether she’s playing a small-town lawyer, a runaway bride, or a woman searching for herself across continents.
This article takes you through the best Julia Roberts movies, exploring her journey from the breakout success of Pretty Woman to her latest project, After the Hunt. It’s a celebration of an actress who continues to inspire movie lovers worldwide.
The Rise of America’s Sweetheart
Before she became a household name, Julia Roberts appeared in smaller roles in the late 1980s, but it was Steel Magnolias (1989) that first earned her major attention. Playing the spirited Shelby Eatenton, Roberts received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her energy, vulnerability, and charm were irresistible—and Hollywood quickly took notice.
Then came Pretty Woman (1990), the movie that transformed her into a global superstar. As Vivian Ward, the lovable and independent escort who finds unexpected romance with a businessman (Richard Gere), Roberts created one of the most iconic characters in film history. The film became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $460 million worldwide, and Roberts’ performance earned her a Golden Globe and another Oscar nomination.
Pretty Woman remains one of the most defining Julia Roberts movies, setting the tone for the blend of warmth, humor, and confidence that would define much of her career.
The Romantic Comedy Reign
Throughout the 1990s, Julia Roberts dominated the romantic comedy genre, bringing heart and humor to every project. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) showcased her at her mischievous best. As Julianne, a woman who realizes she’s in love with her best friend just as he’s about to marry someone else, Roberts balanced vulnerability and comedic timing perfectly. The film’s bittersweet ending made it stand out in a genre often known for predictable happy conclusions.
Then came Notting Hill (1999), opposite Hugh Grant, a film that melted hearts worldwide. Playing a world-famous actress who falls for a humble bookstore owner, Roberts gave audiences a self-aware yet tender performance. The movie’s line—“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her”—remains one of the most quoted in romantic cinema.
That same year, she reunited with Richard Gere in Runaway Bride (1999), another box-office success that cemented her status as Hollywood’s queen of romantic comedies. These films are quintessential Julia Roberts movies—witty, emotional, and utterly irresistible.
Breaking the Mold: The Erin Brockovich Era
By the early 2000s, Roberts was ready to take on more complex, dramatic roles. Her portrayal of real-life legal clerk Erin Brockovich in Erin Brockovich (2000) marked a turning point in her career. Playing a single mother who takes on a powerful corporation, Roberts delivered a powerhouse performance—fiery, funny, and deeply human.
Her work earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, along with a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. This performance showed that Julia Roberts wasn’t just a romantic lead—she was a formidable dramatic talent capable of anchoring a film with intensity and conviction.
Ensemble Success and Critical Acclaim
In the years that followed, Roberts continued to choose projects that highlighted her versatility. She joined the star-studded cast of Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequel Ocean’s Twelve (2004), proving she could thrive in ensemble blockbusters just as easily as in solo leads.
In Closer (2004), directed by Mike Nichols, Roberts took a darker turn. Playing Anna, a conflicted photographer entangled in a web of love and betrayal, she gave one of her most nuanced performances. The film’s sharp dialogue and raw emotional tone showed a different side of Roberts—one that was mature, introspective, and unafraid of moral complexity.
Another standout was Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), where she held her own alongside Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman in a smart, politically charged drama.
Exploring New Horizons
Julia Roberts’ career continued to evolve in the 2010s. Eat Pray Love (2010), based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, became an international hit. As a woman embarking on a journey of self-discovery across Italy, India, and Bali, Roberts once again embodied independence and emotional honesty—traits that have defined her most beloved characters.
In August: Osage County (2013), Roberts played opposite Meryl Streep in a family drama brimming with tension and heartbreak. Her performance earned her another Academy Award nomination and reminded audiences of her dramatic range.
She followed with Wonder (2017), a touching story about a young boy with a facial difference. Playing a compassionate mother, Roberts delivered one of her most heartfelt roles, proving that even after decades in Hollywood, she could still bring something fresh and deeply moving to the screen.
Her 2018 film Ben Is Back continued this trend, portraying a mother struggling to save her son from addiction—a raw and emotional performance that resonated with both critics and audiences.
The Modern Chapter: Streaming Era and Beyond
In recent years, Julia Roberts has embraced the new era of streaming entertainment. Her Netflix film Leave the World Behind (2023), a psychological thriller based on Rumaan Alam’s novel, showcased her in a completely different light. Portraying a mother navigating apocalyptic uncertainty, Roberts delivered a haunting and layered performance, proving she still has the power to surprise.
Looking ahead, After the Hunt (2025), directed by Luca Guadagnino, marks one of her most anticipated projects in years. Co-starring Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, the film is already generating festival buzz. Fans can expect another bold and intriguing addition to the list of must-watch Julia Roberts movies.
What Makes Julia Roberts Movies So Special?
Julia Roberts has an uncanny ability to connect with audiences. Whether she’s playing a glamorous actress, an ordinary mom, or a fierce advocate for justice, she makes her characters relatable. Her secret lies in authenticity—she never feels like she’s performing. Instead, she inhabits her roles with genuine emotion and subtlety.
Her laugh is contagious, her tears believable, and her screen presence magnetic. Roberts has also been remarkably consistent—rarely chasing trends, but instead choosing projects that align with her instincts and values. This balance of heart, intelligence, and star power has kept her relevant across generations.
The Legacy of a Hollywood Icon
Few actors have left as enduring a mark on cinema as Julia Roberts. Her body of work spans genres, decades, and emotional tones, offering something for everyone—from lighthearted romance to gripping drama. For many, watching Julia Roberts movies is like revisiting old friends: familiar, comforting, yet always compelling.
As she steps into new roles and challenges in projects like After the Hunt, her legacy continues to grow. Roberts has proven time and again that she is not just “America’s Sweetheart” but one of the most versatile and respected performers of her time.
Whether you first fell in love with her in Pretty Woman, cheered for her in Erin Brockovich, or were moved by her recent performances, Julia Roberts remains a symbol of grace, strength, and lasting cinematic magic.
At Tag2, we celebrate storytellers like her—artists whose work continues to inspire, entertain, and remind us why we love the movies in the first place.
