Julia Roberts' Movies: A Complete Release Order

Hey movie buffs! Today, we're diving deep into the filmography of one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, the one and only Julia Roberts. Seriously, this woman has graced our screens with her infectious smile and undeniable talent for decades. From rom-com queen to Oscar winner, she's done it all. So, if you've ever found yourself wondering, "What was that Julia Roberts movie again?" or "When did she star in that?", you've come to the right place, guys. We're going to break down all her movies, presented in chronological order of their release. Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane and maybe even discover some hidden gems you might have missed! It's going to be epic.

The Early Days: Breaking onto the Scene

Julia Roberts' journey to stardom really kicked off in the late 1980s, and let me tell you, she made a massive impression right from the get-go. Her very first credited role was in the 1988 crime drama Satisfaction, where she played a supporting character. While not a blockbuster, it was the crucial first step. But the movie that truly launched her into the stratosphere was 1989's Mystic Pizza. This charming coming-of-age story about three young waitresses in a small Connecticut town showcased her natural charisma and acting chops. It was a critical darling and hinted at the stardom to come. Following that up, she reprised her role as Daisy A. Modine in 1989's Blood Red, a Western drama. It was a smaller role, but it kept her name in the mix. The momentum continued with Flatliners in 1990, a sci-fi thriller that, while maybe not her most famous, had a stellar cast and a compelling premise. But, the movie that absolutely cemented her status as a household name, the one that made everyone fall head over heels for her, was, of course, Pretty Woman, also released in 1990. This iconic romantic comedy, where she played the unforgettable Vivian Ward opposite Richard Gere, is a classic for a reason. Its massive commercial success and critical acclaim solidified her as a leading lady, and that scene in the red dress? Pure movie magic, guys. These early films weren't just movies; they were the building blocks of a legendary career, showcasing her versatility and that irresistible star power. She proved she could handle drama, charm audiences in romantic comedies, and hold her own in thrillers. It was a whirlwind, and we were all here for it.

Embracing Diverse Roles: Beyond the Rom-Com

After Pretty Woman catapulted her into superstardom, Julia Roberts didn't just rest on her laurels, oh no! She showed us that she was more than just the queen of romantic comedies. In 1991, she took on a more dramatic role in Dying Young, playing a woman diagnosed with a terminal illness. It was a poignant performance that proved her dramatic range. Then, she lent her voice to the animated film Hook in 1991, playing Tinkerbell. It was a fun, albeit brief, departure. The year 1993 saw her in the thriller The Pelican Brief, where she played a law student uncovering a conspiracy. This marked a step back into more suspenseful territory, showcasing her ability to carry a thriller. She followed this with I Love Trouble in 1994, a comedy mystery that, while not a critical hit, kept her in the public eye. The real magic of 1994 continued with Prêt-à-Porter (Ready to Wear), a satirical look at the fashion industry, and then the heartwarming family drama Something to Talk About, where she shared the screen with the legendary Dennis Quaid. In 1995, she starred in the period drama Restoration, a much darker and more complex role that further explored her dramatic capabilities. She then starred alongside the equally iconic Tom Hanks in the charming romantic comedy Everyone Says I Love You, also in 1995. The year 1996 brought us Michael Collins, a historical drama where she played Kitty Kiernan, and then the critically acclaimed, yet intense, Mary Reilly. But it was My Best Friend's Wedding in 1997 that brought her back to romantic comedy glory, with a fantastic performance as a woman determined to sabotage her best friend's wedding. This film was a massive success and is a fan favorite. She continued to explore different genres with Conspiracy Theory in 1997, a thrilling ride alongside Mel Gibson. These roles demonstrated her commitment to challenging herself as an actress, proving she could captivate audiences in a wide array of genres, solidifying her status as a versatile and enduring talent. She wasn't afraid to take risks, and that's what made her career so fascinating to watch.

The Oscar Push and Beyond: Peak Stardom

The turn of the millennium was a significant period for Julia Roberts, marked by critical acclaim and, most importantly, her Academy Award win. In 1999, she starred in the romantic comedy Notting Hill, a charming tale of a bookseller falling for a movie star, which became a massive global hit and is still beloved today. She also starred in the drama Runaway Bride that same year, reuniting with Richard Gere for another successful romantic comedy. But the real game-changer came in 2000 with Erin Brockovich. This biographical drama saw her playing the tenacious single mother who takes on a powerful corporation. Her performance was nothing short of phenomenal, earning her widespread critical praise and, finally, the Best Actress Oscar. It was a career-defining role and a testament to her acting prowess. She followed this triumph with the critically acclaimed thriller The Mexican in 2001, alongside Brad Pitt. Then came the ensemble drama Ocean's Eleven in 2001, where she played Tess Ocean, a role that, while part of an ensemble, showcased her continued star power. In 2002, she starred in the romantic drama Unfaithful, a more mature and complex role that explored infidelity. She then voiced the character of Ellie in the animated feature Theodore Rex in 2004. The year 2004 also saw her in Ocean's Twelve, continuing her role in the heist sequel. She then took on the challenging role of a woman with a developmental disability in The Village, M. Night Shyamalan's 2004 thriller. She also starred in the romantic comedy Closer in 2004, a more dramatic and complex look at relationships. In 2005, she starred in the animated film The Butterfly Effect. She continued to choose roles that showcased her versatility, from blockbuster sequels to thought-provoking dramas, proving that her Oscar win was not just a peak, but a launchpad for continued excellence. Her ability to transition from lighthearted rom-coms to deeply resonant dramatic roles kept audiences engaged and critics impressed. It was a period of immense artistic growth and undeniable success.

Exploring New Horizons: Recent Works and Continued Influence

As Julia Roberts' career progressed into the 2010s and beyond, she continued to diversify her portfolio, taking on roles that challenged her and explored different facets of her talent. In 2006, she starred in the drama A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints and the romantic comedy The Ant Bully. She then ventured into the world of animated films again, voicing the character of G.I.R. in 2006's Charlotte's Web. In 2007, she took a leading role in the family drama Charlie Wilson's War, and then starred in the romantic comedy Fireflies in the Garden. The year 2008 saw her step onto the stage in the Broadway production of Three Days of Rain, earning critical acclaim for her theatrical debut. Her film work that year included the romantic comedy Fireflies in the Garden. In 2009, she starred in the thriller Duplicity, a slick espionage film, and then the romantic comedy Valentine's Day in 2010. She took a brief hiatus before returning with a powerful performance in the drama Eat Pray Love in 2010, based on the best-selling memoir. This film resonated with many for its themes of self-discovery and adventure. In 2011, she starred in the romantic comedy Larry Crowne, reuniting with Tom Hanks. The year 2012 was a big one, with her starring in the thriller Mirror Mirror, a retelling of Snow White, and the critically acclaimed family drama The Impossible, where she played a mother caught in a devastating tsunami. Her performance in Mirror Mirror was a departure, showcasing her ability to play more whimsical characters. She continued to impress in Mirror Mirror. In 2013, she starred in the dark comedy August: Osage County, an intense family drama that earned her critical praise and award nominations. She then starred in the romantic comedy Love, Rosie in 2014. The year 2016 saw her in the Garry Marshall directorial Mother's Day, a star-studded ensemble comedy. She then starred in the critically acclaimed drama Wonder in 2017, playing the mother of a boy with facial differences. Her performance was praised for its warmth and depth. In 2018, she starred in the heist comedy Ocean's 8, reprising her role from the earlier films, and then the psychological thriller Ben Is Back, where she played a mother dealing with her son's addiction. In 2022, she starred in the romantic comedy Ticket to Paradise, reuniting with George Clooney. Most recently, she appeared in the Netflix film Leave the World Behind in 2023. Julia Roberts continues to choose projects that allow her to explore complex characters and engage with timely themes, demonstrating her enduring relevance and talent in the film industry. Her recent work shows a continued commitment to compelling storytelling and powerful performances, proving she's still a force to be reckoned with. We can't wait to see what she does next!

A Legacy on Screen

From her breakout role in Mystic Pizza to her Oscar-winning performance in Erin Brockovich, and her more recent compelling turns, Julia Roberts has built an incredible legacy in Hollywood. Her filmography is a testament to her versatility, her undeniable charisma, and her commitment to choosing projects that resonate. Whether she's making us laugh, cry, or gasp in suspense, she always delivers a performance that stays with us. This chronological journey through her movies shows not just the evolution of her career but also the changing landscape of cinema itself. She's been a constant, a reliable source of great entertainment, and a true icon. So, next time you're looking for a movie night, you've got a treasure trove of Julia Roberts films to explore. Which ones are your favorites, guys? Let us know in the comments below! Keep watching and enjoying the magic of Julia Roberts on screen!