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Look, can we all just agree that Meryl Streep is the blueprint? Like, forget everything else, we are living in her world and we’re just lucky she lets us watch her act. Whether she’s being the most terrifying boss in history or literally singing on a Greek island, Meryl never misses. I spent way too much time obsessing over her filmography so you don’t have to. Here are 15 times she absolutely wrecked us.
1. The Devil Wears Prada: Miranda Priestly is my Roman Empire
Okay, so let’s get the obvious one out of the way. If you haven’t watched this at least 50 times on Hulu, are you even living? Meryl as Miranda is the ultimate power move. That cerulean blue monologue? I still get chills. She manages to be terrifying and vulnerable all at once. Honestly, I’d take a verbal beatdown from her if it meant I got to work at Runway. It’s a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason, people.
2. Mamma Mia!: Donna Sheridan is the chaotic energy I need
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Stop what you’re doing and go watch Mamma Mia! on Netflix right now. Meryl dancing to ‘Dancing Queen’ in overalls is the only serotonin I need in this economy. She brings so much heart to this role, it’s not even funny. It’s camp, it’s musical, it’s everything. Plus, who knew she had those pipes? Honestly, I’m living for her Greek island life and I’m not even sorry about it.
3. Julie & Julia: I’m still hungry for that beef bourguignon
Meryl as Julia Child is a masterclass in joy. She’s literally glowing the whole time. Watching her navigate the kitchen with that iconic voice? Perfection. This movie made me want to move to Paris and eat butter for every meal. It’s wholesome, it’s hilarious, and it’s arguably her most charming role ever. If you’re having a bad day, this is the remedy. Seriously, go make some toast and watch this.
4. Sophie’s Choice: Why did she have to break my heart?
Okay, we’re pivoting to the heavy stuff. If you want to cry until your eyes swell shut, this is the one. Meryl won the Oscar for this, and honestly, she deserved ten more just for that scene alone. It’s one of the most devastating performances in cinema history. I literally cannot rewatch it without needing a nap and a hug afterward. It’s raw, it’s painful, and it’s 100% legendary.
5. Only Murders in the Building: Loretta is the queen of Arconia
Did anyone expect Meryl to join the Hulu hit show in season three and completely steal the spotlight? No, but we should have. Her character, Loretta, is so delightfully weird and talented. Seeing her banter with Steve Martin and Martin Short is just pure gold. It’s the late-career pivot I didn’t know I needed. She’s keeping the show fresh and honestly, I’m obsessed with her character arc. Can she just stay forever?
6. The Iron Lady: The makeup, the voice, the sheer audacity
Love her or hate her as Thatcher, you have to admit Meryl’s performance is nothing short of sorcery. She disappears into the role so completely that you forget it’s her. She scooped up another Academy Award for this, and while the movie is a bit of a slog, Meryl is the reason it’s worth watching. She’s just operating on a different level than everyone else in the room. No cap, she’s the G.O.A.T.
7. Death Becomes Her: Bring out the campy Meryl!
This movie is a cult classic for a reason. Meryl as Madeline Ashton? Iconic. The physical comedy? Unmatched. She’s playing a vain, aging actress who drinks a magic potion, and she leans into the absurdity so hard it’s beautiful. If you haven’t seen this 90s gem, you’re missing out on some of the best shade-throwing in her entire career. It’s campy, it’s dark, and it’s absolutely hilarious.
8. Doubt: The stare that could kill
If you want to see Meryl go toe-to-toe with Viola Davis, this is the movie. She plays a nun who is convinced of a priest’s misconduct, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. She’s icy, she’s calculated, and she’s terrifying. It’s a masterclass in minimalism. She doesn’t have to scream to make her point—she just looks at you, and you’re already done for.
9. The Post: Meryl + Tom Hanks = Perfection
Seeing Meryl and Tom Hanks in a Spielberg movie is like the cinematic equivalent of a warm blanket. She plays Katharine Graham with such quiet strength that you’re rooting for her from the very first scene. It’s a journalistic drama that actually feels relevant. She captures the uncertainty of being a woman in power so perfectly. It’s smart, it’s tense, and it’s a total mood for anyone who loves a good political thriller.
10. Big Little Lies: Mary Louise is the ultimate passive-aggressive icon
When Meryl joined the cast of this HBO show, the internet literally broke. Her character is the mother-in-law from hell, and watching her deliver those icy, polite insults to Reese Witherspoon is the best television I’ve seen in years. She’s so good at being bad that you almost forget you love her. It’s such a delicious performance. I could watch her drink tea and judge people for an entire season.
11. Into the Woods: The witch we love to hate
Who else but Meryl could make a fairy tale witch feel this layered? Her performance of ‘Last Midnight’ is a total showstopper. She’s singing, she’s acting, and she’s bringing the drama. It’s a bit dark, a bit funny, and very theatrical. Even if you aren’t into musicals, you have to respect the craft here. She’s literally carrying the whole forest on her back. Iconic behavior, honestly.
12. Kramer vs. Kramer: The original divorce drama
This one is a classic for a reason. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s heartbreaking. Meryl’s performance as Joanna Kramer is so nuanced that it’s impossible to just call her the ‘bad guy.’ She’s just a person trying to find herself. Watching her and Dustin Hoffman fight is intense, but that’s what makes it so good. It’s a 1979 masterpiece that still holds up perfectly today. Seriously, grab some tissues.
FAQs
How many Oscars has Meryl Streep won?
Meryl Streep has won three Academy Awards. She took home the Best Supporting Actress for ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ and Best Actress for ‘Sophie’s Choice’ and ‘The Iron Lady.’ She has a record-breaking 21 nominations, which is just insane.
What is Meryl Streep’s highest-grossing movie?
Her highest-grossing film is ‘Mamma Mia!’ which brought in over $600 million at the global box office. It was a massive hit and honestly, we all knew it would be. Who doesn’t love ABBA and Meryl?
Is Meryl Streep in any new TV shows?
Yes! She recently starred in the third season of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ on Hulu, and she’s been getting rave reviews for her role as Loretta Durkin. It’s definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet.
Okay, so there you have it—a definitive look at why Meryl Streep is basically a superhero in human form. Whether she’s making us laugh, cry, or fear for our lives, she’s always the best part of the screen. Did your favorite Meryl role make the cut? Let me know in the comments—I’m dying to hear which era of Meryl you’re currently obsessed with!
