Meryl Streep’s Career: From ‘Julia’ to ‘Don’t Look Up’

Meryl Streep is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. With a career that has spanned over five decades, she is known for her incredible versatility, her meticulous approach to her roles, and her mastery of a wide range of accents. She first found her passion for acting in college and later trained at the Yale School of Drama. Her early work on the New York stage quickly garnered critical acclaim, which led to her transition into film in the late 1970s.

From her very first roles, Streep established herself as a formidable talent, earning an Academy Award nomination for only her second feature film. She has since amassed more Oscar nominations than any other actor in history, a testament to her consistent excellence and enduring impact on cinema. Whether she is playing a historical figure, a complex villain, a romantic lead, or a comedic powerhouse, Streep disappears into her characters, delivering performances that are both technically brilliant and deeply human.

‘Julia’ (1977)

‘Julia’ is a historical drama based on a chapter from the memoirs of playwright Lillian Hellman. The film follows Hellman’s lifelong friendship with the wealthy and idealistic Julia. As the Nazi regime rises to power in Europe, Julia becomes deeply involved in the anti-fascist movement, and she eventually calls upon her old friend Lillian for a dangerous mission to smuggle money into Germany to aid the resistance.

Meryl Streep made her feature film debut in a small but significant role as Anne Marie, a high-society acquaintance of the main characters. Although her screen time is brief, her appearance marked the beginning of her legendary film career. The role introduced her to the world of cinema and put her on a path to becoming one of its most celebrated figures.

‘The Deer Hunter’ (1978)

‘The Deer Hunter’ is an epic war drama that examines the lives of a group of friends from a small industrial town in Pennsylvania, both before and after their service in the Vietnam War. The film is divided into three parts: their lives at home, the brutal and traumatizing experiences of the war, and the difficult and painful return to a community that can no longer understand them.

In her first major film role, Streep plays Linda, the gentle and loving girlfriend of one of the soldiers. She represents the home and the sense of normalcy that the men are fighting for and ultimately lose. Linda becomes a symbol of the community’s grief and confusion as she waits for the men to return. The powerful and emotional performance earned Streep her first Academy Award nomination.

‘Manhattan’ (1979)

‘Manhattan’ is a romantic comedy-drama shot in black-and-white as a love letter to New York City. The film centers on a twice-divorced television writer who is dating a 17-year-old high school student but finds himself falling in love with his best friend’s intellectual and sophisticated mistress. The story explores the complicated and often neurotic relationships of a group of New York intellectuals.

Meryl Streep plays Jill Davis, the ex-wife of the main character. She has left him for another woman and is in the process of writing a tell-all book about their failed marriage, much to his horror. Streep’s portrayal of the intelligent and confident lesbian intellectual was a memorable supporting role that showcased her versatility early in her career.

‘The Seduction of Joe Tynan’ (1979)

‘The Seduction of Joe Tynan’ is a political drama about a liberal U.S. Senator who is a rising star in his party. His life becomes complicated when he leads the fight against a conservative Supreme Court nominee while simultaneously beginning an affair with a civil rights lawyer from the South. The film explores the conflict between his political ambitions and his personal life.

Streep plays Karen Traynor, the intelligent and alluring lawyer who becomes involved with the married senator. Her character is sharp and ambitious in her own right, and their relationship threatens to derail both of their careers. The role allowed Streep to portray a complex and modern woman navigating the worlds of law and politics.

‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ (1979)

‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ is a powerful family drama that tells the story of a messy divorce and its impact on a young boy. A successful advertising executive’s life is turned upside down when his wife, Joanna, abruptly leaves him to “find herself.” He is left to raise their son on his own, but Joanna later returns to fight for custody of the child.

Meryl Streep delivered a groundbreaking performance as Joanna Kramer, a woman struggling with her identity and her role as a wife and mother. Streep famously rewrote her character’s lines for the pivotal courtroom scene to make her more sympathetic and human. Her nuanced and heartbreaking portrayal earned her her first Academy Award.

‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ (1981)

‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ is a unique romantic drama that tells two parallel stories. The main story is a Victorian-era romance about a gentleman who becomes obsessed with a mysterious and disgraced governess. Woven into this is a modern-day story about the actors who are playing those roles in a film, and who are having an affair of their own.

Streep plays the dual roles of Sarah, the enigmatic Victorian outcast, and Anna, the modern and more liberated actress playing her. The film showcases her incredible range as she moves between two very different characters in two different time periods. Her compelling performance as both women earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

‘Still of the Night’ (1982)

‘Still of the Night’ is a psychological thriller in the style of Alfred Hitchcock. The film follows a New York psychiatrist who becomes involved with the mysterious mistress of one of his patients after the patient is murdered. As he gets closer to the woman, he begins to suspect that she may be the killer, and he finds his own life in danger.

In this film, Streep plays Brooke Reynolds, the cool, beautiful, and enigmatic woman at the center of the murder investigation. She is a classic femme fatale, keeping both the psychiatrist and the audience guessing about her true motives and whether she is an innocent victim or a cold-blooded killer. The role was a stylish departure into the thriller genre for Streep.

‘Sophie’s Choice’ (1982)

‘Sophie’s Choice’ is a profoundly moving drama about the lives of three people living in a Brooklyn boarding house after World War II. A young writer from the South befriends Sophie, a beautiful Polish immigrant, and her brilliant but volatile lover, Nathan. As the writer gets closer to the couple, he uncovers the tragic and horrifying secrets of Sophie’s past as a Holocaust survivor.

Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Sophie Zawistowski is considered one of the greatest performances in film history. She masterfully learned to speak both Polish and German for the role and delivered a devastating and unforgettable performance. Her depiction of a woman haunted by an impossible choice earned her her second Academy Award, this time for Best Actress.

‘Silkwood’ (1983)

‘Silkwood’ is a biographical drama based on the true story of Karen Silkwood, a worker at a nuclear fuel processing plant. After she becomes a union activist and begins to raise concerns about the dangerous health and safety conditions at the plant, she discovers evidence of serious wrongdoing. She dies in a mysterious car crash while on her way to meet with a journalist.

Streep stars as Karen Silkwood, portraying her transformation from an ordinary worker into a determined and courageous whistleblower. She captures the character’s rebellious spirit and her growing sense of fear as she takes on a powerful corporation. The compelling and powerful performance earned her another Academy Award nomination.

‘Falling in Love’ (1984)

‘Falling in Love’ is a quiet and contemplative romantic drama. The film follows two married suburban commuters who meet by chance during their daily train ride into New York City. A simple mix-up with their Christmas presents leads to a series of encounters, and they soon develop a deep emotional connection that turns into a full-blown affair, forcing them to confront their unhappy marriages.

Meryl Streep plays Molly Gilmore, a graphic artist in a comfortable but passionless marriage. She portrays the character with a sense of quiet longing and moral conflict as she falls for a man who is not her husband. The film is a subtle and realistic look at infidelity, and Streep gives a restrained and naturalistic performance.

‘Plenty’ (1985)

‘Plenty’ is a historical drama that follows the life of a former British resistance fighter from the end of World War II through the next two decades. After her exciting and purposeful work during the war, she finds herself deeply disillusioned and emotionally unstable in the suffocating and materialistic world of post-war Britain. Her idealism clashes with the reality of her new life, leading to a slow mental decline.

Streep plays Susan Traherne, the passionate and increasingly erratic central character. The role required her to portray a woman’s journey over 20 years, from a hopeful young idealist to a bitter and destructive woman. It was a complex and challenging role, and Streep delivered a powerful performance that captured the character’s profound sense of disillusionment.

‘Out of Africa’ (1985)

‘Out of Africa’ is a sweeping epic romance based on the memoirs of the Danish author Karen Blixen. The film tells the story of her life in colonial Kenya in the early 20th century. After entering into a marriage of convenience to gain a noble title, she moves to Africa to run a coffee plantation and falls in love with a charming and independent big-game hunter.

Streep stars as Karen Blixen, perfectly capturing the author’s aristocratic grace and her resilient spirit. She learned a Danish-English accent for the role and beautifully portrayed Blixen’s transformation into a strong, independent woman who finds both love and heartbreak in Africa. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, earning another Oscar nomination for Streep.

‘Heartburn’ (1986)

‘Heartburn’ is a comedy-drama based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Nora Ephron. The film follows the tumultuous marriage of a New York food writer and a Washington political columnist. The story chronicles their courtship, marriage, and the eventual painful breakup that occurs after she discovers he is having an affair while she is pregnant with their second child.

Meryl Streep plays Rachel Samstat, the witty and successful food writer whose seemingly perfect life falls apart. The film is a sharp and funny look at infidelity and divorce from a female perspective. Streep’s performance captures both the comedic and the heartbreaking aspects of the story, creating a relatable and resilient character.

‘Ironweed’ (1987)

‘Ironweed’ is a bleak drama set during the Great Depression. The film follows a former baseball player who has been living on the streets as an alcoholic vagrant for over two decades. He is haunted by the ghosts of his past, including the accidental death of his infant son. He returns to his hometown of Albany, New York, where he reconnects with his longtime companion and former lover.

Streep plays Helen Archer, a once-proud singer who is now also a homeless alcoholic. For the role, she gives a raw and deglamorized performance, completely disappearing into the character of a woman who has lost everything but still clings to a shred of her former dignity. Her heartbreaking portrayal earned her another Academy Award nomination.

‘A Cry in the Dark’ (1988)

‘A Cry in the Dark’ is a gripping drama based on the infamous real-life case of Lindy Chamberlain in Australia. The film tells the story of a woman and her husband who go on a camping trip with their infant daughter, only for the baby to disappear from their tent. Lindy insists that a dingo took her baby, but she is accused of murder and subjected to a trial by media.

Streep gives a remarkable performance as Lindy Chamberlain, mastering a difficult Australian accent and capturing the stoic and unpopular public persona of the grieving mother. She portrays a woman whose lack of public emotion is misinterpreted as guilt, turning public opinion against her. The powerful and precise performance earned her yet another Oscar nomination.

‘She-Devil’ (1989)

‘She-Devil’ is a dark comedy about a frumpy and devoted housewife who is cheated on by her successful accountant husband. When he leaves her for a glamorous and wealthy romance novelist, the scorned wife vows to get her revenge. She then embarks on a systematic and diabolical plan to destroy her husband’s life, career, and newfound love.

In a rare comedic role for this period of her career, Streep plays Mary Fisher, the vain and ridiculously feminine romance novelist. Streep has a great time camping it up as the film’s glamorous antagonist, who is the complete opposite of the vengeful housewife. The role allowed her to showcase her comedic talents in an over-the-top and satirical way.

‘Postcards from the Edge’ (1990)

‘Postcards from the Edge’ is a comedy-drama based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Carrie Fisher. The film follows a Hollywood actress who is struggling with drug addiction. After surviving an overdose, she is forced to move back in with her famous, recovering alcoholic mother in order to get her career back on track, leading to a sharp and witty mother-daughter conflict.

Streep stars as Suzanne Vale, the sarcastic and vulnerable actress trying to stay sober and get her life together. She portrays the character’s struggle with addiction and her complicated relationship with her larger-than-life mother with a perfect blend of humor and pathos. The critically acclaimed performance earned her another Academy Award nomination.

‘Defending Your Life’ (1991)

‘Defending Your Life’ is a fantasy romantic comedy about the afterlife. The story follows a Los Angeles advertising executive who dies in a car crash and finds himself in Judgment City, a place where the recently deceased must defend the choices they made in their lives. If they can prove they lived a life of courage, they get to move on; if not, they are sent back to Earth to be reincarnated.

Meryl Streep plays Julia, a woman who is also in Judgment City. In contrast to the neurotic main character, Julia has lived a life full of courage, love, and selflessness, and her trial is going exceptionally well. She is a warm, funny, and idealized character who falls in love with the protagonist. Streep’s charming performance is a highlight of the film.

‘Death Becomes Her’ (1992)

‘Death Becomes Her’ is a dark, satirical fantasy comedy about vanity and the fear of aging. The film centers on the bitter rivalry between a narcissistic actress and a mousy writer, which intensifies when the writer steals the actress’s fiancé. Years later, the two women are still obsessed with each other and with staying young, and they both drink a magic potion that grants them eternal life.

Streep stars as Madeline Ashton, the vain and aging actress who will do anything to preserve her beauty. The film is a special-effects-heavy black comedy, and Streep dives headfirst into the physical comedy and campy horror of the role. Her hilarious and over-the-top performance as the cruel but glamorous Madeline is a fan favorite.

‘The House of the Spirits’ (1993)

‘The House of the Spirits’ is an epic family saga based on the novel by Isabel Allende. The film spans several decades and chronicles the turbulent lives of the wealthy Trueba family in an unnamed South American country. The story follows the family patriarch, his clairvoyant wife, and their rebellious daughter as they navigate love, death, and immense political upheaval.

Streep plays Clara del Valle Trueba, the ethereal and clairvoyant matriarch of the family. Her character possesses supernatural abilities and a quiet, otherworldly strength that serves as the spiritual core of the family. The role required Streep to age several decades over the course of the film, and she brings a sense of grace and wisdom to the part.

‘The River Wild’ (1994)

‘The River Wild’ is a tense action-thriller about a family’s whitewater rafting trip that goes horribly wrong. A former river guide takes her husband and son on a rafting vacation in an attempt to save her troubled marriage. On the river, they encounter two mysterious men who at first seem friendly but are later revealed to be armed and dangerous fugitives.

In a rare action hero role, Streep plays Gail Hartman, the skilled and resourceful mother who must use her expertise to protect her family. The part was physically demanding, and Streep performed many of her own stunts in the dangerous river rapids. She creates a believable and compelling hero, proving she could lead an action film.

‘The Bridges of Madison County’ (1995)

‘The Bridges of Madison County’ is a powerful and heart-wrenching romantic drama based on the best-selling novel. The story is told in flashback as two adult siblings discover the secret journals of their recently deceased mother, Francesca. The journals detail a passionate, four-day affair she had with a traveling photographer while her husband and children were away at a state fair.

Streep gives a magnificent and deeply moving performance as Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride living a lonely life as an Iowa farm wife. She masterfully captures the character’s quiet longing, her passionate reawakening, and her eventual, heartbreaking choice. The subtle and powerful performance is considered one of her best and earned her another Oscar nomination.

‘Before and After’ (1996)

‘Before and After’ is a legal and family drama that explores how far parents will go to protect their child. A small, tight-knit family in a New England town is thrown into turmoil when their teenage son becomes the primary suspect in the murder of his girlfriend. The parents are faced with a terrible moral dilemma: should they let their son face justice or try to cover up the crime?

Meryl Streep plays Dr. Carolyn Ryan, the pediatrician mother who is torn between her moral instincts to tell the truth and her maternal instinct to protect her son at any cost. Her character is in direct conflict with her husband, who wants to hide the evidence. Streep delivers a compelling performance as a woman facing an impossible choice.

‘Marvin’s Room’ (1996)

‘Marvin’s Room’ is a powerful family drama about two estranged sisters who are forced to reunite after two decades. One sister is a single mother who has been estranged from her family for years. The other is a selfless caregiver who has spent her life looking after their ailing father and aunt. They are brought back together when the caregiver is diagnosed with leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant.

Streep plays Lee, the tough, rebellious, and self-centered sister who returns home with her troubled teenage son. The character is complex and often unlikable, but Streep brings a sense of underlying vulnerability to the role. Her performance is a key part of the film’s powerful exploration of family, illness, and reconciliation.

‘One True Thing’ (1998)

‘One True Thing’ is an emotional family drama about a high-achieving New York journalist who puts her career on hold to move back home and care for her terminally ill mother. The daughter has always idolized her charismatic, intellectual father and has had a more distant relationship with her traditional homemaker mother. As she cares for her mother, she begins to see her family in a new light.

Streep plays Kate Gulden, the loving and deceptively simple mother who is dying of cancer. The role required a deglamorized and physically transformative performance as the character’s illness progresses. Streep beautifully captures the quiet strength and dignity of a woman facing the end of her life, earning another Academy Award nomination.

‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ (1998)

‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ is a drama based on the acclaimed Irish play. Set in a small village in 1930s Ireland, the film tells the story of the five unmarried Mundy sisters. Their quiet and repressed lives are disrupted by two events: the return of their older brother, a missionary priest who has been living in Africa, and the arrival of their first radio, which brings the sound of dance music into their home.

Streep plays Kate Mundy, the eldest and most rigid of the sisters. She is a devoutly religious schoolteacher who serves as the family’s stern matriarch, trying to hold everything together. Streep, alongside an ensemble of talented actresses, delivers a subtle and powerful performance, capturing the character’s sense of duty and her deep-seated fear of change.

‘Music of the Heart’ (1999)

‘Music of the Heart’ is an inspirational drama based on the true story of Roberta Guaspari. The film follows a woman who, after a painful divorce, moves to the tough neighborhood of East Harlem to become a substitute violin teacher at a public school. Despite initial skepticism from students and faculty, she builds a renowned and beloved music program over the course of a decade.

Streep stars as Roberta Guaspari, a role for which she learned to play the violin by practicing for several hours a day over many weeks. She portrays Guaspari’s journey from a heartbroken and insecure woman to a passionate and determined teacher who fights tirelessly for her students and her program. Her dedicated performance earned her another Oscar nomination.

‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ (2001)

‘A.I. Artificial Intelligence’ is a science-fiction fairy tale set in a futuristic world where advanced, human-like androids have been created. The film follows David, the first android child programmed with the ability to love. When his human family abandons him, he embarks on a dangerous journey to find the Blue Fairy from the story of Pinocchio, believing she can turn him into a real boy.

In this film, Meryl Streep has a brief but important voice-only role. She provides the voice of the Blue Mecha, a futuristic version of the Blue Fairy that David encounters at the end of his long and emotional journey. Her warm and gentle voice brings a sense of comfort and closure to the film’s poignant final act.

‘Adaptation.’ (2002)

‘Adaptation.’ is a uniquely clever and self-referential comedy-drama. The film follows a real-life screenwriter who is struggling with anxiety and writer’s block while trying to adapt a non-fiction book about a rare orchid hunter. The story simultaneously follows the author of that book as she begins a secret affair with the eccentric and troubled subject of her writing.

Streep plays Susan Orlean, the real-life author of the book “The Orchid Thief.” The film takes her character in a wild, fictionalized direction that is completely different from the real person. Streep’s performance is both funny and moving, and she earned another Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of the curious and passionate author.

‘The Hours’ (2002)

‘The Hours’ is a profound psychological drama that connects the stories of three women from three different generations, all of whom are linked by the novel “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf. The film follows a single day in the lives of the author herself in the 1920s, a troubled housewife in the 1950s, and a modern-day New York book editor.

Streep plays Clarissa Vaughan, the modern-day character who is essentially living out a version of the novel’s plot. She is a strong and capable woman who is planning a party for her close friend, a brilliant poet who is dying of AIDS. Streep delivers a powerful and subtle performance as a woman re-examining her own life choices and her definition of happiness.

‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (2004)

‘The Manchurian Candidate’ is a political thriller that is a remake of a 1962 classic. The film is set in the present day and follows a U.S. Army Major who is plagued by nightmares from his service during the Gulf War. He begins to suspect that his former squad leader, now a celebrated war hero and a candidate for Vice President, was brainwashed by a sinister corporation.

In a chilling and powerful performance, Streep plays Senator Eleanor Prentiss Shaw, the heroic soldier’s manipulative and ruthlessly ambitious mother. She is a formidable political operator who is secretly pulling the strings behind the vast conspiracy. Streep creates a truly memorable and terrifying villain, a modern-day Lady Macbeth.

‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2004)

‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’ is a dark fantasy comedy based on the popular children’s book series. The film tells the story of the three Baudelaire orphans, who are sent to live with a series of eccentric relatives after their parents die in a mysterious fire. They are relentlessly pursued by the evil Count Olaf, who is trying to steal their vast family fortune.

Streep plays Aunt Josephine, one of the orphans’ quirky and deeply fearful guardians. Her character is a grammarian who is terrified of almost everything, from real estate agents to doorknobs. Streep delivers a hilarious and highly eccentric comedic performance, adding to the film’s unique and gothic-inspired world.

‘Prime’ (2005)

‘Prime’ is a romantic comedy with an unusual twist. The story follows a recently divorced 37-year-old career woman from Manhattan who begins a romance with a much younger 23-year-old painter. The relationship becomes complicated when she discovers that her new boyfriend is the son of her longtime therapist, who has been listening to all the intimate details of their relationship.

Meryl Streep plays Lisa Metzger, the therapist who is caught in a hilariously awkward and ethically challenging situation. She is torn between her professional duty to her patient and her maternal feelings about her son’s love life. Streep showcases her comedic timing as she tries to navigate the increasingly uncomfortable therapy sessions.

‘A Prairie Home Companion’ (2006)

‘A Prairie Home Companion’ is a musical comedy that serves as a fictionalized look at the final broadcast of a long-running public radio show. The film features an ensemble cast of actors and musicians who play the various performers on the show. As they prepare for their last performance, they share stories, sing songs, and reflect on their lives and careers.

Streep plays Yolanda Johnson, one half of a singing sister act that has been with the show for years. The role allowed Streep to showcase her beautiful singing voice as she performs several musical numbers. She fits seamlessly into the large ensemble cast, bringing a sense of warmth and gentle melancholy to her character.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is a hugely popular comedy-drama based on the best-selling novel. The film follows a bright but unfashionable young woman who lands a job as the personal assistant to the powerful and demanding editor-in-chief of a high-fashion magazine. She must survive the relentlessly high-pressure and cutthroat environment to prove herself.

Streep delivered one of her most iconic performances as Miranda Priestly, the icy and intimidating magazine editor inspired by Anna Wintour. With her quiet, cutting delivery and her withering stares, Streep created a legendary screen villain who is both terrifying and brilliant. The role was a cultural phenomenon and earned her another Academy Award nomination.

‘The Ant Bully’ (2006)

‘The Ant Bully’ is a computer-animated adventure film for children. The story follows a young boy named Lucas who is being picked on by a neighborhood bully. He takes out his frustrations on an anthill in his front yard. The ants retaliate by using a magic potion to shrink him down to their size, and he is then forced to live and work as an ant in their colony.

Meryl Streep provides the voice for the Queen Ant, the wise and powerful leader of the ant colony. As the matriarch, she sentences the now-tiny Lucas to live as an ant to learn their ways and understand the importance of community. Streep’s authoritative yet gentle voice brings a sense of regal gravitas to the animated character.

‘Dark Matter’ (2007)

‘Dark Matter’ is a drama inspired by a tragic true story. The film follows a brilliant and ambitious Chinese university student who comes to the United States to study cosmology. He dreams of winning a Nobel Prize, but his academic ambitions are thwarted by university politics and a bitter rivalry with another student, which ultimately leads to a dark and violent conclusion.

Streep plays Joanna Silver, a wealthy university patron who takes a special interest in the gifted Chinese student. She becomes a friend and supporter to him, encouraging him in his studies and helping him navigate American culture. Her character represents a source of kindness and support in the protagonist’s increasingly isolated world.

‘Evening’ (2007)

‘Evening’ is a drama that unfolds in two different time periods. In the present, an elderly and bedridden woman reflects on a pivotal weekend from her youth in the 1950s. The flashbacks reveal a story of passionate love and a tragic accident that occurred at the wedding of her best friend, a memory that has haunted her for her entire life.

The film features a large ensemble cast of acclaimed actresses. In the present-day storyline, Streep plays Lila Ross, the lifelong best friend of the dying main character. She comes to her friend’s bedside to say her final goodbyes. Her scenes are part of the emotional framework that surrounds the central flashback story.

‘Rendition’ (2007)

‘Rendition’ is a political thriller that examines the controversial CIA practice of extraordinary rendition, where terror suspects are secretly transported to foreign countries for interrogation. The film follows several interconnected storylines, including that of an Egyptian-American chemical engineer who is abducted by the CIA after a terrorist bombing in North Africa.

Streep plays Corrine Whitman, a high-ranking and pragmatic CIA official who oversees the secret anti-terrorism unit. She is the one who orders the rendition and must defend the brutal and morally questionable policy to a young CIA analyst who is witnessing the interrogation firsthand. Streep delivers a cold and commanding performance as a woman of power.

‘Lions for Lambs’ (2007)

‘Lions for Lambs’ is a political drama that tells three interconnected stories that all take place simultaneously over the course of an hour. One story involves a U.S. Senator launching a new war strategy in Afghanistan. Another follows two of his former students who are soldiers in that very mission. The third story features a veteran journalist who is conducting an exclusive interview with the senator.

Meryl Streep plays Janine Roth, the seasoned and cynical television journalist who is granted the interview with the ambitious senator. Her story is a sharp debate about war, politics, and the media’s responsibility. Streep’s character must decide whether to challenge the senator’s narrative or simply report it, representing the moral dilemma of modern journalism.

‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)

‘Mamma Mia!’ is a joyful and sunny musical comedy based on the songs of the pop group ABBA. The story is set on a beautiful Greek island where a former hotel owner named Donna is preparing for her daughter’s wedding. Unbeknownst to her, her daughter has secretly invited three men from Donna’s past to the island, believing one of them to be her father.

Streep stars as Donna Sheridan, the free-spirited and independent single mother. The role allowed her to showcase her incredible singing and dancing talents, and she radiates pure joy and energy in the musical numbers. Her exuberant and heartfelt performance is the heart of the film, which became a massive global box office hit.

‘Doubt’ (2008)

‘Doubt’ is an intense drama based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Set in a Catholic school in the Bronx in 1964, the story follows the school’s rigid and conservative principal, Sister Aloysius. She becomes convinced that the parish’s progressive and popular new priest is paying improper attention to the school’s first and only Black student, though she has no proof.

Streep gives a formidable performance as the fearsome and determined Sister Aloysius. She engages in a powerful battle of wills with the priest, a conflict that explores themes of faith, certainty, and moral ambiguity. Streep’s masterful and commanding portrayal of the unyielding nun earned her another Academy Award nomination.

‘Julie & Julia’ (2009)

‘Julie & Julia’ is a charming comedy-drama that tells two true stories in parallel. In one story, the legendary chef Julia Child is in 1950s Paris, learning to cook and writing her famous first cookbook. In the other story, a young New York woman in 2002 is frustrated with her life and decides to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child’s cookbook in 365 days and blog about it.

Streep gives a delightful and transformative performance as the larger-than-life Julia Child. She perfectly captures the famous chef’s unique voice, her infectious passion for food, and her joyful spirit. The performance was universally praised for its warmth and uncanny accuracy, and it earned her another Oscar nomination.

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009)

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ is a stop-motion animated comedy based on the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl. The film tells the story of a clever fox who, after settling down and becoming a family man, reverts to his old thieving ways. He begins raiding the farms of three mean and wealthy farmers, who then unite to try to capture him and his family at any cost.

Meryl Streep provides the voice for Mrs. Fox, the intelligent and level-headed wife of the title character. She is a supportive partner but also serves as the voice of reason, trying to keep her husband’s impulsive behavior in check. Her warm and steady voice performance brings a sense of grounding and maternal strength to the character.

‘It’s Complicated’ (2009)

‘It’s Complicated’ is a romantic comedy about a successful bakery owner who has been divorced from her architect husband for a decade. Their relationship takes an unexpected turn when they attend their son’s college graduation and end up having an affair. The situation becomes even more complicated because he has since remarried, and she has just started a tentative new romance with her own architect.

Streep stars as Jane Adler, the independent and successful single woman who finds herself in the middle of a messy love triangle. The film is a lighthearted and funny look at love and divorce for an older generation. Streep showcases her excellent comedic timing and her relatable charm as a woman navigating the complexities of modern relationships.

‘The Iron Lady’ (2011)

‘The Iron Lady’ is a biographical drama that offers a portrait of Margaret Thatcher, the first and only female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The film uses a series of flashbacks to tell the story of her life and career, framed by scenes of an elderly and widowed Thatcher in the present day, struggling with dementia and looking back on her controversial and transformative years in power.

Streep delivered a stunning and uncanny portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, capturing her distinctive voice, her mannerisms, and her formidable political will. The performance was a remarkable transformation, and she powerfully depicted Thatcher’s journey from her humble beginnings to her lonely final years. The masterful performance earned Streep her third Academy Award.

‘Hope Springs’ (2012)

‘Hope Springs’ is a comedy-drama about a devoted, long-married couple who have fallen into a comfortable but passionless routine. After thirty years of marriage, the wife decides that they need to rekindle their romance. She books them a week of intense marriage counseling in a small town in Maine, much to the dismay of her grumpy and reluctant husband.

Streep plays Kay Soames, the quiet and hopeful wife who desperately wants to reconnect with her husband. She gives a brave and vulnerable performance, beautifully capturing the character’s shyness and her deep desire for intimacy. Her performance is both funny and deeply touching, creating a highly relatable portrait of a long-term marriage.

‘August: Osage County’ (2013)

‘August: Osage County’ is a dark and explosive family drama based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The film follows the dysfunctional Weston family, who all come together at their family home in rural Oklahoma after the family patriarch disappears. The reunion quickly descends into a chaotic and vicious battle of wills, fueled by the sharp-tongued, pill-addicted matriarch, Violet.

Streep gives a fierce and commanding performance as Violet Weston, the cruel and cancer-stricken matriarch at the center of the family storm. It is a huge, theatrical, and often terrifying performance, as her character verbally attacks every member of her family, revealing long-buried secrets. The powerful, no-holds-barred portrayal earned her another Oscar nomination.

‘The Giver’ (2014)

‘The Giver’ is a dystopian science-fiction film based on the acclaimed young adult novel. The story is set in a seemingly utopian society where there is no pain, fear, or conflict because all emotions and memories have been erased. A young boy is chosen to be the new “Receiver of Memory,” and he begins to learn the dark and complex truths about his community’s past.

In a key supporting role, Streep plays the Chief Elder, the authoritative and seemingly benevolent leader of the community. She is responsible for maintaining the society’s strict order and sameness, and she views emotion and memory as dangerous threats. Streep brings a sense of cold, unwavering authority to the character who serves as the film’s antagonist.

‘The Homesman’ (2014)

‘The Homesman’ is an unconventional Western that tells the story of a strong and independent pioneer woman living in the harsh Nebraska Territory. She takes on the dangerous task of transporting three mentally unstable women across the prairie to a church in Iowa that can provide them with care. To help her on the perilous journey, she enlists the help of a low-life drifter whom she saves from being hanged.

Streep appears in a small but pivotal role near the end of the film. She plays Altha Carter, the minister’s wife in Iowa who warmly receives the women after their long and difficult journey. Her character represents a symbol of hope, grace, and civilization after the brutal and challenging trek across the frontier.

‘Into the Woods’ (2014)

‘Into the Woods’ is a movie musical that brilliantly intertwines the plots of several classic fairy tales, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk. The story follows a baker and his wife who are childless because of a curse placed on their family by a vengeful witch. To break the curse, they must venture into the woods to find four magical items for the witch.

Streep gives a show-stopping performance as The Witch, a role that allows her to be both menacing and deeply sympathetic. She delivers a powerful vocal performance in her musical numbers and clearly has a great time playing the complex and misunderstood villain. Her captivating performance earned her another Academy Award nomination.

‘Ricki and the Flash’ (2015)

‘Ricki and the Flash’ is a musical comedy-drama about an aging rock-and-roll musician. A woman who left her family years ago to pursue her dream of being a rock star is called back home by her ex-husband. He asks for her help when their daughter suffers a difficult emotional breakdown after her own husband leaves her.

Streep stars as Ricki Rendazzo, the free-spirited rocker who must confront the family she abandoned. For the role, Streep learned to play the electric guitar and performed all of her songs live with her on-screen band. She delivers a charismatic and heartfelt performance as a woman trying to reconnect with her children and make amends for her past.

‘Suffragette’ (2015)

‘Suffragette’ is a historical drama that tells the story of the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement in early 20th-century Britain. The film focuses on a young working-class wife and mother who becomes involved in the growing suffragette movement. She is radicalized as she witnesses the brutal government response and is willing to risk everything for the right to vote.

In a brief but powerful appearance, Meryl Streep portrays the real-life historical figure Emmeline Pankhurst, the charismatic and influential leader of the British suffragette movement. She delivers a rousing and inspirational speech from a balcony, galvanizing the women to continue their fight. Though a small role, her presence lends historical weight and gravitas to the film.

‘Florence Foster Jenkins’ (2016)

‘Florence Foster Jenkins’ is a charming biographical comedy-drama based on a remarkable true story. The film follows a wealthy and eccentric New York heiress in the 1940s who dreams of becoming a great opera singer. The only problem is that she has a terrible singing voice, but she is completely unaware of this fact because her loving husband and manager goes to great lengths to shield her from the truth.

Streep gives a hilarious and deeply touching performance in the title role. She masterfully captures both the character’s endearing lack of self-awareness and her genuine passion for music. Her performance is a brilliant balancing act of comedy and pathos, and it earned her yet another Academy Award nomination.

‘The Post’ (2017)

‘The Post’ is a historical drama that tells the true story of the journalists at The Washington Post who fought to publish the Pentagon Papers in 1971. The film focuses on the newspaper’s publisher, Katharine Graham, and its hard-driving editor, Ben Bradlee. They must risk their careers and their newspaper’s future to expose a massive government cover-up about the Vietnam War that spanned three decades.

Streep stars as Katharine “Kay” Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper. She brilliantly portrays Graham’s transformation from a hesitant and underestimated socialite to a courageous and decisive leader in a male-dominated industry. Her powerful and nuanced performance earned her her 21st Academy Award nomination.

‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ (2018)

‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ is the sequel to the beloved movie musical. The film has a dual timeline, showing the present-day characters as they prepare for the grand reopening of the hotel, while also flashing back to the 1970s to tell the story of how a young Donna first came to the Greek island and met the three men who would become her daughter’s potential fathers.

While the story largely focuses on the younger version of her character, Meryl Streep reprises her role as Donna Sheridan in a few deeply emotional scenes. Her appearance is a poignant and touching tribute to the character that was the heart of the original film. She also performs a beautiful and heartbreaking song that is a highlight of the sequel.

‘Mary Poppins Returns’ (2018)

‘Mary Poppins Returns’ is a musical fantasy that serves as a sequel to the 1964 classic. The film is set in London during the Great Depression and follows the magical nanny Mary Poppins as she returns to care for the now-grown-up Banks children, Michael and Jane, and Michael’s own three children after they suffer a personal loss.

In a fun and eccentric supporting role, Streep plays Topsy, Mary Poppins’s Eastern European cousin who runs a fix-it shop that turns completely upside down every second Wednesday. The role reunites Streep with her ‘Devil Wears Prada’ co-star Emily Blunt. She performs a whimsical and energetic musical number, adding a dose of delightful chaos to the film.

‘The Laundromat’ (2019)

‘The Laundromat’ is a dark comedy that attempts to explain the complex and real-life financial scandal of the Panama Papers. The film uses a series of interconnected stories and fourth-wall-breaking narration to show how a pair of slick lawyers in Panama exploited the global financial system, helping the world’s richest people hide their money and avoid taxes.

Streep plays the film’s main protagonist, Ellen Martin, a quiet woman whose life is upended by the scandal after her husband dies in a tour boat accident. As she tries to investigate the shady insurance company, she begins to uncover the vast web of shell corporations. Streep also plays a second, secret role within the film that is revealed at the end.

‘Little Women’ (2019)

‘Little Women’ is a celebrated adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. The film tells the enduring story of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they come of age in New England during the Civil War era. The story is told in a non-linear timeline, jumping between their adventurous girlhood and their more complicated young adult lives.

Meryl Streep plays the formidable and wealthy Aunt March. She is a stern, pragmatic, and often cantankerous figure who constantly lectures the March girls on the importance of marrying well. Streep brings a perfect blend of humor and intimidating authority to the role, creating a memorable and scene-stealing character.

‘Let Them All Talk’ (2020)

‘Let Them All Talk’ is a comedy-drama that was largely improvised by its cast. The film follows a celebrated author who embarks on a cruise across the Atlantic with two of her oldest friends and her nephew. She has invited her friends along to reconnect and have some fun, but old wounds and resentments soon surface during the trip.

Streep stars as Alice Hughes, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author who is wrestling with her next manuscript. The film is a sharp and witty exploration of friendship, memory, and the stories we tell about ourselves. Streep’s performance is naturalistic and subtle, and her interactions with her co-stars feel incredibly authentic.

‘The Prom’ (2020)

‘The Prom’ is a vibrant and star-studded movie musical based on the hit Broadway show. The story follows a group of narcissistic and down-on-their-luck Broadway actors. After their latest show is a flop, they decide to take up a charitable cause to improve their public image. They travel to a small town in Indiana to help a teenage girl who has been banned from attending her high school prom with her girlfriend.

Streep plays Dee Dee Allen, a two-time Tony-winning but now-fading Broadway diva with a massive ego. The role is a full-circle moment, allowing Streep to return to her musical theater roots. She delivers a hilarious, energetic, and completely over-the-top performance as the self-absorbed star who eventually learns a lesson in humility.

‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

‘Don’t Look Up’ is a satirical science-fiction comedy about a global catastrophe. Two low-level astronomers discover a giant comet that is on a direct collision course with Earth and will completely destroy the planet. They embark on a media tour to warn humanity, but they are shocked to find that no one, from the president to the public, seems to really care.

In a brilliantly comedic and chilling performance, Streep plays Janie Orlean, the narcissistic, corrupt, and completely incompetent President of the United States. Her character is more concerned with her poll numbers and political scandals than the impending apocalypse. Streep’s portrayal is a sharp and funny satire of modern politics.

After a career of so many unforgettable characters, which Meryl Streep performance do you believe stands as her absolute best?