Demi Moore’s Best Roles

Demi Moore became one of the defining movie stars of the 1980s and 1990s, rising from a member of the iconic “Brat Pack” to become one of the most powerful and highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. With her distinctive voice and captivating screen presence, she headlined a string of major blockbusters that left a lasting mark on popular culture. She was known for her willingness to take on a wide range of roles that often challenged conventions.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with audiences, whether she is starring in a supernatural romance, a tense legal thriller, or an action-packed military drama. Her filmography reflects a journey of an actress who was never afraid to commit fully to her characters, creating a legacy of memorable performances that continue to resonate with viewers today.

‘St. Elmo’s Fire’ (1985)

She plays Jules, the glamorous and dramatic member of a close-knit group of friends who are navigating the messy transition into adulthood after college graduation. Jules works in banking and lives a fast-paced, materialist lifestyle, serving as the unofficial center of her social circle’s nightlife.

Her character’s storyline is one of the most turbulent in this ensemble drama, as she struggles with a secret drug addiction and a complicated affair. Her eventual crisis forces the friends to confront the serious realities of their lives, making her a pivotal figure in this classic film about post-collegiate angst.

‘About Last Night…’ (1986)

She stars as Debbie, a smart and witty art director living in Chicago who embarks on a relationship with a man named Danny after a one-night stand. The film offers a realistic and often unflinching look at the challenges a young couple faces when trying to turn a casual fling into a meaningful commitment.

Her character grapples with the anxieties and joys of a new romance, from the excitement of moving in together to the pressures of jealousy and differing expectations. The role was a significant step for her, showcasing her ability to carry a film as a more mature and relatable romantic lead.

‘The Seventh Sign’ (1988)

She plays Abby Quinn, an expectant mother who begins to suspect that the end of the world is approaching. After renting a room to a mysterious and enigmatic boarder, she witnesses a series of strange phenomena around the globe that seem to align with the biblical signs of the apocalypse.

As the signs unfold one by one, Abby becomes convinced that her unborn child plays a crucial role in the final prophecy. Her character is in a desperate race against time to understand the events and protect her baby from a seemingly preordained fate in this supernatural thriller.

‘Ghost’ (1990)

She delivered her most iconic performance as Molly Jensen, a sculptor whose idyllic life with her boyfriend, Sam, is destroyed when he is murdered. Overwhelmed by grief, she struggles to cope with her loss, unaware that Sam’s spirit has remained behind to watch over her.

Molly’s world is turned upside down again when Sam finds a way to communicate with her through a skeptical psychic, Oda Mae Brown. She must learn to believe in the impossible to hear his warnings that his death was no accident and that she is in grave danger.

‘A Few Good Men’ (1992)

She stars as Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway, a dedicated and tenacious lawyer in the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps. She is assigned to investigate the case of two Marines accused of killing a fellow soldier at a naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Convinced there is more to the story, she pushes for a full court-martial and assembles a legal team to defend the accused soldiers. Her character’s unwavering commitment to justice is the driving force that leads to one of the most famous and explosive courtroom confrontations in film history.

‘Indecent Proposal’ (1993)

She plays Diana Murphy, a woman who is happily married to her high school sweetheart, David. When the couple, facing financial hardship, loses their life savings in Las Vegas, they are approached by a handsome billionaire with an astonishing offer.

The stranger offers them one million dollars in exchange for one night with Diana. The couple’s controversial decision to accept the proposal creates a deep rift in their relationship, forcing them to confront the consequences of their choice in this highly debated and commercially successful drama.

‘Disclosure’ (1994)

She takes on the role of Meredith Johnson, a powerful and manipulative executive who is newly appointed to a senior position at a technology company. She is also the former lover of an employee named Tom Sanders, who was expecting to get the promotion she received.

In a reversal of typical gender roles for the era, her character makes aggressive romantic advances toward Tom. When he rejects her, she retaliates by filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against him, putting his career and reputation on the line in this provocative corporate thriller.

‘The Scarlet Letter’ (1995)

She stars as Hester Prynne in this adaptation of the classic American novel. Set in a rigid Puritan community in the 17th century, Hester is a strong and passionate woman who is publicly shamed for having a child out of wedlock and is forced to wear a scarlet “A” for adulteress.

Despite being ostracized by the community, her character refuses to name the child’s father, who is the town’s beloved minister. She bears her punishment with quiet dignity and resilience, challenging the hypocrisy of the society around her while protecting the man she loves.

‘Now and Then’ (1995)

She appears as the adult version of Samantha Albertson, one of four childhood friends who gather in their hometown as adults. Her character serves as the film’s narrator, fondly recalling the events of one unforgettable summer that shaped all of their lives.

The story flashes back to 1970, when the four girls spent their days solving a local mystery, supporting each other through family troubles, and forging a bond they promised would last forever. Her role provides the framing for this beloved coming-of-age film about the power of female friendship.

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ (1996)

She provides the voice for Esmeralda, the bold and compassionate Romani dancer who captures the hearts of several characters in this animated Disney feature. Esmeralda is a fiercely independent woman who fights for justice and is the only person who treats the outcast bell-ringer, Quasimodo, with kindness.

Her character stands up to the cruel and powerful Judge Frollo, becoming a symbol of defiance against his tyranny. Esmeralda’s courage and empathy make her the heroic heart of the story, as she inspires others to see beyond prejudice and fear.

‘G.I. Jane’ (1997)

She underwent a dramatic physical transformation to play Lieutenant Jordan O’Neil, a naval officer chosen to be the first female candidate in the grueling training program for the U.S. Navy’s elite special operations unit. She is determined to prove that a woman can meet the same brutal standards as men.

Her character faces intense hostility and skepticism from her male peers and superiors, who are all waiting for her to fail. The role is remembered for her commitment, including shaving her head on screen and enduring the physically demanding challenges of the training sequences.

‘Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle’ (2003)

She made a memorable return to the big screen as Madison Lee, a legendary former Angel who has turned to a life of crime. Madison was once the star of the Townsend Agency, but she grew disillusioned and now sees herself as a superior and more powerful version of the Angels.

As the film’s main villain, she is a brilliant and formidable adversary who uses her skills and inside knowledge to stay one step ahead of the new generation of Angels. Her character provides a dangerous and glamorous threat in this action-packed sequel.

‘Bobby’ (2006)

She appears as Virginia Fallon in this ensemble drama that follows 22 different characters whose lives intersect at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on the day Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. Virginia is an alcoholic lounge singer scheduled to perform at the hotel that night.

Her storyline follows her personal struggles with her career and her marriage, providing a poignant and personal snapshot of one of the many lives that were forever altered by the tragic events of that day. Her performance was a key part of the film’s acclaimed ensemble cast.

‘Margin Call’ (2011)

She plays Sarah Robertson, the chief risk officer at a major investment bank during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. She is one of the top executives summoned for an emergency overnight meeting after a junior analyst discovers the firm is facing imminent financial collapse.

Her character is a powerful figure in a male-dominated industry who is forced to make impossible decisions under immense pressure. She ultimately becomes a casualty of corporate maneuvering as the firm decides how to manage the fallout of the impending disaster.

‘The Substance’ (2024)

She delivered a widely acclaimed comeback performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a legendary fitness icon whose career is abruptly ended on her 50th birthday. Desperate to regain her relevance, she uses a black-market product that promises to generate a younger, better version of herself.

The process creates a separate, perfect entity named Sue, forcing Elisabeth into a parasitic and increasingly horrific relationship with her own alternate self. Her fearless performance in this body horror film is a visceral exploration of society’s brutal standards for women and aging.

Let us know which Demi Moore role is your all-time favorite in the comments.