Reese Witherspoon has charmed audiences for decades—not just on-screen, but also as a cultural tastemaker. Her wildly popular Reese’s Book Club has helped redefine the modern book-to-screen pipeline, amplifying stories with strong female leads and complex emotional arcs. That same commitment to bold storytelling can be seen in her best roles, from quirky rom-com heroines to gritty Southern characters and razor-sharp satire. Here, we rank the best Reese Witherspoon movies, celebrating her evolution as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile stars.
10. Just Like Heaven (2005)
Witherspoon’s charm shines in this romantic comedy about love, loss, and second chances. As a ghostly presence caught between worlds, she makes the supernatural feel totally relatable.
9. Cruel Intentions (1999)
As the morally upright Annette, Reese Witherspoon grounds this dark teen drama with sincerity, playing against a backdrop of manipulation and seduction with quiet strength.
8. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
In this Southern-flavored rom-com, she plays a New York fashion designer forced to reconcile her past. It’s funny, heartfelt, and features one of her most memorable rom-com performances.
7. SING (2016)
Showing off her voice as a musically-inclined pig named Rosita, Witherspoon brings energy and humor to this animated hit, proving her appeal spans all ages.
6. Pleasantville (1998)
As a ’90s teenager thrust into a 1950s TV show, Witherspoon brings depth to a coming-of-age role that mixes whimsy with deeper social commentary.’
This evening’s movie re-watch is Pleasantville (1998), with Toby Maguire pic.twitter.com/StBl5kZ8Gz
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5. Walk the Line (2005)
Her Oscar-winning turn as June Carter Cash is magnetic. Witherspoon fully inhabits the iconic country star, delivering a performance filled with soul and resilience.
4. Inherent Vice (2014)
In Paul Thomas Anderson’s psychedelic noir, she plays a straight-laced deputy D.A., offering a sharp contrast to Joaquin Phoenix’s drug-fueled private eye.
3. Mud (2012)
As the enigmatic Juniper, Witherspoon adds emotional complexity to this Southern Gothic tale. Her performance lingers long after the credits roll.
2. Legally Blonde (2001)
No list of Reese Witherspoon movies is complete without Legally Blonde. As Elle Woods, she flipped the “dumb blonde” stereotype on its head with smarts, heart, and plenty of pink.
1. Election (2001)
Sharp, satirical, and brilliantly acted—Witherspoon’s turn as Tracy Flick remains iconic. It’s a role that cemented her as one of the most exciting talents of her generation.
