If there’s any actress who has consolidated her place firmly as a fashion icon, generous philanthropist, and a graceful beauty, it’s Meryl Streep. Across decades, Streep has moved effortlessly between musicals, psychological dramas, romantic films, and sharp comedies while consistently delivering performances that leave audiences awestruck. With a record-breaking number of Academy Award nominations and a knack for portraying characters with deep authenticity and integrity, she remains one of cinema’s most celebrated performers.
In the wake of The Devil Wears Prada 2, newer audiences are finally discovering her talent and want to witness more of her dazzling performances. So, here are five of the best Meryl Streep films to watch right now and why her performances continue to stand out years later.
1. Mamma Mia! — Apple TV
Released in 2008, Mamma Mia! transcended expectations and became a blockbuster hit overnight. Even today, people rewatch this classic musical that transformed ABBA’s iconic songs. Set on a picturesque Greek island, the film follows Sophie, a young bride-to-be trying to discover which of her mother Donna’s former lovers is her real father before her wedding.
The catchy music and vibrant energy are palpable, but it’s Meryl Streep’s heartwarming performance as Donna that truly takes the cake. She skillfully balances humor, exhaustion, regret, and maternal warmth in a way that elevates the movie beyond a standard jukebox musical. While trying to keep her daughter happy, Streep’s performance further highlights the inner conflict in her character as she confronts her past.
2. Sophie’s Choice — Peacock Premium, fuboTV
Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice | Credits: Universal Pictures
Widely considered one of the greatest performances of Streep’s career, Sophie’s Choice earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Based on William Styron’s novel, the film follows Sophie, a Polish immigrant living in Brooklyn after surviving the Holocaust, as she struggles with trauma, guilt, and an emotionally destructive relationship.
The story is emotionally devastating, but Streep’s performance makes it unforgettable. Her command of multiple accents, emotional portrayal, and ability to demonstrate unimaginable grief without melodrama turned the role into one of the defining dramatic performances of the 20th century. This movie further established Streep as one of the immensely talented actresses in the industry, with enough depth to bring multiple emotions to life.
3. The Bridges of Madison County — Netflix
Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood in The Bridges of Madison County | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
The Bridges of Madison County tells the story of Francesca Johnson, an Iowa housewife whose quiet life changes after meeting a traveling photographer during a brief but life-altering romance. Starring Streep and Clint Eastwood in lead roles, the movie is a defining point in the romance genre as it beautifully balances the longing for love and grief over losing something precious.
Streep portrays Francesca as a deeply layered character filled with longing, restraint, and emotional conflict. She is able to fully embody the character without going over the top and remaining subtle in her acting. Every small action is poised and calculated, showing how Streep is in control of the character at every moment. Many critics consider this one of Streep’s most underrated performances because of how natural and unforced it feels.
4. Kramer vs. Kramer — Apple TV
Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep in Kramer Vs Kramer | Credits: Columbia Pictures
Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep star as a married couple whose painful separation leads to an emotional custody battle over their young son in Kramer vs. Kramer. The film became a massive critical success upon release, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Although Streep has comparatively less screen time than Hoffman, her performance leaves an enormous impact. Even though the story demands viewers to dislike Joanna for leaving her husband and child, Streep’s portrayal shows the inner workings of the character that force her to make this decision. She presents the character as a woman struggling with emotional exhaustion and societal expectations around motherhood. At a time when divorced mothers were often depicted negatively in film, Streep brought nuance, intelligence, and empathy to the role, making her win her first Academy Award.
5. The Devil Wears Prada — Disney+, Hulu
Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly | Credits: 20th Century Fox
Last but not least, the groundbreaking movie that made everyone believe in the wide versatility of Streep’s acting. As Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, Streep did not act as a tough yet inspiring boss lady; she became a cultural phenomenon with highly quotable dialogues and unparalleled style. Inspired partly by real-life fashion editor Anna Wintour, the film follows aspiring journalist Andy Sachs as she enters the intimidating world of high fashion under Miranda’s demanding leadership.
Rather than portraying Miranda as loudly cruel, Streep plays her with icy calmness and quiet authority. That restraint makes the character far more intimidating and sophisticated than a typical movie villain. In every scene she appears, Streep is poised with chic elegance, and her aura is enough to make the fictional employees quake in their boots. The movie has become so popular that a sequel for the same has now been released, 20 years after the first movie.
Movie Streaming Platform (USA)Mamma Mia!Apple TVSophie’s ChoicePeacock Premium, fuboTVThe Bridges of Madison CountyNetflixThe Devil Wears PradaDisney+, HuluKramer vs. KramerApple TV
Meryl Streep remains one of the most respectable and talented actors in the industry, known for their ability to take on any role and ace it with the utmost grace. She can do anything and still be brilliant.
Which Meryl Streep movie won her first Academy Award?
Kramer vs. Kramer earned Meryl Streep her first Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards.
What is considered Meryl Streep’s most emotionally powerful performance?
Many critics consider Sophie’s Choice to feature Streep’s most emotionally devastating and technically brilliant performance, particularly because of the film’s difficult subject matter and her acclaimed accent work.
Which Meryl Streep movie became a major fashion pop-culture phenomenon?
The Devil Wears Prada became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its sharp portrayal of the fashion industry and Streep’s iconic performance as Miranda Priestly.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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