After the 2022 release of The Lost City, Sandra Bullock revealed that she would be stepping back from acting to devote herself to her family, partner, and many charities. After her last hiatus, loyal fans hope that Bullock will again return soon. Until then, watching some of her best films should help ease the wait.

From comedy, chick flicks, action, thriller, and even science fiction, Bullock has acted alongside Ryan Reynolds, George Clooney, Betty White, Keanu Reeves, Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, Matthew McConaughey, and so many other Hollywood darlings. But no matter the genre her talent and professionalism shine through, and she has been at the helm of some truly fantastic films. 

Speed

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves driving a bus in Speed

When a disgruntled retiree attaches a speed detonator under a public bus, SWAT Officer Jack Traven (Keanu Reeves) must defuse the ticking time bomb, save the passengers, and apprehend the lunatic who promises more calamity. Sandra Bullock appears opposite The Matrix actor as the witty but courageous emergency bus driver Annie Porter.

Related: Sandra Bullock 10 Iconic Quotes From Her Filmography

Bullock became a household name from Speed and won her first Saturn, Jupiter, and MTV Movie Awards. She would ride the action-thriller’s success into her following roles, where she established herself as an A-list star without needing other famous actors to reel in viewers.

The Net

Sandra Bullock looking at a computer on The Net

By 1996, Sandra Bullock solidified her place among America’s elite actors. The Net is her first major solo film, and Bullock plays white hat computer programmer Angela Bennet who is unwittingly embroiled in a dangerous corporate conspiracy and political scheme. 

The movie highlighted internet security concerns and forewarned fans about the dangers of living life solely on the Web. Although it’s unlikely real-life people will ever encounter a dangerous hacker who intends to erase their identity, it may be wise to keep a hard copy of important documents! Perhaps the film played a minor role in Bullock’s decision to avoid social media?

Hope Floats

Sandra Bullock smiling for the camera in Hope Floats

When her best friend reveals a love affair with her no-good husband, Birdee Pruitt (Sandra Bullock) seeks refuge with her daughter in her hometown. There, she reunites with ex-flame Justin Matisse (Harry Connick Jr.) while she tries to rebuild her life as a single mother with a wounded heart.

Although Bullock is known for her comedic prowess, she started her movie career in the drama genre. Hope Floats is one of Bullock’s hidden gems. It has never been a unanimous fan favorite, but its emotional depth and second chance storyline make for a charming Southern romance.

Miss Congeniality

Pageant contestants on stage in Miss Congeniality

Gracie Hart is a tough and sarcastic FBI profiler who infiltrates the Miss United States pageant with the help of a fellow agent (Benjamin Bratt) and pageant coach (Michael Cain). Together, they help Hart uncover a terrorist plot. Along the way, she learns that beauty queens aren’t just vain; those women represent strength, tenacity, and sisterhood.

Related: 5 Ways Gracie Hart Is Sandra Bullock’s Best Role (& 5 Better Alternatives)

Her role as Miss New Jersey’s “Gracie Lou Freebush” proved Bullock’s impressive acting range – comedy, romance, and action. Although the flick won a few minor awards, Bullock also earned her second Golden Globe nomination and a sequel. Miss Congeniality remains one of this actress’s classics.

The Lake House

The Lake House - Sandra Bullock, Keanu Reeves

It’s rare when co-stars reunite in a feature film together. The Lake House is a time-travel love story about a lonely doctor (Sandra Bullock) and an up-and-coming architect (Keanu Reeves) who exchange letters at – well, the movie’s namesake – until their timelines converge with a cruel twist of fate.

Though this bittersweet romance didn’t win any major awards, it’s a feel-good slow burn Bullock’s super fans should have seen at least once. Bullock and Reeves have such great chemistry even when they are not together on screen. Their acting is compelling and visceral, which helps ground the film’s fantasy elements.

The Blind Side

A white woman walking with a black football player in The Blind Side

As the inspired-by-true-events movie goes, Michael Oher – an orphan whose future was in trouble – met the Tuohys, a well-respected family in Memphis, Tennessee. Oher (Quinton Aaron) is taken in by stubbornly caring matriarch Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock). The family helps Oher channel his natural protective instincts and formidable physical stature through American football.

Related: 10 Best Athlete Biopics, Ranked (According To IMDb)

The Blind Side is one of Bullock’s best films, and it stands the test of time because of its inspirational tale of kindness and perseverance and its excellent characters. Bullock took home a SAG Award, Golden Globe, and an Oscar for her performance!

The Proposal 

Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock smile in the Proposal

When domineering Canadian book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) is about to be deported, she coerces her hapless American assistant into a marriage of convenience. While in Andrew Paxton’s (Ryan Reynolds) hometown to legitimize their sudden betrothal, both begin to develop feelings that aren’t mutual loathing.

The Proposal was one of Sandra Bullock's best rom-coms, yet another box office hit, and between 2009-2010, helped Bullock stamped her place in the Guinness World Records as Hollywood’s highest-paid actress! Besides a top-tier cast (Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, and Craig T. Nelson) and scenic locations, the script is hilariously bawdy but tethered together with moments of sincerity.

Gravity

houston in the blind gravity

On a seemingly routine mission, disaster strikes when Lieutenant Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and his team of veteran astronauts are struck by hurtling space debris. Alone and adrift, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) must focus all her intelligence and sanity to return to Earth before she depletes her dwindling oxygen.

Related: 10 Great Movies That Feature Only Two Characters

It’s rare when an actor must carry the weight of an entire film solely on their shoulders, but is it any surprise that Bullock proves herself more than capable? This visually stunning movie was all the rave in 2013; Gravity broke records as the highest-grossing domestic film in October’s history.

Ocean’s Eight

Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett sitting in a park in Ocean's 8

The amount of high-quality talent in this movie could make anyone swoon. From Cate Blancett to Rhianna, Sandra Bullock plays Debbie, their crafty leader and the sister of Las Vegas’s infamous con artist Danny Ocean. This team of ladies schemes a jewel heist at New York City’s annual Met Gala, where only the crème de la crème attend. 

Sometimes, a “box office flop” doesn’t indicate a film’s true breadth and merit. Ocean’s Eight didn’t succeed as much as Warner Bros. Pictures expected, but true Bullock fans should enjoy this comedy-crime thriller with its crisp dialogue, straightforward plot, and precise execution.

The Lost City

Loretta and Alan standing by a waterfall in The Lost City

After the death of her beloved husband, heartsick action/adventure romance writer Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) is ready to pack away her research and typewriter to retreat into obscurity. However, during her final book press tour, she is kidnapped to a remote island where an eccentric billionaire desperately hopes to uncover a legendary ancient treasure.

Without Bullock’s last headlining film, a farewell (for now) list cannot be capped off! The Lost City is filled to the brim with amusing mishaps,  primarily caused by bumbling beefcake Alan Caparison (Channing Tatum). Bullock goes out on top with this action-packed, thrilling adventure through the jungle!

NEXT: The Lost City & 9 Other Sandra Bullock Action Movies, Ranked According To IMDb