Reese Witherspoon is joining up with Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell for the new Apple TV+ series, The Morning Show. As they slowly release this show, a few episodes at a time, we thought we'd make a list of films to binge while you wait. Reese Witherspoon is no newbie to the industry, and she's got quite an impressive career on the big screen.
With one Oscar under her belt, it's safe to say she's absolutely brilliant. Reese also recently dabbled in television with the incredibly mesmerizing role of Madeline Mackenzie on Big Little Lies., so we're totally excited for her to take on another series. While you wait to binge The Morning Show, here are 10 Reese Witherspoon flicks we think you should watch, ranked from newest to most classic.
Wild (2014)
This film definitely had us falling in love with a more serious, dramatic version of this brilliant actress. This biography drama follows the story of a woman who embarks on a solo hike of 1100 miles, in order to recover from tragedy. This movie had plenty of interesting characters along the way (including fellow BLL alum, Laura Dern).
In fact, both of these beautiful and talented women were nominated for an Academy Award for this film. Seriously, this internal journey is full of adventure, laughter, adversity, and strength. We promise it's an inspiring treat that Reese absolutely slays in.
The Good Lie (2014)
This underrated biography drama did pretty well with the critics, and we definitely consider it a hidden gem. A group of Sudanese refugees arrive in Kansas City where they meet an employment agency counselor (Witherspoon). None of their lives are ever the same after this encounter. This movie is as inspiring as it gets, and it's truly a beautiful story about life in America and the vast complications and opportunities it presents for refugees. Seriously, we suggest this film to give you all the feels.
Mud (2012)
Reese Witherspoon teams up with the wonderful Matthew McConaughey for this one. In this drama, two young boys come across a fugitive, but they create a pact and help him escape the vigilantes following him.
In their trek, he seeks to reunite with his main gal and love of his life. This movie is pretty intense, dramatic, and totally spectacular. The acting is brilliant, which should be no shocker with these two as the leads. If you want to stay on the edge of your seat and enjoy Witherspoon greatness, look no further than this film.
Water for Elephants (2011)
This drama romance is set in the 1930s, where a former veterinary student (Robert Pattinson) joins a traveling circus. However, things become complicated when he falls in love with the ringmaster's wife (Reese Witherspoon). This movie also has Christopher Waltz, Paul Schneider, and many more.
Truly, this 30s circus film is a stunning visual and is absolutely beautiful from start to finish. It's heartfelt, mesmerizing, and might just make you want to time travel to this era and join a circus. Plus, we can't get over Pattinson and Witherspoon in this film, who are brilliant and beautiful every second.
Walk the Line (2005)
We'd be crazy if we didn't include the film from which Reese won her Oscar. This biography drama tells the story of Johnny Cash from his early days in Arkansas to his rise to fame in Memphis. Joaquin Phoenix is Johnny Cash, and Reese is June Carter. We're not sure we need to tell you anything else. If you haven't seen this classic biopic, we're also not sure what you're waiting for. This film has five Oscar nominations under its belt, so we're not even lying.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
We thought we should throw in another fun romantic comedy to lighten the mood. Born and raised in Alabama, Melanie Smooter has uprooted her life and been living in New York City for years. However, she returns home to her small town to finalize her divorce with her husband, who she's been separated from for seven years.
Starring alongside Patrick Dempsey and Josh Lucas, this film has all of the quirky home-coming humor you could ask for as well as a tricky and complicated romance. Reese has always been sassy and hilarious, and this role is no exception.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Can we really have a list of Reese Witherspoon's films without including this one? It almost seems crazy that this blonde, covered-in-pink lawyer is the same brilliant woman behind Madeline Martha Mackenzie from BLL or Cheryl from Wild. Still, we love this role, and it's classic Reese.
Playing Elle Woods definitely allowed Reese Witherspoon to make waves in Hollywood, and there's actually a third part to this series coming out in 2020. You know you want more of this sorority queen/law student, right?
American Psycho (2000)
Reese Witherspoon doesn't have a lead role in this film, but we still think this crime drama thriller deserves so much more recognition. Christian Bale is Patrick Bateman, a rich New York City banking executive by day, and psychopathic murdering womanizer at night. Bale is absolutely phenomenal in this, but the cast also includes Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Jared Leto, Willem Dafoe, and Reese Witherspoon (as Patrick's fiance).
We hope The Morning Show doesn't have as much violence as this flick, but we definitely think it's worth your time. Prepare to feel confused, and prepare for a brilliantly annoying Reese Witherspoon.
Pleasantville (1998)
This comedy-drama is a classic. Taking place in the 1990s, two teenage siblings find themselves in a 1950s sitcom. However, their roles begin to drastically change the world around them.
Starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, and our leading lady, this film is definitely a time-travel television-joining classic that we will never forget. If you're looking for a 90s film with this young actress, look no further than this one. Plus, we think it's a pretty cute and fitting transition from living in a sitcom to running a morning talk show, right?
Fear (1996)
This drama-thriller is probably one of the first famous films Reese was involved in. She plays Nicole, a seemingly normal young woman. However, her life turns upside down when she meets David (Mark Wahlberg), a handsome, charming, and seemingly perfect guy. Her fairytale is cut short when she realizes that David's love has become obsession, and her dreams soon become terrifying and violent nightmares.
This movie is disturbing, and definitely thrilling, but we still absolutely love these two together and just about everything else to do with this film. Plus, it's a classic 90s flick where this brilliant gal began to take Hollywood by storm, so you can't miss it.