20 Unforgettable Meryl Streep Roles That Defined Her Career

“The Deer Hunter” is a harrowing war drama directed by Michael Cimino that explores the impact of the Vietnam War on a group of friends from a small American town. Meryl Streep, in one of her early film roles, plays Linda, the girlfriend of one of the main characters, Nick, portrayed by Christopher Walken. Despite having a relatively small part, Streep delivered a poignant and deeply emotional performance, capturing the quiet strength and vulnerability of her character.

Her portrayal earned her widespread acclaim and marked the beginning of her rise to stardom, eventually leading to her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Streep’s performance in “The Deer Hunter” showcased her remarkable talent and hinted at the illustrious career that would follow.

“Kramer vs. Kramer” is a powerful drama that delves into the emotional complexities of divorce and custody battles. Meryl Streep plays Joanna Kramer, a woman who leaves her husband, Ted (Dustin Hoffman), and their young son, only to return later seeking custody. Streep’s portrayal of Joanna is nuanced and empathetic, capturing the character’s struggle between personal fulfillment and maternal responsibility.

Her performance was both heartbreaking and compelling, earning her widespread acclaim. Streep won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for this role, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most talented and respected actors. Her work in “Kramer vs. Kramer” is often cited as a pivotal moment in her career.

“The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is a compelling drama that intertwines two narratives—one set in Victorian England and the other in contemporary times. Meryl Streep plays the dual roles of Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious and ostracized woman in the Victorian story, and Anna, an actress portraying Sarah in the modern-day film within the film. Streep’s ability to seamlessly shift between these two complex characters showcased her extraordinary range and depth as an actor.

Her performance was met with critical acclaim, earning her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress and another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Streep’s work in “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” further established her as one of the most versatile and gifted actors of her generation.

“Sophie’s Choice” is a devastating drama that tells the story of Sophie Zawistowski, a Polish Holocaust survivor haunted by an unimaginable decision she was forced to make during the war. Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Sophie is widely considered one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. She masterfully embodied Sophie’s fragility, guilt, and strength, delivering a heart-wrenching and deeply emotional performance.

Streep’s flawless command of a Polish accent and her ability to convey the character’s profound sorrow earned her universal acclaim. For her work in “Sophie’s Choice”, Streep won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

“Silkwood” is a biographical drama directed by Mike Nichols, based on the true story of Karen Silkwood, a whistleblower at a nuclear facility who exposed serious safety violations. Meryl Streep stars as Karen, delivering a raw and powerful performance that captures the courage, vulnerability, and determination of a woman fighting against a corrupt system.

Streep’s portrayal of “Silkwood” is both gritty and authentic, earning her widespread praise for her ability to humanize a real-life figure and convey the complexities of her struggle. Her performance in “Silkwood” garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, further solidifying her status as a leading force in Hollywood and a master of her craft.

“Out of Africa” is an epic romantic drama directed by Sydney Pollack, based on the autobiographical writings of Karen Blixen. Meryl Streep stars as Blixen, a Danish baroness who moves to Kenya to run a coffee plantation and embarks on a tumultuous love affair with a free-spirited hunter played by Robert Redford.

Streep’s portrayal of Karen is a study in grace, strength, and resilience, as she navigates the challenges of life in Africa and the complexities of her personal relationships. Her impeccable Danish accent and ability to convey the depth of Karen’s emotions brought a profound authenticity to the role. Streep’s performance in “Out of Africa” was widely acclaimed, earning her yet another Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and contributing to the film’s status as a classic in cinematic history.

“Ironweed” is a gritty drama based on William Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, set during the Great Depression. Meryl Streep stars as Helen Archer, a destitute former singer struggling with alcoholism and homelessness alongside Jack Nicholson’s character, Francis Phelan. Streep’s performance as Helen is hauntingly raw and poignant, capturing the despair, vulnerability, and fleeting moments of dignity in a life shattered by hardship.

Her portrayal was deeply immersive, showcasing her ability to disappear into complex, troubled characters. Streep’s powerful and heartbreaking performance in “Ironweed” earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

“A Cry in the Dark” is a gripping drama based on the true story of Lindy Chamberlain, an Australian woman wrongfully accused of murdering her baby, who she claimed was taken by a dingo. Meryl Streep delivers a riveting performance as Lindy, capturing the character’s anguish, resilience, and the intense public scrutiny she faced during the highly publicized trial. Streep’s meticulous attention to detail, including mastering an Australian accent, added authenticity and depth to her portrayal.

Her performance was widely praised for its intensity and emotional complexity, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and further solidifying her reputation as one of the most versatile and dedicated actors in film history.

“Death Becomes Her” is a darkly comedic fantasy film that explores themes of vanity and immortality. Meryl Streep stars as Madeline Ashton, a fading Broadway star who, along with her rival, becomes entangled in a surreal quest for eternal youth. Streep’s performance is both hilarious and eccentric, showcasing her talent for blending comedy with dramatic flair.

Her portrayal of Madeline, with its sharp wit and larger-than-life presence, is a highlight of the film and contributed to its status as a cult classic. Streep’s ability to embrace the film’s campy tone while delivering a nuanced performance earned her praise and underscored her versatility as an actress.

“The Bridges of Madison County” is a poignant romantic drama directed by Clint Eastwood, based on the novel by Robert James Waller. Meryl Streep stars as Francesca Johnson, a lonely Italian-American housewife who embarks on a brief but profound affair with a National Geographic photographer, played by Eastwood. Streep’s performance as Francesca is deeply moving and richly nuanced, capturing the character’s inner conflict, longing, and vulnerability with remarkable sensitivity.

Her portrayal earned her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, highlighting her ability to bring complex emotions and a quiet strength to her roles. Streep’s work in “The Bridges of Madison County” remains a testament to her exceptional talent and ability to create compelling, authentic characters.

“Adaptation” is a unique and inventive film directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie Kaufman. Meryl Streep plays Susan Orlean, a New Yorker journalist whose book, The Orchid Thief, becomes the central focus of the film’s complex narrative. Streep’s performance is both captivating and multifaceted, capturing the essence of Orlean’s enigmatic personality and her deep obsession with orchids.

Her portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the film’s exploration of creativity and identity, and she skillfully navigates the layers of the story with both grace and intensity. Streep’s work in “Adaptation” was widely acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and further demonstrating her remarkable versatility and skill.

“The Devil Wears Prada” is a sharp, stylish comedy that follows the life of a young woman who lands a job at a high-fashion magazine under the iron-fisted editor, Miranda Priestly. Meryl Streep delivers an iconic performance as Miranda, showcasing her impeccable comedic timing and commanding presence.

Streep’s portrayal of the formidable yet complex Miranda Priestly has become a defining role in her career, earning her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The character’s memorable lines and fierce demeanor have left a lasting impact on pop culture. Excitement is now building for the sequel, “The Devil Wears Prada 2”, which promises to revisit the fashion world and potentially explore new facets of Miranda’s character.

“Mamma Mia!” is a delightful musical film adapted from the popular stage musical of the same name, featuring the timeless songs of ABBA. Meryl Streep stars as Donna Sheridan, a free-spirited single mother who is preparing for her daughter’s wedding while grappling with her own past.

Streep’s performance is both joyful and heartfelt, as she brings a charismatic energy to Donna, showcasing her impressive singing abilities and infectious charm. Her role as Donna earned her critical praise and demonstrated her exceptional range as an actress, blending comedy, drama, and music with ease. Streep’s portrayal contributed significantly to the film’s success and its enduring popularity among audiences.

“Doubt” is a compelling drama based on the stage play by John Patrick Shanley, exploring themes of faith, morality, and suspicion within a Catholic school. Meryl Streep stars as Sister Aloysius Beauvier, a strict and formidable nun who suspects a fellow priest, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, of inappropriate behavior with a student.

Streep’s performance is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the character’s rigid convictions and internal conflict. Her portrayal of Sister Aloysius earned widespread acclaim, showcasing her exceptional ability to convey complex emotions and moral ambiguity. Streep’s work in “Doubt” earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

“Julie & Julia” is a heartwarming biographical film that interweaves the lives of famous chef Julia Child and aspiring cook Julie Powell, who blogs about her attempt to cook all of Child’s recipes in a year. Meryl Streep stars as Julia Child, delivering a captivating and spirited performance that brings the iconic chef to life with charm and authenticity.

Streep’s portrayal, complete with a spot-on accent and exuberant energy, earned her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her ability to embody Child’s larger-than-life personality while adding depth to her character made her performance a standout in the film, contributing significantly to its critical and commercial success.

“The Iron Lady” is a biographical film that explores the life and career of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Meryl Streep delivers an iconic performance as Thatcher, capturing both her political prowess and personal struggles with remarkable depth and nuance. Streep’s portrayal is noted for its meticulous attention to detail, including a powerful accent and a keen insight into Thatcher’s complex character.

Her performance was widely praised, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Streep’s work in “The Iron Lady” remains a definitive and celebrated representation of one of the 20th century’s most influential political figures.

“Into the Woods” is a musical fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall, based on Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed stage musical. Meryl Streep stars as the Witch, a complex character who sets the plot in motion by cursing a baker and his wife. Streep’s performance is both mesmerizing and multifaceted, showcasing her exceptional vocal talent and ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from malevolent and manipulative to vulnerable and introspective.

Her portrayal of the Witch earned her critical acclaim and highlighted her versatility as an actress and singer. Streep’s role in “Into the Woods” contributed significantly to the film’s success and remains one of her standout performances in musical cinema.

“The Post” is a gripping historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, focusing on The Washington Post’s pivotal role in publishing the Pentagon Papers, a classified government report detailing the Vietnam War’s true scope. Meryl Streep stars as Katharine Graham, the newspaper’s publisher, whose courage and determination become central to the film’s narrative.

Streep’s performance is both commanding and nuanced, capturing Graham’s evolution from a cautious leader to a resolute champion of press freedom. Her portrayal earned widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, highlighting Streep’s ability to bring depth and gravitas to a significant historical figure.

Now, moving onto Streep’s recent TV works. In the second season of HBO’s “Big Little Lies”, Meryl Streep joined the cast as Mary Louise Wright, the mother of Perry Wright, whose tragic death sets off a dramatic chain of events. Streep’s portrayal of Mary Louise is both intense and layered, bringing a formidable presence to the role as she investigates her son’s death and the secrets surrounding it.

Her performance earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, further showcasing her exceptional talent. There has been speculation about her return for a potential third season, though nothing has been confirmed yet. Streep’s involvement continues to generate excitement and anticipation among fans of the series.

In the third season of “Only Murders in the Building”, Meryl Streep joined the cast as a new character, Loretta Durkin, a Broadway star who becomes entangled in the central murder mystery. Streep’s performance was widely praised for its charm and depth, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend with the show’s comedic and dramatic elements. Her role earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Streep is confirmed to return for the upcoming fourth season, much to the excitement of fans, as her continued presence promises to add even more intrigue and star power to the beloved series.

Meryl Streep’s iconic work in Hollywood spans decades, marked by a stunning array of diverse and compelling performances that have solidified her place as one of the greatest actresses of all time. As she remains a formidable force in the industry, we eagerly anticipate her next project, confident that she will once again deliver a performance that leaves a lasting impact and showcases her remarkable range.