Reese Witherspoon’s 8 Best Roles: From Rom-Com Queen to Drama Icon
Reese Witherspoon has captivated audiences for decades with her undeniable talent, charm, and versatility. Whether she’s portraying a determined young woman fighting for her place in the world, or a Southern belle navigating love and self-discovery, Witherspoon has made a lasting impact across both film and television. While she’s perhaps best known for her rom-com roles, she’s proven time and again that she’s much more than that, seamlessly transitioning into dramatic performances that have earned her critical acclaim. As her latest project “You’re Cordially Invited” premieres tomorrow on Prime Video, it’s the perfect moment to take a look back at some of Witherspoon’s standout roles, which showcase her exceptional range from comedy to drama.
1. Tracy Flick in Election (1999)
In Election, Witherspoon delivered one of her most iconic performances as the driven, slightly overzealous high school student Tracy Flick. Directed by Alexander Payne, the film follows Tracy’s relentless pursuit of the student body president role, where her ambition, competitiveness, and single-minded focus lead to conflict with her teacher, played by Matthew Broderick. Witherspoon’s portrayal of Tracy was sharp, nuanced, and at times, darkly comedic, earning her widespread critical acclaim. The role showcased Witherspoon’s ability to play characters that are both funny and flawed, and it remains one of her best performances to date. Election went on to become a cult classic, and Witherspoon’s performance solidified her as an actress with incredible depth.
2. Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (2001)
No conversation about Reese Witherspoon’s career would be complete without mentioning Legally Blonde. Witherspoon’s portrayal of Elle Woods, a bubbly, fashion-forward sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, became a cultural phenomenon. The film is often cited as one of the best rom-coms of the early 2000s, and Witherspoon’s performance as the underestimated Elle proved that brains and beauty could go hand in hand. The film’s success led to a sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, and a Broadway adaptation, making Elle Woods one of the most enduring characters in rom-com history. Witherspoon’s heartfelt and hilarious portrayal earned her a Golden Globe nomination and cemented her place as a leading lady in Hollywood.
3. June Carter Cash in Walk the Line (2005)
Witherspoon’s performance as country music legend June Carter Cash in Walk the Line was a career-defining moment. Playing opposite Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash, Witherspoon brought both strength and vulnerability to her portrayal of June, a woman who navigates her own troubled past while supporting Johnny through his struggles with addiction. The role won Witherspoon the Academy Award for Best Actress, along with Golden Globe and BAFTA awards. Her portrayal of June was not only a testament to her acting talent but also to her musical abilities, as Witherspoon performed several songs in the film. Walk the Line earned critical praise, and Witherspoon’s performance remains one of her most celebrated.
4. Melanie Carmichael in Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
In Sweet Home Alabama, Witherspoon plays Melanie Carmichael, a successful New York City fashion designer who returns to her Southern hometown to finalize her divorce from her high school sweetheart, played by Josh Lucas. The film is a delightful mix of romance, humor, and personal growth, with Witherspoon’s character caught between her past and her future. Witherspoon’s charm and ability to balance the lightheartedness of a rom-com with deeper emotional moments helped Sweet Home Alabama become a box office hit. It’s one of those perfect feel-good movies, with Witherspoon leading the way in a role that has since become a fan favorite.
5. Elizabeth Masterson in Just Like Heaven (2005)
In Just Like Heaven, Witherspoon plays Elizabeth Masterson, a woman who, after a near-fatal accident, finds herself stuck between life and death in a mysterious afterlife. She must team up with a man (played by Mark Ruffalo) who has moved into her apartment, unaware of her ghostly presence. The film blends romance and supernatural comedy, with Witherspoon delivering both humor and heart as a spirit learning to move on. While the movie itself didn’t become a massive hit, Witherspoon’s performance was charming and sweet, reinforcing her ability to take on roles that are both funny and touching.
6. Cheryl Strayed in Wild (2014)
In Wild, Witherspoon took on one of her most transformative roles as Cheryl Strayed, a woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone as a way to cope with the emotional toll of her mother’s death and her own personal struggles. The role marked a major departure from Witherspoon’s more comedic fare, showcasing her depth as an actress. Her raw, emotionally charged performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, along with a Golden Globe and BAFTA Award. Witherspoon’s portrayal of Cheryl resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, proving her versatility and cementing her status as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
7. Madeline Mackenzie in Big Little Lies (2017–2019)
In the HBO series Big Little Lies, Witherspoon took on the role of Madeline Mackenzie, a high-strung, fiercely protective mother who often finds herself in the middle of the drama at her children’s school and within her personal life. Her portrayal of Madeline earned her critical praise and won her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Drama. The show, based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, was a huge hit, with Witherspoon’s performance standing out as one of the series’ highlights. Big Little Lies delved into themes of motherhood, marriage, and friendship, and Witherspoon brought both humor and depth to Madeline, making her one of the most memorable characters on TV.
8. Bradley Jackson in The Morning Show (2019–Present)
In The Morning Show, Witherspoon stars as Bradley Jackson, an ambitious and outspoken journalist who is thrust into the chaos of a morning news show after the fall of its beloved anchor, played by Steve Carell. Witherspoon’s portrayal of Bradley—a woman navigating the cutthroat world of television news—earned her another Golden Globe nomination, showcasing her ability to tackle both the comedic and dramatic aspects of a complex role. The show also highlights her chemistry with co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Billy Crudup, as they all navigate the complex, often messy world of media. The Morning Show has been a hit for Apple TV+, and Witherspoon’s performance continues to be one of the series’ standout elements.
Newest Role: You’re Cordially Invited (2025)
Fast forward to 2025, and Witherspoon is back with another rom-com in You’re Cordially Invited, which premieres tomorrow on Prime Video. Directed by Nicholas Stoller (of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors fame), Witherspoon plays the wedding planner sister to a bride played by Somewhere Boy’s Lucy Hagner. The plot revolves around two brides discovering their dream wedding venue has been double-booked, leading to a hilarious series of mishaps as Witherspoon’s character tries to keep things under control. With Ferrell starring as the father of one of the brides, the film promises to be a delightful ride, with Witherspoon bringing her signature charm and comedic timing to the chaos of wedding planning.
The Legacy of Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon has built a diverse and dynamic career, with roles spanning across genres and showcasing her impressive range. Whether she’s playing a legally savvy sorority girl, a troubled hiker on a journey of self-discovery, or a high-powered TV journalist, Witherspoon has proven time and again that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Her contributions to both film and television have earned her accolades, including an Academy Award, Golden Globes, and Emmy nominations. As we look forward to You’re Cordially Invited, it’s clear that Witherspoon’s ability to captivate and entertain is far from over. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable performances!
Read This Next:
