Julia Roberts has firmly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and accomplished actors. 

She has received one Academy Award and three Golden Globes and has been nominated multiple times for her powerful performances. Her charm, talent, and undoubted acting skills have made her a cinematic idol.

1. Oceans 11

In the gripping, casino-themed robbery movie Ocean’s Eleven, a team of charismatic criminals led by Danny Ocean (George Clooney) try to pull off an ambitious plan: steal from three Vegas casinos simultaneously, all while customers play poker, blackjack, and slots games on the casino floors.

The excitement of the con reflects the uncertainty people feel when they play online roulette, where every step can influence the outcome.

Among the glamor and high-stakes action, Julia Roberts shines as Tess Ocean, Danny’s estranged wife. Her character provides emotional depth to the picture, balancing the tension between her relationship with Danny and the wider robbery around her. 

Ocean’s Eleven, starring Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle, was a box office success. Released in 2001, the film featured Tess merging comedy and hope, enhancing Julia Roberts legendary acting career.

2. Pretty Woman (1990)

Julia Roberts’s portrayal of Vivian Ward, a Hollywood prostitute who discovers romance with a wealthy entrepreneur played by Richard Gere, established her as an icon. 

The intriguing relationship between Roberts and Gere captivated audiences, confirming the film’s status as a timeless classic.

“Pretty Woman” was an invigoratingly entertaining romantic comedy that helped establish Julia Roberts’ standing in the film business and propelled her to stardom. 

Her engaging and honest portrayal helped to cement “Pretty Woman” as one of cinema’s most beloved romantic comedies. 

3. Erin Brockovich (2000)

Julia Roberts performs outstandingly as Erin Brockovich, a tenacious single mother and legal assistant who confronts a corporate foe over charges of water poisoning. 

This fascinating legal thriller, directed by Steven Soderbergh, demonstrates Roberts’ fantastic ability to give her characters depth.

Roberts’ portrayal of the character earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, marking a significant milestone in her acting career and establishing her standing as one of Hollywood’s top performers. 

Her ability to pour genuine emotion and conviction into real-life characters shines through in this film. 

4. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

In the romantic comedy My Best Friend’s Wedding, Julia Roberts plays Julianne Potter, a 27-year-old food critic who realizes she loves her best friend, Michael, just as he is about to marry someone else. 

Throughout the film, Julianne struggles with her confused feelings and devises numerous schemes to derail Michael’s approaching marriage to Kimmy, resulting in both humorous and touching moments. 

By the end of this engaging narrative journey, Julianne has learned to value non-romantic love, as evidenced by her relationship with George (played by Rupert Everett). 

Roberts’ portrayal of Julianne, a woman who evokes empathy while displaying true flaws, ensures that “My Best Friend’s Wedding” stands out within its genre. 

5. Notting Hill (1999)

In the romantic comedy “Notting Hill,” Julia Roberts plays Anna Scott, a well-known actress who falls for Hugh Grant’s modest bookstore owner. 

The movie is directed by Roger Michell and brought to life by Richard Curtis’ screenplay, which blends romance and humor. In this piece, Roberts provides an emotional performance that captivates viewers.

One of the most memorable lines in the film, by Roberts’ character, is “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” This line reflects the passionate essence of the movie at its core. 

The appeal of “Notting Hill” can be attributed in large to Robert’s performance as Anna Scott, which gave the film a place in cinematic history as one of the best romantic comedies. 

6. Steel Magnolias (1989)

In the moving drama Steel Magnolias, Julia Roberts plays Shelby, a young diabetic woman dealing with life’s challenges. With Dolly Parton and other greats in the cast, the film explores familial relationships, friendship, and tenacity. 

This portrayal earned Roberts a nomination at the Oscars for Best Supporting Actress and her first Golden Globe.

Despite certain over-the-top scenes in the film, Roberts’ portrayal of Shelby stands out. She demonstrates a wide emotional range and natural empathy, which elevates her performance. 

The enduring influence of “Steel Magnolias” stems from its capacity to grab at heartstrings while still engaging audiences after many years. 

7. The Pelican Brief (1993)

In the legal thriller “The Pelican Brief,” Julia Roberts plays Darby Shaw, a young law student who uncovers an evil scheme involving the murder of two Supreme Court justices. 

The movie, adapted from a novel by John Grisham, incorporates elements of suspense and dark political games while highlighting Roberts’ skilled portrayal.

As Darby probes deeper into the plot, her investigative work brings her life to risk as the truth is getting exposed. This constitutes a perfect example of how she can deal with complex matters and at the same time keep the audience’s attention.

Her character in “The Pelican Brief”notable for showing her versatility in acting, becoming an iconic element of her career. 

8. Closer (2004)

In the film “Closer,” Julia Roberts plays Anna Cameron, a photographer caught up in complicated love dynamics. 

Other than Julia, the movie also featured magnificent acting from Jude Law, Clive Owen, and Natalie Portman as they explored love, deception, and relationships, with Roberts providing an honest and strong manner of telling the story.

Roberts received positive reviews for her portrayal of Anna Cameron, which was praised for its multifaceted nature and believability, showing her that she can play deep characters effectively.

Her role in the movie “Closer” is a perfect example of Julia Roberts’ range of expression in the showbiz industry and her innovation to go beyond the set norms. 

9. Wonder (2017)

Julia Roberts plays Isabel Pullman in the film “Wonder,” and her character is essential in supporting her son Auggie during his first day of school. 

Auggie, who is bullied and feels like an outsider as a result of many operations related to his physical condition, finds everlasting love and encouragement in his mother’s presence.

Roberts shines as Isabel; she is the agent of hope and tolerance, putting her personal problems aside and sincerely caring for Auggie.

The story of “Wonder” highlights the importance of being kind-hearted and resilient in life’s trials, while Julia Roberts delivers a captivating performance that leaves an indelible impact. 

10. August: Osage County (2013)

In “August: Osage County,” Roberts is Barbara Weston who returns home after her dad dies to a troubled family.

She really shows her feelings in a genuine way throughout the movie, especially in a strong dinner scene after the funeral, which stands out.

With a great supporting cast, including Meryl Streep as her mother Violet, Roberts acts very well.

This role is different for Roberts, and she gives a very honest, raw, yet intelligent performance that many critics praise.