Reese Witherspoon has been slaying in Hollywood for decades. From comedy to crime drama to adventure, this popular actress has proved her talent in many different genres and roles. From starring in Legally Blonde to becoming an Oscar nominated actress for Wild, there's many incredible flicks to binge from this bombshell.
With over sixty acting credits to her name, Reese Witherspoon has also tackled television and has starred in some brilliant critically-acclaimed series. She can be the sassy wife or the mystical mentor - so let's take a look back at her roster. From TV to film, here are 10 of her most iconic roles - ranked from most villainous to most heroic.
Deputy D.A. Penny Kimball - Inherent Vice (2014)
This Oscar-nominated flick is a comedy crime drama that takes place in the peak of the drug-fueled 1970s. Doc (Joaquin Phoenix) sets out to investigate his former girlfriend's disappearance and is met with a twisted and complicated series of crimes, greed, and love.
Witherspoon plays a deputy, but she's far from heroic. While she has an affair with Doc, she is also offering him confidential files and inserting herself into a criminal trial. This flick is chaotic and brilliant - with hardly any heroes.
Elena Richardson - Little Fires Everywhere (2020)
This mini-series stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. A picture-perfect family and a mysterious mother and daughter duo find their lives completely intertwined - in secrets, identity, and motherhood.
Witherspoon's character is bold and fiery and is certainly one of her more villainous characters to date. This new series is a must-watch for all fans of this talented actress.
Evelyn Williams - American Psycho (2000)
This classic crime drama stars Christian Bale, who plays a wealthy investment banker by day - and a murderous psychopath by night. Reese Witherspoon plays his ditsy and selfish fiance, and while she isn't the killer, she certainly is far more heroic.
With Justin Theroux, Josh Lucas, Jared Leto, Willem Dafoe, and Chloë Sevigny, this brutal and thrilling flick is a 2000s crime movie that is a must binge.
Big Little Lies (2017-)
This HBO series is a popular crime drama with a stellar cast: Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, Nicole Kidman, Adam Scott, Zoë Kravitz, and Reese Witherspoon. This show follows a group of upper-class mothers, as they deal with family, love, children, friendship - and murder.
Reese Witherspoon is Madeline Martha Mackenize and plays a fiery, selfish, and outspoken mother who is certainly not one to mess with. She grows from a villain to a loving friend and mother - but she's far from an innocent hero.
Melanie Smooter - Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
This is definitely one of Witherspoon's more popular romantic comedies. With Patrick Dempsey and Josh Lucas, she plays a young woman who heads back to her small home town in Alabama from her lavish life in New York.
With marriage, divorce, and family, this flick is funny and wholesome, but it's also a great story about finding oneself in the things that matter. She's not exactly a hero, but she's far from a villain in this movie.
Marlena - Water For Elephants (2011)
This romance drama is set in the 1930s and follows a former veterinary student (Robert Pattinson) who s a traveling circus, headed by a cruel ringmaster (Christoph Waltz). To complicate it more, he falls in love with his wife (Witherspoon).
Amidst a failing circus and a troubled marriage, Witherspoon's character s Pattinson's in an attempt to love and care for animals, and find happy love. Both of these things are definitely worthy of heroism - and complete this stunning and unique film.
Bradley Jackson - The Morning Show (2019-)
This Golden Globe-nominated drama stars Reese Witherspoon alongside Jennifer Aniston, Desean Terry, Steve Carell, and Billy Crudup. It follows a news show - and the challenge faced by men and women in the aftermath of a sexual abuse scandal.
Witherspoon's character is bold, and she certainly does what she chooses to do as the newest host hired for the morning show. With strength and pride, she is a pretty interesting hero for feminism in this riveting new series.
June Carter - Walk The Line (2005)
Reese Witherspoon has her sole Oscar win from her role in this flick. Directed by James Mangold, this biography drama tells the story of Johnny Cash's life (played by Joaquin Phoenix).
Through music, drug addiction, and marriage - June Carter helps him realize his dreams and helps him overcome his struggles. She's an incredible woman, who helped create one of the most legendary musicians of all time. Plus - this film is a brilliant Oscar-winning must-see.
Elle Woods - Legally Blonde (2001)
It doesn't really get more classic than this role for Reese Witherspoon. She plays a sorority queen, who ends up following her ex-boyfriend to law school.
This comedy can be a bit cringy, but at the end of the day, it proves that this blonde bombshell is far more than her looks. If anything, that's pretty heroic. Plus, she stars alongside the brilliant Luke Wilson and Selma Blair.
Cheryl - Wild (2014)
This biography drama is based on the true story of a woman, Cheryl, who embarks on a one thousand one hundred mile solo hike, while being in the throws of a personal tragedy. Nominated for two Oscars (and one for Witherspoon herself), this story is about an incredible internal journey through loss, love, and life.
While she meets many individuals along her trek, there is so much to love and learn from this unique and powerful story. Ultimately, this strong woman is nothing but a hero.