As the film Freaky Friday debuts nationwide, it offers a chance to reflect on Jamie Lee Curtis’s enduring legacy in the film industry. Known for a versatile career spanning several decades, Curtis has delivered memorable roles across various genres, making the term “Jamie Lee Curtis Best Movies” resonate strongly with audiences and critics alike.
Exploring Jamie Lee Curtis’s Most Acclaimed Films
Jamie Lee Curtis began her acting journey in the late 1970s and quickly established herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Her filmography includes notable titles such as Trading Places with Eddie Murphy, True Lies alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, and The Last Showgirl with Pamela Anderson. Despite this impressive catalog, certain films stand out because of their critical acclaim and lasting impact. These top five movies, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes scores, showcase the breadth of Curtis’s talent, from underrated thrillers to genre-defining horror and sharp comedies.
5. The Unexpected Thriller: Road Games (1981)
With a 92 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Road Games remains a lesser-known but highly regarded entry in Curtis’s portfolio. In this Australian thriller, she plays Pamela, the daughter of an American diplomat, who hitchhikes across the harsh Australian desert. The story intensifies when she encounters Pat, an American truck driver played by Stacey Keach, and together they face the threat of a serial killer stalking the route. The tension and suspense keep viewers engaged as they follow the duo’s journey toward the city of Perth.
Despite its relatively low profile, Road Games has captivated audiences who appreciate Curtis’s performance amid this suspenseful setting. The film is currently available to stream for free on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video, offering an accessible way to discover this hidden gem within Curtis’s career.
4. A Supporting Role That Sparked Widespread Recognition: Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Everything Everywhere All at Once earned critical and commercial success, holding a 94 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and securing seven Academy Awards. Jamie Lee Curtis’s role as Deirdre Beaubeirdre, a frustrated IRS agent, marked a milestone in her career by earning her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The movie follows the multiverse-spanning adventures of the Wang family, who face existential challenges while attempting to save their laundromat.
Although Curtis’s character has limited screen time and complexity compared to the film’s leads—Michelle Yeoh, who won Best Actress, and Stephanie Hsu, who received a nomination—her portrayal is a memorable part of the movie’s blend of humor and sci-fi elements. The film is available to rent on Prime Video for viewers interested in this distinctive work.
3. A Comedy Classic: A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Ranked at 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, A Fish Called Wanda is widely considered one of the funniest comedies ever made. Jamie Lee Curtis shines as Wanda Gershwitz, a cunning con artist entangled in a chaotic bank robbery plot. The film involves multiple betrayals and a comedic battle of wits to locate hidden loot, with Curtis’s character seducing Archie, a barrister played by John Cleese, to uncover the money’s location.
The movie’s humor is amplified by the interactions between Wanda and Otto, portrayed by Kevin Kline, whose character’s blatant disdain for all things British adds another comedic layer. Curtis’s performance stands out as her most notable comedy work, contributing to a cast-wide display of top-notch acting. A Fish Called Wanda is currently streaming on Tubi.
2. Revitalizing the Mystery Genre: Knives Out (2019)
Knives Out holds a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is credited with revitalizing the mystery genre for modern audiences. Jamie Lee Curtis plays Linda Drysdale, the formidable daughter of famed mystery author Harlan Thrombey. When Harlan is found dead, suspicion falls on his family members, including Linda’s husband Richard, played by Don Johnson, and their son Hugh, portrayed by Chris Evans.
Directed by Rian Johnson, the film features master detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, as he unravels the complex family dynamics. Curtis’s Linda, a controlling and multifaceted character trapped in an unhappy marriage, offers an intriguing performance that elevates a supporting role beyond typical stereotypes. Knives Out is available to stream through Prime Video.
1. The Defining Role: Halloween (1978)
With a 97 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, Halloween remains the most iconic and defining film in Jamie Lee Curtis’s career. This classic slasher horror introduced Curtis as Laurie Strode, a babysitter facing the terror of a masked killer on Halloween night in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois. The film’s chilling narrative set the standard for the slasher subgenre, shaping cinematic horror throughout the late 1970s and beyond.
Laurie Strode’s character embodies the “Final Girl” archetype, balancing vulnerability with intelligence and resilience — a hallmark that Curtis established and many horror films continue to emulate. Over four decades since its release, Halloween keeps its suspense and influence, still captivating audiences and cementing Curtis’s reputation as a foremost “Scream Queen.” The film can be streamed for free on Plex.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s Lasting Influence on Film
Jamie Lee Curtis’s career demonstrates remarkable range, from psychological thrillers and horror to sharp comedy and groundbreaking sci-fi. Each of these five films showcases a different facet of her abilities, contributing to a diverse body of work that appeals to both longtime fans and new viewers. Curtis’s enduring presence in cinema not only highlights her talent but also reflects the shifting landscapes of film over the last 40-plus years.
As Curtis continues to take on new projects, her legacy solidifies with each performance. For those seeking to explore the best of Jamie Lee Curtis, these five movies provide a comprehensive introduction that captures her impact on film and popular culture.
