Jennifer Lawrence has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and captivating actresses since her breakthrough role in 2010’s Winter’s Bone. Known for her ability to tackle diverse genres, from chilling dramas to comedic roles and action-packed franchises, Lawrence’s filmography has continued to grow with critical acclaim and popular success. This list ranks Jennifer Lawrence top movies, showcasing her evolution and talents across a variety of memorable characters.
10. A Glimpse of Emerging Talent in Like Crazy (2011)
In the romantic drama Like Crazy, Lawrence appears in a supporting role that nevertheless highlights her early potential. The film centers on Anna (Felicity Jones), a British exchange student, and Jacob (Anton Yelchin), an American college student, whose long-distance relationship faces severe challenges after Anna is denied reentry into the U.S. Lawrence plays Sam, Jacob’s girlfriend after his relationship with Anna declines. Her portrayal of Sam as a relatable and likable “girl next door” adds a subtle yet striking dynamic to the story, demonstrating her ability to leave an impression even without being the lead character.
9. Portraying Determined Innovation in Joy (2015)
In Joy, Jennifer Lawrence delivers a formidable performance as Joy Mangano, the real-life inventor of the Miracle Mop and a pioneering entrepreneur on the Home Shopping Network. Directed by David O. Russell, the film captures Joy’s relentless fight against adversity and family betrayals as she builds her business empire. Lawrence embodies the toughness and resilience of the character, making the ordinary extraordinary through her commanding screen presence. This role earned Lawrence her fourth Academy Award nomination, highlighting her strength and tenacity as a lead actress.
8. Emotional Depth in the Role of Mystique in X-Men: First Class (2011)
Jennifer Lawrence’s entry into the superhero genre as Mystique in X-Men: First Class added complexity to the iconic mutant character. Set during the Cold War-era Cuban Missile Crisis, the film explores the origins of the X-Men and the rivalry between Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender). Lawrence’s Mystique is vulnerable and conflicted, struggling with her identity as a shape-shifter while seeking acceptance. Her portrayal brings emotional nuance to the action-packed storyline, shining through CGI-heavy scenes with a compelling balance of strength and sensitivity.
7. A Haunting Psychological Journey in Mother! (2017)
In Darren Aronofsky’s intense psychological thriller Mother!, Lawrence takes on one of her most unsettling roles. She plays a young woman renovating a secluded country home with her husband (Javier Bardem), only for their life to unravel when unexpected guests arrive. Lawrence’s performance is the emotional core as she portrays fear, anxiety, and rising panic in a gripping descent into chaos. The film’s claustrophobic atmosphere depends heavily on her believable and powerful depiction of a woman increasingly isolated and gaslit amidst disturbing events.
6. Subtle and Powerful Portrayal in Causeway (2022)
In Causeway, Jennifer Lawrence delivers a quietly affecting performance as Lynsey, a veteran returning to New Orleans after suffering a brain injury. The film presents her struggle with physical and emotional trauma, avoiding melodrama in favor of understated authenticity. As Lynsey builds a fragile, tender relationship with James (Brian Tyree Henry), Lawrence portrays her vulnerabilities and resilience with subtlety, giving depth to a character grappling with reintegration and the search for meaning and connection in her life.
5. Transformative Role in American Hustle (2013)
American Hustle is a dark comedy crime film presenting a high-stakes sting operation on corrupt politicians. Lawrence shines as Rosalyn Rosenfeld, the unpredictable and no-nonsense wife of con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale). Her chaotic and volatile energy intensifies the film’s tension, complementing the performances of Bale and Amy Adams. Rosalyn is a complex persona who provides much of the film’s emotional and unpredictable power. This role earned Lawrence a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination amid a film that was widely praised by critics.
4. Bold and Comedic Turn in No Hard Feelings (2023)
No Hard Feelings offers a refreshing departure from Jennifer Lawrence’s intense roles, allowing her to explore raunchy comedy with uninhibited energy. She stars as Maddie, a down-on-her-luck woman hired to date an awkward young man, Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman), to earn money. Lawrence’s fearless embrace of the film’s outrageous humor is balanced by her sharp comedic timing and genuine warmth, making Maddie endearing amidst the absurd situations. Her performance combines deadpan delivery and physical comedy, showing her versatility and willingness to take risks.
3. Breakthrough Performance in Winter’s Bone (2010)
Winter’s Bone put Jennifer Lawrence on the cinematic map with her portrayal of Ree Dolly, a determined teenager from the Ozarks searching for her missing father to save her family’s home. At only 17, Lawrence displayed a compelling mix of toughness and vulnerability, commanding attention with her naturalistic and powerful performance. This role won her early critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, establishing her as one of the youngest actors to achieve such recognition.
2. Academy Award-Winning Role in Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
In Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence stars as Tiffany Maxwell, a fiery young widow who enters an unconventional relationship with Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper), a man dealing with bipolar disorder. The film expertly blends romance, comedy, and drama, propelled by Lawrence’s vibrant and unpredictable performance. Her chemistry with Bradley Cooper is electric, and her portrayal of Tiffany’s complexity and strength earned Lawrence the Academy Award for Best Actress. This role remains one of her most iconic and beloved.
1. Defining Role in The Hunger Games Franchise (2012–2015)
The Hunger Games series undoubtedly represents Jennifer Lawrence’s most widely recognized and influential role as Katniss Everdeen, a courageous young woman from District 12 who becomes a symbol of rebellion. Beginning in 2012, Lawrence brought this character to life with authenticity and depth, capturing Katniss’s evolution from a reluctant participant to the face of a revolutionary movement. Her portrayal was marked by moments of compassion and fierce determination, solidifying her status as a major Hollywood star. Alongside co-star Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, Lawrence helped create a globally impactful franchise that resonated with audiences everywhere.
Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death. The stakes are life and death, and the courage and survival skills Katniss displays make the character unforgettable.
