Renée Zellweger’s 15 Best Movies, Ranked

With an impressively varied career spanning more than 30 years, Renée Zellweger has proved herself one of the most important actresses across comedy, drama, musicals, period pieces, and countless other genres. A passionate and fiery performer, Zellweger’s success in the realm of comedy can sometimes outshine her truly spectacular skill as a dramatic force to be reckoned with. The recipient of two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes, Zellweger’s career has been categorized by intense critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience reception.

Despite originally hailing from Texas, the scope and breadth of Zellweger’s success has transcended continents, and she stood as an icon of British popular culture due to her unmatched performance as the love-lost lead of the beloved Bridget Jones series. With Oscar-winning turns in Cold Mountain and Judy, Zellweger even led the Best Picture-winning musical hit Chicago. The career of Zellweger has been filled with impressive performances in compelling dramas that she balanced with hilarious turns in timeless laugh-out-loud comedies.

15

Me, Myself And Irene (2000)

As Irene

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Me, Myself, & Irene

R

Release Date

June 23, 2000

Runtime

116 Minutes

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  • Headshot Of Jim Carrey In The North America Rights

    Jim Carrey

    Charlie / Hank

  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

    Irene

  • Headshot Of Anthony Anderson In The 12th Annual Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation 'Big Fighters, Big Cause'

    Anthony Anderson

    Jamaal

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Mongo Brownlee

    Lee Harvey

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While Zellweger is most known as a dramatic actor, she has shown her comedic skills in several projects. As a testament to her skills in the genre, she was able to hold her own against one of the greatest comedic actors of all time. Me, Myself & Irene stars Jim Carrey as Charlie, a nice cop in a small town who learns that he has a personality disorder in which a more rebellious and destructive side of himself comes out. These two personalities clash while Charlie is transporting a fugitive (Zellweger) who is being hunted by the mob.

The movie is a hilarious road trip movie with a premise that allows Carrey to go wild with his unique brand of humor. He and Zellweger share wonderful chemistry, with Zellweger seeming to have a lot of fun playing off these two differing versions of the same man. While it is far from an accurate portrait of a personality disorder, if viewers can look past that, they are in for a laugh-out-loud ride.

14

Down With Love (2003)

As Barabra Novak

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Down with Love

PG-13

Comedy

Action

Romance

Thriller

Release Date

May 16, 2003

Runtime

101 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

    Catcher Block

  • Headshot Of Ewan McGregor In The New York premiere of 'A Gentleman In Moscow'

    Ewan McGregor

    Barbara Novak

  • Headshot Of Sarah Paulson

    Sarah Paulson

    Vikki Hiller

  • Headshot Of David Hyde Pierce In The HBOMAX Julia FYC

    David Hyde Pierce

    Peter MacMannus

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Zellweger has appeared in a number of romance movies over the course of her career, but Down with Love is one that has been sorely overlooked by the general public. The movie is set in the 1960s and stars Zellweger as an advice author who has written a book that denounces the idea that women need to find love in order to find purpose. As the book begins to start a cultural movement, a playboy journalist (Ewan McGregor) seeks to discredit the idea by having the author fall in love with him.

The movie pays homage to classic rom-coms with two people of seemingly different views on the world coming together and finding an unexpected connection. Director Peyton Reed also does a wonderful job in creating the 1960s setting for the story, immersing the audience into this slightly heightened world. Zellweger and McGregor are terrific together, delivering the screwball comedy dialogue exceptionally well.

13

Miss Potter (2006)

As Beatrix Potter

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Miss Potter

PG

Biography

Drama

Romance

Release Date

December 3, 2006

Runtime

98 minutes

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

    Norman Warne

  • Headshot Of Ewan McGregor In The New York premiere of 'A Gentleman In Moscow'

    Ewan McGregor

    Beatrix Potter

  • Headshot Of Emily Watson

    Emily Watson

    Millie Warne

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Barbara Flynn

    Helen Potter

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Miss Potter saw Zellweger rekindle her exceptional on-screen chemistry with Ewan McGregor again in another period romance. Miss Potter stars Zellweger as legendary children’s author Beatrix Potter, the creator of iconic characters like Peter Rabbit. While the somewhat eccentric yet charming author is happy in her writing, it is not until a first-time literary agent (McGregor) takes an interest in her books that she is able to find success as well as love.

Miss Potter is a warm and charming period story about a unique artist finding acceptance in the world. Zellweger is terrific in the lead role, bringing humor to the character as well as a sweetness to her burgeoning love story. Zellweger earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, marking one of many acclaimed movies in which she played a real person.

12

Appaloosa (2008)

As Allison French

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Appaloosa

R

Crime

Documentary

Drama

Western

9/10

Release Date

September 19, 2008

Runtime

114 minutes

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    Robert Jauregui

  • Headshot Of Jeremy Irons In The Lille Series Mania Festival

    Jeremy Irons

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Appaloosa is a Western based on a book and also marks one of the best movies in the genre from the 21st century. Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen star in the film as two friends and gunfighters who are hired as the new law enforcement officers of a small town. As the heroic and noble pair butt heads with the corrupt and greedy rancher who has been causing trouble in the area, the situation is complicated even further when Harris forms a romantic relationship with a young widow (Zellweger).

The movie takes a clever approach to the expectations of the Western genre, crafting a surprising and constantly evolving story. Mortensen and Harris are excellent in the story that is very much an ode to the deep loyalty of friendship. Zellweger gets the standout role in the movie, also defying the kind of female character who is typically seen in Westerns. It is a complex and fascinating character with Zellweger able to ground the role while also bringing a bit of humor as well.

11

Bee Movie (2007)

As Vanessa Bloome

Barry B Benson and Vanessa Bloome from Bee Movie

While Jerry Seinfeld’s animated comedy Bee Movie received mixed reviews when it was first released in 2007, this story about Barry B. Benson, the honeybee who sued the human race for honey exploitation, has gone on to become a cult classic due to its popularity as an Internet meme. The human side of Bee Movie was led by the voice of Renée Zellweger as Vanessa Bloome, the florist who befriended Benny, and in a bizarre turn of events appeared to harbor a romantic attraction to him. Bee Movie was a hilarious wild ride made even better through Seinfeld’s signature wit.

10

Empire Records (1995)

As Gina

Renée Zellweger as Gina looking upset in Empire Records (1995).

Almost 20 years after its release, the cult classic Empire Records has quotes that live rent-free in the audience’s heads and an important addition to the music movie’s ensemble cast was Renée Zellweger as the promiscuous employee Gina. A strong performance in one of the 1990s’ most iconic slacker movies, Empire Records helped launch the careers of both Zellweger and Liv Tyler. A coming-of-age story about a group of wayward employees raising money to save the record store they work at, Empire Records was full of great music, hilarious characters, and perfectly encapsulated the mood and style of its era.

9

Cinderella Man (2005)

As Mae Braddock

Cinderella Man (2005) Renée Zellweger as Mae Braddock

Cinderella Man

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  • Headshot Of Russell Crowe

    Russell Crowe

  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

  • Headshot Of Paul Giamatti

    Paul Giamatti

  • Headshot Of Craig Bierko

    Craig Bierko

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Release Date

June 2, 2005

Runtime

144 Minutes

Director

Ron Howard

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Renée Zellweger brought passion and pathos to her role as the struggling wife of washed-up boxer James J. Braddock in Ron Howard’s depression-era sports drama Cinderella Man. Zellweger starred opposite Russell Crowe as Mae Braddock in a performance full of sorrow as she worried for the wellbeing of her family while struggling with the threat of her husband being killed in a boxing match. Zellweger expertly portrayed the difficulties of providing for a family during this difficult period in American history and the conundrum she faced about whether to support her husband’s profession was the emotional core of Cinderella Man.

8

One True Thing (1998)

As Ellen Gulden

The cast of One True Thing embracing

In a masterclass portrayal of inverted responsibilities, Renée Zellweger proved she could hold her own opposite screen legend Meryl Streep in the family drama One True Thing. Zellweger played Ellen Gulden, the 20-something writer who was forced to put her life on hold to care for her dying mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Through this, Ellen discovered the true challenges of her mother’s responsibilities, now placed on her, the infidelity of her father, and the strengths and weaknesses of both her parents. One True Thing was an effective drama that dealt with serious topics without feeling overly sentimental.

Renée Zellweger proved she could hold her own opposite screen legend Meryl Streep in the family drama One True Thing.

7

Nurse Betty (2000)

As Betty Sizemore

Chris Rock, Morgan Freeman, and Renée Zellweger as Betty Sizemore in Nurse Betty

Nurse Betty was a quirky black comedy with a dark foundation as Renée Zellweger played a Kansas housewife who, after witnessing her husband’s gruesome murder, enters a fugue state and assumes the identity of a nurse from her favorite soap opera. With a strong supporting cast including Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock, and Greg Kinnear, Nurse Betty was full of comedic talent and was the rare comedy that was as emotionally deep as it was laugh-out-loud hilarious. Nurse Better won Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival and stood an early 2000s underappreciated comedic gem.

6

Judy (2019)

As Judy Garland

Judy (2019) Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland

Judy

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    Bella Ramsey

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Diana Alexandra Pocol

  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

  • Headshot Of Royce Pierreson In The Premiere of Netflix`s The Witcher

    Royce Pierreson

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Directed by Rupert Goold, Judy is a 2019 biopic about The Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland. The film takes place in the winter of 1968 when she headlined several sold-out concerts. Judy starred Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, who won an Oscar for her performance at the 2020 Academy Awards.

Release Date

September 27, 2019

Runtime

118 minutes

Director

Rupert Goold

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Renée Zellweger took home the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of screen legend Judy Garland in the difficult last years of her life in Judy. A transformative performance, Zellweger brought pathos and empathy to the story of the jaded musical icon as the glory days of her past were behind her and she fell ever further into addiction and family troubles. While Judy hit upon many of the same notes as other troubled stars’ biopics, Zellweger played the role with such power and conviction that she brought new life to a well-worn story path.

5

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy (2025)

As Bridget Jones

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Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

Comedy

Drama

Romance

ScreenRant logo

6/10

10/10

Release Date

February 13, 2025

Director

Michael Morris

Cast

  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

  • Headshot Of Hugh Grant iN The Premiere of 'Wonka' at the Regency Village Theater.

    Hugh Grant

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In Renée Zellweger’s most recent movie, she returns to her most iconic character and proves there is still a lot of fun to be had in the Bridget Jones franchise. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy finds Bridget at a new crossroads in her life, attempting to get over the death of her husband Mark (Colin Firth) while struggling as a single mother. As she gets back into the dating life, she finds herself torn between a romance with a younger man (Leo Woodall) and her son’s teacher (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

The Bridget Jones franchise has never made much of an impact since the first movie, but this fourth installment is thankfully the best of the sequels. Zellweger seems to fit effortlessly back into his role, bringing the charm and humor that fans have come to love from the character. It is also a very emotional fllm that has something to say beyond just being a return for the character. While the sentimentality might be a little much at times, the movie remains an intelligent rom-com with a dynamic protagonist.

4

Jerry Maguire (1996)

As Dorothy Boyd

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Jerry Maguire

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    Cuba Gooding Jr

  • Headshot of Kelly Preston

    Kelly Preston

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Jerry O’Connell

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    Tom Cruise

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Release Date

December 13, 1996

Runtime

139 minutes

Director

Cameron Crowe

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The cult classic Jerry Maguire may be remembered for its litany of iconic quotes and Tom Cruise’s memorable performance, but just as important to its success was Renée Zellweger as romantic female lead Dorothy Boyd. Jerry Maguire was Zellweger’s breakout role and proved her exceptional skill for juggling comedic and dramatic challenges from one scene to the next signaled her incredible star potential. Zellweger’s impeccable delivery of the classic line “you had me at hello” was enough to cement this as one of her most important roles.

Zellweger’s impeccable delivery of the classic line “you had me at hello” was enough to cement this as one of her most important roles.

3

Cold Mountain (2003)

As Ruby Thewes

Cold Mountain (2003) Renée Zellweger as Ruby Thewes

Cold Mountain

Cast

  • Headshot Of Jude Law

    Jude Law

  • Headshot Of Nicole Kidman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's 'A Family Affair'

    Nicole Kidman

  • Headshot Of Renée Zellweger

    Renée Zellweger

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Eileen Atkins

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Release Date

December 24, 2003

Runtime

153 minutes

Director

Anthony Minghella

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For her powerful performance as Ruby Thewes in the epic American Civil War drama Cold Mountain Renée Zellweger took home the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG award for Best Supporting Actress. With an abusive childhood and a stern and resourceful presence, Zellweger was truly captivating in her role as Ruby and delivered one of her very best performances. A beautifully sad, but powerfully compelling, love story, Cold Mountain had a lot to say about the ravages of war, the tenacity of the human soul, and the women and children who were so often left behind.

2

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

As Bridget Jones

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Bridget Jones’s Diary

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    Renée Zellweger

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Gemma Jones

  • Headshot Of Celia Imrie

    Celia Imrie

  • Headshot Of James Faulkner In The 2015 BAFTA Tea Party

    James Faulkner

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Based on the novel by Helen Fielding, the rom-com Bridget Jones’s Diary revolves around a 32-year-old single woman who keeps a diary of her life and romantic encounters. Starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, the 2001 movie was a massive commercial and critical success.

Release Date

April 13, 2001

Runtime

97 Minutes

Director

Sharon Maguire

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Renée Zellweger was so convincing as the hapless, British singleton in Bridget Jones’s Diary that audiences were consistently shocked to learn that she was American, and her impressive accent was put on. A truly iconic role, Bridget Jones quickly became a British cultural icon and Zellweger even secured an Academy Award nomination for her part. Full of laugh-out-loud moments, the love triangle seen between Zellweger, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’s Diary was loosely based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and acted as the inception point for an entire franchise.

1

Chicago (2002)

As Roxie Hart

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As the first musical to take home the Academy Award for Best Picture in several decades, Chicago was a runaway success mostly due to the incredible performances of its cast, the exquisite musical numbers, and the sheer spectacle of its presentation. Renée Zellweger shone in her starring role as Roxie Hart, the aspiring vaudevillian arrested for murder hungry for publicity, celebrity, and recognition. Chicago was a big and bold production, but most importantly it remained fun, exciting, and urgent throughout, and acted as the moment where Renée Zellweger proved to the world there was truly nothing she couldn’t do.