Amy Adams' acting debut came in 1999 when she stared inDrop Dead Gorgeous. After the success of the movie, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time and eventually starred alongsideLeonardo Dicaprio inCatch Me If You Can. Her breakthrough introduction into the mainstream as an actress occurred in 2005 when she starred in the independent filmJunebug, which would lead to her first Oscar nomination.
Adams' star profile rose significantly higher when she won the role of Princess Gisele in the animated / live-action Disney hitEnchanted. More than being a big box office draw, however, Adams has proved herself to be a versatile actress, taking on roles in studio and independent movies alike that differ greatly from each other. Here’s a look at the best Amy Adams movies, ranked.
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Drop Dead Gorgeouswas the first film in which Adams starred. This is a cult classic that boasts a cast full of iconic figures of modern cinema: Kirsten Dunst, Allison Janey, Brittany Murphy and Kirstie Alley. Adams auditioned for the film as it was filming in her hometown in Minnesota, and it’s clear even from her small role that she would have a long career in film ahead of her.
8The Master
Adams' 2012 role inThe Masteras Peggy Dodd showed us the range she possesses as an actress. Adams' role is much subtler than others in her history, and the beauty of her acting is in how she reacts, with little dialogue. Her presence is subtle and going up against battling performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, she is still commanding.Adams was very eagerfor this role and her strong presence in the final product is undeniable.
7The Fighter
Adams played a boxer’s girlfriend in 2010’sThe Fighter, directed by David O. Russell. The story is gritty, breaking away from roles in movies likeEnchantedwhich Adams had become known for, and Adams' performance was extremely well received, earning her another Oscar nomination. Adams embodied this role with a brassiness that floods the screen any time she is present.
Spike Jonze’s 2013 filmHerpresented Adams in the role of Amy, starring alongside a strong cast including Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. Amy is a close friend to Phoenix’s character who has fallen in love with a Siri-like character. Adams brings a soft and fragile nervousness to the strange story, and her presence adds a sense of yearning and melancholy.
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5Enchanted
Adams achieved true blockbuster success and became a household name after starring as Gisele in the Disney live-action/animated filmEnchanted. The movie was a huge success and blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Adams performance as Giselle is endearing and she embodies the role of Disney princess with ease.Enchantedproved to be hugely successful, and Adams would enjoy an even stronger career after its massive success, becoming a box office smash andsecuring an upcoming sequel.
Junebugwas the role which gave Adams her real break into the mainstream as a recognised and established actor.Junebugcame in the wake of Adams starring inCatch Me If you’re able to. It was an indie film, with Adams as Ashley, who is pregnant and excited over the arrival of her sister-in-law. Adams received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking the real beginning of her career.
Amy Adams delivered another strong performance in the Tim Burton directedBig Eyes. The film is based onthe true story of Walter Keane, the successful artist who took credit for the work of his talented wife Margaret. Keane did not know how to paint and threatened his wife, and Adams is vulnerable and captivating in her performance, eventually finding the strength to step out of her husband’s shadow.Big Eyesis a thoroughly enjoyable watch, and this is largely due to Adam’s strong performance.
2Nocturnal Animals
Nocturnal Animalswasdirected by fashion designer Tom Ford, and Jake Gyllenhaal starred alongside Adams. Adams plays Susan, who is a rich gallery owner from Los Angeles, becoming disengaged from her life and marriage. She reads the script ‘Nocturnal Animals’, written by her husband, and the events of her life intertwine as she does so. Adams delivers a strong performance, and her expressive nature adds layers to the melodrama of the film. Adams found the nature of filmingNocturnal Animalsdifficult due to her complex character, however she was successful at adding layers to a predominantly unlikable role.
Arrivalwas directed by Denis Villeneuve and presented a new direction for the classic alien, sci-fi genre which has been on our screens for years. Amy Adams delivers an incredible performance as Dr. Louise Banks, an acclaimed linguist who is recruited by the military to use symbols and gestures to try and communicate with Aliens.
