My Favourite Anne Hathaway Films of All-Time

Not many actresses are as beloved today as Anne Hathaway. Ever since the 2000’s, Hathaway has become a feminist icon. Whether it’s fashion designers, star-crossed lovers or astronauts in dangers, Hathaway has portrayed several characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Les Miserables

Les Miserables is a beloved Broadway play that my mother loves today. I remember forming a strong bond with a mother that grew up to treasure a Broadway play that changed her life forever. She always spoke fondly about a Broadway production that shaped her identity. She believed movies were an art that couldn’t recreate a Broadway play that held a special place in her heart. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that loved a play she considered special, I adored “Les Miserables”. Released in 2012, Anne Hathaway’s Oscar-winning movie did an extraordinary job of adapting a beloved Broadway play on the big-screen. In the greatest role of her career, Hathaway embodies an impoverished woman facing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most memorable role. Hathaway has always had an aptitude for singing melodies, and “Les Miserables” showcased her musical talents. One of the challenges in making the movie is that actors were required to sing melodies live on set. Hathaway proved up to this challenge showcasing her talent for performing complex melodies. For instance, the iconic “I Dreamed a Dream” musical number in which Fantine sings about her dreams of escaping a life of poverty is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Les Miserables” Anne Hathaway’s best movie is its message. It delivers a strong message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. A brilliant adaptation of a Broadway play that blew audiences away, it’s a strong reminder of an actress whose movies deserve to be celebrated today.

2. Brokeback Mountain

Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. At an early age, I formed bonds with a gay cousin that was afraid to come out of the closet. Fond of women’s attire, he was a person my entire family would admire. Unaware that he was queer, I bonded with a cousin about whom I came to care. However, the discovery of his sexual identity ended our relationship abruptly. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured back-breaking tensions faced by queer individuals as powerfully as “Brokeback Mountain”. Released in 2005, Anne Hathaway’s Oscar-winning movie captured hardships faced by queer communities. In the most heartfelt role of her career, Hathaway embodies a woman that engages in a romantic affair with a cowboy she is unaware is queer. Hathaway has always excelled at conveying emotions through her expressions, and “Brokeback Mountain” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Loreen informs Ennis about Jack’s tragic death through a phone call is one of the most memorable moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Brokeback Mountain” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about the dangers of extramarital affairs which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the release of an awe-inspiring film about cowboys that are queer, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has built a fantastic career making movies about which viewers care.

3. The Devil Wears Prada

Bosses are powerful figures shaping employees’ futures. I remember working for a cruel manager that treated employees in a poor manner. She would often humiliate employees that showed up to work late. Despite her strict nature, I always got along well with an uptight manager that ensured my future in the workplace was bright. As someone treasuring fond memories of a devilish manager with charisma, I adored “The Devil Wears Prada”. Released in 2006, Anne Hathaway’s movie depicted devilish managers that shape employees’ destinies. In the most charismatic role of her career, Hathaway embodies a woman working for a fashion magazine manager treating employees in ways that are unfair. Working alongside Meryl Streep who is also excellent, Hathaway creates a compelling employee treated poorly by her boss. For instance, the scene in which Andrea is humiliated when Miranda criticizes her for the blue sweater she is wearing in front of everyone showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “The Devil Wears Prada” a great movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about bosses which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling depiction of devilish managers in fashion-design, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has never lost her abilities to shine by making movies audiences consider to be divine.

4. The Dark Knight Rises

Batman is a beloved superhero that shaped my brother’s identity. Years ago, I formed a strong bond with a brother that adored the superhero. I would look forward heading to the theatre to see movies about the caped crusader with a brother I treasure. We adored all the films made about the caped crusader but our favourite film has always been “The Dark Knight Rises”. Released in 2012, Anne Hathaway’s comic-book blockbuster did an extraordinary job of bringing the Batman franchise towards a satisfying conclusion. In the most heroic role of her career, Hathaway embodies a seductive burglar that assists Batman fight crime in a city facing despair. As Catwoman, Hathaway did an exceptional job of portraying an iconic comic-book heroine. Hathaway has always been one of those actresses with strong sex appeal, and it’s evident in “The Dark Knight Rises”. For instance, the scene in which Selina Kyle is first introduced stealing Bruce Wayne’s jewelry in a deceitful manner showcased the actress at her best. Ultimately, what makes “The Dark Knight Rises” a great comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the power of perseverance which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking farewell to a beloved franchise, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated actress whose movies have always cast a magical spell.

5. Interstellar

Fathers are inspirational figures that shape children’s futures. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always admired my father. An inspiring role model, he has motivated me to achieve dreams. However, career has affected our relationship forever. Focused his career, my father hasn’t always been available when I need him the most. Located on the other side of the world, our relationship has been impacted by long-distance. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the barriers that prevent fathers from spending time with children as powerfully as “Interstellar”. Released in 2014, Anne Hathaway’s science-fiction blockbuster captured estranged fathers. In the most emotional role of her career, Anne Hathaway embodies an astronaut parting ways with children experiencing despair. Hathaway has always excelled at delivering monologues, and “Interstellar” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Brand delivers a monologue about love is a highlight of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Interstellar” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. An incredible depiction of hardships experienced by fathers leaving children lonely on a planet, its a breathtaking reminder of an actress whose movies are impossible to forget.

6. Rachel Getting Married

Stories about dysfunctional families have often made for engaging movies. Audiences have always enjoyed stories of ordinary people facing obstacles that are painful. The main reason why these films are successful is because they feature characters that are relatable. In 2008, Anne Hathaway carried the enduring appeal of the genre in her film “Rachel Getting Married”. In the most moody role of her career, Hathaway embodies a pessimistic woman that doesn’t get along well with her estranged family. Hathaway is known for playing glamorous characters. With “Rachel Getting Married”, however, she showcased vulnerability audiences hadn’t seen before. A dazzling depiction of dysfunctional families experiencing tension, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose memorable movies are definitely worthy of celebration.

7. The Princess Diaries

Few books ever written about princesses with diaries are as beloved as “The Princess Diaries”. Since its publication in 2000, the book has gained a huge fan following. In 2001, Anne Hathaway did an impressive job of adapting the beloved book in her film “The Princess Diaries”. In the most majestic role of her career, Hathaway embodies a teenage girl that becomes heir to a kingdom about which she grows to care. It’s the breakthrough role that established Hathaway as an actress paving the way for her commemorated career today. Hathaway has always had a larger-than-life personality, and it came through in “The Princess Diaries”. A powerful adaptation of a commemorated book about a precious princess, it’s a breathtaking reminder about an actress that hasn’t lost abilities to impress making movies achieving success.

8. Ocean’s 8

Sometimes, the sign of a great actress comes across when she steals the show in a supporting role. Anne Hathaway ha always been one of those actresses leaving strong impressions in small roles with limited screen-time. Hathaway’s strength for stealing the show in movies audiences appreciate is evident in her film “Ocean’s 8”. In a star-studded cast filled with several notable actresses, Hathaway stood out the most. In the most stylish role of her career, Hathaway embodies a thief seeking to accomplish a robbery of a fashion gala she has grown to cherish. Hathaway has always been an actress with glamorous beauty, and it’s clearly evident in “Ocean’s 8”. As precious jewelry a team of thieves seeks to steal, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress with enduring appeal that has made timeless movies about which audiences deeply feel.

9. Get Smart

Anne Hathaway has always been an actress with a sharp sense of humour. Since her career launched years ago, Hathaway has always excelled at playing comical women. Hathaway’s talent for playing women that aren’t smart which cause audiences to start laughing is evident in her film “Get Smart”. Released in 2008, Hathaway’s film found the actress playing an agent with a strong sense of humour. In her most comical role, Hathaway embodies a smart agent with a strong drive to achieve her goal. Working alongside Steve Carell who is also hilarious, Hathaway demonstrated her talent for comedy that’s precious. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her perfect comic timing. As strong as the desire of agents to get smart, it’s a groundbreaking reminder of an actress devoted towards art whose movies can’t be torn apart.

10. Dark Waters

When it comes to corporations that have attracted legal controversy, it’s worth discussing DuPont. In 1998, the corporate defence lawyer Robert Billot was shocked to discover DuPont had poisoned West Virginia. Billot embarked on a 20-year journey suing the company for causing catastrophe. In 2019, Anne Hathaway brought Billot’s true story to the big-screen in her film “Dark Waters”. In the most serious role of her career, Hathaway portrays a courageous housewife assisting her lawyer husband solve a court case that’s dangerous. It’s a role that gave Hathaway chances to showcase her strong screen presence. As strong as Billot’s desire to win his court case, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose memorable movies will forever hold a special place in my heart for inspiring me to chase dreams of film criticism I embrace.