My Favourite Laura Dern Movies of All-Time

Not many actresses have managed to earn recognition of Laura Dern. Since the 1980’s, Dern has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s divorce lawyers, concerned mothers or dinosaur explorers, Dern has portrayed several characters. Given the sheer number of films that 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. Marriage Story

Divorce is a devastating process that causes families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face broken marriages that caused damage. I recall the tense night when she had heated fights with her ex husband that proved to be a shocking sight. In a sad incident, my aunt had tense arguments with husbands causing resentment. Following her sad separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured marriages ending in tragedy as powerfully as “Marriage Story”. Released in 2019, Laura Dern’s best movie did an extraordinary job of depicting the divorce process causing couples to face tragedy. In the greatest role of her career, Dern embodies a fierce divorce lawyer that assists a woman going through a broken marriage causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Dern has always had an aptitude for playing fierce female characters that hold strong positions of power, and “Marriage Story” showcased her strengths as an actress. Despite having a supporting role in the movie, Dern steals every scene she’s in as a strong female divorce attorney. Working alongside Scarlett Johansson who is also amazing, Dern created a compelling portrait of divorce. For instance, the scene in which Nora gives Nicole valuable life advice on how to cope with the devastating divorce process causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” Laura Dern’s best movie is its bold message. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about marriage that would resonate with everyone. A devastating depiction of the divorce process that causes downtrodden families to experience stress, it’s a dazzling reminder of a great actress that has achieved success by making strong movies that impress.

2. Little Women

Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a writer. During childhood, I developed passions for writing about filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my dreams of writing. As someone with a lifelong writing passion, I adored “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Laura Dern’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about feminist writers. In the most compassionate role of her career, Dern embodies a mother seeking to care for daughters facing despair. With “Little Women”, the actress showcased subtlety by playing a quiet mother. Working alongside Saoirse Ronan who is also amazing, Dern honoured literature. For instance, the scene in which Marmee has a heartfelt conversation with Jo about her writing causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” a literary classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about women which would resonate with everyone. The film delivers a profound message about bonds between siblings which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the publication of a book about strong women, it’s a bold reminder about an actress with commitment whose renowned movies are worthy of celebration.

3. Jurassic Park

Dinosaurs are dangerous creatures causing disaster that always fascinated by grandfather. At an early age, my grandfather was fascinated by dinosaurs causing damage. He grew up to adore dinosaurs with a loud roar. Fascinated with prehistoric history, he would always speak fondly about dinosaurs that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring a grandfather that adored dinosaurs with a bright spark, I loved “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Laura Dern’s blockbuster captured dinosaurs causing disaster. In the most adventurous role of her career, Dern embodies a paleobotanist that investigates dinosaurs in a theme park evoking fear. Dern has an aptitude for conveying strong emotions through her expressions, and “Jurassic Park” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Jeff Goldblum who is also amazing, Dern created a portrait of dinosaurs that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Ellie expresses awe at seeing dinosaurs for the first time evoking fear is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Jurassic Park” a classic is its message. The film delivers a universal message about the importance of discovery which would resonate with everyone. As precious as dinosaurs in the theme park, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actress that has produced memorable movies with a bright spark.

4. The Founder

McDonald’s is a legendary fast food company that my cousin always loved dearly. My cousin valued fast-food that always left him in a good mood. His face would light up with a glow whenever he had chances to visit fast-food chains that fulfilled his appetite. As someone treasuring a cousin that loved McDonald’s burger, I adored “The Founder”. Released in 2016, Laura Dern’s movie honoured Mcdonald’s. In the most supportive role of her career, Dern embodies the wife of a famous fast food founder facing a burden to bear. Dern has always had an aptitude for conveying emotions through monologues, and “The Founder” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Michael Keaton who is also amazing, Dern honoured a famous fast food organization. For instance, the scene in which Ethel files for a divorce from Ray Kroc causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Founder” a captivating biopic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about companies, it tackles themes which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after Ray Kroc became the founder of a fast food chain that changed the world forever, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actress that has made movies which audiences treasure.

5. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. A long time ago, my teacher loved a franchise about galaxies far far away that changed his life in a huge way. Star Wars was a franchise my English teacher came to cherish. In 2017, Laura Dern honoured the sci-fi franchise in her movie “Star Wars: the Last Jedi”. in the most authoritative role of her career, Dern embodied the leader of a Rebel alliance seeking to save a galaxy facing despair. Dern excels at playing women in positions of authority, and her strengths are evident in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”. Despite having a supporting role in the film with limited screen-time, Dern leaves a strong impression. For instance, the scene in which Vice-Admiral Holdo seeks to prepare the alliance for a battle causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Last Jedi” a great Star Wars movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Rey’s desire to become a Jedi, it’s a bold reminder of an actress that has always made timeless movies which satisfy.

6. Wild

When it comes to the most inspirational hikers that have made strides in American history, it’s worth discussing Cheryl Strayed. In 1995, Strayed embarked on a 100-mile hike across the Pacific Crest Trail. An inspiring hiker, Strayed built a legacy that’s lasting. In 2014, Laura Dern honoured the wild hiker in her movie “Wild”. In the most tragic role of her career, Dern embodies the compassionate mother of a woman facing a heavy burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talents for playing strong women. Working alongside Reese Witherspoon who is also remarkable, Dern honoured the legacy of a renowned hiker. As strong as Cheryl’s desires to journey across the wild, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has compiled timeless movies which have always left audiences beguiled.

7. Blue Velvet

Laura Dern has always excelled at playing conflicted women that are stern. Dern has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Dern’s strength for playing women facing regret is clearly evident in her film “Blue Velvet”. Released in 1986, David Lynch’s movie found the actress playing a disturbed nightclub singer. In the most eccentric role of her career, Dern portrays a nightclub singer facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a provocative character. Working alongside Kyle MacLachlan who is also amazing, Dern created a character that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of a town facing despair, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actress that has built an impressive career making movies about which audiences care.

8. Citizen Ruth

Abortion is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from women seeking abortion that are misunderstood. Attracting negative attention, divorce is rarely depicted in movies with compassion. However, in 1996 Laura Dern successfully tackled the subject matter in her film “Citizen Ruth”. In the most emotional role of her career, Dern portrays a woman whose decision to have an abortion causes despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase emotional range she hadn’t shown in her career before. Dern showcased bravery tackling abortion at a time when it was looked down upon in society. As strong as Ruth’s desire to terminate her pregnancy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress that has made memorable movies audiences love dearly.

9. The Master

Few filmmakers have achieved appreciation of Paul Thomas Anderson. With their quirky characters, engaging storytelling and strong themes, Anderson’s movies have gained a huge following. In 2012, Anderson showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Laura Dern in his movie “The Master”. In the most psychological role of her career, Dern embodies an acolyte that questions her faith in religion causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a religious character. Working alongside Phillip Seymour Hoffman who is also amazing, Dern created a portrait of cults that’s compelling. A masterful depiction of a cult facing consequences that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of an adventurous actress that has made movies audiences consider precious.

10. Jurassic World: Dominion

Laura Dern hasn’t always made great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Jurassic World: Dominion” falls into the latter category. Released in 2022, Colin Trevorrow’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Dern embodies an aging archaeologist investigating dinosaurs evoking fear. Dern brought charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Jurassic World: Dominion” is a flawed movie, it honoured Dern’s enduring legacy. As powerful as dinosaurs in a state of dominion, it’s a dazzling reminder about an actress with strong dedication towards her craft whose timeless movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.