Not many actresses in Hollywood have made movies audiences treasure like Winona Ryder. Since her rise to fame in the 1990’s, Ryder has become an icon. Whether it’s ballet dancers, teenagers or mothers, Ryder 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 favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. 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 famous writer. At an early age, I developed lifelong hobbies writing words written on a page. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions writing about art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing stopped me from pursuing passions for writing. Few films I’ve seen have captured passion for writing as powerfully as “Little Women”. Released in 1994, Winona Ryder’s best movie offered beautiful adaptations of a big book about women. In the greatest role of her career, Ryder portrayed a woman struggling to take care of a family that’s a burden to bear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and dark in her most iconic role. Ryder has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines in period dramas. With “Little Women”, however, the actress took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing a literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Susan Sarandon who is also amazing, Ryder honoured a book about women that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Jo becomes aware that Amy has burned her book causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” Winona Ryder’s best movie is its bold message. The film delivers a bold message about the strong bonds of siblings which would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the release of a classic book about little women pursuing writing passion, it’s a bold reminder about an actress with strong dedication whose great movies are definitely worthy of immense celebration.
2. The Age of Innocence
Extramarital affairs often cause marriages to face tragedy. At an early age, I witnessed a family friend engage in extramarital affairs causing marriages to face damage. His decision to cheat on his wife caused his broken marriage to become obsolete. As someone treasuring memories of a father that committed infidelity without innocence, I appreciated “The Age of Innocence”. Released in 1993, Winona Ryder’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about infidelity. In the most romantic role of her career, the actress portrayed a woman whose husband engages in a doomed extramarital affair causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside Daniel Day-Lewis who is also outstanding, Ryder created a period piece that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which May becomes aware that her husband is having an affair causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Age of Innocence” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Despite being set in the 1870s, its strong themes of infidelity remain relevant today. It delivers a meaningful message about extramarital affairs which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful portrait of affairs in an age of innocence, its a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has manufactured movies throughout her impressive career which have always attracted audience.
3. Black Swan
Ballet is a breathtaking profession that my mother loves today. I fondly recall with nostalgia fond memories of a mother that sought to become a famous ballerina. She would always marvel at the way ballet dancers performed dances she treasured in every way. As someone treasuring memories of a mother that loved ballet swan dancers, I adored “Black Swan”. Released in 2010, Winona Ryder’s movie offered a powerful portrait of ballet dancers facing adversity. In the most psychotic role of her career, Ryder portrayed a menacing ballet dancer facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase dark side to herself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Natalie Portman who is also outstanding, Ryder created a ballet drama that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Beth confronts Nina in jealousy after she is selected for the white swan causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Swan” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most ballet movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about dangers of obsession which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Nina’s love for ballet, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress making memorable movies that deserve to be celebrated today.
4. Edward Scissorhands
Bullying has a negative impact on people’s well-being. At an early age, I endured bullying causing damage. I’ll never forget the first time I was picked on by peers leaving me upset. Mean girls became a part of my routine at age thirteen. No matter how hard I tried, I could never stand up against bullies that left me terrified. As someone impacted by demands of bullying, I identified with “Edward Scissorhands”. Released in 1990, Winona Ryder’s movie captured bullying impacting children with disability. In the most compassionate role of her career, Ryder portrayed a teenage girl that seeks to care for a disabled boy facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase emotional range she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is also outstanding, Ryder created a disability drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Kim becomes aware of Edward’s traumatic past causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Edward Scissorhands” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Tim Burton movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a message that resonates with everyone experiencing bullying that causes damage. A breathtaking portrait of bullying causing frightening boys with scissor hands to begin deteriorating, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that’s worth absolutely celebrating.
5. Star Trek
Star Trek is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. Years ago, I formed a strong bond with a teacher that loved a series about galaxies. A huge fan of Star Trek, he would always love to discuss a franchise about galaxies that aliens that trek. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that loved galaxies scavengers trek, I appreciated “Star Trek”. Released in 2009, Winona Ryder’s movie celebrated the iconic science-fiction series. In the most tragic role of her career, Ryder portrayed the mother of an alien on a doomed planet facing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Zachary Quinto who is also amazing, Ryder honoured a series about galaxies that are terrifying. For instance, the scene in which Amanda becomes aware that her doomed planet is in danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Star Trek” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. The film tackles relatable themes everyone would relate to regardless of whether they are fans of Star Trek. A spectacular tribute towards a science-fiction franchise about space, it’s a sensational reminder about a commemorated actress that has manufactured great movies throughout her career that audiences embrace.
6. Beetlejuice
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned the recognition of Tim Burton. With their strong storytelling, charismatic acting and meaningful themes, Burton’s movies have earned a huge fan following. In 1988, Burton showcased his strengths as a filmmaker when he cast Winona Ryder in his movie “Beetlejuice”. In the most gothic role of her career, Ryder portrayed a woman trapped in a haunted mansion facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing eccentric women with strange behaviour. Working alongside Michael Keaton who is also outstanding, Ryder created a comedy that’s captivating. A powerful portrait of ghosts that are dangerous, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an adventurous actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout her career which audiences consider precious.
7. Girl, Interrupted
When it comes to the most celebrated books ever written about mental health, it’s worth discussing Girl, Interrupted. Since its publication in 1993, Susanna Kaysen’s book has become a literary classic. In 1999, Winona Ryder honoured the book about women whose lives are interrupted in her movie “Girl, Interrupted”. In the most emotional role of her career, Ryder portrayed a suicidal patient in a mental hospital facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to show strong emotional range. Working alongside Whoopi Goldberg who is also outstanding, Ryder honoured a book about hospitals that are terrifying. A beautiful adaptation of a celebrated book about women whose lives are interrupted, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured engaging movies which deserve to be appreciated.
8. Heathers
Winona Ryder has always excelled at playing emotional women that face trauma. Ryder has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing emotional women facing damage. Ryder’s strength for playing emotional characters is clearly evident in her movie “Heathers”. Released in 1988, Michael Lehmann’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most conflicted role of her career, Ryder portrayed a rebellious teenager that commits murder causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside Christian Slater who is also amazing, Ryder created a coming-of-age drama that’s engaging. As strong as Veronica’s desire to become a teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress making engaging movies audiences treasure.
9. Frankenweenie
Stop-motion animation is a genre that has earned appreciation. Over the past few years, filmmakers have often used stop-motion animation to make engaging movies earning recognition. In 2012, Winona Ryder captured the enduring appeal of stop-motion in her movie “Frankenweenie”. In the most colourful role of her career, Ryder portrayed a rebellious teenager in a doomed world facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase talent for creating compelling animated characters. Working alongside Martin Short who is also amazing, Ryder created a commemorated stop-motion animated movie that’s engaging. As strong as dogs designed by Victor Frankenstein, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured memorable movies throughout her impressive career which shine.
10. Lost Souls
Winona Ryder hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Lost Souls” falls into the latter category. Released in 2000, Janusz Kaminski’s movie was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, the actress portrayed a woman seeking to communicate with supernatural spirits causing despair. Ryder brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Lost Souls” is a bad movie, it honoured Ryder’s commemorated legacy. As powerful as the soul of Maya, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress with charisma that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout a bold career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 