Jennifer Lawrence’s Best Movie Roles, Ranked
It often seems as if Jennifer Lawrence can do no wrong. Sure, she trips on red carpets and has been known to demand pizza at odd hours, but who doesn’t love the quirky actress? Not only has J-Law let her eccentric side be known, but she’s spoken up about feminism, equal pay, and has openly discussed Hollywood’s unattainable body standards. Le sigh. She’s pretty much the face of a generation, and we are perfectly OK with that. To honor the offbeat performer we’ve come to know and love, we’ve rounded up and ranked Jennifer’s eight best on-screen performances. Feel free to load them all up on your Netflix queue and marathon until the sun comes up. You’ll thank us later.
Albert Camicioli/Rogue Pictures/Everett Collection1/98: Elissa Cassidy (House at the End of the Street)
We’ve watched Jennifer Lawrence take down bad guys as Katniss and Mystique, but have you seen her face down villains in small town suburbia? This somewhat cheesy 2012 thriller stars J-Law as Elissa, the girly-yet-capable teenager who moves to a new neighborhood, only to find out a grisly murder occurred there. As Elissa befriends the murderer’s brother, Ryan, she finds out things aren’t exactly what they seem. But will she discover the truth about the past before it’s too late??! DUN DUN DUN.
Larry D Horricks/Magnolia Pictures/Everett Collection2/97: Serena Pemberton (Serena)
Unfortunately, Serena went straight to video, but it totally wasn’t because of J-Law’s acting abilities. Starring alongside Bradley Cooper in this 1930s romance-turned-thriller, we watch as Jennifer plays Serena, the ambitious Southerner eager to help her husband’s timber business blossom…no matter the cost.
Sebastian Mlynarski/Roadside Attractions/Everett Collection3/96: Ree Dolly (Winter’s Bone)
The role that made her famous: Ree in Winter’s Bone. Ree lives in the Ozarks with her younger brother and sister, for whom she is the main caretaker. When the sheriff comes knocking on their door with an arrest warrant for her father, Ree must either venture into dangerous territory to find her no-good dad, or let their home be foreclosed. There are some early glimpses of Katniss’ keen survival skills at play here, but viewers should expect a lot less fantasy and a lot more tragedy. Never fear though: J-Law’s acting chops are ever-present in this 2010 flick.
Alan Markfield/20th Century Fox Film Corp/Everett Collection4/95: Raven/Mystique (X-Men)
OK, so she’s definitely great in the role. But it’s hard to get the full J-Law effect when she’s concealed under gobs of blue paint. Sure, X-Men will always be a crowd pleaser, but the franchise can be a bit corny, and we know Jennifer Lawrence is better than that.
©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection5/94: Joy Mangano (Joy)
Audiences are used to seeing a lighthearted, hilarious Lawrence. But Joy offered us a glimpse into the actress’ more serious side. As the film’s titular character, Jennifer Lawrence is enchanting, strong-willed, lovable, and ultimately a blast to watch on-screen. No wonder she was nominated for an Oscar for the role!
Francois Duhamel/Columbia Pictures/Everett Collection6/93: Rosalyn Rosenfeld (American Hustle)
Another instance of Jennifer Lawrence completely submersing herself in a role. Although she didn’t get as much screen time as Amy Adams or Christian Bale in American Hustle, J-Law was arguably the most entertaining of the bunch as this scorned 1970s housewife who was just trying to do her best in a severely messed-up world.
Murray Close/Lionsgate/Everett Collection7/92: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
She volunteers as tribute! It’s hard not to immediately think of sulky Katniss when you think of J-Law, even though they’re total opposites. She brought Suzanne Collins’ treasured heroine to life — and inspired some of the greatest Halloween costumes, like, ever. Not only was she a badass marksman, but she delivered the message that it’s more important to stand up for what you believe in than to get swept up in a love triangle.
Weinstein Company/Everett Collection8/91: Tiffany (Silver Linings Playbook)
OK, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that her best role of all time is the same one that won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Lawrence’s portrayal of the hyperactive, tell-it-like-it-is Tiffany was one for the books. Her energetic acting stole the show, which is no easy feat when you’re starring alongside Bradley Cooper, and her dancing was the stuff of legends.
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