Every Anne Hathaway Movie, Ranked

It’s hard to believe, but we’ve been watching Anne Hathaway‘s career for 25 years! She first became famous with The Princess Diaries in 2001, and has continued to reinvent herself ever since. She successfully moved from playing teenage characters to more adult roles, all while maintaining her reputation as a passionate performer. She starred in sequels, period dramas with elaborate costumes, and romantic comedies at a time when the genre wasn’t as popular. From fashionable Chanel boots to playing a powerful goddess, she’s always taken on diverse and interesting roles.

I remember a real turning point for Anne Hathaway being when she won her Oscar – it felt like a dream come true. But strangely, the internet seemed determined to focus on negativity. It’s easy to say she’s been in some clunkers, and that fuels the criticism. But honestly, she’s been amazing in so many roles, even within not-so-great films! There were times watching her weaker movies – or even when she hosted the Oscars – where I just wanted to shout, “It’s not her fault!” Thankfully, she’s really come into her own since then, taking on fascinating, challenging roles and even finding success with some big hits. She’s had a few misses, sure, but she still manages to shine in everything she does. Her career is so much more interesting now, and while some people still hold onto their negativity, those of us who always believed in her talent have been proven right. She truly deserves to be considered one of the greats.

Anne Hathaway is taking bold risks in her career, consistently choosing challenging roles regardless of the project. 2026 promises to be a significant year for her, with five films scheduled for release. Now that both the unconventional Mother Mary and the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2 are out, Hathaway has reached a point where she can confidently balance experimental roles with mainstream appeal. As it’s clearly Anne Hathaway’s year, let’s revisit every film role she’s taken—including cameos—and celebrate her courageous performances. Here’s a ranking of her work, from least to most impressive, highlighting all her daring choices.

38. The Other Side of Heaven (2001)

Okay, so you’ve seen the trope of the ‘wife on the phone’ in movies? Well, this film takes it a step further – we mostly see the fiancée through letters! Anne Hathaway plays a young woman whose Mormon fiancé is away on a mission in Tonga, and honestly, that’s pretty much her entire role. It’s fascinating, looking back, because this was one of her very first film performances, and it’s…not her strongest. In fact, it predates The Princess Diaries! It makes you wonder if it’s a disservice to an actor to showcase their weakest work, or if it’s actually a kindness to let it stay hidden. Honestly, I had no idea this movie even existed before now. It basically asks Hathaway to be pretty, look thoughtful, and…write letters. That’s it!

37. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)

Do you want to watch a talented actress stuck in unnecessary sequels that audiences don’t want? Alice Through the Looking Glass revisits the rivalry between Anne Hathaway’s White Queen and Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Queen, but Hathaway’s character—and even Alice herself—takes a backseat to Bonham Carter’s. This leaves Hathaway with little to do beyond reacting to visual effects, a far cry from the charming performance she gave in the first film. Thankfully, she isn’t in much of the movie, but Anne Hathaway’s time could be much better spent elsewhere.

36. One Day (2011)

The film One Day stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess as two British university graduates who choose friendship over a romantic encounter, launching a decades-long, on-again-off-again relationship that ultimately ends in sadness. Despite a promising premise, the movie is surprisingly disappointing. Hathaway, playing Emma, seems more focused on subtly showing the character aging than on creating a fully realized personality (and her inconsistent accent jumps around as if traveling through different parts of Britain). While the film explores Dexter’s (Sturgess) struggles with addiction and his frustrating behavior, Hathaway and director Lone Scherfig fail to convincingly show why Emma would tolerate it. The movie feels lifeless, and it’s one of the few times Hathaway delivers a similarly flat performance.

35. Havoc (2005)

This film is likely remembered as a deliberately shocking, direct-to-DVD release, meant to challenge Anne Hathaway’s wholesome image. She plays Allison, a wealthy teenager who gets involved with drug dealers along with her friends. The movie features her smoking crack, rapping along to Tupac and Jay-Z (including offensive language), and even declaring her eagerness to vote. While attempting to address racism and cultural appropriation, the film ironically ends up embodying the very issues it tries to critique – it’s strikingly similar to the film Crash, released around the same time. Havoc feels very much like a product of its era, eliciting awkward laughter today. It’s almost like a gritty, Larry Clark-style film given the satirical treatment of Christopher Guest. However, it also represents one of the first times Hathaway fully committed to a challenging role, even if the film itself isn’t very good. If it were good, her willingness to portray Allison’s embarrassing behavior could be seen as a surprisingly selfless performance for a rising star. But the question remains: to what end? Ultimately, Havoc is uncomfortable to watch for everyone involved, and Hathaway’s efforts feel misdirected.

34. Passengers (2008)

Let’s clarify – we’re talking about the lesser-known film called Passengers, not the sci-fi one. It’s a romantic drama with some spiritual elements, starring Anne Hathaway as a therapist working with plane crash survivors. She falls for one of the most troubled patients (Patrick Wilson). The movie doesn’t make much sense and features a predictable twist. Hathaway is asked to make unbelievable situations feel emotionally real, but even her talent can’t save Passengers from being overly sentimental and ultimately sinking into a frustrating experience.

33. Bride Wars (2009)

Hathaway has proven she can be funny in over-the-top comedies, but those roles usually let her be herself. In Bride Wars, though, she and Kate Hudson feel stifled by the film’s mean-spirited plot, forced to act out exaggerated, sensational drama without any realistic moments. Hathaway shines when she’s simply having fun, like during a dance competition or swinging on a rope to the song “Tambourine.”

32. Get Smart (2008)

Okay, so I was really excited for this movie, being a fan of the original show, but honestly, it just didn’t hit. Steve Carell plays the goofy spy, and Anne Hathaway is supposed to be his partner and, eventually, something more. But the movie mostly makes her the one who has to react to all his craziness, and it’s… not great. They kept making these weird, unnecessary jokes about her looks, aging, and even carbs! There was this one line about a ‘dusty old uterus’ that just felt… off. And honestly, there wasn’t much spark between Carell and Hathaway. It kind of explains why this show hasn’t been a big hit for years – it just doesn’t really work.

31. The Hustle (2019)

Compared to her role in Get Smart, Anne Hathaway gets more opportunity to shine in this film, even though it’s not as good. It’s a remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Hathaway manages to make the most of her con artist role alongside Rebel Wilson, consistently landing the funnier lines and moments—from silly accents to convincingly faked tears. The movie isn’t worthy of her talent, but she still manages to make it somewhat enjoyable when she’s the focus. It’s strangely appealing to hear Hathaway attempt a deliberately bad accent in a goofy comedy (and it is a little funny here), but this particular comedy doesn’t quite deliver.

30. Song One (2015)

Think of a John Carney film, but much sadder and more subdued – that’s the vibe of the overlooked movie Song One. Anne Hathaway plays a woman who goes back home after her brother falls into a coma, and unexpectedly begins a relationship with a faded musician – someone like a less successful Damien Rice. While the story has potentially dramatic elements, the film is surprisingly low-key, and doesn’t fully showcase Hathaway’s talents. It’s especially strange that a movie focused on music barely features any singing from the lead actress!

29. Nicholas Nickleby (2002)

Anne Hathaway’s role as Madeline Bray in this early film is similar to some of her other initial parts – not a particularly demanding one. However, unlike in The Other Side of Heaven, she manages to bring genuine emotion to the character, which helps elevate this rather lackluster adaptation of Dickens. The rest of the cast isn’t very engaging, with the exception of Jim Broadbent, who delivers a memorable performance. It’s clear sometimes that Anne Hathaway shines when playing British roles!

28. Locked Down (2021)

Doug Liman’s movie for HBO Max feels like a misstep – a heist film set during lockdown that doesn’t quite work. Anne Hathaway plays an executive struggling with her marriage and battling personal demons during the early days of COVID-19, turning to alcohol and cigarettes. The film oddly suggests a romantic encounter might distract her from planning a risky heist, but the relationship itself is unconvincing. Because the movie rushes through its story, Hathaway doesn’t get a chance to fully develop her character, and Liman doesn’t effectively utilize her talent for sharp, witty performances.

27. Becoming Jane (2007)

The film Becoming Jane imagines the life of Jane Austen before she became famous, focusing on a painful romance. It’s a challenging role for Anne Hathaway, who’s asked to portray both Austen herself and hints of the strong, independent women she would later create in her novels. However, the movie gets so caught up in referencing Austen’s future work that it overshadows her personal story, making you wish you were watching one of her actual novels come to life. Wouldn’t it have been more satisfying to see Hathaway play a character from an Austen novel? The film is strongest at the very end, showing a successful Austen gracefully interacting with the daughter of the man who caused her heartbreak.

26. Valentine’s Day (2010)

Garry Marshall’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t quite work, presenting a huge cast of characters in weak, disjointed scenes. The movie feels like a strange mix of sentimental greeting cards and unsettling imagery. Anne Hathaway plays a receptionist who secretly does phone-sex work, and her relationship with a mailroom clerk (Topher Grace) is probably the most relatable storyline – which isn’t saying much, considering other plots involve Bradley Cooper comforting a fellow passenger, Army Captain Julia Roberts, only to return home to his boyfriend, Eric Dane. No one truly shines in Valentine’s Day; only a few actors, like Hathaway, Queen Latifah, and surprisingly, Taylor Swift, manage to be even mildly charming. In this film, ‘good’ simply means ‘okay,’ and Hathaway can pull that off even when the material is absurd.

25. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

The second Princess Diaries movie, Royal Engagement, mainly wraps up the political questions left hanging from the first film. Honestly, it’s a better showcase for Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” than it is for giving Anne Hathaway much to do beyond a memorable scene sliding down the stairs. It’s a pleasant, if somewhat predictable, romantic comedy where Princess Mia needs to marry a prince to keep her kingdom. While Hathaway hits all the expected notes, she doesn’t get as much opportunity for the big, funny moments that made the first movie so charming. It does earn points, though, for one particularly delightful scene involving a fan.

24. The Witches (2020)

Robert Zemeckis’s new version of The Witches went straight to streaming and received a lot of criticism, much of it deserved. However, Anne Hathaway clearly enjoyed herself in the role! While the often-awkward CGI effects frequently distract from her performance, a lot of the negativity aimed at Hathaway was simply transferred dislike for the film itself. The challenge for Hathaway was following Anjelica Huston’s iconic portrayal of the Grand High Witch, but she smartly chose a completely different approach. She’s a wonderfully campy mix of Count Chocula and Bette Davis, making bold acting choices that would impress even RuPaul. It’s not her most polished performance, and some viewers may not love it, but it’s definitely noteworthy for her willingness to take risks and go all-out.

23. Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland wasn’t well-received, but Anne Hathaway’s performance stood out as a bright spot. While other actors struggled with Burton’s unusual take on the story, Hathaway was able to bring a playful energy to her role. Her White Queen is both charming and unsettling, hiding a darker side beneath a sweet exterior. Surprisingly, this performance—not her acclaimed role in the musical Les Misérables—showcases Hathaway at her most theatrically impressive.

22. The Idea of You (2024)

The new streaming movie features an actress playing a single mother who unexpectedly falls for a very famous young pop star – a character loosely inspired by a certain real-life singer. The actress recently shared with Harper’s Bazaar that the character, Solène, felt the most like herself of any role she’s played. Her performance is genuine and relatable, making it easy to connect with the story. However, the film’s gentle and understated tone means it doesn’t necessarily stand out from other romantic stories.

21. Mothers’ Instinct (2024)

In Mothers’ Instinct, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain star as close friends and neighbors in the mid-20th century whose relationship frays when tragedy strikes – Hathaway’s son dies, and Chastain begins to suspect her friend has sinister intentions toward her own child. The film hints at a thrilling, dramatic showdown, but ultimately doesn’t commit to fully embracing that intensity. It feels like a sad drama attempting to be a thriller. Hathaway is tasked with portraying a character consumed by paranoia, rather than outright villainy, and while she delivers a compelling performance showing the complexities of grief, the movie itself doesn’t fully explore darker possibilities. She’s strong in the role, but the conflict between the two mothers remains surprisingly subdued.

20. Ella Enchanted (2004)

In terms of its playful spirit and fantastical silliness, Ella Enchanted is a lot like the movie Shrek, which makes it surprising that it doesn’t get more credit! While the film is definitely goofy and a bit cheap-looking – think 70s rock music, outdated special effects, and over-the-top costumes – it doesn’t quite showcase Anne Hathaway as effectively as The Princess Diaries did a few years earlier. However, she’s captivating as a fantasy heroine, bringing charm and strength to the role of a young woman cursed to always obey. Plus, she sings Queen’s “Somebody to Love” well before it became a popular choice on Glee.

19. Love & Other Drugs (2010)

Edward Zwick’s Love & Other Drugs tries to be both a funny romance and a critique of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly as drugs like Viagra became popular. Jake Gyllenhaal plays a drug salesman who falls for Anne Hathaway, a strong and honest woman who is diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s. The film generated a lot of attention for its explicit and intimate scenes between Gyllenhaal and Hathaway, who previously starred together in Brokeback Mountain. Many viewers remember the emotional impact of their final scene. However, what truly stands out is Hathaway’s captivating performance; her charisma and star power bring the character and the relationship to life.

18. The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

It’s challenging to revisit a role after two decades, particularly when playing a grounded character alongside more flamboyant ones, as Anne Hathaway does in both The Devil Wears Prada movies. In the sequel, her portrayal of Andy Sachs is more nuanced and emotionally resonant, staying truer to the character’s initial traits than some of her other return performances in sequels like Alice and Diaries. This feels like a natural progression of a character we love, rather than just a superficial nod to fans. Thankfully, her strong on-screen connection with Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt remains intact, though some scenes with Stanley Tucci veer into overly sentimental territory.

17. Colossal (2016)

In the darkly funny film Colossal, Anne Hathaway gives a remarkably flexible performance as a woman whose struggles with alcohol are bizarrely linked to a giant monster appearing overseas. While it involves monsters, it’s not a simple action movie like Pacific Rim. Instead, the film explores difficult themes like unhealthy relationships and the mistreatment of women, and Hathaway truly shines, embodying a character with both vulnerability and strength. She handles the film’s shifting tone more skillfully than the movie itself.

16. Serenity (2019)

Taking big risks often means accepting potential failure, and that’s certainly the case with Serenity. It’s a wildly ambitious, yet flawed, film. Imagine a gritty, sexually charged sci-fi noir about domestic abuse, set within the colorful world of a children’s fishing game – similar to Stardew Valley, but with the language of Grand Theft Auto. Matthew McConaughey stars as the hero, and Anne Hathaway plays his ex-lover, who asks him to kill her husband. Hathaway delivers a boldly over-the-top performance – a very adult, hard-edged take on a classic Lauren Bacall type. The movie frequently spirals into absurdity (with a character played by Jeremy Strong constantly referring to himself as “the rules”) and discomfort (Hathaway’s character repeatedly uses the term “daddy” with her abusive husband, Jason Clarke). Despite the weak and repetitive writing around the abuse, Hathaway remains committed to her role. While Hathaway’s performance is a triumph, the movie itself is a fascinating mess – she deserves recognition for finding something compelling within such flawed material.

15. She Came to Me (2023)

The success of a film as unique as She Came to Me relies on actors hitting the right emotional notes, and Anne Hathaway delivers perfectly. Both she and the movie aren’t afraid to explore difficult and unusual territory. She plays a therapist with a severe fear of germs, married to an opera composer (Peter Dinklage). Her character’s obsessive need for inner peace leads to a breakdown and, eventually, she finds solace in a convent. This isn’t a typical film from director Rebecca Miller; it’s a whimsical and heartfelt story reminiscent of Charlie Kaufman’s work. Hathaway plays the role with remarkable sincerity and emotional depth, making it one of her most compelling and underrated performances – a clear sign of her willingness to take bold creative risks with unconventional projects.

14. The Intern (2015)

You know, watching Anne Hathaway in The Intern, I felt like we didn’t really get to know her character, Jules, for a long time. At first, she seemed a little one-dimensional, but I realized that was kind of the point. I actually wanted to see a bit more edge from Nancy Meyers’ usual bright style – we kept hearing Jules was a tough boss, but Hathaway didn’t really get to show us that side of her. Her performance truly clicked when Jules finally breaks down over her husband’s affair. That’s when she really let her guard down and revealed what was going on inside, and it was powerful. It was a vulnerable moment, and it felt so real. Though, the movie’s dialogue wasn’t always the strongest – it wasn’t quite peak Nancy Meyers, honestly – and it sometimes clashed with the raw emotion Hathaway brought to the role.

13. Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan’s ambitious science fiction film initially faced some misunderstanding. It came at a time when some critics felt his movies lacked emotional depth, and he cast Anne Hathaway shortly after her Oscar win, when she was also facing public scrutiny. It would have been easy to overemphasize emotion in response to those critiques, but Nolan and Hathaway skillfully avoided that. The film is full of complex scientific ideas and poetic thoughts about love and time, and becoming overly sentimental could have made it feel cheesy. Hathaway perfectly captures this delicate balance, especially in a powerful monologue delivered when the mission appears hopeless. She expresses the film’s most heartfelt ideas with a quiet dignity that feels genuine, not overly dramatic. This is one of Nolan’s most successful and moving films, and Hathaway is at its core – both intelligent and deeply human.

12. Dark Waters (2019)

As a big fan of both Anne Hathaway and Todd Haynes, I was really intrigued by their one collaboration so far. Honestly, the role itself wasn’t quite what I expected for this pairing. She plays Mark Ruffalo’s wife – and even has a line where she protests being seen as just the wife! – and the film follows Ruffalo’s character, a lawyer fighting a huge case against DuPont. But what makes Hathaway’s performance so compelling is how she manages to be the character, while also subtly commenting on the role itself. She plays the supportive wife, but with this knowing awareness that adds a fascinating layer to the story. It feels like Haynes is deliberately exploring how social justice dramas often work, and Hathaway’s performance brilliantly reflects that. There are scenes where Ruffalo has to explain the science behind the poisoning and the details of the case, and in those moments, Hathaway actually becomes us, the audience, reacting with the same horrified understanding. It’s a really smart, complex performance – a little heady, but absolutely genius.

11. Les Misérables (2012)

I truly believe Anne Hathaway is capable of even more amazing things with bigger roles, but even with limited screen time, she always makes an impact. When people think of her as a daring actress, most immediately point to her performance as Fantine in Les Misérables, and for good reason. Everyone talked about how director Tom Hooper filmed the musical live, and Anne really carried that challenge. The way she played Fantine, enduring all those hardships, felt so real and relatable – honestly, more human than some of Hooper’s overly dramatic choices. When she casually starts singing “I Dreamed a Dream,” you actually believe in the moment, even when the rest of the film feels a little over the top. She brought a grounded reality to that famously grand song, without losing the emotion. It’s almost a contrast to the song’s boldness, but if you say it didn’t move you, I’d be surprised! And of course, she won an Oscar for it, and everyone handled it with grace and celebrated her talent – as they should!

10. The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)

Despite being directed by the talented Dee Rees and adapted from Joan Didion’s work, the film The Last Thing He Wanted feels disjointed and struggles to fully connect. Anne Hathaway delivers a compelling performance as a journalist who unexpectedly finds herself embroiled in a conflict in El Salvador, but the film’s convoluted plot prevents it from truly succeeding. While Hathaway skillfully portrays a character navigating both personal and political turmoil, and convincingly embodies a raw and vulnerable persona, her efforts aren’t enough to salvage the confusing storyline. If the film had been more cohesive, her strong performance could have been considered among her best work.

9. Ocean’s 8 (2018)

While the latest Ocean’s film doesn’t quite hit all the right notes, it excels in two areas: casting Anne Hathaway in a wonderfully quirky role, and allowing her to deliver the film’s single curse word. Hathaway truly shines as Daphne Kluger, a self-absorbed actress who starts as the target of a heist but eventually joins the crew. She plays Daphne as a spoiled and dramatic personality, switching effortlessly between admiring jewelry and displaying surprisingly sharp wit. It’s a perfectly executed comedic performance, with Hathaway nailing every joke. The movie just needs to be as consistently entertaining as her scenes. Seriously, bring back the deleted knife scene!

8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Fans were relieved when critics finally acknowledged how fantastic Anne Hathaway is in this final film of the series. Her Catwoman is one of her strongest roles, brilliantly capturing both righteous anger and a sense of hopelessness – a balance that would be difficult for another actress to achieve. She’s incredibly composed, a convincing liar, and subtly enjoys outsmarting everyone. While no performance can be defined by a single moment, The Dark Knight Rises has one that perfectly encapsulates her work: when Bruce Wayne catches her in a lie, she instantly drops her innocent facade, her face shifting from shock to acceptance to defiant strength, ultimately landing on a playfully mischievous “You’ll never catch me.” Christopher Nolan clearly understands Hathaway’s talent. Though The Dark Knight Rises is a bit chaotic and thematically uneven, her Catwoman stands out as a truly exceptional performance.

7. The Princess Diaries (2001)

Let’s talk about Anne Hathaway’s first big role in The Princess Diaries. The movie follows a young woman who unexpectedly learns she’s a princess and must rise to the occasion to lead a real country. It’s a classic Disney film that captured a generation, and it launched Hathaway into stardom. What’s remarkable is how effortlessly she made it happen. The film benefits from simple, feel-good storytelling and a passing of the torch from established stars. For those who grew up with it, revisiting The Princess Diaries can be tricky – it’s hard to be objective. But Hathaway’s performance remains charming and memorable. She had the difficult task of acting alongside Julie Andrews, a screen legend, and she succeeded beautifully. She also convincingly portrays a transformation from awkward teenager to glamorous princess, which is especially impressive considering how naturally beautiful she is. The fact that we believe her as the ‘before’ version, especially acting opposite the original Eliza Doolittle, is a testament to her comedic talent and instant star power. Some actors build careers over time, but Hathaway became a star overnight.

6. Armageddon Time (2022)

James Gray’s Armageddon Time really struck me as a deeply personal film. It’s set in the early 80s and centers on a young Jewish boy, Paul, and his coming-of-age as he navigates a friendship with a Black classmate, Johnny, and begins to understand the unfairness of the world. Anne Hathaway is phenomenal as Paul’s mother, Esther, and you can feel the weight of her own upbringing – her parent was a Holocaust survivor – shaping her choices. What Gray does so well is show how expectations get passed down through generations, and how trying to preserve your culture can sometimes clash with what’s right. Hathaway is incredible at showing what her character doesn’t say, and there are two scenes with young Banks Repeta that really showcase her range. One is a harsh, almost frightening reprimand for smoking, which feels tied to her own anxieties and need to protect her family’s standing. Then, just weeks later, she’s completely vulnerable and fragile when he comes home late, grappling with her father’s impending death. It’s heartbreaking because she can’t fully share what she’s going through with him. Esther is a beautifully complex character, and Gray seems to be saying that even with the best intentions, people are capable of flawed, even hurtful behavior.

5. Mother Mary (2026)

David Lowery’s unusual and visually stunning film, Mother Mary, asks for a little understanding of its artistic choices – much like truly appreciating any pop star who takes themselves seriously. Anne Hathaway plays the enigmatic pop star at the center of the story, and Michaela Coel is her former friend and image-maker. The film explores the nature of worship, both from afar and within a close friendship. Hathaway delivers a performance unlike anything she’s done before, abandoning her typical style to portray a secluded celebrity who struggles to connect with others. There’s a raw, physical energy to her performance, evident even in an early, striking dance sequence. She convincingly portrays both the dazzling stage presence of a superstar and the vulnerable person behind it. While Hathaway often throws herself fully into her roles, here she turns inward, creating a fascinating and unexpected performance.

4. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Anne Hathaway wasn’t the first choice for the role of Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada, making her memorable performance even more impressive – she really had something to prove. While Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly is rightfully celebrated for her comedic timing and surprisingly human portrayal of a tough boss, Hathaway delivers a fantastic performance alongside her. She’s incredibly natural and relatable as Andy, making it easy for viewers to connect with her – a key reason the film remains popular. Andy is a character many millennials can see themselves in, switching between confidence and anxiety. Similar to The Princess Diaries, Hathaway makes Andy’s transformation feel genuine, showing the small details of her growing self-assurance (and a big thanks to KT Tunstall for the soundtrack!). It would have been easy to lose interest in Andy if not for the grace and dignity Hathaway brings to the role. Despite ongoing debates about who the true villain of the film is (personally, it’s those twins!), everyone agrees on one thing: Hathaway’s performance as Andy is a triumph.

3. Eileen (2023)

Thomasin McKenzie stars in a film based on Otessa Moshfegh’s novel, playing Eileen, a tough and isolated worker at a boys’ prison. She feels trapped by her life and surrounded by harshness. The arrival of Rebecca (Anne Hathaway), a polished psychologist from the city, disrupts Eileen’s world and sparks a complex connection – one that hints at attraction. However, Rebecca soon makes a shocking decision. Anne Hathaway delivers a captivating performance, fully embodying Eileen’s unsettling obsessions and creating a character whose motivations remain ambiguous. Is Rebecca genuinely drawn to Eileen, or is she simply seeking companionship? Hathaway’s nuanced portrayal leaves room for interpretation. The performance also playfully references classic depictions of alluring and mysterious women in film, with Hathaway expertly balancing charm and instability, and confidently navigating difficult situations. It’s a masterful display of her talent, showcasing her ability to be both captivating and deceptive.

2. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain features consistently strong performances, even in minor roles. Anne Hathaway, playing the wife of Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, gained early recognition from a renowned director, though she didn’t receive the same level of praise as her co-stars Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, and Gyllenhaal. This is partly because her character, Lureen, is often in the background, but Hathaway avoids portraying her as simply passive. The film cleverly uses the audience’s limited focus on Lureen in a powerful final scene: when Heath Ledger’s character learns of his lover’s death, he receives the news through Hathaway’s Lureen. She delivers a carefully constructed, incomplete story, maintaining composure until she realizes who she’s speaking to, then subtly resists breaking down. With minimal movement and a distant expression, Hathaway conveys a wealth of emotion. It’s a remarkably nuanced performance, one that redefines her character and highlights how little attention she received throughout most of the film. It’s a quietly devastating scene, and its impact has rightfully grown over time as the film’s reputation has solidified.

1. Rachel Getting Married (2008)

Anne Hathaway’s range is brilliantly showcased in Rachel Getting Married, a standout film by Jonathan Demme that explores the deep and lasting pain within a complex family. She received her first Oscar nomination for playing Kym, a former model allowed a brief leave from rehab to attend her sister’s wedding (played with nuance by Rosemarie DeWitt). Kym is often seen as the family’s troublemaker and is connected to a past tragedy, but she also relentlessly provokes others with her sharp and often hurtful words. Hathaway reveals Kym’s pain – and her underlying humanity – at a breathtaking pace, moving audiences from awkward laughter to genuine tears, sometimes within the same scene. In a particularly striking moment, Kym gives a wedding toast that quickly becomes about her own struggles, upsetting everyone in the room. You’re on the edge of your seat, hoping she’ll stop, but she continues to talk, and talk, and by the end, Hathaway has fully revealed the complexities of this difficult, yet vulnerable, character. This role allowed Hathaway to break free from the labels people had placed on her – the teen star, the overeager actress, the innocent ingénue – and it’s her most uninhibited and authentic performance to date. It’s a portrayal of a character who is both unable to be helped and unable to help herself.

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2026-05-01 21:04