Drew Barrymore is definitely the closest thing we have to a lasting American Sweetheart. Acting in movies ever since she was a little kid, then enduring incredibly hard times through her adolescence then overcoming them to become the star we know today, Barrymore has certainly been through a lot. That’s why it’s so surprising that all of her roles are so delightful, lighthearted, and fun.
Although her workload has slowed in recent years, tending to focus most of her energy into her beauty line and her Netflix original series Santa Clarita Diet, there’s no denying that her entire filmography is full of hits. We’ve ranked 10 of her best roles below.
E.T.
To be a part of E.T. is to be a part of film history. There’s absolutely no denying that this is Drew Barrymore’s best film (even though she’s just a kid). Gertie is basically pop culture royalty, destined to live forever in one of Steven Spielberg’s finest and most lovable films ever.
Donnie Darko
Like E.T. is a pop culture staple, Donnie Darko is cult classic canon. Starring young Jake Gyllenhaal and older-than-Gertie-but-still-young Drew Barrymore, Donnie Darko is no doubt part of a horror movie obsessive’s repertoire of must-watch movies. Her role in the film is smaller than her role in E.T., but she’s still deserving of recognition for her part in the film’s success.
Scream
Practically no more than a cameo, Drew Barrymore’s role in the beginning of Scream is one of the most iconic and most parodied sequences in horror movie history. The call, the chase, the… well, the scream, it’s all gold.
Grey Gardens
Playing real-life character Little Edie from the famous documentary of the same name, this HBO feature film adaptation stars Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange as an eccentric and delusional mother and daughter living in a decrepit old house. It’s tough topping the real life performances, but Barrymore pulls it off exceptionally well.
Altered States
The feature film debut of Drew Barrymore also happens to be one of her most memorable roles. Filmed in 1980 and nominated for a couple Oscars, Altered States has Barrymore playing the daughter of a schizophrenic abnormal psychologist played by William Hurt (who also makes his feature film debut in this movie).
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
Written by Charlie Kaufman and directed by George Clooney, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind is a strange and unique film from the early 2000s. Barrymore plays the lover to Sam Rockwell’s Chuck Barris: game show host-turned CIA assassin. While the film might feel uneven from time to time, Barrymore’s performance certainly doesn’t.
Whip It
Not only does Barrymore play a part in Whip It, but she produced and directed the film as well. Following a female roller derby team, Barrymore plays a character named Smashley Simpson. The movie is endearing and original and makes us wonder: when will Barrymore return to the director’s chair?
The Wedding Singer
These next three movies may or may not make your list, but they definitely deserve a spot . The first is the Wedding Singer, which also happened to be her first collaboration with Adam Sandler. It’s a cute movie, and there’s no denying the charm of both of its leads (but especially Barrymore).
50 First Dates
Her second collaboration with Sandler, Barrymore plays a woman with severe memory loss that causes her to forget the previous day every time she wakes up. Sandler’s character falls for her, but each morning she can’t remember a thing about him. He tries and tries to win her over, and she plays the part with heart and charisma that many would struggle to find.
Fever Pitch
Lastly, there’s Fever Pitch (based on the Nick Hornby book and movie of the same name). Barrymore stars with SNL darling-turned late night host Jimmy Fallon, and the movie is actually pretty cute. They love each other, there’s no denying it, but Fallon’s character loves baseball a little too much for her comfort. She’s as great as ever in a role that seems to be made just for her.
