In less than 20 years, Jennifer Lawrence has developed a Hall of Fame resume that rivals very few actors. As a multi-hyphenate, Lawrence contains the perfect combination of star power and critical acclaim. Her jaw-dropping list of accomplishments includes an Oscar win for Best Actress, a leading role in a billion-dollar franchise and the title of highest-paid actress in multiple years.
After a two-year hiatus, Lawrence has returned to the big screen in Lynne Ramsey’s “Die, My Love.” To mark the return of one of Hollywood’s best talents, Tom’s Guide ranks the seven best movies of Lawrence’s career.
7. ‘Don’t Look Up’
Adam McKay enlisted the services of Lawrence to play the female lead alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Netflix’s darkly comedic disaster movie. Dr. Randall Mindy (DiCaprio) and his student, Kate Dibiasky (Lawrence), discover a comet that will hit Earth in six months and cause an extinction-level event. Mindy and Dibiasky attempt to warn humanity of their impending doom and urge those in power to act.
Instead, the government attempts to downplay the comet’s significance and exploit it for monetary gains. “Don’t Look Up” was billed as an important allegory for climate change when, in reality, it works better as a satire of the media and celebrity culture. If anything, it proves Lawrence should star in more comedies.
Watch on Netflix
6. ‘American Hustle’
In her second collaboration with David O. Russell, Lawrence stars in the ensemble crime comedy-drama “American Hustle,” inspired by the 1970s Abscam scandal. Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are con artists forced to work undercover for FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Richie forces Irving and Sydney to work a sting operation to bust Mayor Carmine Polito of Camden, New Jersey.
Working for the FBI is tough, but keeping your jealous wife (Lawrence) from blowing the whole thing up becomes Irving’s top challenge. “American Hustle” allows its talented cast to shine, particularly Lawrence, who excels as the unstable wife, bringing a larger-than-life persona that steals the movie in the few scenes she appears in.
Rent/buy on Apple TV or Prime Video
5. ‘X-Men: First Class’
Before “The Hunger Games,” Lawrence experienced her first foray into franchise IP in “X-Men: First Class.” Now billed as a prequel to 2000’s “X-Men,” “First Class” explores the origins of some of the superhero group’s most recognizable characters, including Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender), and Raven (Lawrence).
With the world on the brink of nuclear war in the ‘60s, Charles, Erik, and a special group of mutants band together to prevent a catastrophic event. Charles and Erik’s friendship goes astray due to their personal beliefs toward mutants, setting the stage for their futures as Professor X and Magneto, respectively. The “X-Men” franchise might have run out of steam by the end of the decade. However, “First Class” exhibited a distinct style and wit, which resulted in an entertaining superhero adventure.
Watch on Disney Plus
4. ‘Causeway’
Over the course of her career, the multitalented Lawrence has excelled as a magnetic heroine, a rambunctious trainwreck, and a sharp-witted genius. “Causeway” features a quieter and more subdued performance from Lawrence. It’s this raw approach that critics fell in love with before she became the Girl on Fire.
In “Causeway,” Lawrence plays Lynsey, a soldier who returns home from a tour in Afghanistan after suffering a brain injury at the hands of an IED. Lynsey struggles with her new routine and prays a doctor will allow her to redeploy. While battling significant trauma, Lynsey finds friendship with James (Brian Tyree Henry), a kind mechanic who grapples with his demons. Lawrence has a knack for bold and charismatic performances. “Causeway” is neither, but it serves as an excellent reminder of her range and sheer talent as a performer.
Watch on Apple TV
3. ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’
Real cinephiles and book readers know that “Catching Fire” is the best “Hunger Games” entry. The 2013 sequel pinpointed what worked in the original – intriguing premise, thrilling action, and brutal violence — and amplified it to new heights. After mocking the Capitol in the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return to a Panem inspired to rebel against oppression.
To squash their efforts, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) orders that victors will re-enter the arena in the 75th Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta somehow escaped the Capitol’s wrath once. Besting Snow for a second time feels downright impossible. “Catching Fire” is a “Hunger Games” best-hits CD, packed with better action and a confident Lawrence, who fully embraces her heroine persona.
Watch on HBO Max
2. ‘Winter’s Bone’
Before 2010, Lawrence’s most noteworthy role came as a series regular on “The Bill Engvall Show.” After “Winter’s Bone,” she became one of Hollywood’s next budding stars. In this gritty mystery set in the Ozarks, “Winter’s Bone” follows Ree Dolly (Lawrence), a teenager forced to care for her mentally ill mother and two siblings when their criminal father disappears. If Ree cannot locate her father’s whereabouts in time for a court date, her family will lose their home.
Ree must now risk her life by demanding answers from the local crime regime that has no problem eliminating those who threaten their business. “Winter’s Bone” is equally harrowing and brutal, but Lawrence is a revelation, setting the stage to become one of Hollywood’s leading actresses for years to come.
Rent/buy on Apple TV or Prime Video
1. ‘Silver Linings Playbook’
2012 is the most important year of Lawrence’s life as an actor. In March, she proved that she could headline a Hollywood franchise with “The Hunger Games.” Nine months later, Lawrence became a critical darling with awards voters in “Silver Linings Playbook.” In her first collaboration with David O. Russell, Lawrence plays Tiffany Maxwell, a young widow who agrees to help Pat Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) win his estranged wife back in exchange for a dance partner.
As Tiffany, Lawrence displays what makes her special: witty humor, a magnetic screen presence, and a full range of emotions. The movie revolves around Pat's journey, yet you want Tiffany to win the entire time. Lawrence dominated the awards circuit on her way to winning the Oscar for Best Actress. It’s a perfect performance in a crowd-pleasing romantic comedy.
Watch on HBO Max
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