The 10 Best Ellen Burstyn Movies, Ranke
Ellen Burstyn is an exceptionally talented actress whose career has spanned over six decades. She has graced the silver screen with a range of spellbinding performances that have earned her widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Here we rank the top 10 movies of Ellen Burstyn, celebrating her most memorable and impactful roles:
1. “Requiem for a Dream” (2000) – A heartbreaking portrayal of addiction, Burstyn’s performance as Sara Goldfarb is widely considered a career-defining role that garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
2. “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” (1974) – In this Martin Scorsese masterpiece, Burstyn plays a widowed mother seeking independence and love, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
3. “The Exorcist” (1973) – As Chris MacNeil, a mother confronting the demonic possession of her daughter, Burstyn delivers a powerful performance in one of the most iconic horror films in cinema history.
4. “Same Time, Next Year” (1978) – Burstyn exhibits undeniable chemistry with co-star Alan Alda in this romantic comedy-drama about two people who have an annual affair.
5. “The Last Picture Show” (1971) – This coming-of-age drama features Burstyn as Lois Farrow, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion and complexity in a supporting role.
6. “Resurrection” (1980) – Burstyn plays Edna McCauley, a woman who discovers she has the power to heal after surviving an accident, earning her another Academy Award nomination.
7. “Interstellar” (2014) – In Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic, Burstyn’s appearance may be brief but it is potent, portraying the older version of Murph Cooper with profound depth.
8. “Flowers in the Attic” (1987) – As the cruel grandmother Olivia Foxworth, Burstyn demonstrates her versatility by delving into the darker side of humanity.
9. “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood” (2002) – Burstyn shines as Viviane Walker Abbott, bringing warmth and wit to this tale about the complex relationships between mothers and daughters.
10. “Pieces of a Woman” (2020) – Although a more recent entry into her filmography, Burstyn’s portrayal of Elizabeth Weiss earned rightful critical acclaim for its authenticity and emotional heft.
This list commemorates Ellen Burstyn’s remarkable journey in film and highlights just why she remains one of Hollywood’s most endearing and talented stars.