Drew Barrymore has been a pretty constant and familiar face ever since the 1980s. In fact, you probably remember her from way back as a child actor in the early ’80s, all the way up to until 2019 as the beautiful and brilliant woman she is today. This woman has definitely had her share of films and television, with a total of 76 acting credits. This bombshell has also dabbled in producing, but most of these are for television (we see you, Santa Clarita Diet). Actually, she’s the executive producer behind the new Charlie’s Angels coming out this year, and we really can’t think of a more fun fact than that. In case you’re looking to catch up on this woman’s roles, we’ve made a list. Here are her 10 best films, according to Rotten Tomatoes. Also, we’re sorry, but no Adam Sandler flicks made this list.
Boys on the Side (1995) - 74%
This is quite a throw-back film. This comedy drama tells the intertwining stories of three women: Robin, Jane, and Holly (Mary-Louise Parker, Whoopi Goldberg, and Drew Barrymore). These women are vastly different in just about every way, and that makes this movie so incredibly genuine, heartfelt, and quirky. It also has Matthew McConaughey in it, so we’re not sure what else we need to tell you for you to tune in to this hilarious and lovable flick that’ll give you your dose of heartwarming female friendship.
Big Miracle (2012) - 75%
This film takes place in Alaska. A news reporter (Josh Krasinski) recruits his ex-girlfriend (Drew Barrymore) to help him save a family of whales trapped in the Arctic Circle. This biography drama is based on a true story, and has all of the heartfelt nature vibes you’ll ever need. It’s a stunning film, that’s totally heartwarming. This story is absolutely incredible, and these two actors are brilliant (as always). If you need a pick-me-up tale about saving some whales, look no further.
Everyone Says I Love You (1996) - 79%
This movie is definitely also an old classic, and this romance comedy musical is directed and written by Woody Allen. It follows a New York story of a complicated family, and the dramatic tale of troubled marriages, planned love, and step-siblings. With Woody Allen, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts, Edward Norton, and our gal Drew Barrymore, this is definitely a classic rom-com that you must see. If you love the genre, you should never look past this film.
Scream (1976) - 79%
Ironically, this is probably one of Drew’s most famous films. Of course, who doesn’t love a good horror flick? Honestly, for a horror movie, a 79% on Rotten Tomatoes is quite impressive. This classic movie follows a teenage girl, a year after the murder of her mother, as she is terrorized by a new killer. This flick is for the ultimate horror movie fan, because it actually involves horror movies as part of the killer’s game. With Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Drew Barrymore, and many more, can you even call yourself a horror fan if you haven’t seen Scream?
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) - 79%
This biography crime comedy is directed by George Clooney. This film is an adaptation of a memoir, written by Chuck Barris, a member of a cult who claims to have been a CIA hitman. This movie stars Sam Rockwell as the lead (who is absolutely brilliant), alongside with Dick Clark, Michelle Sweeney, and Drew Barrymore. This crime classic is, well, just that - a classic. If you haven’t seen this flick, you’re more than missing out. Tune in for some thrilling drama, brilliant acting, and an enthralling story.
Altered States (1980) - 84%
Drew Barrymore was quite the famous little girl. This movie dates all the way back to 1980, where Drew, obviously, plays the young girl. This sci-fi thriller tells the story of a Harvard scientist who conducts an experiment on himself. Using a hallucinatory drug and an isolation chamber, then his experiment results in genetic regression. This film was actually nominated for two Oscars, so it’s safe to say it did pretty well. While Drew is clearly a supporting character, we had to include this classic sci-fi flick.
Whip It (2009) - 84%
This sport drama is probably unlike any we’ve ever seen. In fact, it centers around a roller derby in Texas. Starring the absolutely brilliant Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, and Kristen Wiig, this movie surrounds a group of misfits who try to find their path through a roller derby league. This movie is actually incredible, with humor, drama, and completely dynamic and intriguing characters. We know you love this cast, and who doesn’t want to watch a flick about a roller derby? Seriously though, this is a must watch, and definitely a hidden gem.
Donnie Darko (2001) - 87%
We’re actually not sure we can get a more classic drama thriller than this film. It’s a throwback, for sure, but it still holds up today. This film follows a teenager who is plagued by visions of a man in a rabbit costume. However, this rabbit convinces him to commit a series of crimes. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze, and many more, Drew Barrymore again takes a secondary character role. However, this movie is absolutely a classic thriller, and you must watch (or re-watch) it now. You’ll likely never forget this film, most definitely in the best and worst way possible.
Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998) - 91%
Clearly, Drew dabbles mainly in sci-fi films, or at least those are the ones that do the best. However, how could we forget about this Cinderella flick? Drew stars in this one, alongside Angelica Huston and Dougray Scott. This film actually centers around the Brothers Grimm themselves, as they arrive at the home of a wealthy woman, who tells them the fable of the cinder girl and the true story of her ancestor. This romance drama is not your regular Cinderella story, but clearly, it did pretty well on Rotten Tomatoes. If you love Drew, and love fairytales, what are you waiting for?
E.T. The Extra-Terestrial (1982) - 98%
It’s probably not a secret that this movie still remains an absolute classic, and more than deserves the top spot on this list. With a whopping 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, we KNOW that every living human being has seen this sci-fi family classic directed by Steven Spielberg. Yes, in this film, Drew Barrymore was a wee little child, and that just goes to show how absolutely destined to be famous she really was. It only takes one role, right? You can’t get a better start than this film, honestly.
