Julia Roberts, with her infectious smile and undeniable talent, has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Her filmography boasts numerous box office hits that have solidified her status as a global icon.
1990s
Pretty Woman (1990): This romantic comedy, where Roberts played a Hollywood escort who falls for a wealthy businessman (Richard Gere), became a global phenomenon. Garry Marshall’s film not only catapulted Roberts to A-list superstardom but also redefined the modern romantic comedy. Domestic gross: $178.4 million
Flatliners (1990): This science fiction thriller, featuring Roberts as a medical student who participates in a dangerous experiment that allows her to experience a near-death experience. Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Bacon and William Baldwin also starred. Domestic gross: $61.5 million
Sleeping with the Enemy (1991): This suspenseful thriller saw Roberts play a woman fleeing from her abusive husband (Patrick Bergin). The film was a critical and commercial success, showcasing Roberts’s dramatic range. Domestic gross: $101.6 million
Dying Young (1991): This romantic drama, featuring Roberts as Hilary O’Neil, a young woman who falls in love with a terminally ill man (Campbell Scott). Worldwide gross: $81.3 million
Hook (1991): In this Steven Spielberg fantasy, Roberts played Tinker Bell, Peter Pan’s mischievous and enchanting fairy friend. The film, which also starred Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman, was a box office success. Domestic gross: $119.7 million
The Pelican Brief (1993): This legal thriller, based on the John Grisham novel, featured Roberts as a law student whose research uncovers a dangerous conspiracy and seeks the help of a Washington D.C. investigative journalist (Denzel Washington). The film was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying her status as a leading lady. Domestic gross: $100.8 million
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997): This romantic comedy, where Roberts plays a woman who realizes that her best friend (Dermot Mulroney) is her true love after he tells her that he is engaged to someone else (Cameron Diaz), was a critical and commercial success. Domestic gross: $127.1 million
Notting Hill (1999): This charming romantic comedy, pairing Roberts with Hugh Grant, tells the story of an ordinary bookstore owner in London who becomes involved with a famous actress. The film became a global sensation, further solidifying Roberts’s status as a romantic comedy icon. Domestic gross: $116.1 million
Runaway Bride (1999): This romantic comedy saw Roberts play a woman known for jilting her grooms at the altar. Roberts reunited with Richard Gere, director Garry Marshall, Hector Elizondo and Larry Miller from Pretty Woman for this hit movie. Domestic gross: $152.3 million
Beyond
Steel Magnolias (1989): This acclaimed drama released the year before Pretty Woman, featuring an ensemble cast of strong female characters including Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah and Olympia Dukakis, showcased Roberts’ early acting prowess and contributed to her rising stardom. Domestic gross: $84.6 million
Erin Brockovich (2000): This biographical drama, based on the true story of Erin Brockovich, saw Roberts deliver an Oscar-winning performance as a single mother who takes on a powerful energy company. Domestic gross: $125.6 million
Ocean’s Eleven (2001) & Ocean’s Twelve (2004): These stylish heist films, featuring an all-star cast that included Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, saw Roberts as Tess Ocean, the estranged wife of Danny Ocean (George Clooney). Domestic gross for Ocean’s Eleven: $183.4 million, domestic gross for Ocean’s Twelve: $125.5 million
Julia Roberts in Ocean’s Eleven (Photo/Warner Bros.)
America’s Sweethearts (2001): This satirical Hollywood comedy, saw Roberts playing the sister of a famous movie star (Catherine Zeta-Jones). John Cusack, Billy Crystal and Christopher Walken also starred. Domestic gross: $93.6 million
Charlie Wilson’s War (2007): This political drama, starring Tom Hanks, featured Roberts as Joanne Herring, a wealthy socialite who becomes involved in a CIA operation to arm the Afghan Mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union. Domestic gross: $66.7 million
Valentine’s Day (2010): This Garry Marshall romantic comedy featured Roberts as a soldier flying home for the holiday. Ensemble cast includes Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, Bradley Copper, Patrick Dempsey, Jennifer Garner and George Lopez. Domestic gross: $110.6 million
Eat Pray Love (2010): This travelogue-inspired drama, based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, saw Roberts on a journey of self-discovery. Oscar winners Javier Bardem and Viola Davis also starred. Domestic gross: $80.6 million
Ticket to Paradise (2022): This romantic comedy, co-starring George Clooney, saw Roberts play a divorced woman who teams up with her ex-husband to sabotage their daughter’s wedding in a tropical paradise. Domestic gross: $68.3 million
Wonder (2017): This heartwarming drama, based on the novel by R.J. Palacio, featured Roberts as Isabel Pullman, the mother of a young boy with facial differences. Domestic gross: $132.4 million
Julia Roberts’ Box Office Legacy
These films, among others, demonstrate Julia Roberts’s enduring appeal and her ability to deliver compelling performances across various genres. Her box office success and critical acclaim have cemented her place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and iconic actresses.
