From Pretty Woman to Eat Pray Love, 15 timeless Julia Roberts movies to add to your watchlist

Julia Roberts has spent decades giving audiences characters that are charming, complicated, funny and impossible to forget. From romantic comedies that became pop-culture favourites to dramas that showcased her range as an actor, her filmography has something for every kind of movie lover. Whether you are revisiting her most beloved performances or discovering her work for the first time, HELLO! India picks the 15 films that deserve a place on your watchlist.

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1. Pretty Woman (1990)

Few films define Julia Roberts’ career quite like Pretty Woman. Directed by Garry Marshall, the romantic comedy follows Vivian Ward, a sex worker who forms an unexpected connection with wealthy businessman Edward Lewis, played by Richard Gere. The film became a defining romantic comedy of the 1990s and established Roberts as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

2. Steel Magnolias (1989)

Before becoming a romantic-comedy icon, Roberts made a strong impression in this ensemble drama set in a small Louisiana community. Playing Shelby Eatenton, a young woman navigating family expectations and serious health challenges, she delivered a moving performance alongside Sally Field, Dolly Parton and Shirley MacLaine. The role earned Roberts her first Academy Award nomination, for Best Supporting Actress.

3. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

What happens when you realise you are in love with your best friend just as he is about to marry someone else? That is the dilemma at the heart of this much-loved romantic comedy. Roberts plays Julianne Potter, whose attempts to stop her friend’s wedding lead to a story that is as funny as it is emotionally complicated. The film remains memorable for its unconventional take on romance.

4. Notting Hill (1999)

A famous actress falls for an ordinary London bookseller in this enduring romantic comedy. Roberts plays Anna Scott opposite Hugh Grant’s William Thacker, with their unlikely relationship unfolding amid the pressures of fame and public attention. With its understated charm and memorable dialogue, Notting Hill remains one of the defining romantic comedies of her career.

5. Runaway Bride (1999)

Reuniting Roberts with Richard Gere and director Garry Marshall, Runaway Bride follows Maggie Carpenter, a woman known for leaving her fiancés at the altar. When a journalist arrives to investigate her story, the two find themselves drawn into an unexpected romance. It is an easy choice for viewers looking for a lighthearted film with familiar stars and classic rom-com chemistry.

6. Erin Brockovich (2000)

One of Roberts’ most acclaimed performances came in this biographical drama directed by Steven Soderbergh. She plays Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant who helps expose water contamination linked to a major corporation. Based on real events, the film combines an investigative story with a compelling portrait of a woman determined to challenge powerful interests. Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

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7. The Pelican Brief (1993)

For those who prefer suspense to romance, this legal thriller is an essential watch. Based on John Grisham’s novel, the film stars Roberts as Darby Shaw, a law student whose theory about the murders of two Supreme Court justices places her in danger. Co-starring Denzel Washington, the film showcases Roberts in a tense, fast-paced story driven by political intrigue and investigative journalism.

8. Sleeping with the Enemy (1991)

This psychological thriller sees Roberts move into darker territory as Laura Burney, a woman attempting to escape an abusive marriage and build a new life under a different identity. Her efforts to start over are threatened when her husband begins searching for her. The film offered audiences a striking departure from the lighter romantic roles that would later become closely associated with her career.

9. Stepmom (1998)

Family relationships take centre stage in this emotional drama, which stars Roberts alongside Susan Sarandon and Ed Harris. Roberts plays Isabel Kelly, a photographer who must navigate her relationship with her partner’s children while their biological mother faces a serious illness. The film explores the complicated realities of blended families, making it a particularly moving watch for anyone drawn to heartfelt family stories.

10. Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

Style, star power and a carefully planned heist come together in Steven Soderbergh’s crime caper. Featuring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and an ensemble cast, the film follows Danny Ocean and his team as they attempt to rob three Las Vegas casinos. Roberts plays Tess Ocean, Danny’s former wife, whose relationship with him adds another layer to the story. It is an entertaining pick for fans of slick, ensemble-led Hollywood films.

11. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

Set in 1950s America, this drama follows Katherine Watson, an art history professor who joins the faculty of a prestigious women’s college. Roberts plays a teacher who encourages her students to question the expectations placed on women, particularly around marriage, education and ambition. With a supporting cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Julia Stiles and Maggie Gyllenhaal, the film explores the tension between tradition and independence.

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12. Closer (2004)

A departure from her more familiar romantic-comedy roles, Closer examines the messy realities of attraction, infidelity and emotional betrayal. Directed by Mike Nichols, the drama features Roberts alongside Jude Law, Natalie Portman and Clive Owen. She plays Anna Cameron, a photographer caught in a complicated web of relationships. Its sharp dialogue and emotionally charged performances make it one of the more mature entries in her filmography.

13. Eat Pray Love (2010)

Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir, this film follows a woman who sets out to rediscover herself after a difficult period in her life. Roberts stars as the author herself, whose journey takes her through Italy, India and Bali as she explores food, spirituality and love. The film's travel-filled setting and themes of personal reinvention make it an appealing choice for viewers drawn to stories about starting over.

14. August: Osage County (2013)

This dark family drama brings together a formidable ensemble, including Meryl Streep, Ewan McGregor and Benedict Cumberbatch. Roberts plays Barbara Weston, who returns to her family home following a crisis and becomes caught in a series of painful confrontations. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film is an intense exploration of family conflict, old wounds and complicated loyalties.

15. Wonder (2017)

In this heartfelt family drama, Roberts plays Isabel Pullman, the mother of Auggie, a young boy with a facial difference who begins attending school after years of being educated at home. As Auggie navigates friendships, bullying and the challenges of fitting in, his family learns important lessons about kindness and acceptance. Featuring Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay, Wonder offers a gentler side of Roberts’ screen presence.

Julia Roberts’ career is a reminder that a memorable leading performance can take many forms. She can anchor a romantic comedy, carry a tense thriller or bring emotional depth to a family drama. These 15 films offer a glimpse into the versatility that has kept her one of Hollywood’s most recognisable stars across generations. If you are starting with just three, make them Pretty Woman for the iconic romance, Erin Brockovich for the award-winning drama and Notting Hill for the quintessential feel-good film. 

Text by Parishree Vashishtha

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