1. 'Sleeping with the Enemy'
Julia Roberts at first appears to be the pampered wife of a well-to-do loving husband (played with evil intensity by Patrick Bergin), but we quickly learn all is not well and appearances are most definitely deceiving. Knowing full well she'll never by able to escape her abusive marriage, Roberts fakes her death, moves out of the area, and tries to start over with a new name and a completely blank slate. Unfortunately, her psychotic husband picks up on a clue that indicates she's not actually dead and he becomes obsessed with finding his supposedly deceased wife.Robert is fantastic as the abused wife who discovers a resource of strength when she's pushed to the edge.Buy from Amazon »
2. 'Pretty Woman'
This is undoubtedly Julia Roberts' most memorable romantic role. Roberts plays a hooker with an extensive knowledge of cars and great dental hygiene. Richard Gere co-stars as the knight in shining armor who rescues her from her life working the streets. Every woman wanted to be Roberts after seeing this film, and now - 20 years after its release - the film's still quoted.Buy from Amazon »
3. 'Closer'
This sexy ensemble drama is loaded with terrific performances including ones from Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Jude Law, and Natalie Portman. An intense look at relationships, love, and lust, Closer earned Owen and Portman supporting actor and actress Oscar nominations and features Roberts in her least sympathetic role to date.More »
4. 'Erin Brockovich'
Julia Roberts won her first (and, so far, only) Academy Award for her riveting portrayal of a feisty single mother who nearly single-handedly took on a corporate giant and helped families win a complex class action suit. Based on a true story, Roberts brings Erin's story to life with compassion, humor, and an earthy realism.Buy from Amazon »
5. 'Something to Talk About'
Julia stars with Dennis Quaid and Kyra Sedgwick in this film about love, infidelity, family relationships, and horses. There are some absolutely wonderful performances by the film's co-stars, including Gena Rowlands as Julia and Kyra's mother, and Robert Duvall as the father who puts horses ahead of his daughters' happiness. It may not be Roberts' most famous film outing, but it's one of her more enjoyable to watch.Buy from Amazon »
6. 'My Best Friend's Wedding'
Best friends Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) and Michael O'Neil (Dermot Mulroney) make a pact to marry if they're still single at age 28. Guess what age Julianne's about to turn? Cameron Diaz co-stars as Michael's fiancée who has the unenviable task of competing with Julianne for Michael's love.Buy from Amazon »
7. 'Notting Hill'
Sparks ignite onscreen between two romantic comedy veterans, Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, which helped Notting Hill earn three Golden Globe nominations as well as $363 million worldwide during its theatrical release. One of my personal favorite scenes ever in a feature film is from this romantic comedy/drama - and if you've seen the movie, you know exactly what I'm talking about.Buy from Amazon »
8. 'Mystic Pizza'
Julia Roberts looks so young and fresh, and that hair! Mystic Pizza was a sleeper hit when it was originally released in October 1988, and continues to be a fan favorite. The film served notice that Roberts was destined to be a major Hollywood star.Buy from Amazon »
9. 'Steel Magnolias'
Steel Magnolias features a fine ensemble cast, intelligent writing, and an entertaining, though highly emotional, storyline. Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Sally Field headline the talented cast in this female buddy movie with a heart.Buy from Amazon »
10. 'The Pelican Brief'
Julia Roberts teams up with Denzel Washington in this crime drama based on the novel by John Grisham. Roberts stars as a law student with a target on her head after discovering evidence of a conspiracy in the murders of two Supreme Court Justices. Washington co-stars as an investigative reporter who helps her out, which also puts his life in danger.Buy from Amazon »