7 best Julia Roberts movies and TV shows that prove she is Hollywood's eternal sweetheart

The charm, warmth, and talent of Julia Roberts have always been the main ingredients of her career, making her the never-aging sweetheart of Hollywood. The actress's stunning smile and memorable acts have kept her among the most cherished and acknowledged ones in the industry.

Roberts lends her presence and heart in each role, whether as a romantic lead, a brave activist, or a multi-faceted character. Over the years, she has set the standards for the glamorous yet grounded type of actress. Her contributions to films and television shows have been a constant source of inspiration to people all over the world, and her attraction surely gets stronger with time.

Here are Roberts' seven movies and TV shows showing her versatility as an actress that has kept her in the middle of Hollywood's affections for over 30 years.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

7 best Julia Roberts movies and TV shows that prove she is Hollywood's eternal sweetheart

1. Pretty Woman

Pretty Woman was a film that catapulted Julia Roberts to worldwide fame. Playing Vivian Ward, she injected humor, naivety, and charm into a part that might have been mundane. Her on-screen chemistry with Richard Gere turned the movie into an enduring romance classic. Even after decades, fans still quote lines from the movie, and fashion enthusiasts love her scene in the red gown.

Recently, Pretty Woman celebrated over 30 years with special screenings proving its magic never fades. Julia’s performance made audiences believe in modern fairy tales and that sincerity and kindness always win hearts.

2. My Best Friend’s Wedding

My Best Friend’s Wedding | Image Source: Netflix

Julia Roberts plays Julianne in My Best Friend's Wedding, a character who discovers falling in love with her best friend just as he is about to marry someone else. Unlike typical romantic protagonists, Julia's character is flawed and human, so audiences laugh and suffer with her. Her timing and emotional authenticity transformed this rom-com into something more substantive.

In recent interviews, Roberts explained that this film is one of her favorites as a personal movie because it is about love that doesn't always have a perfect ending, like in real life. The ending of this movie is still one of her most unforgettable moments of quiet elegance.

3. Notting Hill

In Notting Hill, Julia Roberts presented a uniquely rare viewpoint on the sensation of fame from the inside. As Anna Scott, the movie star with quiet vulnerability and fluid charm opposite Hugh Grant's reticent bookshop owner, Roberts brought life to the public isolation of fame and crafted an unreal depth as Anna.

As proposed in recent interviews, Roberts shared she could relate to Anna's pursuit of an authentic human experience. This depth, combined with Roberts' brilliance, anchors Notting Hill as a love story about love itself, yet also is about humility and our fundamental human connections.

4. Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich demonstrated Julia Roberts at her bravest and most galvanizing. As a real-life single mother warring with a mighty corporation, she delivered one of her most daring performances and took home the Oscar for Best Actress. The role shattered her "sweetheart" image and proved she could carry weighty, multilayered tales.

In recent years, the actual Erin Brockovich complimented Julia on bringing her to life honestly and from the heart. The film still inspires individuals to stand up for justice. Julia's combination of hardness and compassion not only makes her a Hollywood legend, but she has also become an icon of resilience.

5. Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias | Image Source: Prime Video

One of Julia Roberts' first big hits, Steel Magnolias, demonstrated her ability before she was a superstar. She played Shelby, a young woman whose courage and optimism highlighted each scene, even during the toughest challenges of life. Her performance garnered her first Oscar nomination and introduced her trademark charm to the masses.

The film just celebrated its 35th anniversary, and fans continue to admire Julia's emotional candor. This film demonstrated her ability to blend joy and misery effortlessly that audiences couldn't help but fall in love with her, a skill that has remained endearing for decades.

6. Homecoming

In Homecoming, Julia Roberts made her TV debut and totally aced it. She stars as Heidi Bergman, a counselor at a secretive government program. The series is a psychological thriller, and Julia's soothing but commanding acting makes fans watch each episode mercilessly. She was lauded for experimenting with her craft and revealing a more mature, complex version of herself.

Roberts, in this streaming age, was a testament that she is as relevant and compelling as ever. Even with an understated performance, Julia reminded everyone that her emotional presence does not require grand moves to leave a mark.

7. Gaslit

Gaslit welcomed Julia Roberts back to television this time as Martha Mitchell, an actual woman who broke secrets during the Watergate controversy. Sharing the screen with Sean Penn, Julia gave a bold, heart-wrenching performance that critics adored. The role allowed her to combine humor, bravery, and vulnerability, all the things fans love about her.

In interviews, Julia described why she was attracted to Martha's courage and honesty. The show demonstrated that even after decades on the job, she still surprises us by continuing to grow. Gaslit demonstrates that Hollywood's sweetheart can also be Hollywood's boldest teller of truths.

Julia Roberts has been portraying a variety of roles, from romantic classics to deep dramas and contemporary, the actress has demonstrated her wide-ranging talent and has always been captivating. After all, Julia's comforting nature, charm, and splendidness still define the traits of a Hollywood loved star that could never be replaced even after several decades of staying in the public eye.