Looking for a film to cuddle up on the couch and watch this cloudy and wet weekend? Take a look at the best Reese Witherspoon films available to stream – because we’re always in the mood for a Witherspoon classic.
We all want to be pals with Reese Witherspoon, right? The Oscar-winning actor, producer and entrepreneur has been involved in some incredible productions over the course of her career. Her TV adaptation of Celeste Ng’s 2017 book Little Fires Everywhere was a recent hit on Amazon Prime. And her relatable and soothing advice videos on social media were a true comfort during lockdown. She also runs a hugely popular book club on her Instagram.
Basically: she’s bloody great, and we’re just really in the mood for a Witherspoon film to watch over the weekend. So, we’ve taken a look at the ones that are available to stream as part of your Netflix, Now TV or Amazon Prime subscription.
There’s a film for pretty much every emotion you want to feed. But if you’re struggling to pick one, here’s an unofficial and very subjective ranking of Witherspoon’s films that are available online.
7. How Do You Know?
Full disclosure: I have not seen this. But How Do You Know? looks like a harmless, upbeat rom-com to put on while doing some ironing. Witherspoon plays Lisa, a star softball player who is unable to make it into the national team. She falls in love with two men (played by Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd) at the same time and struggles to find the true meaning of love.
6. Just Like Heaven
Another heart-warming rom-com, Just Like Heaven is good for if you want a little cry. Elizabeth (Witherspoon) is a physician who is left in a coma after a car accident while on her way to a blind date. Three months later, David (Mark Ruffalo), who is recovering from the sudden death of his wife, moves into the apartment that had been Elizabeth’s. Her spirit soon begins to appear to David in the apartment…
One of Witherspoon’s earlier roles, Election is a 90s cult classic. The black-comedy follows the story of Tracey Flick, who runs unopposed for her high school election. However, school teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) has different plans, so he tells the varsity’s popular football player to run for president. Chaos follows.
4. Walk The Line
The film role that won her an Oscar, Witherspoon plays June Carter in Walk The Line. The Johnny Cash biography tells the story of the aspiring musician (played by Joaquin Phoenix), as he receives a golden opportunity to tour with the famous June Carter. We also get to hear Witherspoon’s country vocals, which are of course brilliant.
3. Cruel Intentions
Watching Cruel Intentions is a teenager’s rite of passage, yeah? It’s a crazy highschool drama that exposes the ridiculous lives of manipulative and slightly evil rich kids Sebastian (Ryan Phillipe) and Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar). They make a horrible bet that involves Sebastian having sex with their headmaster’s daughter, Annette (Witherspoon). However, in an unexpected turn of events, Sebastian falls truly in love with Annette.
2. Wild
Based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of the same name, Wild follows the story of a recently divorced woman who decides to start a new life by hiking along the 1,100 mile-long Pacific Crest Trail. She begins to discover herself as she goes along her trek. The role earned Witherspoon a second Oscar nomination. Quite frankly: it’s one of the most inspiring stories about self-discovery out there.
1. Legally Blonde
Well it just had to be number one. Sure, Legally Blonde is one of the most quotable films of the 00s. But it’s also a strong feminist story about not judging a book by its cover (read: yes, women are capable of liking pink and being super smart). Elle (Witherspoon) is dumped by her boyfriend Warner who says he needs to be with a “smart girl”. She enrols in the same school as him at Harvard in an effort to teach him a lesson.
Images: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV
Hollie Richardson
Hollie is a digital writer at Stylist.co.uk, mainly covering the daily news on women’s issues, politics, celebrities and entertainment. She also keeps an ear out for the best podcast episodes to share with readers. Oh, and don’t even get her started on Outlander…