10 Essential Jennifer Lawrence Movies, Ranked

Jennifer Lawrence quickly rose to fame after her breakthrough role in Winter's Bone at age 17. Her performance earned her an Oscar nomination and put her on Hollywood’s radar. Just two years later, she became a household name with The Hunger Games, launching a career full of diverse and acclaimed roles.

Lawrence has since showcased her versatility across genres, from sharp comedies to powerful dramas and even popular superhero franchises. One of her earlier appearances was in Like Crazy (2011), where she played a supporting role, hinting at her growing talent.

Like Crazy (2011)

This romantic drama focuses on Anna (Felicity Jones), a British exchange student who falls in love with American Jacob (Anton Yelchin). Their romance faces challenges when Anna is denied reentry to the U.S., forcing them to navigate a long-distance relationship.

“She plays Sam, a girl Jacob dates after he and Anna grow apart due to long-distance.”

Though not the lead, Lawrence’s role adds depth to the story, highlighting her ability to bring nuance even to secondary characters.

Range and Impact

From intense dramas like Winter’s Bone to blockbuster hits such as The Hunger Games
She excels in both comedic and dramatic roles
Has contributed to fan-favorite superhero franchises

Jennifer Lawrence’s varied filmography proves her talent and adaptability as a leading actress in contemporary cinema.

Author's summary: Jennifer Lawrence’s career demonstrates remarkable range, evolving from indie drama roots to global stardom across multiple genres while consistently delivering powerful performances.

Collider — 2025-11-07