The 50+ Best Laura Dern Movies
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- 1Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff GoldblumIn the thrilling film, Jurassic Park, eccentric billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) invites a team of experts to visit an island theme park populated by dinosaurs created from prehistoric DNA. The team comprises of paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and mathematician Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum). When the park's security system fails, these prehistoric creatures start roaming free, causing chaos for the visitors. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this groundbreaking sci-fi adventure won three Academy Awards for its stunning visual effects and sound design.
- 2Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Diane LaddWild at Heart, a David Lynch directed film, is a surreal road drama. Sailor Ripley (Nicolas Cage) and Lula Fortune (Laura Dern), two young lovers, journey across the American South, encountering a string of eccentric characters and bizarre situations. The narrative is punctuated by Sailor's violent tendencies and Lula's mother's relentless pursuit to end their relationship. Amidst this chaos, the couple remains committed to their love. The movie won the Palme d'Or at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival, underscoring its unique blend of romance, violence, and oddball humor.More Wild at Heart
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- 3Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura DernJohn Hickam (Chris Cooper) is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim (Scott Miles) and Homer (Jake Gyllenhaal), to follow in his footsteps. But Jim gets a football scholarship, and Homer becomes interested in rocket science after seeing Sputnik 1 crossing the sky. John disapproves of his son's new mania, but Homer begins building rockets with the help of friends and a sympathetic teacher (Laura Dern). Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.More October Sky
- #72 of 114 onThe 100+ Best Movies About High School
- #85 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #27 of 35 onGreat Movies That Take Place In Autumn
- 4Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis HopperIn the unforgettable film Blue Velvet, Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) stumbles upon a severed ear, catapulting him into a world of intrigue and danger. Teaming up with Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), they embark on an investigation that leads them to sultry nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) and psychotic criminal Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). Directed by David Lynch, this 1986 mystery-thriller is known for its intense scenes and surrealistic undertones. The Academy Award-nominated screenplay draws the viewer into a captivating narrative that explores the underbelly of small-town America.More Blue Velvet
- #130 of 253 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
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- 5Eric Stoltz, Cher, Sam ElliottRocky Dennis (Eric Stoltz) is an intelligent, outgoing and humorous teenager who suffers from a facial deformity called "lionitis" and has now outlived his life expectancy. While his mother, Rusty (Cher), struggles to fight for his acceptance in the public school system, he proves himself to be a highly accomplished student. Though Rocky endures ridicule for his appearance, he finds love and respect from his mother's biker gang family, and even experiences his first love.More Mask
- #148 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
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- #18 of 96 onThe 90+ Best Movies Of 1985, Ranked
- 6Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas SadoskiDriven to the edge by the loss of her beloved mother (Laura Dern), the dissolution of her marriage and a headlong dive into self-destructive behavior, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) makes a decision to halt her downward spiral and put her life back together again. With no outdoors experience, a heavy backpack and little else to go on but her own will, Cheryl sets out alone to hike the Pacific Crest Trail -- one of the country's longest and toughest through-trails.More Wild
- #318 of 371 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #192 of 230 onThe Best Movies For Women
- #20 of 39 onGreat Movies About Sad Loner Characters
- 7Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons, Harry Dean StantonNikki (Laura Dern), an actress, takes on a role in a new film, and because her husband (Peter J. Lucas) is very jealous, her co-star Devon (Justin Theroux) gets a warning not to make any romantic overtures -- especially since the characters they play are having an affair. Both actors learn that the project is a remake of an unfinished film in which the stars were murdered.
- 8Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy AdamsFreddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) is a troubled, boozy drifter struggling with the trauma of World War II and whatever inner demons ruled his life before that. On a fateful night in 1950, Freddie boards a passing boat and meets Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the charismatic leader of a religious movement called the Cause. Freddie tries hard to adhere to Dodd's weird teachings and forms a close bond with his mentor, even as other members of Dodd's inner circle see him as a threat.More The Master
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- #29 of 39 onGreat Movies About Sad Loner Characters
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- 9Laura Dern, Robert Duvall, Diane LaddDuring the Great Depression, a Southern family hires the domestic services of Rose (Laura Dern), a damaged woman who hopes to avoid prostitution as a way of life. While in the employ of the household, Rose begins to develop feelings for the father of the family (Robert Duvall), who must continually rebuff her unwanted sexual advances. Meanwhile, Rose also develops a relationship with the 13-year-old son, Buddy (Lukas Haas). Eventually the father begins to reach the limits of his tolerance.
- 10Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Téa LeoniIn the third installment of the Jurassic Park series, audiences find themselves back in the land of prehistoric terror. Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) is lured to Isla Sorna under false pretenses by a wealthy couple (William H. Macy and Téa Leoni). The group becomes stranded on the dinosaur-infested island, turning their adventure into a fight for survival. Director Joe Johnston brings fresh thrills to this action-packed sequel, where humans are not at the top of the food chain. With new, fearsome dinosaurs introduced, Jurassic Park III stands as a notable chapter in this iconic franchise.More Jurassic Park III
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- #46 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #61 of 104 onThe 100+ Best Third Movies In A Film Series
- 11Jodie Foster, Cherie Currie, Scott BaioIn the late 1970s, four teenage girls from San Fernando Valley, Calif., deal with the rampant dysfunction in their lives. Deirdre (Kandice Stroh) pursues one boy after another, avoiding any commitment. Escaping the abuse of her father, Annie (Cherie Currie) resorts to drug use to ease her painful reality. Overweight Madge (Marilyn Kagan) feels constant pressure to live up to the wild ways of her friends. As the most stable of the group, Jeanie (Jodie Foster) must watch over all of them.
- 12Will Ferrell, Christopher Jordan Wallace, Rebecca HallLongtime salesman Nick Halsey (Will Ferrell) has seen better days. No longer at the top of his game, Nick, an alcoholic, loses his job for showing up drunk one too many times. On the same day, he finds that his wife has dumped him -- and his possessions -- on the front lawn of their home. Facing the fact that his life is collapsing around him, Nick holds a giant yard sale that turns into a unique survival strategy. Based on a short story by Raymond Carver.
- 13Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Green BushAfter her husband dies, Alice (Ellen Burstyn) and her son, Tommy, leave their small New Mexico town for California, where Alice hopes to make it as a singer. Money problems force them to settle in Arizona instead, where Alice takes a job as waitress in a small diner. She intends to stay in Arizona just long enough to make the money needed to head back out on the road, but her plans change when she begins to fall for a rancher named David (Kris Kristofferson).
- 14Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota FanningI Am Sam is a heartfelt drama that centers around Sam Dawson (Sean Penn), a man with an intellectual disability, who fathers a daughter named Lucy Diamond Dawson (Dakota Fanning). As Lucy grows older, her mental capacity surpasses Sam's, leading to the state deeming him unfit as a parent. The story unfolds as Sam, aided by lawyer Rita Harrison (Michelle Pfeiffer), fights for custody of his daughter. Directed by Jessie Nelson, this film garnered Penn an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Notable for its exploration of love and family in unconventional circumstances, I Am Sam challenges societal norms and perceptions.More I Am Sam
- #22 of 133 onThe Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made
- #33 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
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- 15Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, Laura DernEvelyn Ryan (Julianne Moore) suffers in her marriage to Kelly (Woody Harrelson), a slovenly alcoholic whose only consistent quality is his utter lack of respect for her. As Evelyn struggles to make ends meet and care for their 10 children, she begins to turn to contests as a source of entertainment and much-needed income. To the amazement of her friends and family, Evelyn's quick wit leads her to pen prizewinning amateur jingles and one-liners for products all across the spectrum.
- 16Laura Dern, Swoosie Kurtz, Kurtwood Smith"Citizen Ruth" is the story of Ruth Stoops (Laura Dern), a woman who nobody even noticed -- until she got pregnant. Now, everyone wants a piece of her. The film is a comedy about one woman caught in the ultimate tug-of-war: a clash of wild, noisy, ridiculous people that rapidly dissolves into a media circus.
- 17Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah FawcettDr. Sullivan Travis is a man at the top of his game, a rich and successful Dallas gynecologist whose "religion" is women. Dr. T. worships women. In his immediate family and in his office, they surround him. He is loving and giving to each and every one at all times -- he is their savior. And sure enough, as in the story of Job, one day a higher force decides to test his faith. Once a man in complete control of his universe, Dr. T. now finds himself buffeted by chaos and confusion.
- 18Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Willem DafoeThe Fault in Our Stars is a poignant tale of love and loss, crafted within the genre of romantic drama. The narrative revolves around Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), an intelligent teenager battling cancer, and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), a charismatic boy she meets at a support group. Their shared experiences and resilience weave an extraordinary love story that transcends the ordinary. This critically acclaimed movie, based on John Green's best-selling novel, won the 2014 MTV Movie Award for Movie of the Year. It explores themes of mortality, love, and sacrifice with raw authenticity, delivering a compelling cinematic experience.
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- 19Kevin Spacey, Bob Balaban, Ed BegleyIn this dramatization of the 2000 presidential election, Al Gore concedes the presidency to George W. Bush, but recants when he learns of irregularities in the Florida vote count. Democratic strategists Ron Klain (Kevin Spacey) and Michael Whouley (Denis Leary) race to Florida to uncover the truth, as do Republicans under James Baker (Tom Wilkinson). Between faulty voting equipment and the vagaries of Florida's Secretary of State Katherine Harris (Laura Dern), a 36-day stalemate ensues.More Recount
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- #31 of 63 onThe 60+ Best Political Drama Movies, Ranked
- 20Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman, John Carroll LynchThe true story of how Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton), a struggling salesman from Illinois, met Mac (John Carroll Lynch) and Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman), who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. Kroc soon maneuvers himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a multi-billion dollar empire.
- 21Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Laura DernButch (Kevin Costner), a escaped state prisoner from a Texas jail, kidnaps Philip (T.J. Lowther), a young, impressionable boy. As they embark on a trip across the American Southwest together, a surprising bond grows between the convict and his captive, even as law enforcement forces slowly catch up with them. An honorable Texas Ranger, Red Garnett (Clint Eastwood), understands Butch has a heart of gold, but must pursue him anyway out of duty to the law and a desire to protect the child.More A Perfect World
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- 22Nick Nolte, JoBeth Williams, Judd HirschHigh school teacher Alex Jurel (Nick Nolte) has gone from idealistic to pessimistic. His classroom methods come under scrutiny when a former pupil sues him for not ensuring student literacy, and the arrival of Lisa Hammond (JoBeth Williams), the lawyer assigned to the case, only makes things worse -- she's one of Alex's former star pupils. When Alex tries to help his other students, he just gets into more trouble with timid principal Horn (William Schallert) and the school board.
- 23Jim Caviezel, Michael Chiklis, Alexander LudwigIn 2003, high-school football coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel) and his De La Salle Spartans have just completed an incredible 151 consecutive victories and 12-straight state championships. While the team's seniors receive offers from colleges all over the country, the advancing juniors look forward to making their mark. However, beloved "Coach Lad" has a brush with calamity, while the Spartans face their most-challenging, most-unpredictable season yet.
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- 24Laura Dern, Treat Williams, Mary Kay PlaceFifteen-year-old Connie (Laura Dern) spends the summer before her sophomore year fixating on getting male attention. While her mother, Katherine (Mary Kay Place), nags her about painting the house and favors her older sister, Connie spends her days going to the mall with her friends. One day, while the rest of her family is having a barbeque, Connie is confronted at home by a handsome, dangerous stranger, Arnold Friend (Treat Williams), who has been watching her.
- 25Liam Neeson, Tom Bateman, Tom JacksonNels Coxman's quiet life as a snowplow driver comes crashing down when his beloved son dies under mysterious circumstances. His search for the truth soon becomes a quest for revenge against a psychotic drug lord named Viking and his sleazy henchmen. Transformed from upstanding citizen to coldblooded vigilante, Coxman unwittingly sets off a chain of events that includes a kidnapping, a series of deadly misunderstandings and a turf war between Viking and a rival boss.
- 26Steve Martin, Helena Bonham Carter, Laura DernSteve Martin is a prosperous dentist, secure in his neatly ordered existence and happily engaged to his ambitious dental hygienist (Laura Dern). But when an alluring new patient (Helena Bonham Carter) steps into his life, this ordinary man discovers how little control he has over his world as he is drawn into a maelstrom of sex, drugs and murder. Edgy and unpredictable, "Novocaine" also stars Kevin Bacon and Scott Caan and marks the feature directorial debut of writer David Atkins.
- 27Molly Shannon, Laura Dern, Regina KingAfter her beloved beagle dies unexpectedly, an office worker named Peggy (Molly Shannon) looks for ways to fill the void in her life. Bringing in treats for her co-workers and fussing over other people's children fails to work, and when an ill-advised love affair with a gun fanatic (John C. Reilly) dies on the vine, she "goes to the dogs" in more ways than one.
- 28John Travolta, James Gandolfini, Salma HayekDet. Elmer Robinson (John Travolta), still grieving the loss of his suicidal wife, pursues two notorious murderers in 1940s New York. Martha Beck (Salma Hayek) and Ray Fernandez (Jared Leto), known as the Lonely Hearts Killers, prey on spinsters and war widows, leaving a trail of corpses in their wake.
- 29Paul Newman, Dwight Schultz, Bonnie BedeliaAssigned to oversee the development of the atomic bomb, Gen. Leslie Groves (Paul Newman) is a stern military man determined to have the project go according to plan. Groves selects J. Robert Oppenheimer (Dwight Schultz) as the key scientist on the top-secret operation, but the two men clash fiercely on a number of issues. Despite their frequent conflicts, Groves and Oppenheimer ultimately push ahead with two bomb designs -- the bigger "Fat Man" and the more streamlined "Little Boy."
- 30Mark Ruffalo, Laura Dern, Peter KrauseMarried couple Jack (Mark Ruffalo) and Terry Linden (Laura Dern) are experiencing a difficult period in their relationship. When Jack decides to step outside the marriage, he becomes involved with Edith (Naomi Watts), who happens to be the wife of his best friend and colleague, Hank Evans (Peter Krause). Learning of their partners' infidelity, Terry and Hank engage in their own extramarital affair together. Now, both marriages and friendships are on the brink of collapse.
