The extraordinary career of Renée Zellweger has been filled with underrated performances that quietly made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. While viewers will readily associate Zellweger with her acclaimed role in Cold Mountain or her bombastic performance in Chicago, she’s had plenty more movies that haven’t fully gotten their due, whether from critics, audiences, or at the box office. With two Oscar wins under her belt, it’s no surprise that Zellweger has consistently given highly committed performances, even in movies that haven’t gained the same cultural relevance as something like Bridget Jones.
The best Renée Zellweger movies showed off her immense talent for portraying emotionally complex and nuanced characters. With the incredible ability to seamlessly blend comedy and drama, Zellweger has become a household name yet still has many underrated movies in her vast and varied back catalog. As a performer always willing to take risks and put herself out there, it was some of Zellweger’s most underrated movies that quietly helped define her career.
10 Dazed And Confused (1993)
Renée Zellweger as Nesi White
When looking at this acclaimed actress’s filmography, there were so many fantastic underrated performances in great movies that it’s easy to forget that Renée Zellweger was in Dazed and Confused. Although it was an uncredited cameo and one of her very first movie roles, Zellweger’s performance as Nesi White defined her as an actress at the cutting edge of 1990s culture, as this Richard Linklater coming-of-age comedy would achieve iconic status. Although Zellweger had auditioned for the main antagonist role of Darla (via The Daily Beast), her minor uncredited appearance can still be seen at the freshman girls’ hazing event.
While Zellweger was simply called the “Girl in Blue Truck,” the Dazed and Confused yearbook revealed her name as Nesi White. This small and mostly forgettable appearance was significant for Zellweger as it acted as her first role alongside her future co-star and fellow Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey. As one of the definitive moments of the 1990s, Zellweger’s brief appearance in Dazed and Confused signaled one of her earliest small successes in a career that would soon become much bigger.
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The coming-of-age comedy Dazed and Confused, directed by Richard Linklater, follows a group of high school students on the last day of school before summer vacation. Set in the 1970s, the film explores themes of rebellion, freedom, and nostalgia, and features an ensemble cast that includes Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, and Parker Posey.
Director Richard Linklater Release Date September 24, 1993 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Richard Linklater Cast Jason London , Wiley Wiggins , Matthew McConaughey , Rory Cochrane , Joey Lauren Adams , Milla Jovovich Runtime 102 minutes Budget $6.9 million Expand
9 The Return Of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1995)
Renée Zellweger as Jenny
Although it was a box office flop upon release, The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a far better horror sequel than its reputation suggests and a defining film for the pre-fame portion of Renée Zellweger’s career. With Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey as the two lead stars, this underappreciated horror movie was bursting with talent as its campy exploration of Leatherface’s legacy made it one of the franchise’s most fascinating installments. While it’s true this movie had its issues, the way it referenced and parodied horror tropes made it a uniquely tongue-in-cheek Texas Chainsaw movie.
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From director Kim Henkel, The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre included a secret society subplot that linked the legend of Leatherface to an Illuminati-esque conspiracy and should be given praise for attempting something new with the series. Zellweger gave a strong performance as Jenny, whose impressive ability to emulate pure terror meant she could have carved a successful career as a 1990s scream queen. While for most, Zellweger’s role in this film acted as an interesting piece of movie trivia, it’s a surprisingly entertaining experience for those who actually decide to check it out.
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RHorrorComedyThriller Director Kim Henkel Release Date September 22, 1995 Writers Kim Henkel , Tobe Hooper Cast Renée Zellweger , Matthew McConaughey , Robert Jacks , Tonie Perensky , Joe Stevens , Lisa Marie Newmyer , John Harrison , Tyler Shea Cone Runtime 87 Minutes Main Genre Horror Expand
8 Empire Records (1995)
Renée Zellweger as Gina
Empire Records was a true 1990s cult classic that captured the slacker mentality of Gen-X’s working at a failing Delaware record store. Taking place over just one day, Empire Records cataloged the employees trying to stop their store being turned into a branch of the Music Town chain as each worker dealt with their own litany of personal problems. With Renee Zellweger as the promiscuous and uninhibited Gina, she was part of an incredible ensemble cast that made this one of the best 1990s comedies that nobody remembers.
Packed with incredible music and an emotionally compelling story, despite being negatively received at the time of its release, Empire Records signaled Zellweger’s astonishing talent and bright future. By perfectly embodying Gina’s insecurities and often-malicious attention-seeking mentality, Zellweger proved her ability to imbue her characters with real depth, even in a lighthearted comedy. Even though it never got the attention it deserved, Empire Records was one of Zellweger’s best early roles.
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Empire Records is a 1995 coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Allan Moyle. The film centers around a group of young employees working at an independent record store, grappling with personal issues and the potential corporate takeover of their cherished workplace. The ensemble cast includes Liv Tyler, Renée Zellweger, and Ethan Embry, who navigate the complexities of friendship and adolescence within a single day.
Director Allan Moyle Release Date September 22, 1995 Studio(s) Regency Enterprises Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Writers Carol Heikkinen Cast Anthony LaPaglia , Maxwell Caulfield , Debi Mazar , Rory Cochrane , Johnny Whitworth , Robin Tunney , Renée Zellweger , Liv Tyler Runtime 90 Minutes Budget $10 Million Main Genre Comedy Expand
7 Jerry McGuire (1996)
Renée Zellweger as Dorothy Boyd
Even though Jerry McGuire was Renée Zellweger’s breakout performance, it’s often overshadowed by Tom Cruise’s impressive portrayal of its title character. However, this was a real shame as Zellweger brought a sense of vulnerability to the part of Dorothy Boyd, the sweet, single mom who believes wholly and completely in Jerry’s potential as a sports agent. With big dreams and a hopeful demeanor, Zellweger’s innate charisma and charm were a major reason why Jerry Maguire has become such a cult favorite.
As the origin of several catchphrases that have become touchstones of modern popular culture, Jerry Maguire was a stylish and satisfying comedy, drama, and love story all packed into one. From “you had me at hello” to “help me help you,” revisiting Jerry Magurie it’s incredible to notice just how big of on impact this film at on the cultural zeitgeist. Although it’s quite a well-known title, taking all these factors into consideration, it must be admitted that Jerry Maguire was truly an underrated movie.
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High flying sports agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) has a crisis of conscience, and writes a heartfelt company-wide memo resulting in a swift termination of his services. Scrabbling to retain his athlete clients, Jerry starts his own management firm, with the only colleague who leaves with him – single mother Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger). Retaining just one client, football player Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Jerry and Dorothy begin to fall in love as their new business venture struggles
Director Cameron Crowe Release Date December 13, 1996 Writers Cameron Crowe Cast Cuba Gooding Jr , Kelly Preston , Jerry O’Connell , Tom Cruise , Renée Zellweger Runtime 139 minutes Budget $50 million Main Genre Comedy Expand
6 Me, Myself, and Irene (2000)
Renée Zellweger as Irene P. Waters
It’s a testament to Renée Zellweger’s incredible comedic talents that she more than held her own opposite Jim Carrey in Me, Myself, and Irene. While it doesn’t get as much credit as Carrey’s more bombastic movies like Ace Ventura or The Mask, this Farrelly brother’s comedy maintained the outrageous humor of Dumb and Dumber for a hilarious adventure of hidden depth. Zellweger’s performance was essential to this film’s success as she portrayed the beautiful and elusive Irene, who became the object of both Carrey’s personality’s affection.
Me, Myself, and Irene saw Carrey playing Charlie Baileygates, a pushover state trooper with a split personality who often transforms into Hank Evans, a no-nonsense wildcard with an over-the-top violent persona. This dichotomy of personalities led to hilarity as Charlie and Hank vied for Irene through vastly different means. Me, Myself, and Irene was a funny, clever, and highly underrated movie that Carrey himself has named among his favorite films he’s ever made (via Capital Buzz.)
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Me, Myself & Irene follows Charlie Baileygates, a mild-mannered Rhode Island state trooper with a split personality disorder. When Charlie fails to manage his alter ego, Hank, his chaotic life leads to a series of comedic events. Directed by the Farrelly brothers and starring Jim Carrey, the film combines elements of comedy and action while exploring themes of identity and duality.
Director Bobby Farrelly , Peter Farrelly Release Date June 23, 2000 Cast Jim Carrey , Renée Zellweger , Anthony Anderson , Mongo Brownlee , Jerod Mixon , Chris Cooper , Michael Bowman , Richard Jenkins , Robert Forster , Mike Cerrone , Rob Moran , Daniel Greene , Tony Cox , Andrew Phillips , Jeremy Maleek Leggett , Justin Chandler , Zen Gesner , Steve Sweeney , Traylor Howard , Lenny Clarke , Herbie Flynn , Heather Hodder Main Genre Comedy Expand
5 White Oleander (2002)
Renée Zellweger as Claire Richards
White Oleander told the turbulent story of a teenager forced to stay with a series of foster parents after her mother was imprisoned for poisoning her boyfriend in a crime of passion. With exceptional performances from Alison Lohman, Robin Wright, and Michelle Pfeiffer, this was a film full of complex female characters that charted the difficulties of growing up amid so much conflict, uncertainty, and insecurity. Renée Zellweger gave a spellbinding performance as Claire Richards, a foster mother who could not have children of her own.
Adapted from Janet Fitch’s 1999 novel, White Oleander was an emotional rollercoaster that was elevated by the intense commitment of all the actors involved. The way the frantic challenges of fifteen-year-old Astrid Magnussen’s upbringing were contrasted with the loving acceptance of Zellweger’s character made her tragic backstory all the more compelling. White Oleander was a modest success when it was first released, but despite its high quality, it received a mixed critical response and was wildly underrated.
4 Cinderella Man (2005)
Renée Zellweger as Mae Braddock
Ron Howard’s sports biopic Cinderella Man starred Russell Crowe as the heavyweight boxing champion James J. Braddock and Renée Zellweger as his wife Mae. As a struggling family during the Great Depression, this story of resilience, perseverance, and poverty highlighted the life-threatening dangers of boxing and a man who felt he needed to put his life on the line for the good of his wife and child. Zellweger brought depth and emotion to her role as Mae, as her fear for her husband’s well-being acted as the emotional core of the movie.
While Zellweger gave an astounding performance as Mae, Paul Giamatti gained an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role as Braddock’s manager, Joe Gould. Cinderella Man was a powerful underdog story, although it did not gain the same cultural relevance as other great boxing movies like Rocky. Despite being one of Zellweger’s best performances, her dramatic talents here have been vastly overshadowed by more recognizable performances, such as in Bridget Jones’s Diary.
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Cinderella Man, directed by Ron Howard, stars Russell Crowe as boxer James J. Braddock, whose comeback during the Great Depression inspires a nation. Renée Zellweger plays his supportive wife Mae, while Paul Giamatti portrays his loyal manager Joe Gould. The film follows Braddock’s journey from washed-up fighter to unexpected champion, capturing the era’s struggles and hopes.
Director Ron Howard Release Date June 2, 2005 Studio(s) Universal Pictures , MiraMax , Imagine Entertainment , Brian Grazer Productions , Parkway Productions Writers Cliff Hollingsworth , Akiva Goldsman Cast Russell Crowe , Renée Zellweger , Paul Giamatti , Craig Bierko , Paddy Considine Runtime 144 Minutes Budget 88000000.0 Main Genre Romance Expand
3 Bee Movie (2007)
Renée Zellweger as Vanessa Bloome
One of Renée Zellweger’s most bizarre roles came when she lent her voice to Jerry Seinfeld’s Bee Movie, where she played a human woman who fell in love with a bee. This outrageous DreamWorks Animation release told the hilarious story of Barry B. Benson, who, after meeting Vanessa Bloome (Zellweger), decided to sue the human race for exploitation after learning that humanity has been selling and consuming honey. With a truly odd premise and plenty of bee-related puns, Bee Movie showcased a different side to Zellweger’s unique talents.
Bee Movie fared well at the box office and received mixed reviews upon release but remained relatively underrated until it received a second life as an online internet meme. As viewers parodied, commented on, and recontextualized the movie’s surreal premise online, Bee Movie developed a cult following as the film’s eccentric, offbeat, and outlandish nature was fully exploited and explored. With renewed attention toward this unusual film, Zellweger could add internet meme sensation to her long list of achievements.
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Bee Movie is an animated comedy directed by Simon J. Smith and Steve Hickner. Released in 2007, the film follows Barry B. Benson, a bee voiced by Jerry Seinfeld, who sues humans after discovering they have been stealing and selling honey. The film also features Renée Zellweger as Vanessa, a human florist who befriends Barry.
Director Steve Hickner , Simon J. Smith Release Date November 2, 2007 Studio(s) DreamWorks Animation , Columbus 81 Productions Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Spike Feresten , Barry Marder , Jerry Seinfeld , Andy Robin Cast Jerry Seinfeld , Rene Zellweger , Matthew Broderick , John Goodman , Chris Rock , Kathy Bates , Barry Levinson , Megan Mullally Runtime 91 minutes Budget $150 million Main Genre Animation Expand
2 Appaloosa (2008)
Renée Zellweger as Allie French
Appaloosa was a modern Western movie bursting with talent, as it boasted not only Renée Zellweger but also other stars such as Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Irons, and Timothy Spall. Directed by Harris himself, Appaloosa was based on a novel by Robert B. Parker, which told the story of a rancher malevolently ruling over a small mining town in the American Old West. With Zellweger as the young widow Allie French, she gave a powerful performance but at times felt sadly underutilized.
This stylish film featured incredible performances and a great script, as its clever subtext and engaging love triangle set it apart from traditional Western fare. Appaloosa balanced its more serious themes with moments of unexpected levity that kept things engaging throughout. Zellweger also elevated her character from the average Western love interest by imbuing her tragic backstory with a real sense of poignant vulnerability.
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Appaloosa is a Western film directed by Ed Harris, who also stars as lawman Virgil Cole. Set in the New Mexico Territory during the 1880s, Cole and his deputy, Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen), are hired to protect a town from the ruthless rancher Randall Bragg, portrayed by Jeremy Irons. Renée Zellweger co-stars as Allison French, a piano player caught in the moral complexities of the escalating conflict.
Director Ed Harris Release Date September 19, 2008 Writers Robert Knott , Ed Harris , Robert B. Parker Cast Robert Jauregui , Jeremy Irons , Timothy V. Murphy , Luce Rains , James Tarwater , Boyd Kestner Runtime 114 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
1 Judy (2019)
Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland
Renée Zellweger won her second Academy Award for her transformative performance as Judy Garland in the heartbreaking biopic Judy. While Zellweger gained critical and audience acclaim for Judy, it did not have nearly the same lasting power as other Best Actress Oscar-winning movies of recent years. This was a crying shame as Zellweger once again proved her astounding talents and ability to lose herself in her roles by capturing the highs and lows of Garland’s meteoric rise to fame and a cataclysmic decline into addiction in her later years.
With each movement on screen, Zellweger embodied the tragic, soul-searching ennui of Garland’s life, as her doomed marriage and volatile personality made for agonizing viewing. Judy recontextualized Garland’s later life issues with the abuses she faced as a child and acted as a strong case against the exploitation of child actors. While it was sad to see how bad the young girl who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz had it, Renée Zellweger’s performance made Judy essential viewing.
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Directed by Rupert Goold, Judy is a 2019 biopic about The Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland. The film takes place in the winter of 1968 when she headlined several sold-out concerts. Judy starred Renée Zellweger as Judy Garland, who won an Oscar for her performance at the 2020 Academy Awards.
Director Rupert Goold Release Date September 27, 2019 Studio(s) BBC Films Distributor(s) BBC Films Writers Tom Edge Cast Bella Ramsey , Diana Alexandra Pocol , Renée Zellweger , Royce Pierreson , Andy Nyman , Jessie Buckley , Lucy Russell , Finn Wittrock , Zina Esepciuc , Fenella Woolgar , John Dagleish , Gaia Weiss , Rufus Sewell , Michael Gambon , Phil Dunster Runtime 118 minutes Budget $10 million Expand
Sources: The Daily Beast, Capital Buzz