The incredible talents of Dame Julie Andrews have dazzled audiences across many generations. With her cheery soprano voice, angelic appearance, and elegant demeanor, it’s no question why she has remained in the hearts of moviegoers for years and years. Growing up in a family with a passion for the arts, she was heavily influenced by her musically inclined mother and stepfather, who encouraged her to grace English theaters from a young age. After she moved across the pond to America, she was honored with Tony Award nominations and began her stellar career in the film industry. Since then, she’s been a staple of entertainment in households everywhere.
As an icon of the silver screen, the impact of Julie Andrews’ work continues to shine and refine as the years go by – just like her. She has brought to life a handful of memorable characters that span across the decades, making her recognizable and beloved by viewers of all ages. She even overcame the loss of her trademark singing voice after an operation went wrong, eventually getting back her calling card and continuing her highly successful career. Let’s take a look at Julie Andrews’ best performances, ranked.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
7 The Americanization of Emily (1964)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
One of Andrews’ first films, The Americanization of Emily paints a picture of a couple brought together against the backdrop of war. Naval Lieutenant Commander Charles Madison, played by James Garner, is happy to not be sent to the front lines. Andrews plays Emily Barham, a driver who has already lost loved ones in the war and finds herself becoming Madison’s transportation. Of course, the two fall in love just before Madison is shipped off to war on a perilous assignment. This film is funny and full of one-liners, showing Andrews in all her glory.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)
Universal Pictures
The original film that inspired the successful Broadway show, Thoroughly Modern Millie sees Andrews take on the titular role, bringing her classic humor and delivery to it. Flapper Millie moves into New York City during the 1920s with the hopes of landing a job and marrying rich, an uncommon objective for women at the time. Her simple mission becomes complicated when she starts to uncover a sex trafficking scheme. As a musical, this film showcases Andrews’ exceptional singing voice as well as allowing her acting chops to take center stage.
5 Cinderella (1957)
CBS
Rogers and Hammerstein’s interpretation of Cinderella sparkles as one of the best classic fairy tale adaptations, and Julie Andrews’ lead role takes it to another level. The made-for-TV musical film follows the timeless story of Cinderella, centering around the young girl who suffers under the rules of her step-family and eventually becomes the princess she’s always wanted to be. This story is told in black-and-white, and the film truly captures the essence of Old Hollywood and acts as a time capsule of Andrews’ golden age of acting.
4 Victor/Victoria (1995)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer & United Artists
In Victor/Victoria, Andrews plays Victoria Grant, a singer in desperate search of her next gig. In Paris, a performer named Toddy suggests that she reemerges as a male working as a female impersonator. Under the name Victor, Victoria’s performances are loved by nightclub attendees, but she becomes entangled in the mounting secrets as she tries to keep up her act. Andrews’ versatility as an actress really comes across in this film, as she portrays drastically different characters who try to keep confidentiality.
3 The Princess Diaries (2001)
Walt Disney Pictures
The Princess Diaries is beloved by audiences of all ages, as one of the greatest 2000s movies centering around girl power. In the franchise, Andrews plays the regal Queen Clarisse Renaldi, the head of the kingdom of Genovia and grandmother of Mia Thermopolis. The first film introduces viewers to the Queen for the first time, as we watch her straddle the line between a dutiful ruler and a devoted grandma. While Mia grapples with her royal heritage and heirdom to the throne, Clarisse learns American slang and the delicacies of San Francisco. As one of Andrews’ later roles, this instance reminds audiences that her talents and appearance age like fine wine.
2 Mary Poppins (1964)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Mary Poppins is one of the most cherished Disney musicals of all time. Combining animation with live action alongside stuck-in-your-head songs and a whimsical atmosphere, the film follows the misadventures of the strange nanny and the kids in her care as Mary helps the family get along. Andrews, of course, plays Mary herself, bringing a sunshiny smile to the role, as well as her classic soprano voice. In an article from Vanity Fair, she said, “In retrospect, I could not have asked for a better introduction to film, in that it taught me so much in such a short period of time.”
1 The Sound of Music (1965)
20th Century Studios
Perhaps the best part that Julie Andrews has ever played, her portrayal of Maria in The Sound of Music truly takes the cake. In the beautiful Austrian Alps, Maria takes a job as a governess to the seven Von Trapp siblings, led by their stoic military father, Baron Von Trapp. A magical and musical story unfolds as her unconventional ways soften their demeanor, even in the face of Nazi terror that the family flees. Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, the film does have some historical inaccuracies, but still serves as a pillar of 1960s cinema. Surprisingly, this stunning performance was one of the first movies in Andrews’ film career.
