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The Best of Winona Ryder (9 titles)

She's one of the most beautiful and appealing actresses of the last 25 years, the Natalie Portman of the 90s. But which of her films should you watch first? Having seen every one (bar a couple of her most recent films) of her films, here's what I recommend.

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Edward Scissorhands

One of Tim Burton's best, a fine contemporary fairytale. Winona plays Johnny Depp's sweetheart (in real life the two were engaged while filming) in the first film of his longtime partnership with Burton.

Edward Scissorhands on DVD (1991)
Starring: Dianne Wiest, Winona Ryder, Alan Arkin
Director: Tim Burton
Certificate:
A gothic love story from Tim Burton. When Avon lady Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest) pays a call to the local castle, she discovers Edward (Johnny Depp) - a half-finished, mechanical boy with scissors for hands. She takes him home to her suburban neighbourhood, where his exotic appeal and prodigious ..read more »
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- 70
- from 29,613 members

The Age of Innocence

The great Martin Scorsese tries his hand at costume drama; an exquisite and deep film. Winona plays Daniel Day-Lewis's seemingly innocent but calculating fiancee in a subtle supporting performance that gained her her first Oscar nomination.

The Age of Innocence on DVD (1993)
Starring: Alec McC, Winona Ryder, Michael Gough
Director: Martin Scorsese
Certificate:
Martin Scorsese's adaptation of Edith Wharton's scathing account of the tribal customs of the 19th century New York elite. Newland Archer (Daniel Day-Lewis) is betrothed to the demure May Welland (Winona Ryder), a sensible girl who befits his respectable social position. But when May's cousin, the ..read more »
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- 60
- from 5684 members

Beetlejuice

Classic Tim Burton film which launched Winona's career, prototype Goth Lydia Deitz is one of her most memorable characters.

Beetlejuice on DVD (1988)
Starring: Duane Davis, Winona Ryder, Glenn Shadix
Director: Tim Burton
Certificate:
Watch now: Unavailable
The demonic comedy that put acclaimed film director Tim Burton firmly on the map. The Maitlands (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) are a happy couple who, when killed in a car crash, return as ghosts to their beloved home to wreak havoc on the ghastly yuppie family who have moved in. Being novices at ..read more »
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- 70
- from 22,241 members

Heathers

Another key film in Winona's early CV, this original black comedy rebelled against the conventions of 80s teen movies and became a cult favourite.

Heathers on DVD (1988)
Starring: Winona Ryder, Lisanne Falk, Christian Slater
Director: Michael Lehmann
Certificate:
Watch now: Unavailable
A deliciously nasty black comedy, Heathers is set at a cliquish high school in Ohio. The most exclusive of those cliques is the Heathers, comprised of the prettiest and most popular girls in town. The group's leader is the manipulative Kim Walker, who orchestrates the humiliation of anyone who ..read more »
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- 70
- from 10,709 members

Girl, Interrupted

Angelina Jolie may get to be the scene-stealing firebrand, but Winona anchors this story of mental turmoil in the tumoltuous times of America in the late 1960s based on the true story by author Susanna Kaysen (which I highly recommend if you like this film) The late Brittany Murphy also shines as a tragic fellow patient.

Girl, Interrupted on DVD (1999)
Starring: Winona Ryder, Brittany Murphy, Angelina Jolie
Director: James Mangold
Certificate:
New England, the 1960s. 17-year-old Susanna (Winona Ryder) is diagnosed as suffering a borderline personality disorder and sent to Claymore psychiatric hospital. Once there, she rejects the treatment of psychiatrist Dr Wick (Vanessa Redgrave) and nurse Valerie (Whoopi Goldberg), turning instead to ..read more »
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- 70
- from 11,819 members

Little Women

Solid recent adaptation of the classic children's book with Winona on fine form as Jo March, the main character (gaining her second Oscar nominatin). Also features notable early performances from Christian Bale, Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes.

Little Women on DVD (1994)
Starring: Winona Ryder, Eric Stoltz, Samantha Mathis
Director: Gillian Armstrong
Certificate:
Watch now: Included in all packages with LOVEFiLM Instant
This 90s update of the classic Civil War tale follows the lives of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, four sisters left at home with their mother during the war. Hardships abound but the girls always retain hope and their strong family loyalty as each grows in her own way into a 'little woman'. Starring Winona ..read more »
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- 70
- from 5136 members

Black Swan

In this electrifying psychological thriller, the casting of Winona feels rather apt as a veteran performer who is no longer in her youth and has been forced to pass the torch to a younger rising star (Natalie Portman). One of the best films of its year.

Black Swan on DVD (2010)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Certificate:
Watch now: Included in all packages with LOVEFiLM Instant
Psychological thriller set in the American ballet world starring Natalie Portman in an award-winning performance. Nina (Portman) is a dancer in a New York City ballet company. Still living with her domineering and obsessive mother Erica (Barbara Hershey), a former ballerina herself, Nina barely has ..read more »
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- 70
- from 59,931 members

A Scanner Darkly

The first film of any real merit Winona did in the decade which began with a humilating arrest and trial for shoplifting and a subsequent career sabbatical. Faithful adaptation of the Philip K. Dick novel, made with the unique rotoscoping method which gives the film a suitably trippy feel.

A Scanner Darkly on DVD (2006)
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Woody Harrelson
Director: Richard Linklater
Certificate:
Watch now: Unavailable
Thriller based on the novel by Philip K. Dick. The war on drugs has been lost, and when a reluctant undercover cop is ordered to spy on those he is closest to, the toll that the mission takes on his sanity is too great to comprehend. Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves) is a narcotics officer who is issued an ..read more »
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- 60
- from 25,286 members

Mermaids

A quirky but likeable film set in 1963, Winona nails her role as a confused, awkward 15 year old girl entering womanhood while having to cope with her fiery, nomadic single mother (Cher) who makes it very hard for the family (including debuting child actress Christina Ricci) to settle down anywhere.

Mermaids on DVD (1990)
Starring: Winona Ryder, Jan Miner, Michael Schoeffling
Director: Richard Benjamin
Certificate:
Charlotte (Winona Ryder) is a teenage girl growing up in the 1960s, torn between her passion for a young man who works at the local church and her desire - despite being Jewish - to become a nun. Newly arrived in town, the tensions soon increase between Charlotte, her swimming-obsessed younger ..read more »
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- 70
- from 3824 members