Barbra Streisand: A Legendary Journey Through Movies, Music, and More

Introduction

From Broadway to Hollywood, few names shine as brightly as Barbra Streisand. With a career spanning over six decades, Streisand has not only broken barriers in the entertainment industry but has also crafted a legacy that continues to influence generations. Whether it’s her spellbinding voice, groundbreaking films, or powerful activism, Streisand is much more than an artist—she is an icon.

This article explores the life, background, education, movie career (in order and by decade), musicals, songs, her best films, presence on Netflix, and personal life, offering a comprehensive look into everything fans and film enthusiasts want to know.

Who is Barbra Streisand?

Barbra Streisand, born Barbara Joan Streisand on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American singer, actress, director, producer, and philanthropist. Often referred to as a multi-hyphenate powerhouse, she’s one of the few entertainers to earn the EGOT status—having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards.

With over 150 million records sold worldwide, she’s not just a celebrated actress but also one of the best-selling female recording artists of all time.

Barbra Streisand’s Age and Background

As of 2025, Barbra Streisand is 83 years old. Born into a Jewish family, she faced hardship early in life. Her father, a high school English teacher, died when she was just 15 months old, leaving her mother to raise Barbra and her brother alone. This loss and subsequent financial instability deeply shaped her drive and ambition.

Growing up in a modest Brooklyn apartment, Streisand was a determined and talented child, often dreaming of the stage while navigating the tough streets of Flatbush.

Barbra Streisand’s Education

Barbra attended Erasmus Hall High School, one of the most prestigious schools in Brooklyn at the time, where she shared classrooms with future singer Neil Diamond. She graduated in 1959 but opted not to attend college.

Instead, Streisand pursued her dream in Manhattan. She took acting classes and performed in nightclubs while still a teenager, eventually landing roles that showcased her distinctive voice and sharp acting chops.

Barbra Streisand Movies in Order: A Cinematic Evolution

Streisand made her film debut in 1968 with Funny Girl, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. From then on, her film career took off. Here’s a curated list of her most notable films in order:

Funny Girl (1968) – Debut and Oscar-winning performance.

Hello, Dolly! (1969)

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)

The Owl and the Pussycat (1970)

What’s Up, Doc? (1972)

Up the Sandbox (1972)

The Way We Were (1973)

For Pete’s Sake (1974)

Funny Lady (1975)

A Star Is Born (1976)

The Main Event (1979)

All Night Long (1981)

Yentl (1983) – Also her directorial debut.

Nuts (1987)

The Prince of Tides (1991)

The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)

Meet the Fockers (2004)

Little Fockers (2010)

The Guilt Trip (2012)

These films show her growth from a musical icon to a multi-talented director and producer.

Barbra Streisand in the 1970s: The Golden Decade

The 1970s were arguably the golden era of Streisand’s acting career. She appeared in multiple films that blended her musical talents with strong storytelling:

The Owl and the Pussycat (1970): A romantic comedy with George Segal.

What’s Up, Doc? (1972): A screwball comedy that remains one of her funniest performances.

The Way We Were (1973): A romantic drama opposite Robert Redford—considered one of her best.

Funny Lady (1975): A sequel to Funny Girl.

A Star Is Born (1976): A commercial hit that won her a Best Original Song Oscar for “Evergreen.”

During this decade, she also became more involved in producing and songwriting, asserting creative control in a male-dominated industry.

Barbra Streisand Musicals: Broadway to Big Screen

Barbra Streisand’s rise began in Broadway musicals like I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1962) and Funny Girl. She quickly transitioned into film musicals, setting herself apart with her emotionally resonant voice and expressive acting:

Funny Girl (1968)

Hello, Dolly! (1969)

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)

Funny Lady (1975)

Yentl (1983)

These films weren’t just about her singing—they were vehicles that demonstrated her range, vulnerability, and comedic timing.

Barbra Streisand Songs: Signature Hits That Shaped Pop

With over 60 albums, Streisand has a massive discography. Her most iconic songs include:

“People” – From Funny Girl

“The Way We Were” – Title song from the 1973 film

“Evergreen” – A Star Is Born; won an Oscar and Grammy

“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” – Duet with Neil Diamond

“No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” – Duet with Donna Summer

“Woman in Love” – A global hit from her Guilty album

She’s also released several concert films and specials, including the Netflix Original Barbra: The Music… The Mem’ries… The Magic!

Barbra Streisand Movies on Netflix: What’s Available?

While Streisand’s full film catalog isn’t entirely available on Netflix, there are still some notable features and specials:

Barbra: The Music… The Mem’ries… The Magic! (2017) – Netflix Original Concert Special

Limited-time features like A Star Is Born (1976) and select musical specials have been available depending on region.

Netflix also had a licensing deal with her for six award-winning TV specials, though some have since been removed or rotated out of availability.

For the most consistent viewing, Amazon Prime or Apple TV often offers her movies for rent or purchase.

Barbra Streisand Best Movies: Critically Acclaimed & Fan Favorites

Critics and fans often list these among Streisand’s best:

Funny Girl – A defining role and Oscar-winner.

The Way We Were – A romantic masterpiece.

A Star Is Born – Huge box office hit and musical triumph.

Yentl – A bold directorial debut and feminist statement.

What’s Up, Doc? – One of her most charming comedies.

The Prince of Tides – Earned seven Oscar nominations.

Her movies not only showcase her acting but also her impact as a female filmmaker in Hollywood, a rarity in her era.

Barbra Streisand’s Husband and Personal Life

Barbra Streisand has been married twice:

Elliott Gould (1963–1971) – They had one son, Jason Gould, who also acted and sang.

James Brolin (married in 1998–present) – A fellow actor and her supportive partner in life.

Their marriage has stood the test of time, a rarity in Hollywood. They live in a lavish Malibu estate and often advocate together for political and environmental causes.

Legacy and Influence

Barbra Streisand shattered stereotypes—especially around how women, particularly Jewish women, were seen in entertainment. She refused to alter her appearance, pursue conventional roles, or limit herself to just acting.

She became:

The first woman to direct, produce, write, and star in a major studio film (Yentl).

A political voice, philanthropist, and champion of women’s rights and climate action.

A trailblazer for artists like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Adele.

Her mix of vulnerability, intelligence, wit, and musical genius remains unmatched.

Final Thoughts: Why Barbra Streisand Still Matters

Whether you’re revisiting a classic like Funny Girl or watching her emotional performance in The Way We Were, Barbra Streisand remains a beacon of talent, courage, and authenticity. Her journey from a Brooklyn teen to global superstardom is both inspirational and historic.

If you’re exploring her films for the first time or revisiting them, you’ll find layers of meaning, humor, and heart that still resonate today.

To discover more such detailed retrospectives and celebrity deep-dives, visit our blog: Thegoted.com — your go-to source for timeless entertainment insights.