Meryl Streep Movies: A Legendary Career in Film and Television

Introduction

Few names in cinematic history command the same respect, admiration, and universal acclaim as Meryl Streep. With a career that spans over four decades and a filmography filled with genre-defining roles, Streep has become synonymous with excellence in acting. Her uncanny ability to morph into any character—from tortured mothers to iconic political figures—has earned her the title of the “greatest living actress.”

In this comprehensive article, we explore who Meryl Streep is, her age and birthday, her iconic journey from her younger years to her dominance on screen in the 1980s, through her best films and most recent appearances, including Netflix, TV shows, and a chronological list of her movies by year. Whether you’re a new fan or a lifelong admirer, this deep dive into Meryl Streep’s cinematic legacy offers a full appreciation of her incredible body of work.

Who is Meryl Streep?

Mary Louise “Meryl” Streep was born on June 22, 1949, in Summit, New Jersey. As of 2025, she is 75 years old. Streep began her career on stage after graduating from Yale School of Drama, and her breakout moment came quickly in the late 1970s with her powerful performance in The Deer Hunter (1978), which earned her an Oscar nomination. She won her first Academy Award the following year for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).

With an unparalleled blend of classical training and raw emotional power, Streep has become a global icon of dramatic artistry.

Meryl Streep Age and Birthday

Birthday: June 22, 1949

Current Age: 75 (as of 2025)

Despite the decades in the industry, Streep continues to defy ageism in Hollywood, taking on leading roles that challenge and redefine traditional female narratives.

Meryl Streep Movies in Order (Chronological Highlights)

Streep’s filmography contains over 70 feature films, so here’s a list of key movies in chronological order that highlight the evolution of her remarkable career:

1977 – Julia (Debut role)

1978 – The Deer Hunter

1979 – Kramer vs. Kramer (Oscar win)

1982 – Sophie’s Choice (Oscar win)

1983 – Silkwood

1985 – Out of Africa

1987 – Ironweed

1990 – Postcards from the Edge

1992 – Death Becomes Her

1999 – Music of the Heart

2002 – Adaptation

2006 – The Devil Wears Prada

2008 – Mamma Mia!

2009 – Julie & Julia

2011 – The Iron Lady (Oscar win)

2014 – Into the Woods

2015 – Ricki and the Flash

2017 – The Post

2020 – The Prom

2021 – Don’t Look Up

Meryl Streep in the 1980s

The 1980s were a prolific and transformative period for Streep. During this decade, she earned multiple Oscar nominations and critical acclaim for portraying emotionally complex women navigating personal and political turmoil.

Notable Meryl Streep Movies from the 1980s:

The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981)

Sophie’s Choice (1982)

Silkwood (1983)

Falling in Love (1984)

Out of Africa (1985)

Heartburn (1986)

Ironweed (1987)

A Cry in the Dark (1988)

She-Devil (1989)

These roles established her versatility—shifting from tragic heroines to satirical comedy with ease.

Meryl Streep Young: Early Career Brilliance

In her early years, Streep dazzled critics and audiences alike with a gravitas far beyond her age. Her raw, emotional performance in Kramer vs. Kramer as a conflicted mother and her devastating portrayal of a Holocaust survivor in Sophie’s Choice are considered some of the finest performances in cinematic history.

Even early on, Streep distinguished herself through intense character study, attention to accents, and emotional depth. Directors admired her discipline, co-stars respected her intellect, and fans fell in love with her authenticity.

Meryl Streep Best Movies

Though subjective, the following are often listed as Meryl Streep’s best movies, based on awards, audience impact, and critical acclaim:

Sophie’s Choice (1982) – Considered her magnum opus.

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – A subtle, nuanced performance.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – Iconic and endlessly quotable.

The Iron Lady (2011) – Margaret Thatcher with astonishing depth.

Out of Africa (1985) – Romantic, sweeping epic.

Doubt (2008) – A gripping moral drama.

August: Osage County (2013) – An ensemble drama powerhouse.

Julie & Julia (2009) – Light-hearted and deliciously funny.

Adaptation (2002) – A metafictional standout.

Mamma Mia! (2008) – Proof she can sing, dance, and still steal the show.

Each film represents a different facet of her artistic range.

Meryl Streep on Netflix

For those looking to stream her work, here are Meryl Streep movies available on Netflix (titles may vary by region):

Don’t Look Up (2021) – Satirical climate crisis dramedy.

The Laundromat (2019) – Based on the Panama Papers.

The Prom (2020) – Musical comedy with social themes.

The Iron Lady – Political biopic.

Mamma Mia! – Musical adaptation of ABBA hits.

Julie & Julia – A charming blend of biography and food.

Netflix continues to be a platform where her recent work finds new audiences.

Meryl Streep TV Shows and Miniseries

Though known for her film work, Streep has made some unforgettable appearances on the small screen:

Angels in America (2003) – HBO miniseries, critically acclaimed.

Big Little Lies (Season 2, 2019) – HBO series; she played Mary Louise Wright.

Extrapolations (2023) – Climate change anthology on Apple TV+.

Only Murders in the Building (2023-2024) – Guest-starring role on Hulu, displaying her comedic chops.

Meryl Streep Movies List by Year (Select Timeline)

Here’s a select year-by-year breakdown of some of her key films:

1979 – Kramer vs. Kramer

1982 – Sophie’s Choice

1985 – Out of Africa

1990 – Postcards from the Edge

2002 – Adaptation

2006 – The Devil Wears Prada

2011 – The Iron Lady

2020 – The Prom

2021 – Don’t Look Up

2023 – Only Murders in the Building (TV)

This is only a glimpse of her prolific output, which spans over 70 major titles.

Awards and Achievements

Academy Awards: 21 nominations, 3 wins

Golden Globes: 32 nominations, 8 wins

BAFTA Awards: 15 nominations

Presidential Medal of Freedom: Awarded in 2014

Honorary Degrees: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, among others

She holds the record for most Oscar nominations of any actor in history.

What’s Next for Meryl Streep in 2025?

Meryl Streep remains creatively active in her mid-70s. She is reportedly attached to Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew, potentially playing a pivotal role. Fans are also anticipating more work in TV, given her strong turns in recent streaming shows.

Final Thoughts

Meryl Streep’s career is a living archive of cinematic brilliance. From her early days as a rising dramatic actress to her reign as a genre-defying icon, her movies offer something for everyone—gripping drama, light-hearted musicals, and socially resonant stories. Her unmatched consistency and fearless artistic choices have made her not just a star, but a cornerstone of modern film.

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