Sally Field is an American actress who has been active in the Film industry since the 1960s. She has won numerous awards for her performances, including two Academy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Golden Globe Awards.
Best Sally Field Movies
Field has proven herself to be a versatile actress, with roles ranging from drama to comedy. In this article, we will look at some of her best movies that showcase her talent and range as an actress.
1. Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
“Smokey and the Bandit” is a 1977 action-comedy film directed by Hal Needham and starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason.
The movie tells the story of Bo “Bandit” Darville (played by Reynolds), a professional truck driver who is hired to smuggle 400 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia in 28 hours, in violation of a federal ban on the beer’s transportation across state lines.
One of the main draws of “Smokey and the Bandit” is its exciting car chases and stunts, which were innovative for their time and remain impressive today.
The film’s high-speed pursuit scenes, featuring a black Pontiac Trans Am and a police car driven by Sheriff Buford T. Justice (played by Gleason), are iconic and have become a defining element of the film’s legacy.
Another strength of the movie is the chemistry between Reynolds and Field, who play Bo and Carrie, a runaway bride whom Bo meets along the way. The two actors have great on-screen chemistry, and their banter and flirtation provide the film with a lighthearted, romantic subplot.
The film’s humor and irreverence also contribute to its appeal. “Smokey and the Bandit” is a fun, breezy watch that doesn’t take itself too seriously and offers plenty of laughs and excitement along the way.
Overall, “Smokey and the Bandit” is a classic of the action-comedy genre and remains a beloved favorite among moviegoers. The film is a quintessential example of 1970s cinema, featuring memorable characters, thrilling action sequences, and a sense of rebelliousness and freedom that still resonates today.
2. Beyond the Poseidon Adventure (1979)
Beyond the Poseidon Adventure is a 1979 American disaster film and a sequel to the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure. The film was directed by Irwin Allen and starred Michael Caine, Sally Field, Telly Savalas, Peter Boyle, and Shirley Knight.
The plot follows a group of salvage workers who enter the overturned luxury liner SS Poseidon to recover a fortune in artwork, unaware that they are not alone on the ship and that they will have to fight for their lives to get out alive.
Despite a strong cast, the film was a critical and commercial failure, and it did not have the same impact as its predecessor.
3. Places in the Heart (1984)
“Places in the Heart” is a 1984 drama film directed by Robert Benton and starring Sally Field, Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, John Malkovich, Danny Glover, and Lindsay Crouse.
The film takes place in a small town in Texas during the Great Depression and tells the story of a young widow named Edna Spalding (played by Sally Field) who struggles to keep her farm afloat and raise her two children after her husband is killed.
With the help of a blind boarder and a black farmhand, Edna perseveres and learns the importance of family, faith, and community. The film was well-received and won two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Sally Field.
4. Punchline (1988)
“Punchline” is a 1988 American comedy-drama film directed by David Seltzer and starring Sally Field and Tom Hanks. Here are three reasons to watch it:
Stellar performances: Both Sally Field and Tom Hanks deliver excellent performances in this film.
Field plays a struggling housewife who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, while Hanks plays a successful comic who takes her under his wing. Their chemistry and comedic timing are a joy to watch.
Insightful exploration of comedy: “Punchline” offers an insightful look into the world of stand-up comedy, exploring the highs and lows of the profession, as well as the pressure and stress that comes with it.
The film offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of the comedy industry, highlighting the amount of work and sacrifice that goes into being a successful comedian.
Heartfelt and poignant moments: While “Punchline” is primarily a comedy, it also has its fair share of poignant and heartfelt moments.
The film explores deeper themes of self-discovery, following your dreams, and the importance of human connection, making it a well-rounded and emotionally satisfying movie.
5. Steel Magnolias (1989)
“Steel Magnolias” is a 1989 comedy-drama film directed by Herbert Ross and based on the play of the same name by Robert Harling. The film follows a group of women in a small Louisiana town who share a close bond as they navigate love, loss, and the ups and downs of life.
The film features an ensemble cast of talented actresses, including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts.
Each actress brings a unique and memorable performance to the film, with moments of humor, heartbreak, and triumph.
Here are three reasons to watch “Steel Magnolias”:
The performances: The ensemble cast of talented actresses in “Steel Magnolias” deliver powerful and nuanced performances that bring the characters to life. Each actress brings her own style and energy to her role, creating a rich and unforgettable ensemble.
The themes: The film explores a range of themes, including friendship, family, love, loss, and grief. It portrays the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity, and the importance of coming together to support each other.
The humor: Despite the heavy themes, “Steel Magnolias” is also a funny and uplifting film. The witty dialogue and sharp one-liners provide moments of levity and humor, balancing out the more dramatic moments of the film.
6. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
“Mrs. Doubtfire” is a 1993 American comedy-drama film directed by Chris Columbus and starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, and Pierce Brosnan.
The plot follows a recently divorced actor named Daniel Hillard (Williams), who disguises himself as a middle-aged British nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire in order to spend time with his children.
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $441 million worldwide and becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 1993 behind “Jurassic Park.”
It was also well-received by critics and was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Makeup and the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
7. Forrest Gump (1994)
“Forrest Gump” is a 1994 American comedy-drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and Gary Sinise. The film is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom.
The film follows the life of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted and athletically-talented man, who unwittingly becomes involved in some of the key historical events of the 20th century, such as the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and the civil rights movement.
Tom Hanks won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Forrest Gump, while the film itself won six other Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film is known for its iconic quotes, such as “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
8. Eye for an Eye (1996)
“Eye for an Eye” is a 1996 thriller film directed by John Schlesinger and starring Sally Field, Kiefer Sutherland, and Ed Harris.
The movie tells the story of Karen McCann (played by Sally Field), a mother who takes matters into her own hands when her teenage daughter is raped and murdered, and the perpetrator is released on a technicality.
One of the strengths of the film is the strong performances of its cast, particularly Sally Field, who delivers a powerful and emotional portrayal of a grieving mother seeking justice for her daughter.
The film also features notable performances from Kiefer Sutherland as the disturbed killer, and Ed Harris as a sympathetic detective who becomes involved in the case.
Another strength of “Eye for an Eye” is its exploration of themes such as vigilante justice, the failings of the legal system, and the psychological effects of trauma and grief.
The film raises important questions about morality and the nature of justice, and presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of its characters and their motivations.
Finally, the film’s tense and suspenseful plot, which follows Karen’s dangerous pursuit of the killer and her own descent into darkness, keeps the viewer engaged and invested in the story.
The film features several intense and emotionally charged scenes, and culminates in a thrilling and satisfying finale.
Overall, “Eye for an Eye” is a well-crafted and thought-provoking thriller that explores important themes and features strong performances from its cast. It is a gripping and emotional film that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
9. A Cooler Climate (1999 TV Movie)
“A Cooler Climate” is a 1999 made-for-TV drama movie directed by Susan Seidelman and starring Sally Field, Judy Davis, and Winston Rekert. The film was based on the novel “A Cooler Climate” by Zena Collier.
The story follows the life of Iris Prue (Sally Field), a middle-aged woman who has recently divorced her husband and is struggling to find her place in the world. She decides to take a job as a housekeeper for a wealthy woman named Hannah (Judy Davis) and her daughter who live in a large house in Vermont.
As Iris settles into her new job, she begins to form a bond with Hannah and her daughter, and also finds herself drawn to a local man named Gil (Winston Rekert).
However, Iris must confront her own insecurities and the challenges of her new life as she navigates her relationships with Hannah, Gil, and the other people in her new community.
The film received positive reviews for its strong performances, particularly from Sally Field and Judy Davis. It was praised for its nuanced portrayal of the complex relationships between women and for its exploration of the challenges faced by middle-aged women who are trying to reinvent themselves.
10. Where the Heart Is (2000)
Where the Heart Is is a 2000 American romantic drama film directed by Matt Williams and starring Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, and Stockard Channing.
The film tells the story of a pregnant 17-year-old girl named Novalee Nation (played by Portman) who is abandoned by her boyfriend at a Walmart in a small Oklahoma town.
She finds a new home in the town and slowly builds a new life with the help of some kind-hearted locals. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success.
11. Two Weeks (2006)
Two Weeks is a 2006 drama film directed by Steve Stockman and starring Sally Field, Ben Chaplin, and Tom Cavanagh.
The film tells the story of four siblings who reunite at their childhood home to be with their dying mother in her final days. Here are three reasons to watch Two Weeks:
Powerful performances: The film features strong performances from its ensemble cast, particularly Sally Field as the mother who is facing her mortality, and the chemistry between the actors feels authentic.
Emotional depth: Two Weeks is an emotional and thought-provoking film that explores themes of family, love, loss, and grief. It manages to strike a balance between poignant moments and lighter, humorous scenes.
Realistic portrayal of end-of-life care: The film offers a realistic portrayal of end-of-life care, including the challenges and emotions that come with it. It shows the importance of being with loved ones during their final moments and the ways in which it can bring a family together.
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12. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
“The Amazing Spider-Man” is a superhero film directed by Marc Webb and released in 2012. It stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, and Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard.
The film is a reboot of the Spider-Man film series and explores Parker’s origin story as he gains his superpowers and confronts Connors, a scientist whose experiment turns him into a monstrous creature.
The film received mixed reviews but was a commercial success, grossing over $750 million worldwide. It was followed by a sequel, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” released in 2014.
13. Lincoln (2012)
“Lincoln” is a historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 2012.
The film focuses on the last four months of the life of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and his efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery.
The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, along with an ensemble cast that includes Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
“Lincoln” received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for twelve Academy Awards, winning two for Best Actor (Day-Lewis) and Best Production Design.
14. Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)
“Hello, My Name Is Doris” is a 2015 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Michael Showalter and starring Sally Field and Max Greenfield.
The film tells the story of Doris Miller, a quirky and eccentric woman in her 60s who develops a crush on a much younger co-worker named John Fremont.
As Doris begins to pursue John, she finds herself exploring new experiences and discovering more about herself. However, her infatuation with John eventually leads her to confront some difficult truths about her own life and relationships.
The film was well-received by critics for its heartfelt and humorous exploration of aging, love, and self-discovery. Sally Field’s performance as Doris was particularly praised, earning her a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress in a Comedy.
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15. Little Evil (2017)
“Little Evil” is a 2017 horror-comedy film directed by Eli Craig and starring Adam Scott, Evangeline Lilly, and Owen Atlas. The movie tells the story of Gary (played by Adam Scott), a newlywed who begins to suspect that his stepson, Lucas, might be the antichrist.
One reason to watch “Little Evil” is its unique blend of horror and comedy. The film strikes a balance between being scary and funny, which makes for an entertaining and engaging viewing experience.
The movie is full of witty dialogue and clever references to classic horror films, while also delivering some genuinely creepy moments.
Another reason to watch “Little Evil” is the strong performances of its cast. Adam Scott is excellent as the hapless stepfather who is trying to figure out what is happening to his family, and Evangeline Lilly is equally impressive as his skeptical wife.
Owen Atlas is also great as Lucas, the young boy at the center of the supernatural occurrences.
Finally, the film’s exploration of themes such as parenthood and family dynamics adds depth and complexity to the story. The movie is not just a horror-comedy, but also a commentary on the challenges of being a parent and the difficulties of blending families together.
Overall, “Little Evil” is a fun and entertaining horror-comedy that delivers scares and laughs in equal measure. With its strong performances, witty writing, and engaging story, it is a movie that is sure to appeal to fans of both horror and comedy genres.
3 Reasons To Watch Sally Field Movies
Versatile Acting: Sally Field is known for her versatile acting skills, as she has portrayed a wide range of characters over the course of her career.
From her breakthrough role in “Gidget” to her Oscar-winning performances in “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart,” to her comedic turns in films like “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Sally Field has proven herself to be a talented and versatile actress who can tackle any role with ease.
Emotional Depth: Sally Field is also known for bringing emotional depth and complexity to her performances.
Whether she is playing a character who is struggling with personal issues, facing difficult challenges, or fighting for a cause she believes in, Sally Field has a way of connecting with audiences and conveying the full range of human emotions in a way that is both authentic and compelling.
Strong Female Roles: Throughout her career, Sally Field has often played strong, independent women who are not afraid to speak their minds and fight for what they believe in. From her portrayal of the union activist in “Norma Rae” to her role as the pioneering businesswoman in “Brothers & Sisters,” Sally Field has consistently played roles that showcase the strength and resilience of women, making her an inspiration to many.
Best Sally Field Movies – Wrap Up
Sally Field is a renowned American actress who has starred in numerous films throughout her career. Some of her best movies include:
“Norma Rae” (1979) – Field won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as a textile worker who becomes a labor union activist.
“Places in the Heart” (1984) – Field won her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a widow struggling to keep her farm during the Great Depression.
“Steel Magnolias” (1989) – Field starred alongside an ensemble cast in this comedy-drama about the relationships between a group of women in a small Louisiana town.
“Forrest Gump” (1994) – Field played the mother of the titular character in this critically-acclaimed film that won multiple Oscars.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993) – Field co-starred with Robin Williams in this beloved family comedy about a father who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend more time with his children.
These are just a few of Sally Field’s most memorable movies, but her career spans over several decades and includes many other noteworthy performances.
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