Ellen Burstyn is a highly respected actress who has had a career spanning several decades. She has been nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning one for her role in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”.
Burstyn is known for her intense and powerful performances, and has appeared in a wide range of films and TV shows. Here are some of her best movies:
Best Ellen Burstyn Movies
Let’s jump right into our list of the top Ellen Burstyn films.
1. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
“Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” is a 1974 American comedy-Drama Film Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, and Diane Ladd.
The movie tells the story of a recently widowed woman named Alice who sets out on a journey to find herself and pursue her dream of becoming a singer.
Burstyn plays the role of Alice, a strong-willed and determined woman who leaves her home in New Mexico with her son to start a new life in California.
Along the way, she encounters a series of challenges and setbacks but is ultimately able to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment through her music and the relationships she builds with those around her.
“Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” is a poignant and insightful film that explores themes such as identity, empowerment, and the pursuit of happiness.
Burstyn delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Alice, a woman struggling to define herself and find her place in the world.
The movie also features strong supporting performances from Kristofferson as a love interest and Ladd as a fellow waitress at the diner where Alice works.
Overall, “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” is a timeless classic that remains relevant and inspiring today. It is a film that celebrates the strength and resilience of women and the power of personal transformation.
It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great storytelling, memorable characters, and heartfelt performances.
2. Goodbye Charlie (1964)
“Goodbye Charlie” is a 1964 comedy film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Debbie Reynolds, Tony Curtis, and Pat Boone. The film is based on the play of the same name by George Axelrod.
The story follows a womanizer named Charlie Sorel, who dies and is reincarnated as a woman named Charlie. Charlie then sets out to find out who killed him in his previous life as a man while navigating the challenges of being a woman in a man’s world.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release, but it has since gained a cult following for its campy humor and gender-bending storyline.
3. The Last Picture Show (1971)
“The Last Picture Show” is a 1971 American drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Larry McMurtry.
The film is set in a small, dying Texas town in the early 1950s and follows the lives of several young people as they struggle to find meaning and direction in their lives.
The cast includes Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Timothy Bottoms, Cloris Leachman, and Ben Johnson, among others.
The film was a critical and commercial success and received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor and Actress.
4. The King of Marvin Gardens (1972)
“The King of Marvin Gardens” is a 1972 drama film directed by Bob Rafelson and starring Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern. Here are three reasons to watch this movie:
Powerful Performances: The film features great performances by Nicholson and Dern. Nicholson plays a radio talk show host, while Dern plays his brother who is a small-time gangster.
The dynamics between the two characters are intense and emotional, and both actors deliver unforgettable performances.
Moody Atmosphere: “The King of Marvin Gardens” has a distinctive atmosphere that captures the gritty, seedy side of Atlantic City. The film’s moody cinematography and haunting soundtrack create a sense of foreboding and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The movie deals with themes such as family, loyalty, and the American Dream. It offers a dark commentary on the pursuit of success and the sacrifices that people make to achieve it.
The film is a poignant reminder that the road to success is often paved with broken dreams and shattered relationships.
5. The Exorcist (1973)
“The Exorcist” is a classic horror movie from 1973, directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty.
The film tells the story of a young girl named Regan (played by Linda Blair) who becomes possessed by a demonic entity, and her mother (played by Ellen Burstyn) seeks the help of two priests to perform an exorcism.
Here are some interesting facts about the movie:
The movie was a massive success, grossing over $441 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time (until it was surpassed by “The Matrix Reloaded” in 2003).
The movie was initially banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Chile, and Singapore, due to its disturbing content.
The movie’s production was plagued by a number of accidents and mishaps, including a fire that destroyed the set of Regan’s bedroom and injured several crew members.
The movie was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Ellen Burstyn, and it won two: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.
The movie’s iconic theme music, composed by Mike Oldfield, has become synonymous with horror movies and is often parodied in popular culture.
6. Harry and Tonto (1974)
“Harry and Tonto” is a 1974 comedy-drama film directed by Paul Mazursky and starring Art Carney in the title role.
The film follows the story of a widower named Harry who embarks on a cross-country journey with his pet cat Tonto after his apartment building is demolished.
Along the way, Harry visits old friends and makes new ones, discovering new perspectives on life and aging. The film was critically acclaimed and Carney won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance.
7. Same Time, Next Year (1978)
“Same Time, Next Year” is a 1978 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Robert Mulligan and starring Ellen Burstyn and Alan Alda. The movie is based on a play of the same name by Bernard Slade.
The film follows the story of two people, Doris and George, who meet at a California inn in 1951 and have an affair.
Despite being married to other people, they continue to meet at the same inn once a year for the next 24 years, sharing the joys and sorrows of their lives and discussing social and political changes happening around them.
The movie was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Burstyn’s performance in the film was particularly praised, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
8. Silence of the North (1981)
“Silence of the North” is a 1981 Canadian drama film directed by Allan King and starring Ellen Burstyn and Tom Skerritt in leading roles. The movie is based on the true story of a couple named Olive and John Ramsay, who lived in the Canadian Arctic in the 1950s and 1960s.
Burstyn plays the role of Olive, a young woman who moves with her husband John (played by Skerritt) to a remote Arctic settlement to teach Inuit children.
As they adapt to their new environment and work to earn the trust and respect of the local community, they face a series of challenges and personal struggles that test their resilience and love for each other.
“Silence of the North” is a powerful and moving film that explores themes such as cultural differences, isolation, and the transformative power of human connection.
Burstyn delivers a strong and emotional performance as Olive, a woman who must confront her own prejudices and fears in order to find her place in a new and unfamiliar world.
Skerritt also shines as John, a man struggling to balance his love for his wife with his duty to his job and the local community.
Overall, “Silence of the North” is a beautifully crafted movie that showcases the natural beauty of the Arctic landscape and the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced a difficult challenge or had to adapt to a new and unfamiliar environment.
9. Twice in a Lifetime (1985)
“Twice in a Lifetime” is a 1985 Canadian drama film directed by Bud Yorkin and starring Gene Hackman, Ann-Margret, Ellen Burstyn, Amy Madigan, and Ally Sheedy.
The film tells the story of a middle-aged man named Harry MacKenzie, who begins to question his life choices and marriage after having an affair with a younger woman.
When he suffers a heart attack, he is given a second chance at life and is forced to re-examine his priorities and relationships. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its strong performances by the cast.
10. Dying Young (1991)
“Dying Young” is a 1991 romantic drama film directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott.
The film is based on a novel of the same name by Marti Leimbach and tells the story of a young woman who becomes a live-in caretaker for a wealthy man with leukemia.
As they spend more time together, they fall in love, but their happiness is threatened by the man’s illness. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing over $32 million worldwide.
11. The Cemetery Club (1993)
“The Cemetery Club” is a 1993 American comedy-drama film directed by Bill Duke and starring Ellen Burstyn, Olympia Dukakis, and Diane Ladd.
The film tells the story of three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before visiting their husbands’ graves. As they navigate their way through life after the loss of their husbands, they find love, friendship, and humor in unexpected places.
Here are three reasons to watch “The Cemetery Club”:
Talented Cast: “The Cemetery Club” features a talented cast of seasoned actresses who deliver strong performances. Ellen Burstyn, Olympia Dukakis, and Diane Ladd bring depth and nuance to their roles as the three widows, making their characters both relatable and endearing.
Heartfelt Story: The film deals with the universal themes of love, loss, and moving on. It’s a heartfelt story that explores the struggles and triumphs of three women as they come to terms with their grief and find new purpose and joy in their lives.
Humorous Moments: Despite the heavy subject matter, “The Cemetery Club” has many humorous moments that lighten the mood and add levity to the story. The banter between the three friends is witty and entertaining, making the film a delightful mix of comedy and drama.
12. When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)
“When a Man Loves a Woman” is a 1994 romantic drama film directed by Luis Mandoki and starring Andy Garcia and Meg Ryan.
The film tells the story of a married couple, Alice and Michael Green, whose relationship becomes strained when Alice’s alcoholism spirals out of control. The film deals with themes of addiction, recovery, and the impact of substance abuse on relationships and family dynamics.
Here are three reasons to watch “When a Man Loves a Woman”:
Powerful Performances: Both Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia deliver powerful performances as the couple struggling to overcome Alice’s addiction. The film offers a raw and honest portrayal of the impact of addiction on individuals and their loved ones.
Realistic Portrayal of Addiction and Recovery: The film offers a realistic portrayal of addiction and recovery, exploring the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction as well as the impact on their families. It offers a message of hope and the possibility of recovery.
Emotional Depth: “When a Man Loves a Woman” is a deeply emotional film that explores the complex dynamics of relationships and the toll that addiction can take on them. It offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
13. How to Make an American Quilt (1995)
“How to Make an American Quilt” is a 1995 romantic drama film directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse and starring Winona Ryder, Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, Kate Nelligan, and Maya Angelou, among others.
The film tells the story of a young woman named Finn who is spending the summer with her grandmother and her grandmother’s friends as she works on her graduate thesis.
Through conversations and flashbacks, Finn learns about the loves and losses of the women in her grandmother’s quilting group and reflects on her own romantic struggles. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but was praised for its talented ensemble cast.
14. Playing by Heart (1998)
“Playing by Heart” is a romantic comedy-drama film from 1998 directed by Willard Carroll. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Ellen Burstyn, Gillian Anderson, Sean Connery, Angelina Jolie, Ryan Phillippe, and Jon Stewart, among others.
The movie explores the various forms of love and relationships, both romantic and familial, through the interconnected stories of its characters.
Ellen Burstyn delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Mildred, a mother struggling to connect with her adult daughter, played by Angelina Jolie.
Burstyn’s character is complex and multifaceted, and she skillfully portrays the character’s pain, vulnerability, and strength. The film’s exploration of mother-daughter relationships is honest and thought-provoking, and Burstyn’s performance is a standout.
The film also features several other strong performances, including Sean Connery as an older man who strikes up a relationship with a much younger woman, played by Gena Rowlands.
The chemistry between Connery and Rowlands is palpable, and their storyline provides a poignant and heartfelt exploration of love and connection across generations.
Overall, “Playing by Heart” is a well-acted, emotionally resonant film that offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of love, relationships, and the human condition.
15. The Yards (2000)
“The Yards” is a 2000 crime drama film directed by James Gray and starring Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, and James Caan.
The movie tells the story of Leo (played by Wahlberg), a young man who is released from prison and returns to his family in New York City, where he becomes embroiled in a web of corruption and crime involving his best friend, Willie (played by Phoenix), and his uncle, Frank (played by Caan).
As Leo navigates the dangerous world of corrupt politics and business dealings, he must confront his own moral compass and decide where his loyalties lie.
Along the way, he falls in love with his cousin’s girlfriend, Erica (played by Theron), and must navigate the complex dynamics of family, friendship, and betrayal.
“The Yards” is a gritty and intense film that explores themes such as loyalty, power, and the corrupting influence of money.
The movie features strong performances from its talented cast, with Wahlberg delivering a standout performance as Leo, a man struggling to find his place in a world that is at once familiar and dangerous.
Phoenix and Caan also shine in their roles as Leo’s best friend and uncle, respectively, bringing depth and complexity to their characters.
Overall, “The Yards” is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that offers a realistic and unflinching look at the world of crime and corruption. It is a film that will appeal to anyone who appreciates great storytelling, complex characters, and powerful performances.
16. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
“Requiem for a Dream” is a 2000 psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and based on the 1978 novel of the same name by Hubert Selby Jr.
The film follows the lives of four individuals who are all impacted by addiction in different ways – Harry Goldfarb, his girlfriend Marion Silver, his best friend Tyrone C. Love, and Harry’s mother, Sara. The film explores themes such as addiction, isolation, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
“Requiem for a Dream” has been praised for its intense performances, haunting score, and innovative use of visual effects. However, it also includes graphic depictions of drug use and has been criticized for its unrelenting bleakness.
