Since the 1980s,Demi Moorehas inspired audiences with her emotional and powerful performances, but within her impressive filmography, there are some movies that stand out as her absolute best. Moore’s career began on television when she earned a recurring role in the soap opera,General Hospital.From there, Moore gained enough attention that she was able to transition into movies. In the 1980s, she was part of the iconic group of young actors,the Brat Pack, boosting her to international fame. Since then,Moore has explored various genres and acted alongside some of Hollywood’s best.
Like mostestablished 1980s actors, Moore has an extensive and exciting resume. However, her best movies are those that stick out among the pack. These are films that were the most critically and financially successful. More than that, they are the projects that have defined Moore’s career and have remained in the public consciousness for years after their release. ThoughMoore has been a part of several iconic and important movies, the following 10 can be considered some of her very best.
Now and Then
Cast
Now and Then is a coming-of-age film directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. Set in both the 1970s and the 1990s, it follows four women who reunite and reminisce about their childhood adventures and formative experiences. The film stars Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, Gaby Hoffmann, and Ashleigh Aston Moore as the younger versions of the characters, with Demi Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, Melanie Griffith, and Rita Wilson playing their adult counterparts.
A Demi Moore film that could be considereda classic comfort filmisNow and Then.Released in 1995,the movie follows four women who reflect on a particular summer they spent togetherduring the 1970s. Portrayed through dual timelines, the film sees the girls face adolescent highs and lows, while also comparing how they were that summer to how they are as grown-ups. Though the film’s critical and financial performances were less-than-stellar,Now and Thenis fueled by pure nostalgia.
Now and Thencertainly isn’t Moore’s best performing movie, but it still deserves a spot on this list for its themes and ambiance.The coming-of-age movie is emotional and evocative, especially for female audiences. Furthermore, it has amazing performances from the big ensemble cast, which includes Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith, Christina Ricci, and Rita Wilson. Those who want to see more of Moore should definitely try out this funny and heartwarming tale.
St. Elmo’s Fire
A group of close-knit college graduates navigates the challenges of adulthood, balancing careers, relationships, and personal growth. Amidst the backdrop of their favorite bar, they confront their fears, ambitions, and the complexities of growing up, discovering the true meaning of friendship and resilience.
Another Moore movie with coming-of-age themes isSt. Elmo’s Fire.Made during her Brat Pack era,St. Elmo’s Firefollows a group of friends who have just graduated from Georgetown Universityand are trying to figure out their adult lives. Along the way, the young adults get into various problems in their romantic relationships, with their families, and at their jobs. DespiteSt. Elmo’s Fire’saverage ratings, it was a box office success that is still an enjoyable watch to this day.
10 Harsh Realties Of Rewatching St. Elmo’s Fire, 39 Years Later
Despite being a 1980s Brat Pack classic, revisiting St. Elmo’s Fire almost four decades later brought up hordes of harsh issues that must be faced.
St. Elmo’s Fireis another great nostalgic watch. Deeply rooted in the 1980s, the movie offers a glimpse into a world that has long since passed us by. Plus, audiences get to see some amazing actors like Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, and Moore in their early years of fame. Yet,the main reason to watchSt. Elmo’s Fireis for the drama.While many critiqued the movie for its gossipy tones, that is part of what makes the film so entertaining. It is sappy, soapy, and therefore, pretty fun.
Deconstructing Harry
Deconstructing Harry is a 1997 comedy-drama directed by and starring Woody Allen. The film explores the fractured life of a novelist named Harry Block, as he grapples with writer’s block and personal turmoil. Through a series of vignettes, Harry confronts characters from his past and his own fictional creations, highlighting the blurring lines between reality and fiction. The ensemble cast includes Judy Davis, Kirstie Alley, and Robin Williams.
One of the more unique movies Moore appeared in during her career wasDeconstructing Harry.Directed and led by Woody Allen, the movie follows a successful writer who, after returning to his old university, is confronted by all the people who he used as fodder for his novels. With a massive ensemble cast of incredible stars,Deconstructing Harryis a critical hit that is another product of its time.
Though Moore only plays a small role in this film, it is still a project that is worth watching. Arguably,Deconstructing Harryis the most star-studded cast Moore was ever a part of, and this kind of scale makes the film quite exciting. It helps that the movie is incredibly funny and energetic, tossing audiences from place to place with zeal. Yet, this is also a thoughtful movie that is among some of Allen’s best work.
If These Walls Could Talk
If These Walls Could Talk is an anthology drama film that explores the lives of three women in different decades dealing with the issue of abortion. Directed by Cher and Nancy Savoca, and starring Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek, and Anne Heche, the film examines the societal and personal implications of the highly charged topic across the 1950s, 1970s, and 1990s.
One of Moore’s most critically-acclaimed projects, though it is often forgotten, isIf These Walls Could Talk.In this anthology television film, three women from different time periods handle surprise pregnanciesand their decisions to terminate them. Released in the late 1990s,If These Walls Could Talkwas highly controversial, yet Moore and her co-stars bring an admirable sense of honesty and emotionality to the subject matter. Therefore, it is no surprise that the project earned an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
If These Walls Could Talkalso starred Cher and Sissy Spacek.
What makesIf These Walls Could Talkso important is that it is still relevant today. Although the film was made almost 20 years ago, it can still teach audiences and have an effect on them. Furthermore, Moore brings her A-game to this project, putting her all into the character of Claire Donnelly. It is also important to note thatMoore was an executive producer on this project, and fought long and hard to bring it to the screen.Thus, it remains one of Moore’s most significant works.
Margin Call
In Margin Call (2011), an investment bank grapples with an impending financial crisis. When an analyst uncovers alarming data, the firm’s executives must make difficult decisions to save themselves and their company. As tensions rise and morality is tested, employees navigate the high-stakes world of finance where profit comes at a profound cost. This gripping drama sheds light on the complexities of Wall Street and the human toll of economic collapse.
A more recent Moore picture that is definitely worth viewers' time isMargin Call.This 2011 movie takes place at an investment firm during the initial stages of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. After discovering a discrepancy that could put everyone’s job on the line, the firm’s workers must band together to handle the impending damage. This is yet another one of Moore’s most critically acclaimed films, at 87% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Where other Wall Street movies fail to create compelling dialogue out of financial jargon,Margin Callsucceeds.
Margin Callis a quick and stunning portrayalof a real-life financial disaster. Where other Wall Street movies fail to create compelling dialogue out of financial jargon,Margin Callsucceeds. A major part of this movie’s success is its cast. Moore shares the screen with actors like Zachary Quinto, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, and Stanley Tucci. Ultimately, Moore balances out this incredible cast and offers up a gripping performance.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Disney’s take on the original novel written in 1831, The Huntchback of Notre Dame is an animated musical drama that sees a kind-hearted, deformed young man named Quasimodo who yearns to see the outside world is forced to live alone in the Notre Dame Cathedral as a bell ringer. When a group of traveling performers arrives in town, Quasimodo takes his chance to head out to see them, and his life is changed forever by a chance encounter with the equally kind-hearted Esmerelda. However, his caretaker, the cruel and iron-fisted Frollo, intends to hunt the Romani people down, jeopardizing the travelers' lives.
Many may not realize it, but Moore appeared in one ofDisney’s most underrated animated films. Released in 1996,The Hunchback of Notre Dameis an animated musical adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel of the same name.The story follows Quasimodo, a disfigured young man who is tethered to Notre Dame cathedralby his cruel master. However, when Quasimodo sees an opportunity to help a young woman, he escapes the sheltered life he has always known.
Although Demi Moore voices Esmeralda, she is not the singing voice in the movie. Esmerald’s singing voice is done by Heidi Mollenhauer.
Demi Moore plays Esmeralda inThe Hunchback of Notre Dame.While many likely watched this movie in their youth, it is definitely worth returning to as an adult.The Hunchback of Notre Dameis much darker than many other Disney films, and has a story that is incredibly powerful. Plus, the soundtrack is fantastic.Moore brings light and passion to this movie, and Esmeralda may be one of her most lasting characters.
4Disclosure (1994)
A Businessman Loses Everything Due To False Accusations
Over her career, Moore starred inmany erotic thrillers.Disclosureis likely her best and most significant.The 1994 movie follows a businessman who is moments away from a promotionand a massive merger when his ex-girlfriend suddenly swoops in and gets everything he wants. Worse, after rejecting her advances, she sues him for sexual harassment. The movie was a box office success and continues to divide viewers to this day.
Disclosuremay lose the plot at times, opting for more thriller elements than serious analysis, it is still unique and thought-provoking.
Disclosureis a great opportunity to see Moore in a more villainous and diabolical role. Where she often plays the girl-next-door or the beautiful bombshell,Disclosureputs her in a femme fatale part that is intoxicating. Her chemistry with Michael Douglas and the sleek atmosphere surrounding them make for an entertaining and visually appealing watch.Disclosuremay lose the plot at times, opting for more thriller elements than serious analysis, it is still unique and thought-provoking.
A Few Good Men
Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and Kiefer Sutherland star in A Few Good Men, a legal drama that follows military lawyer Daniel Kaffee, who defends two Marines on trial for murder, uncovering a high-level conspiracy in the process. The 1992 movie is based on the eponymous stage play written by Aaron Sorkin.
One of Moore’s movies that was both a critical and financial hit wasA Few Good Men.Released in 1992,this legal drama follows a military lawyer who is set to defend two Marines accused of killing a fellow soldier. Although the lawyer intends to take the easy way out with plea bargains, another lawyer suggests that he take a more risky but potentially more fruitful avenue instead. The movie grossed $243 million and earned an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Jack Nicholson’s iconic line fromA Few Good Menis “you may’t handle the truth!”
A Few Good Men’samazing performances are the main reason why audiences should check out this movie. Moore gives a fiery performance alongside Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. Critics praised the film for its incredible energy and strong storytelling. Although some found the plot predictable,A Few Good Menis still dramatic, engaging, and will keep audiences at the end of their seat.There is a reason why it is one of the most quoted legal dramas of all time.
The Substance
Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity, turns to a mysterious drug that promises to restore her youth by creating a younger, more beautiful version of herself. But splitting time between her original and new body leads to horrifying consequences as her alternate self, Sue, begins to unravel her life in a disturbing body-horror descent.
What is likely the most astonishing and unexpected entry in this list isThe Substance.Moore’s most recent horror film tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging celebritywho is unexpectedly fired from her TV show. Fearing for her future, Elisabeth seeks out a new procedure that promises to give users a younger version of themselves. However, when Sparkle’s starts misusing the drug, she finds herself changing in horrifying ways.
Why The Substance’s Reviews are So Good
The body horror film The Substance, starring Demi Moore, has gotten rave reviews since its release.
The Substanceis a gory and intense movie that is bursting with feminist themes. Moore gives an outstanding performance as Elisabeth that will leave audiences impressed with her incredible acting range. This movie is certainly not for the faint of heart, but that is part of what makes it so great. Director Coralie Fargeat does not hold back, and it leads to an effective and haunting film.The Substanceis Moore’s highest-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoesto date.
Ghost
Ghost is a romantic thriller directed by Jerry Zucker, featuring Patrick Swayze as Sam Wheat, a man who has been murdered and becomes a ghost in order to protect his girlfriend Molly Jensen, played by Demi Moore. With the assistance of a reluctant psychic named Oda Mae Brown, portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg, Sam attempts to uncover the truth behind his death and bring closure to his unfinished business.
Demi Moore’s best and most iconic movie has to beGhost.This 1990romantic thrillerfollows Sam and Molly, a couple who are madly in love with each other. However,when Sam is murdered by his colleague, he must reach out from beyond the grave to ensure that his lover is not put into danger.Ghostis Moore’s highest-grossing movie to date, and earned $505 million at the box office.
Ghosthas remained popular because of its impressive and successful blending of genres. This movie is paranormal, romantic, and mysterious all rolled into one. Where other movies might have failed in balancing all these elements,Ghostdid it well. Furthermore,the movie has been cemented in pop culture due to its iconic shots of Patrick Swayze guiding Demi Moore’s handsas she crafts a ceramic. All in all,Ghostwas an unforgettable moment inDemi Moore’scareer.
