Betty White's 10 Best Movies, Ranked

April 28, 2024, 12:15 p.m.

Movies

Betty White's 10 Best Movies, Ranked

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Summary Betty White's film career spanned decades, showcasing her versatility in genres from rom-coms to animated classics like Ponyo.

Her role in films like "Hard Rain" and "The Proposal" highlighted White's ability to deliver both comedic and dramatic performances.

White's voice work in films like "The Lorax" and "Toy Story 4" cemented her status as an entertainment icon beloved by audiences of all ages.

With a career that lasted more than 80 years, Betty White was the most recognizable elderly woman showbusiness had ever seen and was a mainstay of popular culture for generations. While White was best known as Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls and for her many television appearances, she also had an impressive film career with memorable roles in animated movies, comedies, and dramas. A true icon of the entertainment industry, White was beloved by viewers of all ages and continued to appear in movies until shortly before she passed away in 2021 at the age of 99.

White’s film career dated as far back as 1945, and in the era of black-and-white movies, she starred alongside screen legends such as Henry Fonda and Charles Laughton. Following her major television success during the 1980s, White started taking on more film roles and proved her skill as a comedian as well as her lesser-seen amazing dramatic skill. While White was often typecast as an elderly lady in grandmother roles, she frequently subverted these parts by delivering hilarious and memorable performances that solidified White’s reputation as an icon of popular culture.

10 Hard Rain (1998)

Betty White as Doreen Sears

Hard Rain Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Mikael Salomon Release Date January 16, 1998 Cast Morgan Freeman , Christian Slater , Randy Quaid , Minnie Driver

It’s incredible to see how many genres Betty White has worked within, and that’s why it was such a treat to see her show up in the action thriller Hard Rain. As a heist story set during a major natural disaster, Hard Rain followed an Indiana gang who tried to pull off a three-million-dollar robbery while their town was being evacuated due to major flooding and intense storms. Jim (Morgan Freeman) and Tom (Christian Slater) played the armored truck driver uncle and nephew caught in the middle trying to protect the money without losing their lives in the storm.

White gave a committed performance as a staunch older lady who refused to play into stereotypes of a meek and helpless senior citizen.

Betty White played the elderly resident Doreen Sears, who, along with her husband Henry, refused to evacuate and were desperately trying to protect their property from the storm and thieves. Although it was only a minor role, White gave a committed performance as a staunch older lady who refused to play into stereotypes of a meek and helpless senior citizen in this special effects-filled financial flop. Despite White’s performance, Hard Rain was derided by critics and grossed just $19.9 million (via Box Office Mojo) against its $70 million budget.

9 The Lorax (2012)

Betty White as Grammy Norma

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Chris Renaud , Kyle Balda Release Date March 1, 2012 Cast Danny DeVito , Ed Helms , Zac Efron Taylor Swift , Betty White , Rob Riggle Runtime 95 minutes

Betty White was a true entertainment icon, and her voice was just as recognizable as her image, which can be seen through her many acclaimed voice roles in movies like The Lorax. Based on the beloved children’s book by Dr. Seuss, The Lorax was a powerful environmentalist tale about 12-year-old Ted on a quest to find a real tree to impress the girl of his dreams; however, along the way, he discovered the story of the Lorax. While The Lorax delivered solid family entertainment, some of the simple morality of Seuss’s story was lost through its over-the-top animation style.

White gave a memorable supporting performance as Ted’s wise-cracking grandmother, Grammy Norma, who helped add humor to this zany environmental allegory about the devastating consequences of industrialism. However, unlike DeVito as the Lorax, White only voiced her character in the English language version. With an impressive level of commitment, DeVito rerecorded his dialogue for the Russian, German, Italian, Catalan/Valencian, Castilian Spanish, and Latin-Spanish dub editions of The Lorax.

8 The Story Of Us (1999)

Betty White as Lillian Jordan

The Story Of Us (1999) A couple contemplates divorce after 15 years of marriage, reflecting on how they reached this point through a series of vignettes that explore their happiest and most challenging moments. Their story is a candid look at the struggles of marriage, parenthood, and the constant balancing act between wants and needs. Director Rob Reiner Release Date October 15, 1999 Cast Bruce Willis , Michelle Pfeiffer , Colleen Rennison , Jake Sandvig , Rob Reiner , Rita Wilson , Julie Hagerty , Tim Matheson Runtime 95 minutes

The Story of Us was a mostly forgotten romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner, who had previously made classic films such as The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally… With Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer in the starring roles, The Story of Us showed a couple who had been married for 15 years whose love story was depicted through a series of non-linear flashbacks as they addressed the camera directly to tell the real story of how they felt. A mostly predictable vision of middle-aged marriage anxiety, The Story of Us lacked the emotional resonance of Reiner’s best work.

Betty White played Ben’s (Willis) mother, Lillian, in The Story of Us, whose hilarious insight into the hardships of marriage guided her son as he tried to patch things up with his wife. While there’s a great concept at the center of The Story of Us, this 1995 rom-com failed to make much of an impact because the chemistry between Willis and Pfeiffer was just off, and the emotional moments never landed as they were meant to. While The Story of Us was about a marriage worth saving, this concept alone was not enough to save it.

7 Annie’s Point (2005)

Betty White as Annie Eason

Annie’s Point (2005) Annie Eason, a spirited widow, embarks on a cross-country road trip to fulfill her late husband's last wish of having his ashes scattered over a specific cliff. Joined unexpectedly by her granddaughter, the two bond, bridging generational gaps and healing old wounds. Director Michael Switzer Release Date January 22, 2005 Cast Betty White , Richard Thomas , Amy Davidson Runtime 88 minutes

Even though Betty White had countless roles across film and television, besides her most famous portrayals in shows like The Golden Girls, it was not often that she was the lead character and was usually restricted to supporting roles. However, even at the ripe old age of 83, White showed she still had what it took to take the lead as Annie Eason in the made-for-TV movie Annie’s Point. As a family-friendly road trip film, Annie’s Point was enough to warm the heart of even the most embittered viewer.

Annie’s Point told the story of an overworked CEO named Richard Eason, who did not have nearly enough time to spend with his mother Annie (White), and his daughter Ella. However, after finding out Annie and Ella have embarked on an ill-planned adventurous road trip, he must track them down on a journey that will bring all of them closer together. Annie’s Point didn’t break down any boundaries when it came to storytelling, but to see White excel in a leading role at such an advanced age made this sentimental movie all the more enjoyable.

6 The Lost Valentine (2011)

Betty White as Caroline Robinson Thomas

The Lost Valentine (2011) A television reporter's routine assignment turns into a life-changing journey as she helps a widow uncover the truth about her husband, a pilot lost in WWII. The investigation begins to shine a light on both of their lives, changing them for the better. Director Darnell Martin Release Date January 30, 2011 Cast Jennifer Love Hewitt , Betty White , Sean Faris , Billy Magnussen Runtime 100 minutes

While Betty White was beloved for her incredible comedic skill, White showcased her impressive dramatic side in the Hallmark made-for-TV movie The Lost Valentine. White played the elderly Caroline Robinson Thomas, a grieving widow whose US Navy pilot husband was still officially missing in action from the Pacific Theater of War in 1944. As a TV journalist, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, sought to tell her story, the devastating truth of her husband’s story was revealed with powerful vulnerability.

At the same time, The Lost Valentine told the story of a romance between Susan (Love Hewitt) and Caroline’s son Lucas (Sean Farris). However, White was the main reason to check out this movie, as her sympathetic, heart-wrenching portrayal of a woman who sought answers for decades rose above its made-for-TV material. While viewers always knew White could be funny, it was rare that she led viewers to tears with performances like in The Lost Valentine.

5 The Proposal (2009)

Betty White as Annie Paxton

the proposal After being threatened with deportation back to Canada, Margaret Tate tries forcing her assistant to marry him so she can keep her US visa. The Proposal was released in 2009 and stars Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Celebrities Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and Betty White also appear in the Anne Fletcher-directed film. Director Anne Fletcher Release Date June 19, 2009 Cast Sandra Bullock , Ryan Reynolds , Betty White Runtime 108minutes

One of Betty White’s most memorable film roles came in the romantic comedy The Proposal, which told the story of executive Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), whose assistant Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) must pose as his fiancé. White played Andrew’s eccentric grandmother, Annie, who, along with the rest of the family, was surprised to learn about Andrew’s sudden engagement. While The Proposal was slightly formulaic, it made up for its fault with hilarious moments throughout.

Most of the standout scenes from The Proposal came from White as Grandma Annie, such as her participation in a rain dance with Bullock’s character as they hilariously dance and sing “Get Low” by Lil Jon. Annie was also central to mending Andrew and Margaret’s broken relationship, as she faked a heart attack to get them to reconcile with one another. White was one of the best parts of The Proposal and ensured that it stood out among all the other romantic comedies of its kind.

4 Ponyo (2008)

Betty White as Yoshie

With so many incredible achievements already under her belt, Betty White even left her mark on the acclaimed Japanese animation production company Studio Ghibli with a voice role in Ponyo. In a powerful story full of magical realism by director Hayao Miyazaki, White gave her voice to Yoshie, a senior citizen in Sosuke’s city, in the English dub of Ponyo. With a fascinating story about a goldfish who escaped from the ocean and became a human girl, Ponyo was a stunningly poetic fairy tale.

Although White did not have a major role in Ponyo, Yoshie’s jovial and bubbly personality helped add levity as the consequences of Ponyo’s actions which caused the sea levels to rise and put citizens’ lives in danger. With spectacular visuals and fantastical elements, Ponyo was a film that could be enjoyed by viewers of all ages and stood as one of the very best Studio Ghibli movies. White’s contribution was a delight, and she was joined by other stars like Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, and Liam Neeson in the English voice cast.

3 Lake Placid (1999)

Betty White as Mrs. Delores Bickerman

Lake Placid Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Director Steve Miner Release Date July 15, 1999 Cast Bill Pullman , Bridget Fonda , Oliver Platt , Brendan Gleeson , Betty White , David Lewis , Meredith Salenger Writers David E. Kelley

Betty White entered the realm of the horrific with her role as Delores Bickerman in the gigantic crocodile movie Lake Placid. An intense comedy horror, Lake Placid saw the residents of Black Lake overwhelmed by a terrifying beast that police and scientists struggled to bring down. While Lake Placid was derivative of Jaws and every other menacing monster movies that followed it, it showcased White in a different kind of role as she fed a blindfolded cow to the giant croc.

White’s character of Delores was actually the source of the entire disaster, as she had been feeding the creature for years, helping to build it up to its ginormous size, and it eventually ate her husband. Delores was placed under house arrest for lying to the police while they tried to sort out her insanely dangerous mess. Lake Placid was derided by critics at the time of its release, but looking back on it today, it was filled with plenty of over-the-top campy monster fun.

2 Toy Story 4 (2019)

Betty White as Bitey White

Toy Story 4 Where to Watch *Availability in US stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available Josh Cooley directed the fourth installment in the Toy Story series and the direct sequel to 2010's Toy Story 3. Once again starring the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Annie Potts, 2019's Toy Story 4 sees Woody struggling to adapt to his new life as one of Bonnie's toys, as Andy heads off to college. Director Josh Cooley Release Date June 21, 2019 Cast Patricia Arquette , Tim Allen , Kristen Schaal , Estelle Harris , Jodi Benson , Tony Hale , Blake Clark , Jeff Pidgeon , Joan Cusack , Laurie Metcalf , Tom Hanks Annie Potts , Jeff Garlin , Bonnie Hunt , Wallace Shawn Runtime 1h 40m

At the age of 97, it was incredible that Betty White was able to end her career in one of the most acclaimed animated film series of all time with a role in Toy Story 4. White played the supporting role of Bitey White, a yellow teething ring toy in the shape of a tiger that was named in her honor. As one of Bonnie’s toys from when she was just a baby, Bitey White was mostly stashed away in the closet, gathering dust after not being played with for years.

White’s unforgettable voice was immediately recognizable as she eased Woody’s mental anguish when he learned that Bonnie preferred other toys over him. Bitey White even showed up in other Pixar projects like the short Lamp Life and the series Forky Asks a Question, which highlighted White’s special reverence within the world of Disney. A beautiful way to bookend a fantastic career, White’s final film appearance in the Toy Story franchise was a testament to her unmatched legacy within popular culture.

1 Advise & Consent (1962)

Betty White as Senator Bessie Adams

Advise & Consent (1962) In this political drama, a controversial nominee for Secretary of State prompts fierce debates and investigations in the U.S. Senate. As the members dig deeper, secrets emerge, testing the various allegiances of political colleagues. Director Otto Preminger Release Date June 6, 1962 Cast Henry Fonda , Charles Laughton , Don Murray , Walter Pidgeon , Peter Lawford , Gene Tierney , Franchot Tone , Lew Ayres , Burgess Meredith , Eddie Hodges Runtime 139 minutes

While for modern audiences it seemed like Betty White was eternally an old lady, her greatest film role came long before she was known as the most famous Golden Girl. In 1962, a young White gave a powerful performance as Senator Bessie Adams of Kansas in Advice & Consent, a thrilling political drama based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Allen Drury. With a cast that included Henry Fonda and Charles Laughton, Advice & Consent was an impressive depiction of a polarizing search for a new Secretary of State.

White played a strong-willed senator who refused to be silenced by sexism and gender expectations.

White played a strong-willed senator who refused to be silenced by sexism and gender expectations in a strong supporting performance as she addressed the court. Advice & Consent was an effective look at the complexities of the United States Senate that shed light on many contemporary issues. As a powerful showcase of White’s impressive screen presence in a non-comedic role, Advice & Consent proved that Betty White could excel across all genres and styles.

Source: Box Office Mojo