Meryl Streep, the Meryl Streep! Guys, who hasn't been blown away by her performances? From drama to comedy, she nails every single role. So, if you're like me and can't get enough of her, you're in the right place. We're diving into a year-by-year look at her incredible movie career. Let's get started!

1970s: The Beginning of a Legend

The 1970s marked the beginning of Meryl Streep's illustrious career, showcasing her raw talent and versatility right from the start. These early roles, though sometimes small, hinted at the powerhouse she would become, laying the foundation for her future success. Think about it, every great actor starts somewhere, and for Meryl, it was a decade of exploration and honing her craft. She wasn't an overnight sensation; she put in the work, taking on diverse roles and learning from every experience. This period is super important because it demonstrates her dedication and willingness to take risks, qualities that have defined her entire career. You can almost see the seeds of brilliance being planted in these early performances. What's also cool is seeing the types of films she was involved with – a mix of dramas, thrillers, and comedies, showing she wasn't afraid to jump into different genres. It really highlights her adaptability and the fact that she was always pushing herself to try new things. These movies might not be as famous as her later work, but they're totally worth checking out to appreciate the full scope of her talent and how far she's come. Plus, it's just fun to see a young Meryl on screen, figuring things out and already captivating audiences with her presence. So, while the '80s and beyond brought her massive fame, let’s not forget these crucial early years that set the stage for one of the greatest acting careers of all time.

• 1977: Julia (Uncredited)
• 1978: The Deer Hunter
• 1979: Manhattan, The Seduction of Joe Tynan, Kramer vs. Kramer

1980s: Rising to Superstardom

The 1980s were a transformative decade for Meryl Streep, solidifying her status as a global superstar. This was the era when she truly came into her own, delivering unforgettable performances that earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Seriously, this is when everyone started to realize she wasn't just good – she was exceptional. Think about movies like Sophie's Choice. That performance? Absolutely heartbreaking and a testament to her incredible range. But it wasn't just about the dramatic roles; she also showed her versatility in comedies like She-Devil, proving she could make audiences laugh just as easily as she could make them cry. What's fascinating about this period is how she consistently chose roles that challenged her, pushing her boundaries and showcasing her ability to embody a wide array of characters. Each film seemed to elevate her even further, building on her reputation as a fearless and dedicated actress. The '80s weren't just about fame for Meryl; they were about solidifying her craft and proving that she could handle any role thrown her way. It’s also interesting to note how she navigated the industry during this time, making smart choices that allowed her to maintain artistic integrity while still achieving mainstream success. This decade really cemented her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of all time. So, if you want to see Meryl at the peak of her powers, the 1980s are a must-watch. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. These movies are not just entertainment; they're a masterclass in acting.

• 1981: The French Lieutenant's Woman
• 1982: Still of the Night, Sophie's Choice
• 1983: Silkwood
• 1984: Falling in Love
• 1985: Plenty, Out of Africa
• 1986: Heartburn
• 1987: Ironweed
• 1988: A Cry in the Dark
• 1989: She-Devil

1990s: Continued Success and New Directions

The 1990s saw Meryl Streep continuing her reign as one of Hollywood's most respected and sought-after actresses. This decade was marked by a mix of critically acclaimed dramas and commercially successful films, showcasing her ability to balance artistic integrity with mainstream appeal. Seriously, she just kept knocking it out of the park! Think about The Bridges of Madison County. Such a beautiful and poignant film, and Meryl's performance was just stunning. It showed her ability to convey deep emotion with such subtlety and grace. But what's also cool about the '90s is that she started to explore different types of roles, experimenting with lighter fare and even venturing into action territory with The River Wild. This decade really highlighted her versatility and her willingness to take risks, even after achieving so much success. She wasn't content to just rest on her laurels; she kept pushing herself to try new things and challenge audience expectations. It's also worth noting how she continued to work with some of the best directors and actors in the industry, further solidifying her reputation as a true professional and a force to be reckoned with. The '90s were a testament to her enduring talent and her ability to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry. So, if you want to see Meryl continue to evolve and surprise you, the 1990s are definitely worth exploring. She proves that even after years in the business, she still had plenty of new tricks up her sleeve. She wasn't afraid to reinvent herself and keep things fresh, which is why she remains such an icon to this day.

• 1990: Postcards from the Edge
• 1991: Defending Your Life
• 1992: Death Becomes Her
• 1993: The House of the Spirits
• 1994: The River Wild
• 1995: The Bridges of Madison County
• 1996: Before and After, Marvin's Room
• 1997: …First Do No Harm
• 1998: Dancing at Lughnasa, One True Thing
• 1999: Music of the Heart

2000s: A New Era of Acclaim

The 2000s brought a new wave of acclaim for Meryl Streep, as she continued to deliver powerful and memorable performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike. This decade saw her taking on a diverse range of roles, from complex dramatic characters to hilarious comedic ones, proving that her talent knew no bounds. Seriously, guys, she was on fire! Think about The Devil Wears Prada. Iconic, right? Her portrayal of Miranda Priestly was just pitch-perfect, blending icy authority with subtle vulnerability. It's a performance that everyone remembers and quotes to this day. But it wasn't just about the big, flashy roles; she also delivered nuanced and heartfelt performances in films like Adaptation and The Hours, showcasing her ability to delve into the complexities of human emotion. What's also fascinating about this period is how she embraced more contemporary stories, tackling issues that were relevant to modern audiences. She wasn't afraid to take on challenging subjects and bring them to life with her signature intelligence and sensitivity. The 2000s were a testament to her enduring relevance and her ability to connect with audiences of all ages. So, if you want to see Meryl at her most versatile and captivating, the 2000s are a must-watch. She proves that even after decades in the business, she was still at the top of her game, constantly reinventing herself and surprising us with her incredible talent. She wasn't just a legend; she was a living, breathing force of nature.

• 2001: Artificial Intelligence: AI
• 2002: Adaptation., The Hours
• 2003: Stuck on You
• 2004: The Manchurian Candidate, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
• 2005: Prime
• 2006: A Prairie Home Companion, The Devil Wears Prada
• 2007: Evening, Rendition
• 2008: Mamma Mia!, Doubt
• 2009: Julie & Julia, It's Complicated

2010s: Staying Power and Modern Roles

The 2010s were a testament to Meryl Streep's incredible staying power and her ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. This decade saw her taking on a mix of challenging and commercially successful roles, proving that she could still captivate audiences with her talent and versatility. Seriously, she just doesn't quit! Think about The Iron Lady. Her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher was nothing short of transformative, earning her yet another Academy Award. It showed her dedication to her craft and her ability to completely embody a character, both physically and emotionally. But it wasn't just about the serious roles; she also had fun with lighter fare like Hope Springs and Florence Foster Jenkins, showcasing her comedic timing and her willingness to poke fun at herself. What's also cool about the 2010s is that she continued to work with some of the best directors and actors in the business, further solidifying her reputation as a true professional and a force to be reckoned with. This decade was a testament to her enduring talent and her ability to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry. She proves that even after decades in the business, she still had plenty of new tricks up her sleeve. She wasn't afraid to reinvent herself and keep things fresh, which is why she remains such an icon to this day. Meryl continued to surprise and delight audiences with her choices. She took on roles that were both challenging and entertaining, and she never stopped pushing herself to be better. That's what makes her such an inspiration to so many people.

• 2011: The Iron Lady
• 2012: Hope Springs
• 2013: August: Osage County
• 2014: The Homesman, Into the Woods, The Giver
• 2015: Ricki and the Flash, Suffragette
• 2016: Florence Foster Jenkins
• 2017: The Post
• 2018: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Mary Poppins Returns
• 2019: Little Women, The Laundromat

2020s: Continuing the Legacy

The 2020s mark another chapter in Meryl Streep's extraordinary career, as she continues to grace the screen with her unparalleled talent and dedication. Even now, she's still wowing us all! Think about Let Them All Talk. It was such a unique and interesting film, and Meryl's performance was just captivating. It showed her ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most subtle of roles. What's also cool about this period is that she's continuing to work with some of the most exciting and innovative filmmakers in the industry, proving that she's always looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow as an artist. She's not just resting on her laurels; she's constantly pushing herself to explore new territory and experiment with different types of roles. It's this kind of commitment and passion that has kept her at the top of her game for so many years. The 2020s are a testament to her enduring legacy and her ability to remain a vital and relevant force in the world of cinema. So, if you want to see Meryl continue to surprise and inspire you, be sure to keep an eye out for her latest projects. She's not going anywhere anytime soon, and we can't wait to see what she does next. Her career is a masterclass in longevity and reinvention, and she continues to set the standard for actors everywhere.

• 2020: The Prom, Let Them All Talk
• 2021: Don't Look Up