Let’s face it: Meryl Streep is not just a legend. She’s the legend. A force of nature. A living, breathing acting masterclass.
Honestly, if Meryl Streep doesn’t make you believe in talent, then maybe you need a new hobby—like knitting or watching paint dry.
For over four decades, she’s graced our screens, showcasing her incredible range and making us wonder if she could play any role better than anyone else.
But if we had to pick three roles that cemented her status as the Queen of Acting, here are the ones that made us say, “Yep, she’s a legend.”
1. The Devil Wears Prada (2006): The Fashion Icon We Love to Fear
Meryl’s portrayal of Miranda Priestly, the ice-cold editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, is what we now refer to as “iconic.”
You don’t just play Miranda Priestly—you become her. You channel her icy stare, her ability to speak in sentences that are simultaneously condescending and flawless, and the sheer power that comes with controlling the fashion world with just a raised eyebrow.
Let’s be real: we all wanted to work for Miranda (just for a second, though—before realizing we’d be fired on the spot for asking if we could get her a coffee with “less foam”).
Meryl’s performance made us realize that true power doesn’t require shouting. Sometimes, it just requires a look.
A look that says, “You will get me my coffee, and you will love it.” And if you didn’t love it, you could just be replaced by another, younger assistant. Cue the shivers.
2. Mamma Mia! (2008): The World’s Most Magical ABBA Dance Party
From cold-blooded Miranda to free-spirited Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia!, Meryl proves that there’s literally no role she can’t conquer.
Who knew Meryl Streep could sing and dance her way into our hearts? In Mamma Mia!, she’s living her best life on a Greek island, surrounded by enough ABBA hits to make even the most stubborn dancer tap their foot. T
he woman can belt out “Dancing Queen” like it’s her second job, and somehow, she makes you believe every word.
Her performance as Donna is pure joy—watching her swing around that island in a fabulous boho outfit, leading her band of merry (and often confused) men, and still making us believe that this is the happiest woman ever—despite the fact that she’s essentially juggling three ex-lovers.
Who else could pull this off? Spoiler alert: only Meryl. Mamma Mia! (The sequel, too) might be one of the most fun films ever made, and that’s all thanks to Meryl’s energy and infectious spirit.
Plus, those dance moves—chef’s kiss.
3. The Iron Lady (2011): A Masterclass in Transformations
Now, let’s talk about transformations. If there was ever a moment when Meryl proved she was an acting goddess, it was when she took on the role of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.
It wasn’t just the accent (which, of course, she nailed)—it was the way she brought this incredibly complex political figure to life. Meryl doesn’t just play Thatcher; she becomes her.
You stop seeing Meryl Streep on screen and start seeing Margaret Thatcher’s steely resolve, political savvy, and unrelenting ambition.
But here’s the real kicker—Meryl made us feel for Margaret Thatcher. Even though her policies and decisions divided a nation, Meryl’s performance made us see the human side of the Iron Lady.
Meryl gave us a nuanced portrayal of a woman at the top of her game—who also had to grapple with the loneliness and sacrifices that come with it. If this wasn’t the role that earned her another Oscar, then honestly, we don’t know what would.
Meryl literally becomes the Iron Lady, and you believe every second of it.