15 Essential Michelle Pfeiffer Movies: From Iconic Catwoman To Her Latest 2025 Streaming Success

Few Hollywood careers possess the enduring glamour and critical depth of Michelle Pfeiffer's. As of December 12, 2025, the three-time Oscar nominee continues to captivate audiences, effortlessly transitioning from Golden Age-style dramatic roles to blockbuster superhero franchises like the MCU. Her filmography is a masterclass in versatility, featuring everything from dark comedies to period dramas, and her latest projects—including a highly-anticipated 2025 holiday film—prove she remains one of the industry's most relevant and bankable stars.

This deep dive explores the most essential, critically acclaimed, and recent films that define her legacy, offering a fresh perspective on the performances that cemented her status as a true cinematic icon. We’ll cover the classic roles that earned her Oscar nods, her unforgettable turn as Catwoman, and her current slate of projects that keep her firmly in the spotlight today.

Michelle Pfeiffer: Profile and Biography

Michelle Marie Pfeiffer, an American actress and producer, has maintained a remarkable career spanning over four decades, earning her a reputation for both stunning beauty and formidable acting talent. Her ability to embody complex and often challenging characters has garnered her numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and three Academy Award nominations.

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• Birth Name: Michelle Marie Pfeiffer
• Date of Birth: April 29, 1958
• Birth Place: Santa Ana, California, U.S.
• Profession: Actress, Producer
• Spouse: David E. Kelley (m. 1993)
• Notable Awards/Nominations:
  • Academy Award Nominations: 3 (for Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Love Field)
  • Golden Globe Awards: 1 (Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama for The Fabulous Baker Boys)
  • BAFTA Award: 1 (Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Dangerous Liaisons)

The Golden Age: Critically Acclaimed and Oscar-Nominated Roles

Michelle Pfeiffer’s career is defined by a string of critically acclaimed performances in the late 1980s and early 1990s that showcased her dramatic range and established her as a leading lady. These films are essential viewing for any cinema enthusiast.

1. Scarface (1983) - The Breakout Role

While not her first film, Scarface is undeniably the performance that made Hollywood take notice. Pfeiffer played Elvira Hancock, the ice-cold, cocaine-addicted mistress of drug lord Frank Lopez and later Tony Montana (Al Pacino). Her portrayal of Elvira, a woman trapped by her own ambition and the lavish, destructive lifestyle, is mesmerizing and set the stage for her dramatic career.

2. Dangerous Liaisons (1988) - The First Oscar Nod

In this period drama, Pfeiffer played Madame de Tourvel, the virtuous and devout woman who becomes the target of a wicked seduction bet. Her performance earned her her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film, directed by Stephen Frears, is a masterclass in emotional manipulation and aristocratic deceit.

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3. The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) - The Defining Performance

Often cited as her career-best, Pfeiffer’s role as Susie Diamond, a cynical lounge singer who joins the Baker brothers’ (Jeff Bridges and Beau Bridges) act, earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe win. Her sultry, iconic performance on top of a piano remains one of the most memorable scenes in modern cinema. This film truly solidified her status as a dramatic powerhouse.

4. The Age of Innocence (1993) - A Return to Period Drama

Directed by cinematic master Martin Scorsese, Pfeiffer starred as Countess Ellen Olenska. Her delicate and emotionally resonant portrayal of a controversial divorcée in 1870s New York earned her widespread praise. Working with Daniel Day-Lewis, the film is a beautiful and tragic exploration of social constraints and forbidden love.

The Blockbuster Era: Iconic Characters and Franchise Roles

Pfeiffer has never shied away from high-profile, genre-defining roles, creating characters that have become permanent fixtures in pop culture.

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5. Batman Returns (1992) - The Unforgettable Catwoman

Under the direction of Tim Burton, Michelle Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle/Catwoman is arguably the most iconic cinematic depiction of the character. Replacing Annette Bening, Pfeiffer brought a perfect mix of vulnerability, dark comedy, and vengeful ferocity to the role, transforming from a meek secretary to a whip-cracking anti-heroine. Her performance remains a benchmark for comic book movie portrayals.

6. Hairspray (2007) - A Villainous Turn

In this musical comedy, Pfeiffer played Velma Von Tussle, the racist and manipulative manager of a television station. It was a fun, campy turn that allowed her to showcase her singing and dancing talents in a high-energy ensemble cast, proving her versatility across genres.

7. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) & Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) - The MCU Elder

Pfeiffer seamlessly entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Janet van Dyne, the original Wasp and wife of Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Her role provided a powerful emotional core to the *Ant-Man* films, establishing her as a respected, wise figure within the massive superhero franchise and introducing her to a new generation of fans.

8. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) - The Royal Antagonist

Starring opposite Angelina Jolie, Pfeiffer played Queen Ingrith, a cunning and manipulative royal who serves as the main antagonist. Her performance was praised for bringing a sophisticated, icy edge to the Disney fantasy sequel, proving she can command the screen even in a supporting role against another major star.

The Latest and Upcoming Projects (2024-2025)

Michelle Pfeiffer continues to work on compelling and current projects, ensuring her filmography remains fresh and relevant. Her upcoming slate includes a mix of dramatic thrillers and high-profile streaming comedies.

9. Oh. What. Fun. (2025) - The Polarizing Streaming Hit

This Christmas comedy, directed by Michael Showalter, has already generated significant buzz. Starring Pfeiffer alongside Felicity Jones and Chloë Grace Moretz, the film became an instant streaming success on Prime Video upon its release, despite receiving a polarizing reaction from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's immediate popularity underscores Pfeiffer's enduring draw for a mass audience, especially in the holiday genre.

10. Wild Four O'Clocks (TBA) - The Dramatic Thriller

In this highly anticipated drama, Pfeiffer is set to star as a grandmother forced to take care of her two young grandchildren after their father is incarcerated. The film promises a return to a more emotionally complex and grounded role, contrasting with her recent blockbuster work.

11. Turn of Mind (TBA) - The Psychological Mystery

Based on the best-selling novel, this project will see Pfeiffer star as a retired orthopedic surgeon suffering from Alzheimer’s who is forced to confront a murder investigation involving her best friend. This role is expected to be a demanding and powerful performance, tapping into her dramatic strengths.

12. Man Under (TBA) - A New Collaboration

While details remain scarce, this project is another indication of Pfeiffer's commitment to diverse and interesting roles outside of major franchises. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information on this film, which is listed as one of her current "in-development" projects.

Beyond the Mainstream: Cult Favorites and Essential Deep Cuts

A true measure of Pfeiffer's topical authority lies in her willingness to take on smaller, more challenging roles that have since gained cult status or critical re-evaluation.

• Married to the Mob (1988): Directed by Jonathan Demme, this dark comedy saw Pfeiffer play a mob wife trying to escape her life, earning her a Golden Globe nomination and showcasing her comedic timing.
• Frankie and Johnny (1991): Co-starring Al Pacino, this film allowed Pfeiffer to play a waitress with a troubled past, demonstrating a raw, understated emotional vulnerability that contrasted with her glamorous image.
• Stardust (2007): In this fantasy adventure, Pfeiffer played a wicked witch, a delightful turn that proved she could embrace a purely villainous, over-the-top character with gleeful abandon.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s filmography is a rich tapestry of iconic performances, from the sultry Elvira Hancock to the conflicted Janet van Dyne. Her consistent pursuit of challenging and diverse roles, coupled with her ongoing commitment to new, high-profile projects like Oh. What. Fun. and the upcoming dramas, ensures her legacy will continue to grow for years to come. She remains a cinematic force, effortlessly bridging the gap between classic Hollywood glamour and modern blockbuster appeal.