15 Must-See Reese Witherspoon Movies And TV Shows: From Oscar Gold To Her Latest 2025 Projects

Reese Witherspoon continues to be one of Hollywood's most powerful and prolific figures, seamlessly blending her career as a powerhouse actress with her role as a successful producer through her company, Hello Sunshine. As of late 2025, her influence on film and television is undeniable, with a slate of highly anticipated projects that promise to dominate the next few years. This article dives into the essential Witherspoon filmography—the roles that defined her career—and provides the most up-to-date information on her upcoming movies and TV shows, ensuring you don't miss her next big hit. The current landscape of Witherspoon’s career is marked by a dual focus: continuing her award-winning acting on streaming platforms and expanding her production empire, which champions female-driven narratives. From the highly anticipated fifth season of a major Apple TV+ drama to a new blockbuster comedy with a Hollywood legend, the Academy Award winner is showing no signs of slowing down.

Reese Witherspoon: A Complete Biography and Profile

The actress, producer, and entrepreneur known professionally as Reese Witherspoon was born Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon on March 22, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was raised in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of a surgeon, John Draper Witherspoon, and a nursing professor, Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Reese. Her early life in the South has often been cited as an inspiration for many of her roles and her distinctive charm. She began her acting career at a remarkably young age, landing her first leading role in the film *The Man in the Moon* (1991) at just 14 years old. After graduating from the Harpeth Hall School, she briefly attended Stanford University as an English Literature major before dedicating herself fully to acting. This early foundation in both the arts and education has informed her career choices and her passion for literature, which later led to the creation of her massively popular Reese's Book Club.

• Full Name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon
• Born: March 22, 1976
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur
• Notable Accolades: Academy Award (Best Actress), Golden Globe Award, Primetime Emmy Award, BAFTA Award
• Production Company: Hello Sunshine (Founded 2016)
• Breakthrough Role: *The Man in the Moon* (1991)

The Iconic Roles That Defined Reese Witherspoon’s Career

Reese Witherspoon’s career is a masterclass in versatility, moving effortlessly from romantic comedy queen to critically acclaimed dramatic powerhouse. Her filmography includes a rich tapestry of characters who are often driven, complex, and deeply memorable.

The Early Defining Performances (1999–2002)

The late 1990s and early 2000s cemented Witherspoon’s status as a leading lady. Her performance as the ruthlessly ambitious high schooler Tracy Flick in the satire *Election* (1999) earned her critical adoration and a Golden Globe nomination. This was quickly followed by the dark teen drama *Cruel Intentions* (1999), where she played the innocent Annette Hargrove. The role that arguably launched her into global superstardom, however, was as the fashion-savvy, determined law student Elle Woods in *Legally Blonde* (2001). This movie became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions and solidifying her ability to carry a major studio comedy. She continued this success with the charming romantic comedy *Sweet Home Alabama* (2002), further proving her box office appeal.

Oscar Glory and Dramatic Triumphs (2005–2014)

In 2005, Witherspoon delivered a career-defining performance as June Carter Cash alongside Joaquin Phoenix’s Johnny Cash in the musical biopic *Walk the Line*. Her portrayal earned her the Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, marking her transition into an elite tier of dramatic performers. A decade later, she took on another challenging dramatic role, playing Cheryl Strayed in the adaptation of the memoir *Wild* (2014). This role, which she also produced, earned her a second Academy Award nomination and showcased her commitment to telling powerful, female-led stories.

Reese Witherspoon’s Television and Production Renaissance

The mid-2010s marked a pivotal shift in Witherspoon’s career as she moved into television production, primarily through her company, Hello Sunshine. Founded in 2016, the company’s mission is to put women at the center of every story, and it has been responsible for some of the most critically and commercially successful limited series of the past decade.

The Era of Prestige Television

Her move to television was a massive success, starting with the HBO series *Big Little Lies* (2017–2019), where she starred as Madeline Martha Mackenzie alongside Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley. The show, which she also executive produced, won multiple Emmy Awards and Golden Globes. She continued this streak with the Hulu limited series *Little Fires Everywhere* (2020), starring opposite Kerry Washington, and the Apple TV+ flagship drama, *The Morning Show* (2019–Present), where she plays the ambitious journalist Bradley Jackson alongside Jennifer Aniston’s Alex Levy. *The Morning Show* has been a critical darling and a major anchor for the streaming service.

The Most Anticipated Upcoming Reese Witherspoon Projects (2025–2027)

The future is incredibly busy for Witherspoon, both in front of and behind the camera. Her current slate of projects is arguably the most exciting of her career, blending high-profile sequels with new, original content.

1. The Morning Show Season 5 (TV Series)

The highly acclaimed drama *The Morning Show* has been officially greenlit for a fifth season. Witherspoon will return as Bradley Jackson, continuing the complex, high-stakes narrative of morning news anchors in a post-pandemic, media-saturated world. While a release date is not yet confirmed, production is expected to be underway soon, suggesting a late 2026 or 2027 premiere.

2. You're Cordially Invited (Film)

Scheduled for a 2025 release, *You're Cordially Invited* is a major comedy film where Witherspoon will star alongside Will Ferrell. The plot centers on two weddings booked for the same venue on the same day, leading to inevitable chaos. This marks a fun return to her comedic roots.

3. Legally Blonde 3 (Film)

The long-awaited sequel, *Legally Blonde 3*, is still officially in development, with Witherspoon set to reprise her iconic role as Elle Woods. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Elle's life, with the script being penned by Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor.

4. Polly Pocket (Film)

Her production company, Hello Sunshine, has joined the live-action *Polly Pocket* movie project, with Lena Dunham set to direct and Lily Collins attached to star. This move further expands Hello Sunshine’s reach into family-friendly content.

5. New Thriller Novel and Collaboration

In late 2024, Witherspoon announced two major literary-focused projects: she is penning her first novel for adults, and she is also teaming up with bestselling thriller author Harlan Coben for a new, as-yet-untitled thriller project. This indicates a strong focus on her passion for books and storytelling.

The Essential Reese Witherspoon Filmography: 15 Key Roles

This list highlights the breadth of her career, from her early breakout to her recent streaming successes.

1. *The Man in the Moon* (1991)
2. *Pleasantville* (1998)
3. *Cruel Intentions* (1999)
4. *Election* (1999) - Tracy Flick
5. *Legally Blonde* (2001) - Elle Woods
6. *Sweet Home Alabama* (2002)
7. *Walk the Line* (2005) - June Carter Cash (Academy Award Winner)
8. *Rendition* (2007)
9. *Water for Elephants* (2011)
10. *Mud* (2013)
11. *Wild* (2014) - (Academy Award Nominee)
12. *Big Little Lies* (TV Series, 2017–2019) - Madeline Martha Mackenzie
13. *The Morning Show* (TV Series, 2019–Present) - Bradley Jackson
14. *Little Fires Everywhere* (TV Series, 2020)
15. *Your Place or Mine* (2023)