The Geena Davis Renaissance: Ranking Her 15 Most Iconic Movies And Must-Watch 2024-2025 Projects

Geena Davis, a two-time Oscar nominee and winner, is currently experiencing a powerful career resurgence, proving that her star power is as brilliant as ever in the mid-2020s. As of December 2025, the legendary actress is not just celebrated for her iconic, boundary-breaking roles of the past, but is actively shaping the future of cinema and television with high-profile projects that are generating significant buzz. This article delves into her complete filmography, ranking her most essential movies, and provides the latest updates on her 2024 and 2025 must-see releases.

The conversation around Geena Davis’s film legacy is more relevant than ever, especially with her recent appearances in major studio films and her commitment to gender equality in media through her influential Institute. From her breakout role in Tootsie to her groundbreaking work in Thelma & Louise and her exciting upcoming supernatural mystery series, *The Boroughs*, Davis continues to embody the powerful, complex female characters she fought to see on screen. Her career is a masterclass in selecting roles that are both entertaining and culturally resonant.

Geena Davis: A Complete Biography and Profile

Virginia Elizabeth "Geena" Davis, born on January 21, 1956, in Wareham, Massachusetts, is an American actress, producer, and former model. Her career trajectory from a talented Juilliard-trained drama student to an Academy Award-winning Hollywood icon is remarkable. Davis is not just celebrated for her acting prowess but also for her activism, notably founding the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (GDIGM) in 2004, a research-based organization working to increase the representation of female characters in media.

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• Full Name: Virginia Elizabeth Davis
• Date of Birth: January 21, 1956
• Place of Birth: Wareham, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Education: Boston University (B.A. in Drama)
• Career Start: Modeling, followed by her film debut in Tootsie (1982).
• Key Accolades:
  • Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (The Accidental Tourist, 1988)
  • Academy Award Nomination for Best Actress (Thelma & Louise, 1991)
  • Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Drama (Commander in Chief, 2005)
  • Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (2019)
• Notable Activism: Founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.

The Current and Upcoming Geena Davis Filmography (2024 & 2025)

The most exciting part of Geena Davis’s current career chapter is her return to high-profile, genre-bending projects. These roles demonstrate her versatility and appeal to a new generation of film and television lovers. Her commitment to diverse and interesting roles remains a hallmark of her work, even decades into her career.

The Must-See 2024 Thriller: Blink Twice

In 2024, Davis captivated audiences with her role in the psychological thriller Blink Twice, directed by Zoë Kravitz. The film, which features a cast including Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, offered Davis a chance to dive into a dark, mysterious narrative. Her performance in this modern thriller was praised for its intensity and was noted as a compelling choice that was perhaps "better than a Beetlejuice return" by some critics, showcasing her ability to elevate a genre film with her presence.

Upcoming Netflix Series: The Boroughs

Perhaps the most anticipated project is the Netflix supernatural mystery series The Boroughs. Developed by the Duffer Brothers, the creative minds behind Stranger Things, the show is set to star Davis alongside Alfred Molina. This series promises to be a major event, focusing on a group of unlikely heroes in a retirement community who must band together to protect their world from a supernatural threat. This marks a significant return to a major streaming platform for Davis and is a testament to her enduring appeal in high-concept storytelling.

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Other Noteworthy Recent and Future Projects

• Fairyland (2025): While the film premiered earlier, its wider release and impact are carrying into 2025. This independent drama, based on the memoir by Alysia Abbott, further solidifies her commitment to character-driven storytelling.
• Accidents Happen (TBA): Listed as a completed project, this film is one to watch for, demonstrating her continued work in independent cinema.

Ranking Geena Davis’s 15 Most Iconic and Essential Movies

Geena Davis's filmography is defined by roles that challenged gender stereotypes and often placed her at the center of the action or a powerful narrative. Her characters are frequently strong, independent, and complex, making her a feminist icon in cinema. Here is a ranked list of her most essential films, incorporating the depth of her career.

1. Thelma & Louise (1991): A cultural phenomenon and arguably her most iconic role. As Thelma Dickinson, Davis helped create a cinematic landmark about female friendship and rebellion. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for this role.
2. The Accidental Tourist (1988): This film earned Davis her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her portrayal of Muriel Pritchett, a quirky dog trainer who helps a travel writer heal after a tragedy, is deeply affecting and nuanced.
3. The Fly (1986): A landmark horror/sci-fi film directed by David Cronenberg. Davis’s role as Veronica Quaife, a science journalist and the love interest of the transforming scientist, showcased her dramatic range in a demanding genre.
4. A League of Their Own (1992): As Dottie Hinson, the talented catcher, Davis anchored this beloved film about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during WWII. The movie became a touchstone for discussions about women in sports and teamwork.
5. Beetlejuice (1988): Davis played the recently deceased Barbara Maitland, a gentle ghost who must deal with the chaos of a new, eccentric family in her home. This role is a perfect example of her early work in high-concept, imaginative films.
6. Tootsie (1982): Her film debut, playing the soap opera actress April Page. Though a supporting role, it launched her career and placed her in a classic comedy alongside Dustin Hoffman.
7. Quick Change (1990): A critically acclaimed, underrated crime comedy where Davis starred alongside Bill Murray and Randy Quaid. Her performance as Phyllis Potter, part of a trio planning a bank heist, proved her comedic timing was sharp.
8. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996): A high-octane action film written by her then-husband, Shane Black. Davis played Samantha Caine, an amnesiac schoolteacher who discovers she was once a deadly assassin. This role cemented her as a viable action star.
9. Commander in Chief (2005): While a television series, her Golden Globe-winning performance as the first female President of the United States, Mackenzie Allen, is a crucial part of her career and mission to portray powerful women.
10. Angie (1994): A romantic comedy-drama where Davis plays a woman who decides to have a baby with a man she barely knows. It was a vehicle that showcased her ability to carry a lighter, character-focused film.
11. Earth Girls Are Easy (1988): A quirky sci-fi musical comedy where she starred as Valerie Gail, a woman who discovers three aliens in her swimming pool. It’s a fun, cult classic demonstrating her early versatility.
12. Marjorie Prime (2017): A thoughtful, independent science fiction drama that explores memory and technology. Davis's mature, subtle performance was lauded by critics.
13. This Changes Everything (2018): Davis executive produced and appeared in this powerful documentary condemning sexism in the TV and film industry. Her work here is a direct extension of her lifelong activism.
14. Speechless (1994): A romantic comedy where she starred with Michael Keaton as rival political speechwriters who fall in love. It’s a charming, witty film that highlights her chemistry with her co-stars.
15. Ava (2020): A modern action thriller where Davis played Bobbi, a key supporting role alongside Jessica Chastain. This role is a great example of her continued presence in contemporary cinema.

The Lasting Impact: Geena Davis, Gender in Media, and Topical Authority

Geena Davis’s film choices and her off-screen work are inextricably linked, granting her immense topical authority on the subject of female representation. Her decision to take on roles like Thelma, Dottie Hinson, and President Allen was a deliberate attempt to showcase strong female leads. She has often spoken about the "Geena Davis effect"—the idea that seeing women in non-traditional roles on screen can influence real-world behavior and aspirations.

The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (GDIGM) continues to be a pioneering force, utilizing data and research to advocate for change. The Institute’s studies have consistently shown that while some progress has been made, films still often lack stories about women, particularly those over 40. Davis’s personal experience of "falling off the cliff" in roles after turning 40 directly inspired her activism, providing a powerful, honest perspective on the systemic ageism and sexism in Hollywood.

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Her recent work in projects like *Blink Twice* and *The Boroughs* is a direct reflection of her mission. By continuing to star in major projects, she challenges the industry's narrative about the viability of actresses as they age. This late-career surge is not just a personal triumph; it is a victory for the very cause she champions, proving that audiences want to see complex, compelling women of all ages on screen.