10 Essential Liv Tyler Movies: From Elven Princess To MCU's Returning Scientist In 2025

The film career of Liv Tyler is a captivating journey through the worlds of high-budget fantasy, indie drama, and blockbuster action, culminating in one of the most anticipated returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in over a decade. As of December 10, 2025, the biggest news surrounding the actress is her long-awaited reprisal of the character Dr. Betty Ross in the upcoming film, *Captain America: Brave New World*. This comeback marks her first film role since 2019 and a significant 16-year gap since she last played the character in *The Incredible Hulk* (2008), sparking immense curiosity among fans about her place in the new phase of the MCU.

From her breakout role as a moody teen in the 90s to her ethereal portrayal of an Elven princess, Tyler has established a unique and enduring presence in Hollywood. This article dives deep into her most essential movies and television roles, offering a complete profile of the star whose career is once again on a major upswing with her 2025 blockbuster return.

Liv Tyler: Complete Biography and Profile

Liv Tyler, born Liv Rundgren on July 1, 1977, in East Harlem, New York, is an American actress and former model.

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• Full Name: Liv Rundgren Tyler (Born Liv Rundgren)
• Date of Birth: July 1, 1977
• Birthplace: Portland, Maine (often cited) / New York City (born at Mount Sinai Hospital)
• Parents: Her mother is Bebe Buell, a model and singer. Her biological father is Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith. For the first decade of her life, she believed her father was musician Todd Rundgren.
• Early Career: Tyler began her career as a model at the age of 14, but quickly transitioned to acting. Her first major acting debut was in the psychological thriller *Silent Fall* (1994).
• Breakthrough Role: Her appearance in the Aerosmith music video for "Crazy" (1994) alongside Alicia Silverstone brought her widespread recognition before her film career fully took off.
• Key Relationships: She was in a relationship with actor Joaquin Phoenix (1995–1998) and was married to British musician Royston Langdon (2003–2008), with whom she has a son. She also has two children with sports agent David Gardner.

The Definitive List: 10 Essential Liv Tyler Movies

Liv Tyler’s filmography is marked by a blend of epic fantasy, emotional dramas, and major studio blockbusters. These ten films represent the most critical and memorable roles of her career, establishing her as a versatile and enduring Hollywood figure.

1. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001–2003) as Arwen Undómiel

This is arguably Liv Tyler's most iconic and globally recognized role. She played the half-Elven princess Arwen Undómiel in Peter Jackson’s monumental adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. Her character’s romance with Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) was a central emotional anchor of the trilogy, spanning *The Fellowship of the Ring*, *The Two Towers*, and *The Return of the King*. The role cemented her status as a fantasy icon and showcased her ability to convey ethereal grace and deep emotional commitment.

2. Armageddon (1998) as Grace Stamper

Directed by Michael Bay, this blockbuster disaster film was a major commercial hit that solidified Tyler’s status as a leading lady. She played Grace Stamper, the daughter of Bruce Willis’s character, Harry Stamper, and the love interest of Ben Affleck’s character, A.J. Frost. The film is a classic piece of late-90s cinema, and her emotional performance was central to the movie’s high-stakes drama.

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3. Captain America: Brave New World (2025) as Betty Ross

The most current and highly anticipated entry, *Captain America: Brave New World* is set to re-introduce Dr. Betty Ross to the MCU. Betty Ross is a scientist and the daughter of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, and she was the love interest of Bruce Banner/Hulk. Her return, after 16 years, is a huge event, signaling a potential major storyline involving the Hulk family and the rise of the Leader (Tim Blake Nelson). The film is currently scheduled for a February 14, 2025 theatrical release.

4. The Incredible Hulk (2008) as Betty Ross

Tyler’s first foray into the MCU (then just the early stages of the franchise) was in the 2008 film starring Edward Norton as Bruce Banner. Her portrayal of Betty Ross, a cellular biologist, was praised for bringing a grounded, emotional core to the superhero film. The long gap between this film and the 2025 sequel has only heightened the excitement for her character’s continuation.

5. Stealing Beauty (1996) as Lucy Harmon

This Bernardo Bertolucci-directed film was a critical turning point for Tyler. She starred as Lucy Harmon, an American teenager who travels to Tuscany after her mother’s death to reconnect with her past. The film was celebrated for its stunning cinematography and Tyler’s mesmerizing, subtle performance, which earned her significant critical praise and established her as an actress of substance beyond her modeling background.

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6. That Thing You Do! (1996) as Faye Dolan

Directed by Tom Hanks, this beloved musical comedy-drama is a nostalgic look at the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s band, The Wonders. Tyler played Faye Dolan, the girlfriend of the band’s lead singer, who serves as the emotional conscience of the group. Her role is a fan favorite, showcasing her charm and ability to anchor an ensemble cast in a feel-good film.

7. Empire Records (1995) as Corey Mason

A quintessential 90s cult classic, *Empire Records* follows a day in the life of the employees of an independent record store. Tyler played Corey Mason, an overachieving but troubled teen. The film, though not a box office hit initially, gained massive popularity on home video and is now celebrated for its soundtrack and depiction of 90s youth culture.

8. Heavy (1995) as Callie

An early indie film role, *Heavy* is a quiet, character-driven drama that showcased Tyler’s raw talent. She played Callie, a waitress who works at a small-town bar. The film was critically acclaimed, winning awards at the Sundance Film Festival and proving that Tyler could hold her own in serious, low-key dramatic roles shortly after her debut.

9. Ad Astra (2019) as Eve McBride

This science fiction drama, starring Brad Pitt, was Tyler’s most recent film role prior to her MCU return announcement. She played Eve McBride, the wife of Pitt’s character, Roy McBride. Although a smaller role, the film’s high-profile director (James Gray) and Oscar nominations ensured it was a notable entry late in her career before her hiatus.

10. Jersey Girl (2004) as Maya

A romantic comedy-drama directed by Kevin Smith, *Jersey Girl* paired Tyler with Ben Affleck again. She played Maya, a video store clerk who becomes romantically involved with a struggling father (Affleck). The film is a charming, if underrated, entry that highlights her natural chemistry and warmth in a romantic lead role.

Beyond the Big Screen: Liv Tyler's Major Television Roles

In the 2010s, Liv Tyler expanded her career significantly into high-profile, prestige television, proving her versatility across different genres and formats. These roles are essential to understanding the full scope of her acting talent:

• The Leftovers (2014–2017): Tyler starred as Meg Abbott in the critically acclaimed HBO supernatural drama series. Her portrayal of a woman who becomes a mysterious and radicalized member of the Guilty Remnant cult was a complex and challenging role that earned her significant praise.
• Harlots (2018–2019): She played Lady Isabella Fitzwilliam in the Hulu/BBC Two period drama set in 18th-century London. This role allowed her to explore a historical setting with a strong, dramatic character.
• Gunpowder (2017): Tyler starred in this three-part BBC period drama miniseries about the Gunpowder Plot, alongside Kit Harington.
• 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020): She took on a main role as emergency medical services (EMS) captain Michelle Blake in the first season of the Fox procedural drama, showcasing her ability to lead a contemporary network series.

The arc of Liv Tyler’s career is one of continuous evolution. From the early indie success of *Heavy* and the cultural touchstone of *Empire Records* to the global phenomenon of the *Lord of the Rings* trilogy and her blockbuster status in *Armageddon*, she has consistently chosen roles that challenge her. Her current return to the MCU in *Captain America: Brave New World* is not just a nostalgic casting choice; it is a powerful statement about her enduring relevance and her ability to anchor major cinematic events. Fans eagerly await the 2025 release, which promises to be the next major chapter in the fascinating filmography of Liv Tyler.