From Teen Icon To Director: The Most Shocking & Essential Julia Stiles Movies And TV Shows (2024 Update)

Julia Stiles has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most enduring and versatile talents, consistently reinventing her career from a 90s teen queen to a Golden Globe-nominated dramatic actress, and now, a feature film director. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, her career is experiencing one of its most exciting shifts yet, moving behind the camera while still taking on compelling new roles on screen. This deep dive explores her most iconic performances and spotlights the fresh, must-see projects that define her current era.

The information here is current and up-to-date for December 2025, capturing her latest work that demonstrates a powerful pivot in her creative journey. From the sun-drenched French Riviera to the high-stakes world of espionage, Stiles’ filmography is a masterclass in genre-hopping, proving her ability to captivate audiences across nearly three decades.

Julia Stiles: Biography and Profile Overview

• Full Name: Julia O’Hara Stiles
• Date of Birth: March 28, 1981
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Career Start: Began acting professionally at age 11 as part of New York’s La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club.
• Education: Graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English Literature (2005).
• Key Career Highlights: Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Dexter), Satellite Award nomination (The Business of Strangers), two IAWTV Awards for Best Actress (Blue).
• Recent Work: Directorial debut with Wish You Were Here (2025), starring role in Orphan: First Kill (2022), and a part in the upcoming film Chosen Family (2024).
• Spouse: Preston J. Cook (m. 2017)

The New Era: Directorial Debut and Latest Film Projects (2024–2025)

The most significant development in Julia Stiles’ recent career is her transition into a leadership role behind the camera. This pivot showcases her ambition to evolve beyond acting and utilize her decades of on-set experience. This new phase defines her artistic journey in the mid-2020s.

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The Feature Directorial Debut: Wish You Were Here (2025)

Stiles is making her mark as a filmmaker with the romantic drama Wish You Were Here, which is set for release in early 2025. Not only did she direct the film, but she also served as a producer and co-screenwriter, adapting the novel by Renée Carlino. The film stars Isabelle Fuhrman and is described as a feel-good, emotional story, marking a distinct genre choice for her first feature.

Recent and Upcoming Acting Roles

While exploring directing, Stiles has maintained a steady presence on screen with a focus on dramatic and thriller genres:

• Chosen Family (2024): An upcoming film where she takes on the role of Clio, which is generating buzz for its ensemble cast. This project keeps her active in the independent film scene.
• Orphan: First Kill (2022): Stiles played Tricia Albright in this chilling prequel to the 2009 horror film Orphan. Her performance was praised for bringing a powerful dramatic weight to the psychological horror sequel, demonstrating her comfort in the thriller space.

The Television Thriller Queen: Riviera and Dexter

Though best known for her film work, Julia Stiles has headlined two major television series that solidified her reputation in the high-stakes, dramatic thriller genre. Her television career is a crucial component of her topical authority, proving she can sustain a complex character over multiple seasons.

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The Glamorous Deception of Riviera (2017–2020)

In the Sky original series Riviera, Stiles starred as the lead character, Georgina Clios, for three seasons. Georgina is an American art curator and newlywed whose life is turned upside down after her billionaire husband is killed in a yacht explosion on the French Riviera. The show, set against the backdrop of the super-rich and their dangerous secrets, allowed Stiles to explore a morally ambiguous and intellectually driven character, a stark contrast to her earlier roles. The series was a major hit, becoming one of the most popular shows in the U.K. during its run.

The Golden Globe-Nominated Turn in Dexter (2010)

Stiles joined the fifth season of the critically acclaimed thriller series Dexter as Lumen Ann Pierce. Her compelling portrayal of a trauma survivor who partners with the titular vigilante earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress. This role marked a significant shift in her career, moving her firmly into adult dramatic territory and showcasing her ability to handle dark, complex material.

Iconic Roles That Defined a Generation (1999–2016)

No discussion of Julia Stiles' career is complete without examining the movies that made her a household name. These films are essential entities in her filmography, establishing her as a leading lady with a unique blend of intelligence and emotional depth.

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The Unforgettable Teen Queen: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Stiles’ breakout role as Kat Stratford in the modern Shakespearean adaptation 10 Things I Hate About You remains one of her most beloved performances. Playing the fiercely independent, cynical, and highly intelligent counterpart to Heath Ledger's Patrick Verona, she captured the zeitgeist of late 90s teen cinema. This performance is a cornerstone of the teen comedy genre and a key reason for her enduring popularity.

The Action Franchise Staple: The Bourne Series

For over a decade, Stiles was a crucial component of the high-octane Bourne franchise, starring opposite Matt Damon. She played Nicky Parsons, a CIA operative who evolves from a nervous desk agent to a crucial ally of Jason Bourne. Her appearances in The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), and Jason Bourne (2016) demonstrated her versatility in a global action-thriller context. The character’s arc from a government agent to a rogue operative fighting the system added significant dramatic weight to the series.

Other Career-Defining Performances

• Save the Last Dance (2001): A major box office success where she played Sara Johnson, an aspiring ballet dancer who moves to a tough Chicago neighborhood. The film blended romance, drama, and dance, further cementing her status as a versatile leading lady.
• Mona Lisa Smile (2003): Stiles was part of an all-star ensemble cast, including Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst, in this period drama about post-war women at Wellesley College.
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012): She had a supporting role in this critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning romantic comedy-drama, showcasing her ability to seamlessly integrate into powerhouse casts.

The Complete List of Essential Julia Stiles Movies and TV Shows

To fully appreciate the scope of her career, here is a list of essential movies and television series that highlight her journey from a young actress to a seasoned director and producer.

Essential Filmography (Selected)

• 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) - Kat Stratford
• Save the Last Dance (2001) - Sara Johnson
• The Business of Strangers (2001) - Paula Murphy
• The Bourne Identity (2002) - Nicky Parsons
• Mona Lisa Smile (2003) - Joan Brandwyn
• The Bourne Supremacy (2004) - Nicky Parsons
• The Omen (2006) - Katherine Thorn
• The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) - Nicky Parsons
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012) - Veronica
• Jason Bourne (2016) - Nicky Parsons
• Hustlers (2019) - Elizabeth
• Orphan: First Kill (2022) - Tricia Albright
• Chosen Family (2024) - Clio
• Wish You Were Here (2025) - Director/Producer/Screenwriter

Essential Television Roles (Selected)

• Ghostwriter (1993–1994) - Erica Dansby
• Dexter (2010) - Lumen Ann Pierce (Season 5)
• Blue (2012–2014) - Blue (Web Series)
• Riviera (2017–2020) - Georgina Clios
• The Lake (2022) - Maisy-May

Julia Stiles' career is a powerful example of an actor successfully navigating the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. Her commitment to diverse roles, from romantic leads and spy thrillers to her new endeavor as a director, ensures that her work remains relevant and exciting for both long-time fans and new audiences discovering her groundbreaking filmography.