The 15 Most Essential Michelle Pfeiffer Movies: From Iconic Catwoman To Her New 2025 Christmas Film

Few actresses possess the enduring mystique and sheer talent of Michelle Pfeiffer, whose career spans over four decades of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. As of December 2025, she continues to captivate audiences, transitioning seamlessly between dramatic roles, dark comedies, and major superhero franchises, proving her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile and compelling stars. Her filmography is a rich tapestry of unforgettable characters, from the icy Elvira Hancock in Scarface to the complex, Oscar-nominated Countess de Tourvel in Dangerous Liaisons, and her recent work shows she is far from finished.

The latest buzz around her career centers on her return to the big screen in a highly anticipated new project, alongside her continued presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This deep dive explores her complete profile and the essential movies that define her legacy, including her newest and upcoming releases, solidifying why she remains a cinematic icon.

Michelle Pfeiffer: Complete Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Michelle Marie Pfeiffer
• Date of Birth: April 29, 1958
• Place of Birth: Santa Ana, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Active Years: 1978–present [cite: 6 from previous search]
• Notable Awards: Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, three Academy Award nominations (for Dangerous Liaisons, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Love Field) [cite: 1 from previous search, 6 from previous search]
• First Leading Role: Stephanie Zinone in Grease 2 (1982) [cite: 6 from previous search]
• Breakthrough Role: Elvira Hancock in Scarface (1983) [cite: 9 from previous search]

The Cinematic Renaissance: Michelle Pfeiffer's Latest and Upcoming Projects

Michelle Pfeiffer has experienced a significant career resurgence in recent years, taking on roles that are both high-profile and critically nuanced. Her involvement in major franchises has introduced her to a new generation of fans, while her independent film choices continue to showcase her dramatic depth.

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The MCU and Recent Blockbusters

One of her most notable recent roles is as Janet van Dyne, the original Wasp, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She reprised the role in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), where her character was central to the plot, having spent decades in the Quantum Realm. [cite: 1 from previous search] This role allows her to participate in one of the biggest film franchises globally, maintaining her relevance in the blockbuster space.

Prior to that, she played the villainous Queen Ingrith in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), opposite Angelina Jolie. [cite: 1 from previous search] Her performance in this Disney sequel was praised for its regal menace, adding another iconic antagonist to her repertoire.

The Highly Anticipated 2025 Christmas Movie

The most current and exciting news for fans is her starring role in the upcoming Christmas comedy film, Oh. What. Fun. (2025). [cite: 2 from previous search, 16 from previous search] This Amazon MGM Studios project is a major release, co-starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Denis Leary. Pfeiffer plays an overworked and underappreciated mother who, after her family forgets her during the holiday chaos, goes missing, prompting a frantic search and a re-evaluation of the family's priorities. [cite: 12 from previous search, 17 from previous search] The trailer release has generated significant buzz, positioning it as a must-watch holiday film for 2025.

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Furthermore, Pfeiffer has several other projects listed as "TBA" (To Be Announced), including Wild Four O'Clocks, Turn of Mind, and Man Under, indicating a busy and diverse schedule for the coming years. [cite: 13 from previous search]

Essential Films: The Definitive Michelle Pfeiffer Performances

Pfeiffer's filmography is marked by a series of transformative performances. Her ability to embody complex, often morally ambiguous women has made her a favorite of critics and audiences alike. These are the roles that solidified her legendary status and established her topical authority across multiple genres.

The Golden Age of Drama and Iconography (1983–1993)

• Scarface (1983) - Elvira Hancock: While not her first film, this is widely considered her breakthrough role. She played the glamorous, cocaine-addicted mistress of Tony Montana (Al Pacino), delivering a performance of subtle, brittle elegance. [cite: 3 from previous search, 9 from previous search] The character remains one of the most iconic in cinema history.
• Dangerous Liaisons (1988) - Madame de Tourvel: Her first Oscar nomination came for this role as the virtuous, devout woman seduced by the manipulative Vicomte de Valmont. Her portrayal of tragic innocence earned her universal praise. [cite: 1 from previous search]
• The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) - Susie Diamond: Often cited as her best performance, Pfeiffer played a cynical, sultry lounge singer. [cite: 3 from previous search, 4 from previous search] She famously sang the movie's songs herself, and the performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and a second Academy Award nomination.
• Batman Returns (1992) - Catwoman/Selina Kyle: Her portrayal of Catwoman is arguably the most definitive version of the character. Pfeiffer captured the perfect blend of meekness and manic vengeance, transforming Selina Kyle into a feminist icon. [cite: 7, 4 from previous search]
• The Age of Innocence (1993) - Countess Ellen Olenska: Working with Martin Scorsese, she delivered a delicate, restrained performance as a controversial divorcée, earning her a BAFTA nomination. [cite: 3 from previous search]

Genre-Defining Roles and Underrated Gems

Beyond her most famous work, her career is filled with diverse and impactful films that showcase her range, from romantic comedies to thrillers and even musicals.

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• The Witches of Eastwick (1987): A fun, supernatural black comedy where she starred alongside Jack Nicholson, Cher, and Susan Sarandon. [cite: 7 from previous search]
• Married to the Mob (1988): A dark comedy that earned her a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as a mob widow trying to go straight. [cite: 7 from previous search]
• Love Field (1992): A powerful drama that earned her a third Academy Award nomination for her role as a Dallas housewife obsessed with Jackie Kennedy. [cite: 1 from previous search]
• What Lies Beneath (2000): A hugely successful supernatural thriller where she demonstrated her talent for suspense and psychological drama opposite Harrison Ford. [cite: 7 from previous search]
• Hairspray (2007): She embraced her musical side again as the villainous Velma Von Tussle in the critically acclaimed film adaptation of the Broadway musical. [cite: 3 from previous search]
• Mother! (2017): A controversial, polarizing psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky, where she delivered a memorable, unsettling performance. [cite: 7 from previous search]
• French Exit (2020) - Frances Price: Her most recent major dramatic role before the MCU, playing a penniless Manhattan socialite who moves to Paris. Her performance earned her an eighth Golden Globe nomination, proving her continued ability to command a film. [cite: 6 from previous search]

The Enduring Appeal of Michelle Pfeiffer's Filmography

Michelle Pfeiffer’s extensive list of movies is a testament to her longevity and commitment to challenging, nuanced roles. From the early days of Grease 2 to her current status as a Marvel mainstay and a leading lady in upcoming projects like Oh. What. Fun., her career trajectory is a masterclass in adaptation and enduring star power. She has consistently chosen roles that demand more than just beauty, often playing women who are complex, broken, and fiercely independent. This consistent quality in her work is why her filmography remains essential viewing and why audiences are eager to see what she does next in 2025 and beyond.

Her ability to anchor a film, whether it's a small-scale drama or a massive studio blockbuster, makes her one of the most respected figures in cinema. The topical authority she holds in Hollywood is not just based on past achievements, but on her continued, fresh contributions to the art of filmmaking.