The Ultimate List: 7 Reese Witherspoon Movies And Shows That Define Her $400 Million Empire (and What’s Next In 2025)

As of December 2025, Reese Witherspoon remains one of the most influential and highest-paid figures in Hollywood, not just as an Academy Award-winning actress but as a media mogul whose production company, Hello Sunshine, has reshaped the landscape of female-driven storytelling. Her career is a fascinating blend of iconic romantic comedies, hard-hitting dramas, and critically acclaimed television series, with her work rate showing no signs of slowing down. This in-depth look explores the essential movies and shows that have defined her career, from her breakthrough in the late 90s to her current status as a powerhouse producer, including the highly anticipated projects slated for 2025 and beyond.

Reese Witherspoon: Full Biography and Profile

Reese Witherspoon’s journey from a childhood model to a global entertainment icon is marked by strategic career choices and a fierce dedication to producing meaningful content.

• Full Name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon
• Born: March 22, 1976
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur
• Notable Awards: Academy Award (Best Actress), Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, Primetime Emmy Award (Multiple)
• Education: Attended Stanford University (English Literature, later deferred)
• Production Company: Founder of Hello Sunshine (2016)
• Book Club: Founder of Reese’s Book Club (2017)
• Career Breakthrough: *Cruel Intentions* (1999) and *Legally Blonde* (2001)

The Iconic Roles: 7 Must-Watch Reese Witherspoon Movies and TV Shows

Reese Witherspoon has masterfully navigated the industry, transitioning from a beloved "America's Sweetheart" in romantic comedies to a formidable dramatic actress and television producer. These seven projects showcase her incredible range and have become cornerstones of her filmography.

1. *Walk the Line* (2005) - The Oscar-Winning Drama

This biographical drama cemented Witherspoon’s status as a serious dramatic actress. Portraying June Carter Cash, the legendary country singer and wife of Johnny Cash (played by Joaquin Phoenix), Witherspoon delivered a nuanced, powerful performance that captured the spirit and complexity of a music icon. Her commitment to the role, including performing all her own singing, earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, a defining moment in her career.

2. *Legally Blonde* (2001) - The Pop Culture Phenomenon

No discussion of her career is complete without Elle Woods. The role of the bubbly, fashion-forward sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School became an instant cultural touchstone. The film is a perfect blend of comedy and empowerment, proving that Witherspoon could carry a major blockbuster and inspire an entire generation with the phrase, "What, like it’s hard?"

3. *Big Little Lies* (2017–2019) - The TV Revolution

As producer and star (Madeline Martha Mackenzie), this HBO drama was a game-changer. It proved the commercial viability of prestige television centered on complex female characters and marked the true beginning of her reign as a producer. The series, which also starred Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern, earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards, driving the success of her production house, Hello Sunshine.

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4. *The Morning Show* (2019–Present) - The Streaming Powerhouse

Alongside Jennifer Aniston, Witherspoon stars as Bradley Jackson, an ambitious journalist thrust into the high-stakes world of morning news. The Apple TV+ series tackles themes of workplace misconduct, ambition, and media ethics, securing her position in the premium streaming drama space. The show has been a massive success, with a highly anticipated fifth season already greenlit.

5. *Wild* (2014) - The Gritty Transformation

Based on the memoir by Cheryl Strayed, *Wild* saw Witherspoon shed her polished image to play a woman hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after a personal tragedy. Her raw, unglamorous performance earned her another Oscar nomination, showcasing her ability to champion and embody challenging, non-traditional female narratives.

6. *Cruel Intentions* (1999) - The Cult Classic

Her role as the innocent, manipulated Annette Hargrove in this modern adaptation of *Les Liaisons dangereuses* was a crucial step in her early career, establishing her as a versatile actress capable of handling dark, edgy material.

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7. *Little Fires Everywhere* (2020) - The Hello Sunshine Book Club Hit

Produced by and starring Witherspoon alongside Kerry Washington, this Hulu limited series, based on the Celeste Ng novel, was a major win for Hello Sunshine. It explored themes of motherhood, class, and race in the 1990s, demonstrating the company’s focus on adapting best-selling books with strong female protagonists.

Upcoming Reese Witherspoon Movies and Shows: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond

Reese Witherspoon’s schedule is packed with high-profile projects, many of which she is producing through Hello Sunshine, solidifying her status as a Hollywood mogul. Fans can look forward to a mix of big-screen comedy returns and anticipated sequels.

The Comedy Comeback: *You're Cordially Invited* (2025)

One of the most immediate upcoming projects is the comedy film *You're Cordially Invited*, starring Witherspoon alongside Will Ferrell. Set for release in 2025 on Prime Video, the movie centers on two weddings that are accidentally booked at the same venue, promising a return to the hilarious, high-energy comedy Witherspoon is known for. The trailers released in 2024 generated significant buzz, positioning it as a major streaming event for the new year.

The Long-Awaited Sequels and Adaptations

Several other projects are in development, showcasing her commitment to both her most beloved characters and new, compelling stories:

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• *Legally Blonde 3* (TBA): The sequel that fans have been demanding for years is officially in development. While details on the plot and release date remain scarce, Witherspoon is set to reprise her role as Elle Woods, promising a fresh, modern take on the iconic character.
• *Election 2* (TBA): A sequel to the 1999 cult classic *Election*, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, is also reportedly in the works. This would see her return as the ruthlessly ambitious Tracy Flick.
• *The Morning Show* Season 5: Following the success of the previous seasons, Apple TV+ has greenlit a fifth season, with Witherspoon expected to return as Bradley Jackson, continuing the drama’s exploration of power dynamics in the media.
• *Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine* (TBA): Hello Sunshine is producing the film adaptation of this popular book, a project that aligns perfectly with the company’s mission to tell stories about complex, resilient women.
• *The Cactus* (TBA): Another book-to-screen adaptation that is currently in development, further expanding the Hello Sunshine production slate.

The Impact of Hello Sunshine: Beyond Acting

Reese Witherspoon's career is now intrinsically linked to her production company, Hello Sunshine. Founded in 2016, the company was born out of her frustration with the lack of quality roles for women in Hollywood. The company’s focus is on creating content that puts women at the center of the story, across film, television, and digital media. The company has become a powerhouse in adapting best-selling books, often those selected by Reese’s Book Club, into critically acclaimed hits. The success of projects like *Big Little Lies*, *Little Fires Everywhere*, and the ongoing development of new titles has turned Hello Sunshine into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, fundamentally changing how female-led stories are pitched and financed in the entertainment world. This strategic move highlights her role not just as an actress but as a powerful industry entrepreneur who is actively shaping the future of diverse and compelling storytelling.