Top 11 Barbra Streisand Movies: From Funny Girl To Funny Lady

Exploring the Iconic Career of Barbra Streisand on the Silver Screen.

Published on Apr 16, 2024  |  01:44 PM IST |  31.1K
Barbra Streisand (Instagram)
Barbra Streisand (Instagram)

Barbra Streisand, born on April 24, 1942, emerged as one of the greatest stars in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on Broadway, Hollywood, and the music world. From her early days in Brooklyn to her rise as an international superstar, Streisand captivated audiences with her powerhouse voice, commanding presence, and unwavering authenticity. Despite facing challenges and criticism, she remained true to herself, redefining what it meant to be a celebrity and paving the way for future generations.

Barbra Streisand's filmography spans over five decades, encompassing a diverse range of roles and genres. From musical extravaganzas to heartfelt dramas, each performance showcases her unparalleled talent and enduring star power. Below, we delve into the top 11 Barbra Streisand movies, celebrating her timeless contributions to cinema.

Funny Girl (1968)

Funny Girl stands as a testament to Streisand's unparalleled talent and enduring legacy in the world of cinema. As Fanny Brice, a plucky young comedienne with dreams of stardom, Streisand delivers a performance for the ages, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide with her mesmerizing vocals and magnetic screen presence.

Little Fockers (2010)


In Little Fockers, Streisand reprises her role as Rozalin "Roz" Focker, the quintessential Jewish mother, in the second sequel of the "Meet the Parents" trilogy. While her screen time is limited, Streisand shines in her portrayal, injecting humor and warmth into the character despite the film's shortcomings.

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What's Up, Doc? (1972)

In What's Up, Doc?, Streisand shines as the irrepressible Judy Maxwell, a quirky and vivacious young woman whose penchant for chaos turns the lives of those around her upside down. With its witty script and fast-paced hijinks, the film serves as a showcase for Streisand's comedic prowess and undeniable star power.

All Night Long (1981)

Transitioning into the 1980s, Streisand faced a setback with "All Night Long," a film that failed to resonate with audiences. Despite her charismatic performance as Cheryl, a Marilyn Monroe-esque character, the movie struggled to find its footing, overshadowed by experimental elements and lackluster execution.

Yentl (1983)

In her directorial debut, "Yentl," Streisand delivers a tour-de-force performance as the eponymous character, a young Jewish woman defying societal norms to pursue her passion for education. With its poignant narrative and sumptuous visuals, the film serves as a testament to Streisand's artistic vision and commitment to storytelling.

Meet the Fockers (2004)


As the eccentric sex therapist Roz Focker, Streisand injects humor and charm into the ensemble comedy "Meet the Fockers." While the film relies heavily on rehashed jokes, her spirited performance elevates the material, making her character a memorable highlight amidst the familial chaos.

The Way We Were (1973)

In The Way We Were, Streisand captivates audiences as Katie Morosky, a politically minded activist whose love for her enigmatic counterpart, Hubbell Gardiner, transcends time and circumstance. With her nuanced portrayal of heartache and longing, Streisand elevates the romantic drama into a timeless tale of love and loss.

For Pete’s Sake (1974)

In "For Pete's Sake," Streisand showcases her comedic prowess as Henrietta Robins, a determined wife embarking on a series of misadventures to save her husband from financial ruin. Despite the film's uneven execution, Streisand's comedic timing and infectious energy shine through, adding depth to her endearing portrayal.

The Guilt Trip (2012)

In her most recent film role, Streisand delivers a tender and heartfelt performance as Joyce, the overbearing mother of a struggling salesman. Despite facing challenges during production, including reported tensions on set, Streisand's natural chemistry with co-star Seth Rogen shines through, lending authenticity to their onscreen relationship.

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Funny Lady (1975)


Funny Lady sees Streisand reprising her role as Fanny Brice in this ambitious follow-up to "Funny Girl." While the film struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessor, Streisand's magnetic presence and powerhouse vocals remain undeniable, elevating the musical sequences amidst the narrative's shortcomings.

Nuts (1987)

In the courtroom drama "Nuts," Streisand delivers a compelling performance as Claudia Draper, a call girl fighting for her right to stand trial. Despite the film's slow pace and heavy dialogue, Streisand infuses her character with depth and complexity, offering a nuanced portrayal of resilience and defiance.

The Prince of Tides (1991)

Streisand's directorial venture, "The Prince of Tides," showcases her multifaceted talents as both filmmaker and actress. As Dr. Susan Lowenstein, Streisand navigates themes of trauma and healing with sensitivity and grace, delivering a performance that resonates long after the credits roll.

Up the Sandbox (1972)

In "Up the Sandbox," Streisand ventures into uncharted territory, portraying Margaret Reynolds, a housewife grappling with the complexities of motherhood and identity. Despite its commercial underperformance, the film remains a testament to Streisand's commitment to exploring challenging and timely subject matter.

The Main Event (1979)


The Main Event marks Streisand's foray into the world of sports comedy, portraying perfume tycoon Hillary Kramer opposite Ryan O'Neal. While the film's premise may seem far-fetched, Streisand's undeniable charisma and comedic flair elevate the material, making it an enjoyable romp despite its flaws.

The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)

In "The Mirror Has Two Faces," Streisand delivers a nuanced portrayal of Rose Morgan, a reserved professor navigating the complexities of love and self-acceptance. With a stellar supporting cast and a heartfelt script, the film strikes a delicate balance between comedy and drama, showcasing Streisand's range as an actress.

Hello, Dolly! (1969)

Streisand dazzles audiences as the effervescent matchmaker Dolly Levi in the lavish musical "Hello, Dolly!" Despite initial skepticism surrounding her casting, Streisand's magnetic presence and enchanting vocals make the role her own, solidifying her status as a bona fide star of the silver screen.

The Owl and the Pussycat (1970)

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In The Owl and the Pussycat, Streisand showcases her comedic talents as Doris, a brash and uninhibited prostitute who forms an unlikely bond with an aspiring writer. Despite the film's premise bordering on risqué, Streisand's fearless performance and impeccable comic timing elevate the material, resulting in a charming and memorable romantic comedy.

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever sees Streisand tackling dual roles with grace and charm, portraying Daisy Gamble, a chain-smoking clairvoyant, and her past-life counterpart, Melinda Tentrees. While the film's convoluted plot may test the patience of some viewers, Streisand's mesmerizing vocals and magnetic screen presence make it a worthwhile cinematic experience.

A Star Is Born (1976)

In A Star Is Born, Streisand delivers a great performance as Esther Hoffman, an aspiring singer thrust into the spotlight amidst the tumult of fame and addiction. With her powerhouse vocals and raw emotional intensity, Streisand breathes new life into the classic tale, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile talents.

From her breakout role in Funny Girl to her directorial triumph in Yentl, Barbra Streisand's cinematic journey is a testament to her unparalleled talent, versatility, and enduring legacy. Despite facing obstacles and setbacks along the way, Streisand remained true to herself, blazing a trail for future generations of artists to follow. As we celebrate her remarkable career, we are reminded of the indelible impact she has made on the world of entertainment and the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

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