If you’re exploring Drew Barrymore movies and TV shows, start with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)—the film that made her a star at age seven. As Drew Barrymore young Gertie, she charmed audiences worldwide, kicking off a career full of surprises. While her early fame led to headlines (like her controversial Drew Barrymore Playboy shoot at 19), she reinvented herself as a rom-com queen and Hollywood staple. From blockbusters to indie gems, her work in Drew Barrymore movies proves she’s a master of reinvention.
The ’90s cemented her status. She stole hearts in Ever After (1998), her gritty Drew Barrymore Cinderella movie retelling, and terrified fans in Scream (1996), where her Drew Barrymore Scream opening scene became iconic. Then came hits like The Wedding Singer (1998) and 50 First Dates (2004), blending humor and heart. Even her lesser-known work, like Drew Barrymore directed movies Whip It (2009), shows her passion for storytelling behind the camera.
On TV, she’s just as magnetic. The Drew Barrymore Show television show (2020–present) highlights her warmth and wit, while films like Blended movie Drew Barrymore (2014) with Adam Sandler keep her rom-com crown intact. Did you know she’s part of Hollywood royalty? Her lineage traces back to John Drew Barrymore movies, but she’s carved her own legacy.
Whether you’re rewatching E.T. movie Drew Barrymore or binge-watching her talk show, Drew Barrymore movies and TV shows offer something for everyone. She’s not just famous—she’s a cultural chameleon, balancing nostalgia, grit, and grace.
Drew Barrymore’s Best Roles: Top Movies and TV Series
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
As huge of a break as you could hope for as a kid actor, Steven Spielberg’s E.T. Barrymore played Gertie in E.T. when she was just 7 years old. Elliott (Dee Wallace) discovers an alien who has crash-landed on Earth and must keep him hidden from the authorities. The movie E.T. broke all box office records when it was released.
It is considered a landmark film of the 20th century and a masterpiece that will endure for generations. Barrymore received glowing reviews for her performance, which helped launch a successful career. Barrymore has said categorically that there will be no remake of the iconic film E.T.
Scream
The 1996 slasher movie Scream, which Wes Craven directed, is a classic in the horror genre. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a resident of the made-up Woodsboro, finds herself the target of a serial murderer going by the name of Ghostface in the horror film Scream. The film’s unique take on the slasher subgenre stems from its protagonists’ knowledge of and frequent allusions to standard horror movie conventions.
Another original choice made for Scream was the early demise of Barrymore’s character, Casey. Barrymore was a great star, and the film had promoted her prominently; her untimely demise shocked viewers. The sequence with Barrymore is one of the most famous openings in film history. New sequels to Scream have been published, and actor Jenna Ortega has mentioned Barrymore’s sequence in passing.
Donnie Darko
Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is the protagonist of Donnie Darko (2001), written and directed by Richard Kelly, who barely avoids a weird disaster. Then, an unknown person dressed as a rabbit approaches and tells him the end of the world is coming in 28 days. Donnie is able to be manipulated into performing various crimes by the figure. Although her role as Karen, a teacher, is minor, Barrymore nevertheless manages to steal the show and leave an indelible impression.
Never Been Kissed
Never Been Kissed, directed by Raja Gosnell, is often regarded as Barrymore’s best and most beloved romantic comedy. Josie Gellar, played by Barrymore, is a single newspaper employee who has never been in a romance. She has been tasked with doing a covert study on adolescent culture at her alma mater.
The Wedding Singer
Romantic comedy directed by Frank Coraci and released in 1998. Barrymore and Adam Sandler teamed up again for the highly popular film The Wedding Singer. Robbie Hart, portrayed by Sandler, is a wedding singer who develops feelings for Barrymore’s Julia, a waitress. The film was so popular that a musical version debuted on Broadway in 2006. Barrymore and Sandler worked together for the first time on this.
Ever After: A Cinderella Story
Andy Tennant brings his own brand of charm and humor to the retelling of the Cinderella story in Ever After A Cinderella Story. Barrymore’s stellar performance in this version helps the relationship develop smoothly. The cinematography, costumes, and set design in this version of the story are all just breathtaking. The film also incorporates several novel ideas. One of the greatest cinematic adaptations of the classic tale, Ever After: A Cinderella Story, is captivating, heartwarming, innocent, and hilarious.
50 First Dates
Barrymore became famous for her roles in romantic comedies during the course of her career. Her success in romantic comedies is evident in Peter Segal’s 2004 romantic comedy 50 First Dates. Lucy (Barrymore), played by Adam Sandler, has amnesia and forgets everything by morning, but Henry (Sandler) falls in love with her anyhow. So, every day, he resolves to win her heart a little more. Barrymore’s expertise in romantic comedies was solidified with the success of 50 First Dates.
Charlie’s Angels
The 2000 release of Charlie’s Angels, directed by McG, propelled the careers of stars Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore to new heights. Dylan, portrayed by Barrymore, was the most independent of the three major characters, and she and her two co-stars were covert agents who fought crime.
Barrymore famously lobbied for the film to be gun-free because of how innovative it was to have three women at the heart of an action series. Three of the film’s original stars recently reunited to talk about their experiences making the timeless classic Charlie’s Angels. Barrymore gives a career-defining performance in this timeless picture.
Confessions of A Dangerous Mind
More attention should be paid to George Clooney’s directorial debut, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Show producer superstar Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell) is at the height of his profession in this film about juggling several identities. But nobody knows that he has a secret existence—that he only lives at night.
How long can he keep his true identity under wraps? The film is based on Chuck Barris’s controversial and unofficial biography of the same name, which was published in 1984. The video explores Chuck’s claims and mental state with a jumble of reality and fiction, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Barrymore’s character, Penny, Chuck Barris’ girlfriend, bears the brunt of his annoying habits and poor choices throughout this criminal drama.
Grey Gardens
In his 2009 HBO film Grey Gardens, Michael Sucsy told the real story of “Little Edie” (Edith Bouvier Beale) and “Big Edie” (Edith Ewing Bouvier), their mother and grandmother. The film is based on the 1975 documentary of the same name, which provided a glimpse into the lives of two affluent women—relatives of Jackie Kennedy—who had become recluses in a crumbling estate in the Hamptons.
The performers in a reimagining of Grey Gardens would have their work cut out for them since the film has achieved cult status. Little Edie, portrayed by Barrymore, was the daughter of Big Edie, played by Jessica Lange. The film and both of their performances were wildly successful; Barrymore even won her first Golden Globe for her act.
Everybody’s Fine
Drew Barrymore, Robert De Niro, and Kate Beckinsale are all featured in the film Everybody’s Fine. Focusing on Frank, a widower whose relationship with his children is rocky, the film is aimed at families. They all reside in various locations and engage in various activities. When not everyone can attend a get-together, he pays individual visits.
Boys on the Side
In Boys on the Side, three ladies with very different personalities travel together. The third character is a pregnant lady fleeing from her violent partner (Drew Barrymore), while the first two are nightclub singers and real estate agents. The characters have engaging conversations that range from drug use to sexuality to the pursuit of one’s aspirations. In this moving, open, and exciting story, Drew Barrymore not only steals the show but also comes off as a highly likable protagonist.
