Written By: Absar Ahmad
Few Hollywood stars have grown up in front of audiences quite like Drew Barrymore. From becoming the adorable face of a sci-fi classic in the 1980s to dominating romantic comedies in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Barrymore has built a career filled with charm, vulnerability, humor, and reinvention. Over the decades, she has explored everything from horror and drama to action and heartfelt comedy, proving why she remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved performers.
Whether you know her from nostalgic rom-coms or darker, more emotional performances, Drew Barrymore’s filmography has something for everyone. Here are some of the best Drew Barrymore movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial remains one of the most iconic family films ever made and also introduced audiences to a very young Drew Barrymore. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film tells the story of a gentle alien stranded on Earth who forms a friendship with a young boy and his family.
Barrymore plays Gertie, the youngest member of the household, and her performance is full of innocence and emotional warmth. Even at such a young age, she displayed a natural screen presence that made audiences instantly connect with her.
Why You Should Watch:
- A timeless family classic
- Drew Barrymore’s breakout role
- One of Spielberg’s greatest films
2. The Wedding Singer (1998)
The Wedding Singer is one of the defining romantic comedies of the 1990s. Starring alongside Adam Sandler, Barrymore plays Julia, a kind-hearted waitress who develops a connection with a struggling wedding singer.
The chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore became instantly iconic, helping the film become a fan favorite. Packed with humor, romance, and memorable 1980s nostalgia, the movie still feels incredibly charming today.
Why You Should Watch:
- Fantastic chemistry between the lead actors
- Funny and heartfelt storytelling
- One of the best rom-coms of the 1990s
3. Never Been Kissed (1999)
In Never Been Kissed, Barrymore plays Josie Geller, a shy journalist who goes undercover at a high school for a story. As she relives her teenage years, she begins confronting old insecurities while discovering confidence and love along the way.
The film balances awkward comedy with genuine emotional moments, making it one of Barrymore’s most lovable performances. It also perfectly captures the quirky charm that defined many romantic comedies of that era.
Why You Should Watch:
- A nostalgic late-1990s rom-com
- Drew Barrymore at her most charming
- Funny yet emotionally relatable
4. Charlie’s Angels (2000)
Charlie’s Angels reinvented the classic television property for a new generation. Barrymore stars alongside Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu as three highly skilled private investigators taking on dangerous missions.
The movie is stylish, energetic, and unapologetically fun. Barrymore not only starred in the film but also worked as a producer, helping shape one of the biggest mainstream action-comedies of the early 2000s.
Why You Should Watch:
- Stylish action and comedy
- Great chemistry between the trio
- A defining pop-culture film of the 2000s
5. 50 First Dates (2004)
50 First Dates reunited Barrymore with Adam Sandler for another beloved romantic comedy. Barrymore plays Lucy, a woman suffering from short-term memory loss who forgets the events of each day when she wakes up.
Despite its unusual premise, the movie is surprisingly heartfelt and emotionally sincere. Barrymore delivers a sweet and vulnerable performance that keeps the film grounded even during its more comedic moments.
Why You Should Watch:
- One of the most memorable rom-coms of the 2000s
- Strong emotional core beneath the comedy
- Excellent chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore
6. Scream (1996)
Although her role is brief, Scream gave Drew Barrymore one of the most unforgettable openings in horror movie history. Directed by Wes Craven, the film revitalized the slasher genre and became a cultural phenomenon.
Barrymore’s performance in the opening sequence immediately shocked audiences and helped establish the unpredictable tone that made the film legendary.
Why You Should Watch:
- One of the greatest horror films ever made
- An iconic opening scene
- Essential viewing for horror fans
7. Whip It (2009)
Whip It marked Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut and showcased a different side of her creativity. The film follows a rebellious teenager who discovers confidence and independence through roller derby.
Starring Elliot Page, the movie is energetic, funny, and emotionally uplifting. Barrymore also appears in a supporting role, but her direction is what truly stands out.
Why You Should Watch:
- Drew Barrymore’s impressive directorial debut
- Fun and empowering story
- Strong performances and energetic pacing
8. Firestarter (1984)
Based on the novel by Stephen King, Firestarter stars Barrymore as Charlie, a young girl with dangerous pyrokinetic powers who becomes the target of a secret government agency.
The film gave Barrymore another opportunity to prove she could handle emotionally intense material even as a child actor. Her performance remains one of the strongest aspects of the movie.
Why You Should Watch:
- A classic Stephen King adaptation
- Intense and suspenseful storytelling
- Strong child performance from Barrymore
9. Miss You Already (2015)
Miss You Already is one of Drew Barrymore’s most emotionally mature performances. Starring alongside Toni Collette, the film explores friendship, motherhood, illness, and the challenges of adulthood.
Unlike many of Barrymore’s lighter romantic comedies, this film leans heavily into drama and emotional realism. The chemistry between Barrymore and Collette gives the story genuine emotional weight.
Why You Should Watch:
- Emotional and heartfelt storytelling
- Excellent performances from both leads
- A more dramatic side of Drew Barrymore
10. Santa Clarita Diet (2017–2019)
Santa Clarita Diet allowed Drew Barrymore to fully embrace absurd comedy while mixing it with horror elements. She plays Sheila Hammond, a suburban real estate agent whose life changes dramatically after becoming undead.
The series balances gore, humor, and surprisingly heartfelt family dynamics. Barrymore’s comedic timing and fearless performance are major reasons why the show developed a passionate fanbase.
Why You Should Watch:
- A unique mix of comedy and horror
- Drew Barrymore in a wildly entertaining role
- Fun chemistry between the cast members
My Two Cents
Few actors manage to reinvent themselves across multiple decades the way Drew Barrymore has. From child stardom and cult horror classics to romantic comedies and emotional dramas, her career reflects an impressive range of performances and creative risks.
Whether you are revisiting nostalgic favorites like The Wedding Singer and Never Been Kissed or discovering darker projects like Scream and Santa Clarita Diet, these movies and shows highlight why Drew Barrymore continues to remain such a beloved presence in Hollywood.