Winona Ryder has graced our screens since the 1980’s. Thanks to the hit Netflix show Stranger Things, she’s got a whole new generation of fans. Her role as the matriarch Joyce Byers made for a memorable comeback. It’s unsurprising Ryder’s performance has resonated with a wide audience. She plays complex characters with ease. After all, she’s had a lot of practice. With so many standout performances, it’s hard to narrow down her best. But here’s a list of her iconic roles.
Beetlejuice – Lydia Deetz
Ryder stars as Lydia Deetz in Tim Burton’s fantasy comedy where a recently deceased couple attempt to navigate life after death. As they struggle to understand their recent demise, a flamboyant family move into their home. Ryder is perfectly cast as the moody goth teenager, and the only person in the house who can see the dead couple. She fits in well with the rest of the cast to create this amazingly eccentric film.
Heathers – Veronica Sawyer
Heathers is a high school cliche gone rogue. Ryder plays Veronica Sawyer – a high school student and member of the Heather’s clique. Disillusioned with the group, she falls in love with J.D, a new student and popularity skeptic who quickly becomes the main antagonist. At a comically fast pace, accidental killings and teen suicides become the new normal. Nobody plays a dark comedy role like Ryder.
Girl Interrupted – Susanna Kay
In the film adaptation of Susanna Kay’s memoir, Ryder plays the protagonist. After a suicide attempt, Susanna finds herself in a low security psychiatric ward for young women. It’s a powerful account of mental illness that still resonates with modern audiences. Ryder is able to convey the frustration and deep sadness that stems from stigma and understanding your diagnosis.
Edward Scissorhands – Kim
Edwards Scissorhands is a deeply moving film and is very likely to provoke nostalgia. Ryder plays the love interest, Kim. A kind and caring teenager sick of suburban life. She helps to bring the character and story to life.
Little Women – Jo March
Little Women is an iconic book and has had many film adaptations. In the 1994 version, Ryder plays the main protagonist Jo March. The character resonated with Ryder which is reflected in her accurate portrayal of the ambitious character. Her performance received much critical acclaim and Ryder was nominated for an Oscar.
Stranger Things – Joyce Byers
I’ve already mentioned Joyce Byers in this article but Winona’s acting deserves more credit. At the beginning of the series she plays a skittish grieving mother on the brink of mental exhaustion. Her resilience progresses throughout the seasons but her strength is always present and is fuelled by her love for her sons. In a Sci-Fi world, filled with monsters and multiple dimensions, Ryder’s performance is always believable.