Top 10 Jennifer Lawrence Movie Moments
#10: Party Punch
“No Hard Feelings” (2023)
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We know that Jennifer Lawrence is relatable and hilarious. Just watch the countless interviews of her making everyone laugh and you’ll see why casting her in a comedy is a no-brainer. But 2023’s “No Hard Feelings” is technically her first foray into full-blown raunchy hilarity. Of course, Lawrence steals every scene as Maddie, a 30-something who’s in such a bad financial situation that she agrees to “go out with” the younger Percy. Her physical comedy is top-tier throughout, and one of the scenes that showcases this skill best is the accidental throat punch from Percy at the party. Someone getting hurt isn’t funny in real life, but she sells the moment with such flawless over-the-top energy that it’s hard not to laugh!
#9: Joy Takes Her Empire Back
“Joy” (2015)
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The story of inventor Joy Mangano is one of strength and resilience, and what better actress to play the inspirational entrepreneur than Jennifer Lawrence? In this 2015 biopic, we see the titular character dealing with a chaotic household and financial instability. Her revolutionary self-wringing mop changes her life, but people take advantage of her even more. Joy visits Derek Markham, the swindling manufacturing company owner who duped her out of thousands under false pretenses. She coolly explains that she knows about the fraud. Joy stands up for herself more than once, but Lawrence’s calm delivery is everything in this scene. Even her silence speaks volumes, especially with that piercing stare. And in the end, she gets what she’s owed and more.
#8: The Truth About Jim
“Passengers” (2016)
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In “Passengers,” Jennifer Lawrence plays Aurora Lane, one of the thousands of travelers hibernating aboard the Avalon spacecraft. Early in the story, an asteroid-related accident leads to another passenger, engineer Jim Preston, waking up decades too early. Aurora later also wakes up prematurely, falsely believing that this was due to a similar accident. The two bond, and some moments even seem like a fairytale. But, on her birthday of all days, Aurora discovers the truth we already knew: only Jim’s pod malfunctioned, and he woke her up because he was lonely. This moment of realization is as maddening as it is heartbreaking, because his selfish act cost her the life she dreamt of. Lawrence perfectly conveys the sting of betrayal felt by Aurora.
#7: Talk Show Reaction
“Don't Look Up” (2021)
This 2021 satire boasts a stacked cast featuring the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett. But Jennifer Lawrence stands out as Kate Dibiasky, an astronomy doctoral candidate who discovers a comet is heading straight for Earth. After government officials fail to take the threat seriously, she and her professor, DiCaprio’s Dr. Randall Mindy, go on “The Daily Rip” to warn everyone about humanity’s impending end. But the topic is too heavy for the co-hosts and they proceed to joke around. Their ignorance frustrates Kate to the point that she practically explodes on live television herself. Lawrence delivers just the right amount of anger and fear in her character’s valid response, making for a darkly humorous yet sadly realistic moment.
#6: Mystique Saves the Future
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014)
Although she donned the blue skin for multiple “X-Men” films, Jennifer Lawrence’s Raven Darkhölme, aka Mystique, played a major role in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” She really got to show off her fighting skills in more than one badass brawl. But the most important and emotional moment comes near the end of the film. Since her assassination of Sentinels creator Bolivar Trask (BOH-li-var) in another timeline leads to a dark future for mutants, it comes down to her to make the right decision. Before she can kill Trask, Charles reaches her telepathically, letting her know the choice is hers. She changes course, paving the way for a brighter future. It’s a pivotal scene that Lawrence nailed, and it left many in tears.
#5: A Kiss From Rosalyn
“American Hustle” (2013)
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Jennifer Lawrence definitely gets to flex her comedic muscles as Rosalyn, conman Irving Rosenfeld’s temperamental wife. But the character also carries a lot of resentment, especially towards her cheating husband. When she deliberately flirts with a mobster at a party, Irving’s longtime mistress Sydney, aka Edith, condemns her reckless behavior. The two have words at the bar but things get really heated in the bathroom – in more ways than one. The face-off stirs up a lot of emotions for Rosalyn, primarily anger, sadness, and jealousy. After exchanging threats and insults, she gives Sydney an emotionally-charged kiss, leaving her and the audience stunned. It’s a bold move, but that’s pretty on-brand for Rosalyn. And we’d expect nothing less from Lawrence.
#4: Teaching Survival
“Winter's Bone” (2010)
Jennifer Lawrence made her presence known with her critically acclaimed performance as teenager Ree Dolly. With a criminal father who’s MIA and a mother dealing with mental health, Ree and her younger siblings, Sonny and Ashlee, don’t have it easy. This leaves her to shoulder the responsibilities of a parent. But the love she has for them keeps her going. Here, Ree shows the duo how to hunt and prepare their food, a messy but necessary task. The three of them are already forever bonded, but this lesson in survival is a defining moment. Lawrence effortlessly captures the fear and compassion of a girl just trying to protect the people she loves, and thanks to her, we’re extra invested in the story.
#3: An Explosive Argument
“Silver Linings Playbook” (2012)
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In this Oscar-winning performance, Lawrence plays Tiffany Maxwell, a widow with a complex life. She soon falls for Bradley Cooper’s Pat, who was recently released from a mental health facility. Pat and Tiffany have similar struggles, and are more alike than he wants to admit. When he flat-out judges her to her face, she’s unsurprisingly furious and hurt, and a public fight ensues. As we’ve seen in her many other roles, Lawrence always strikes the perfect balance of rage and heartache, captivating audiences with one searing line after another. It’s no surprise her work in this flick earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
#2: Mother Has Had Enough
“Mother!” (2017)
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Darren Aronofsky’s “Mother!” is an unrelenting nightmare, and at its center is Jennifer Lawrence’s titular character, an allegory for Mother Nature. In the beginning, her life with Javier Bardem’s Him is dreamy and peaceful. But as more surprise guests show up to their beautiful home, it all descends into utter chaos. After she’s endured horrifying atrocities including the unfathomable death of her child, all of Mother’s pain and frustration come to a boiling point. She screams and sobs this heartbreaking line to the man who allowed it all to happen. Lawrence’s delivery exudes pure agony, and it gives us chills every time.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Jean Grey Kills Mystique, “Dark Phoenix” (2019)
Seeing the Iconic Mutant Pass Hurts, but Lawrence Nails the Moment
Thank God for Rosalyn, “American Hustle” (2013)
Carmine’s (mine) Science Oven Catches Fire & Rosalyn’s Reaction Is Unforgettable
The Dance, “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012)
Everything from the Amazing Moves to the Crowd’s Reactions Makes Us Love This Scene
Mystique’s Sneak Attack, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014)
You Can Count on Her to Come Through
Rue’s Death, “The Hunger Games” (2012)
This Scene Never Fails to Get the Tears Flowing
#1: “I Volunteer as Tribute”
“The Hunger Games” (2012)
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“The Hunger Games” is undoubtedly one of the most successful franchises of all time. And even if someone hasn’t seen the films or read the books, they have likely at least heard what is possibly the most quoted line in the series. When her little sister Primrose is chosen to represent District 12 in the titular games, Lawrence’s Katniss Everdeen declares: [“I volunteer as tribute!”]. The panic, the determination, the tremble in her voice – everything about this moment is so iconic. That’s thanks in large part to Lawrence’s masterful and emotionally effective acting, which is enhanced by Prim actress Willow Shields’ performance. Though several other performances earned her big awards nominations and wins, Katniss is arguably Jennifer Lawrence’s most recognized role to date, and for good reason.
