(TC) In celebration of Rachel McAdams’ 45th birthday, fans are ranking her best roles throughout her illustrious career.
Rachel McAdams has been enchanting audiences for years. Her films are highly sought-after cinematic experiences. It’s no surprise that the best McAdams movies span genres, from heartwarming romances to laugh-out-loud comedies, demonstrating her acting prowess. As a distinguished figure within the entertainment industry, McAdams outshines herself with each new role.
1
The Notebook
Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner
Released: 2004
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
Rachel McAdams delivers an enchanting performance in the poignant romantic drama, The Notebook. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel, this film showcases McAdams’ ability to evoke strong emotions while building a palpable chemistry with her co-star, Ryan Gosling. Set against the backdrop of rural South Carolina, this endearing love story demonstrates McAdams’ versatility as an actress and solidifies her reputation as a leading lady in Hollywood.
2
Mean Girls
Rachel McAdams shines in her breakout role as Regina George, the manipulative queen bee of the Plastics, in the widely celebrated teen comedy Mean Girls. Written by Tina Fey and directed by Mark Waters, this satirical look at high school cliques and social dynamics highlights McAdams’s talent for conveying both humor and depth within a multifaceted character. Her memorable portrayal has elevated her to one of cinema’s most versatile actresses.
3
About Time
Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy
Released: 2013
Directed by: Richard Curtis
About Time showcases Rachel McAdams’ aptitude for portraying relatable characters navigating complex emotional landscapes. Starring alongside Domhnall Gleeson, she plays Mary, who becomes involved in a unique relationship with Tim (Gleeson), who possesses time-travel abilities. Directed by Richard Curtis, this charming romantic comedy-drama emphasizes McAdams’ natural chemistry with her co-stars and proves she excels in both dramatic and comedic roles.
4
The Vow
Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill
Released: 2012
Directed by: Michael Sucsy
In The Vow, Rachel McAdams delivers a moving performance as Paige Collins, a woman grappling with memory loss following a car accident that leaves her unable to remember her husband (played by Channing Tatum). This romantic drama showcases McAdams’ ability to create authentic connections onscreen while exploring themes of love, commitment, and identity under director Michael Sucsy’s guidance.
5
The Time Traveler’s Wife
Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Arliss Howard
Released: 2009
Directed by: Robert Schwentke
Based on Audrey Niffenegger’s bestselling novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife stars Rachel McAdams as Clare Abshire, who falls in love with a man (played by Eric Bana) afflicted with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel involuntarily. Directed by Robert Schwentke, this evocative drama highlights McAdams’ ability to convey deep emotions and forge powerful onscreen relationships throughout the couple’s challenging and nonlinear love story.
6
Red Eye
Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, Brian Cox
Released: 2005
Directed by: Wes Craven
In Red Eye, directed by Wes Craven, Rachel McAdams portrays Lisa Reisert, a hotel manager who becomes embroiled in an assassination plot aboard an overnight flight. This suspenseful thriller showcases McAdams’ capacity for portraying strong, resourceful women while navigating intense situations alongside her co-star Cillian Murphy.
7
Wedding Crashers
Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Christopher Walken
Released: 2005
Directed by: David Dobkin
Rachel McAdams demonstrates her comedic prowess in Wedding Crashers as Claire Cleary, the object of Owen Wilson’s affections in this hilarious romantic comedy featuring Vince Vaughn and Christopher Walken. Under David Dobkin’s direction, McAdams holds her own among this talented ensemble cast and further establishes herself as a versatile actress capable of shifting seamlessly between dramatic and comedic roles.
8
Sherlock Holmes
Robert Downey, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
Released: 2009
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
In Guy Ritchie’s action-packed adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, Sherlock Holmes’ (Robert Downey Jr.) intellectual equal and enigmatic love interest. Showcasing her ability to bring depth to supporting characters within high-octane films, McAdams contributes significantly to the film’s success while demonstrating her range as an actress.
9
Game Night
Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler
Released: 2018
Directed by: John Francis Daley, Jonathan M. Goldstein
Game Night features Rachel McAdams alongside Jason Bateman in a darkly comedic tale about a group of friends who find themselves caught up in a dangerous real-life mystery during their weekly game night gathering. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, this unpredictable comedy highlights McAdams’ talent for maintaining a balance of tension and humor throughout the film’s twists and turns.
10
Morning Glory
Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton
Released: 2010
Directed by: Roger Michell
In the charming comedy-drama Morning Glory, Rachel McAdams stars as Becky Fuller, an ambitious television producer attempting to revive a struggling morning news show. Directed by Roger Michell, this engaging film showcases McAdams’ ability to carry a narrative as the lead character while also capturing her charisma and relatability onscreen.
11
The Family Stone
Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton
Released: 2005
Directed by: Thomas Bezucha
The Family Stone is a heartwarming ensemble dramedy that highlights Rachel McAdams’ knack for portraying relatable characters amidst complex family dynamics. In director Thomas Bezucha’s holiday-themed tale, McAdams plays Amy Stone, whose close-knit family gathers for Christmas with their new guest (played by Sarah Jessica Parker).
12
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Robert Downey, Jude Law, Noomi Rapace
Released: 2011
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Rachel McAdams reprises her role as Irene Adler in Guy Ritchie’s action-packed sequel to his 2009 hit film Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Once again sharing screen time with Robert Downey Jr.’s brilliant detective and Jude Law’s steadfast Dr. Watson, McAdams continues to add depth and intrigue to her enigmatic character in this thrilling follow-up.
13
Spotlight
Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams
Released: 2015
Directed by: Tom McCarthy
Spotlight, directed by Tom McCarthy, features Rachel McAdams in an ensemble cast that includes Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo. Based on the true story of The Boston Globe’s investigation into child abuse within the Catholic Church, this Academy Award-winning drama displays McAdams’ skill in conveying the intensity and dedication required of her role as journalist Sacha Pfeiffer.
14
Doctor Strange
Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams
Released: 2016
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
As Christine Palmer in Marvel Studios‘ Doctor Strange, Rachel McAdams holds her own alongside Benedict Cumberbatch’s titular sorcerer under director Scott Derrickson’s guidance. Demonstrating versatility within big-budget franchise films, she brings emotional resonance to a smaller but essential role in this visually stunning and ambitious entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
15
The Hot Chick
Released: 2002
Directed by: Tom Brady
The Hot Chick marks one of Rachel McAdams’ earliest film roles, showcasing her comedic skills as Jessica Spencer, a popular high school girl who unwillingly swaps bodies with a small-time crook (played by Rob Schneider). Directed by Tom Brady, this body-swap comedy highlights McAdams’ natural charisma and ability to successfully navigate diverse roles throughout her career.
16
Midnight in Paris
Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard
Released: 2011
Directed by: Woody Allen
Woody Allen’s romantic fantasy-comedy Midnight in Paris features Rachel McAdams as Inez, the unsympathetic fiancée of Owen Wilson’s character Gil Pender. Set against the backdrop of picturesque Paris, this enchanting tale demonstrates McAdams’ versatility as an actress within an ensemble cast that includes Kathy Bates and Marion Cotillard.
17
State of Play
Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams
Released: 2009
Directed by: Kevin Macdonald
State of Play is a political thriller directed by Kevin Macdonald that showcases Rachel McAdams in a supporting role alongside Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck. As Della Frye, an ambitious journalist uncovering connections between politics and corruption, McAdams delivers an assertive performance that further cements her status as a gifted actress across various genres.
18
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens
Released: 2020
Directed by: David Dobkin
In Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, Rachel McAdams demonstrates her musical talent while also displaying comedic prowess. Co-starring with Will Ferrell as aspiring Icelandic musicians trying to realize their dream at the international competition, she brings charm and depth to her role under director David Dobkin’s guidance.
19
Southpaw
Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, Naomie Harris
Released: 2015
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Rachel McAdams takes on a dramatic role in Southpaw as Maureen Hope, the wife of troubled boxer Billy Hope (played by Jake Gyllenhaal). Under Antoine Fuqua’s direction, she delivers an emotional performance that enriches this gripping sports drama centered around redemption and perseverance in the face of adversity.
20
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Released: 2022
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Rachel McAdams is set to reprise her role as Christine Palmer in the upcoming Marvel Studios film, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Directed by Sam Raimi, this highly anticipated sequel will further display McAdams’ ability to contribute meaningfully to large-scale franchise films while maintaining her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.
