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After seeing her compelling acting skills in countless projects for over 40 years, fans have come to associate Bette Midler movies with quality narratives that leave an impression. While it is true that the 78-year-old actress and singer is most known for her comedic timing, Midler has proved on multiple occasions that she is quite capable of bringing depth and earnestness to complex characters as well.
Even though Midler continues to act, her appearances aren't as frequent as before which is why every new project generates considerable interest among fans. The latest Bette Midler movie that has been getting a lot of hype is The Fabulous Four. Midler stars alongside other industry veterans, Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, in this Jocelyn Moorhouse comedy.
In the upcoming Bette Midler movie, a wedding brings four lifelong friends together. Sisterhood, love, unresolved feelings, evolving dynamics and more are explored in The Fabulous Four set to release in theatres on July 26, 2024. But before booking their tickets, fans should binge-watch the Bette Midler movies on this list that demonstrate her excellent range.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources. It contains some spoilers.
Beaches, Hocus Pocus and five other Bette Midler movies that prove she is extremely versatile
1) The Rose (1979)
No Bette Midler movie list would be complete without this musical drama by Mark Rydell that marks her screen debut. In The Rose, Midler plays Mary Rose Foster, a talented rock and roll artist. As a musician, Mary is successful but her personal life is a rollercoaster ride filled with loneliness, toxicity, and addiction.
Midler pulled out all the stops to realistically portray the highs and lows that come with stardom. Very few actors can boast of a Golden Globe win right after debut but Midler's captivating portrayal made it possible. Her soulful rendition of "The Rose" which plays during the closing credits was also greatly appreciated by fans of the classic movie.
Where to watch: The Rose is available for streaming on Prime Video and Plex.
2) Ruthless People (1986)
When this dark comedy was released back in 1986, it became a box-office hit. Bette Midler plays Barbara Stone who is married to Danny DeVito's character, Sam Stone. The couple aren't particularly attached to each other.
In fact, Sam plans to murder Barbara to inherit her money but before he can put his plan into action, she gets kidnapped. The kidnappers, Sam's ex-employee and his wife, demand a ransom, but they soon realize that Sam is not interested in his wife's well-being.
As expected from the title, the characters aren't exactly innocent but even in their ruthlessness, they have an endearing quality that connects to the audience. The plot is silly and chaotic, but it is told so well that it is impossible to look away.
Where to watch: This Bette Midler movie can be streamed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
3) Outrageous Fortune (1987)
This Bette Midler movie by Leslie Dixon is fashioned somewhat along the lines of a buddy-cop movie although the protagonists are not law enforcement officers. Bette Midler plays Sandy Brozinsky while Shelley Long portrays Lauren Ames. Both of them are aspiring actors studying under the same theatre professor.
They don't get along and their competitive streak reaches its peak when they realize that they have been dating the same man who seems to have faked his own death. Even though they dislike one another, Sandy and Lauren band together to find him. As expected, the chase lands them in risky and unexpected situations which helps build their camaraderie over time.
While the silly squabbles between Midler and Long are witty enough to leave an impression, the added elements of suspense and action help take it up a notch more than the average comedy.
Where to watch: Outrageous Fortune can be streamed on Prime Video.
4) Beaches (1988)
Friendship is one of the main themes in this endearing Bette Midler movie by Garry Marshall. Midler and Barbara Hershey play two lifelong friends, C.C. and Hillary. Even though they first bonded as young girls, they continue to support and care for each other as they grow older. Their friendship is put to the test multiple times but they always find their way back to one another in the end.
The way the friendship dynamics between the leads change little by little as they get older is something that most viewers will be able to relate to. Beaches celebrates genuine friends, the ones who can always be counted on in times of need.
Where to watch: Beaches is available for streaming on Prime Video.
5) Hocus Pocus (1993)
Originally a box-office bomb, Hocus Pocus has come to be recognized as a cult classic over the years. A teenager named Max Dennison (Omri Katz) accidentally lights a cursed candle during Halloween that brings back three villainous witches played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy.
Winifred, Mary, and Sarah may be powerful witches with great abilities but they also have a knack for goofing up which makes them more comedic than dangerous. But that doesn't mean that the evil trio stays out of trouble. Max and his friends then have to come up with ways to outsmart them.
The talented cast bring a certain vivacity to the delightful characters that help make them particularly memorable. Hocus Pocus is the perfect Halloween-themed movie for viewers who don't enjoy spooky narratives.
Where to watch: This famous Bette Midler movie can be viewed on Disney+ and Prime Video.
6) The First Wives Club (1996)
Like Beaches, this Bette Midler movie is also an adaptation. Directed by Hugh Wilson, it focuses on four friends, Annie, Brenda, Elise and Cynthia. When Cynthia portrayed by Stockard Channing commits suicide after her husband leaves her, Annie, Brenda, and Elise, played by Diane Keaton, Midler and Goldie Hawn respectively, are forced to acknowledge similar problems in their married lives.
Eventually, Annie, Brenda and Elise form the First Wives Club to get revenge and make their ex-husbands pay. The witty dialogue coupled with great delivery by all three talented actors will have the audience in splits. Serious topics such as fidelity, heartbreak, depression, and more, are also infused in the narrative in a way that is thoughtful without being overwhelming.
Where to watch: This Bette Midler comedy is available on Netflix and Prime Video.
7) Freak Show (2017)
Based on James St. James' novel, this Trudie Styler comedy-drama stars Alex Lawther as a spirited teenager, Billy Bloom, who isn't bound by gender norms. Quick-witted Billy likes to use fashion as a way to express himself. Bette Midler plays his doting mother, Muv, who encourages Billy to live life on his own terms.
However, when Muv disappears, he has to move in with his conservative father which proves to be a challenge. It also doesn't help that the students in his new school aren't exactly welcoming. But instead of hiding in the shadows, Billy continues to fight back and is adamant about making a mark.
Poignant messages of tolerance and acceptance form the core of this Bette Midler movie narrative. It is a warm coming-of-age tale that the whole family can watch together.
Where to watch: This endearing Bette Midler movie can be streamed on Prime Video.
Cinephiles who enjoy narratives that fuse comedy and drama should make a point to add these Bette Midler movies to their must-watch list.
