Renowned for her portrayal in the widely acclaimed teen drama series “Gossip Girl” on CW, Blake Lively stands as one of today’s most celebrated actors. This year brought the exciting revelation that she would take on the lead role in the film adaptation of “It Ends With Us,” a much-anticipated cinematic rendering of Colleen Hoover’s beloved novel—a desire fervently expressed by the book’s fans for an extended period.
Blake Lively has earned accolades from prestigious institutions like the Teen Choice Awards, National Board of Review, Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association, CinemaCon Award, People’s Choice Awards, and numerous others.
Blake Lively movies and TV shows
1. ‘Accepted’ (2006)
While “Accepted” may not be hailed as an outstanding cinematic masterpiece, it comfortably finds its place in the so-bad-they’re-good film category. The film’s notable strengths lie in its improvised dialogue and gags, cleverly pitched by the actors on the very day of shooting. For enthusiasts of mid-2000s comedy, “Accepted” stands as a quintessential comfort film, skillfully capturing the nostalgic essence of that era.
2 .’Savages’ (2012)
Undoubtedly, “Savages” doesn’t cater to everyone’s tastes and doesn’t boast a high rating. However, this American action thriller presents a gritty narrative that might resonate with some viewers, particularly those drawn to the daylight neo-noir genre. While it falls short of its full potential, the film succeeds in providing entertainment and visually pleasing shots, even with its evident flaws.
3. ‘The Age of Adaline’ (2015)
In this gracefully directed film by Tara Elders, the female perspective adds a delightful twist to the genre of time-travelling romance. “The Age of Adaline” diverges from the conventional approach by having time itself as the traveller, while the protagonist remains fixed in her place. Loosely inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1922 short story of the same name, the movie, skillfully acted and directed, proves to be a captivating experience—enchanting, to say the least. The narrative delves into the intriguing concept of immortality, crafting a timeless romance where Blake Lively’s talents take centre stage.
4. ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2’ (2008)
Despite its flaws, with some arguing it falls short of the first film, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” stands out as a better-than-average chick flick. The movie boasts a charming cast and remains entertaining enough to offer audiences an enjoyable time in front of the screen. Similar to its predecessor, it centres on the stories of young women, delivering a powerful message about friendship, family, self-discovery, and love. Notably, Blake Lively’s screen time is expanded, and she skillfully maximizes her presence in the film.
5. ‘The Private Lives of Pippa Lee’ (2009)
In “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee,” a mother, played by Robin Wright, takes pride in her successful twins and her devoted role as the wife of a publisher thirty years her senior. However, her tranquil life is disrupted when her husband, portrayed by Alan Arkin, insists on relocating to a suburban retirement community. This move prompts her to embark on a period of reflection, leading her towards a quiet nervous breakdown.
6. ‘Café Society’ (2016)
“Café Society,” released in 2016, unfolds in 1930s Hollywood and revolves around a Bronx native, played by Jesse Eisenberg. The story follows his move to Hollywood, where he becomes enamoured with a young woman, portrayed by Kirsten Stewart, who is romantically involved with a married man. As their connection deepens, she faces the inevitable choice between her two loves.
7. ‘The Shallows’ (2016)
“The Shallows,” though not a cinematic masterpiece, is a beautifully shot and suspenseful mid-budget survival thriller led by a female protagonist. While it embraces a familiar premise often described as a blend of “Castaway meets Jaws,” the film is well-executed, delivering engrossing and solid entertainment. Blake Lively’s compelling role in the movie required her to undertake physically demanding tasks, including enduring numerous stunts. Lively shared her experience, recounting an incident where she cracked her nose on a buoy, resulting in the genuine bloody nose depicted in the film. Additionally, she highlighted the intensity of being held underwater to simulate the weight of a shark.
8. ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ (2005)
This timeless movie about a girls’ trip follows a premise that remains consistent in its sequel: the delightful narrative revolves around four best friends who devise a plan to stay connected by sharing a pair of secondhand jeans perfectly fitting each of them.
With genuine and strong writing, Ken Kwapis’ film authentically captures the essence of young women navigating self-discovery while striving to preserve their bonds. An endearing and relatable watch, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” emphasizes the significance of friendship and the challenges of growing up. It serves as a comforting viewing experience for many, showcasing the value of enduring connections. Despite a title that might not immediately grab attention, the film holds broad appeal for audiences seeking an enjoyable cinematic journey.
9. ‘A Simple Favor’ (2018)
In the engaging and well-paced “A Simple Favor,” Anna Kendrick’s character, Stephanie Smothers, befriends the enigmatic Emily (played by Lively), an affluent woman with a child at the same elementary school. The storyline unfolds as Stephanie, taking on the role of an amateur investigator, delves into the mystery when Emily mysteriously disappears.
10. ‘The Town’ (2010)
In “The Town,” a group of four skilled thieves takes assistant manager Claire (played by Rebecca Hall) hostage after a bank robbery. Complications arise when one of the crew members (Ben Affleck) develops feelings for her.
For those interested in exploring the dynamics of “Stockholm syndrome,” “The Town” offers an engaging option. As a well-crafted and emotionally involved crime thriller, it serves as a strong character-driven drama. Directed and co-written by Ben Affleck, who also stars in the film, it showcases his prowess as a director and contributes to solidifying his career in the role. The movie is a must-watch for fans of the genre, featuring compelling performances, particularly from Jeremy Renner, who earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Although Blake Lively’s screen time is limited, her presence leaves a lasting impression.
11. Gossip Girl
“Gossip Girl” revolutionized television, and its first season remains among the finest in the medium. Blake Lively’s portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen, navigating the challenges of life as a socialite, brings a unique style and drama to her character. While none of Lively’s other roles quite capture the essence of Serena, her performance stands out. One particularly favoured episode is “The Wild Brunch” from season one, and it’s available for viewing on Max.
12. Green Lantern
While not the most acclaimed superhero movie, it’s far from the worst. Blake Lively stars alongside her future husband, Ryan Reynolds, playing Carol Ferris, the vice president of Ferris Aircraft. When Parallax poses a threat, Ryan’s character, Hal Jordan, must assist the Green Lantern Corps in protecting the galaxy.
The film’s most alienating aspect is the significant time spent in space with the Corps (pun unintended but fitting). Although a more grounded approach with fewer characters might have benefited the movie, the enjoyment of seeing Blake and Ryan share the screen adds a fun element. You can catch it on Max.
