10 Best Barbra Streisand Movies: A Celebration of a Multifaceted Star

Barbra Streisand is a legendary actress, singer, and filmmaker who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry over the past six decades.

She has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, five Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, and is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.

Streisand has appeared in numerous films throughout her career, showcasing her talents as an actress and singer. Her films range from musicals to dramas and comedies, and many have become classics of their respective genres.

Throughout her career, Streisand has been praised for her powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and nuanced performances.

Best Barbra Streisand Movies

Her impact on cinema and music has been significant, and her films continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

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The full list

1. Nuts (1987)

Nuts is a 1987 drama film directed by Martin Ritt and starring Barbara Streisand, Richard Dreyfuss, and Maureen Stapleton. The film tells the story of a high-class call girl named Claudia Draper (played by Streisand) who is accused of killing one of her clients in self-defense.

Despite her wealth, Draper is deemed unfit to stand trial and is sent to a mental institution for evaluation.

Here are three reasons to watch Nuts:

Streisand’s performance: Streisand delivers a powerful performance as Claudia Draper, a complex and layered character who is forced to confront her past and fight for her freedom.

She received critical acclaim for her performance, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

Important themes: Nuts explores themes of mental illness, justice, and the limitations of the legal system. It raises important questions about the treatment of those with mental illness and the challenges they face in being fairly represented in court.

Stellar supporting cast: In addition to Streisand, Nuts features a strong supporting cast that includes Richard Dreyfuss as Claudia’s lawyer, Maureen Stapleton as her mother, and Eli Wallach as her stepfather.

Each actor brings depth and nuance to their characters, adding to the film’s overall impact.

2. Yentl (1983)

Yentl is a 1983 musical drama film directed, co-written, produced, and starring Barbra Streisand.

It is based on a play titled Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy by Isaac Bashevis Singer. The story is about a young Jewish woman named Yentl who disguises herself as a man in order to study at a yeshiva (Jewish seminary) in Poland in the early 1900s.

The film explores themes of gender roles, sexuality, religion, and self-discovery. Streisand’s performance was praised, and the film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

3. Funny Girl (1968)

Funny Girl is a 1968 American biographical musical comedy-drama film directed by William Wyler.

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It stars Barbra Streisand in her film debut as Fanny Brice, a role that would earn her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

The film follows Brice’s rise to fame as a performer in the Ziegfeld Follies, her marriage to gambler Nick Arnstein (played by Omar Sharif), and the ups and downs of their relationship.

The film is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill. It was a critical and commercial success and helped to launch Streisand’s career as a film actress.

4. A Star Is Born (1976)

A Star Is Born is a 1976 musical drama directed by Frank Pierson and starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson—not a Faye Dunaway credit. It’s the third Hollywood remake of the 1937 film.

Streisand plays Esther Hoffman, the singer-songwriter whose career takes off as Kristofferson’s fading rock star John Norman Howard spirals. Fame, addiction, and the cost of success drive the romance; Dunaway is not in the picture.

A Star Is Born was a commercial smash, and Streisand won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Evergreen.

5. The Prince of Tides (1991)

The Prince of Tides is a 1991 drama directed by and starring Barbra Streisand, with Nick Nolte opposite her. Here’s a brief summary and some reasons why you might want to watch it:

Adapted from Pat Conroy’s novel, it follows Tom Wingo (Nolte), a South Carolina coach who goes to New York after his twin sister Savannah (Melinda Dillon) attempts suicide. Streisand plays Dr. Susan Lowenstein—Savannah’s psychiatrist—not the sister; Blythe Danner is Tom’s wife Sally.

As Tom opens up about the Wingos’ buried trauma, he and Lowenstein form a complicated bond that reshapes both of their lives.

Reasons to watch The Prince of Tides:

Strong performances: Nolte earned an Academy Award nomination for Tom Wingo, and Streisand’s Lowenstein anchors the New York half of the story.

Emotional depth: The Prince of Tides deals with heavy themes like trauma, abuse, and mental health, but it does so in a way that’s both insightful and emotional.

The film is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, relationships, and personal growth, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

Beautifully crafted: The film boasts some impressive cinematography, music, and direction that elevate the story and create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The score, composed by James Newton Howard, is particularly noteworthy and adds a lot of depth to the film.

Overall, The Prince of Tides is a moving and emotionally resonant drama that showcases some great performances and excellent craftsmanship. It’s definitely worth a watch for fans of powerful and thought-provoking cinema.

6. Hello, Dolly! (1969)

Hello, Dolly! is a 1969 musical film directed by Gene Kelly and starring Barbra Streisand, Walter Matthau, and Michael Crawford.

The film is based on the Broadway musical of the same name and follows Dolly Levi (Streisand), a matchmaker who travels to Yonkers to find a suitable match for Horace Vandergelder (Matthau), a wealthy merchant.

Here are three reasons why you should watch Hello, Dolly!:

Iconic performances by Barbra Streisand and Walter Matthau: Streisand and Matthau deliver outstanding performances as the leading characters.

Streisand’s powerhouse vocals and charismatic screen presence bring Dolly to life, while Matthau’s comic timing and gruff charm make Horace a memorable character.

Timeless music and choreography: Hello, Dolly! features timeless music and choreography that still delight audiences today.

The songs, including Put On Your Sunday Clothes and Hello, Dolly!, are catchy and fun, while the choreography, including the famous Waiters’ Gallop dance sequence, is energetic and entertaining.

Lavish production design and costumes: The film boasts stunning production design and costumes that transport viewers to the glamorous world of turn-of-the-century New York.

The sets and costumes are colorful, opulent, and intricate, adding to the film’s overall charm and spectacle.

Overall, Hello, Dolly! is a classic musical film that offers a delightful blend of humor, romance, and spectacle.

Streisand and Matthau’s performances, the timeless music and choreography, and the lavish production design and costumes make it a must-watch for fans of musicals and classic Hollywood cinema.

7. The Owl and the Pussycat (1970)

The Owl and the Pussycat is a romantic comedy film released in 1970, directed by Herbert Ross and starring Barbra Streisand and George Segal.

The film tells the story of a mismatched couple: Felix (Segal), a struggling writer who lives in a dingy apartment in New York City, and Doris (Streisand), a brash and eccentric prostitute who becomes his neighbor.

Despite their initial animosity towards each other, they soon develop an unexpected bond and begin a tumultuous and unconventional relationship.

The Owl and the Pussycat explores themes of loneliness, sexuality, and self-discovery. It was based on the play of the same name by Bill Manhoff and was a departure for Streisand, who was known for her musical roles at the time.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Streisand’s performance and others finding the film’s humor and characters off-putting. However, it was a commercial success and has since gained a cult following.

The Owl and the Pussycat is notable for its frank depiction of sexuality and unconventional relationship dynamics, as well as its exploration of the bohemian counterculture of the late 1960s and early 1970s. It remains an interesting and entertaining artifact of its time.

8. What’s Up, Doc? (1972)

What’s Up, Doc? is a 1972 comedy film directed by Peter Bogdanovich and starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal.

The film follows the story of four identical plaid overnight bags and the characters that are trying to get their hands on them.

The bags contain various items, including a rare rock, which is pursued by a group of thieves. The movie is known for its fast-paced, screwball-style comedy, as well as the chemistry between the two leads.

The film was a commercial success and is considered a classic of the genre.

9. The Main Event (1979)

The Main Event is a 1979 sports romantic comedy directed by Howard Zieff and starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal—no Faye Dunaway (that boxing-adjacent Dunaway credit is The Champ, same year).

Streisand’s Hillary Kramer, a perfume executive wiped out by a crooked accountant, finds she’s still under contract to washed-up fighter Eddie “Kid Natural” Scanlon (O’Neal) and decides to promote him back into the ring. Romance, sparring, and business farce follow.

The Streisand–O’Neal chemistry carries the lighthearted mix of sports and screwball. The Main Event was a commercial success, grossing over $42 million.

10. The Way We Were (1973)

The Way We Were is a 1973 romantic drama film directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford.

The movie follows the relationship between Katie (Streisand), a politically active liberal, and Hubbell (Redford), a writer who is more interested in his career than in politics.

The film explores their love story over the course of several decades, from their college years in the 1930s through the 1950s, against the backdrop of political and social upheaval in the United States.

The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving six Academy Award nominations and winning two for Best Original Dramatic Score and Best Original Song for the title track, performed by Streisand.

3 Reasons To Watch Barbra Streisand Movies

Iconic Performances: Barbra Streisand is a highly acclaimed performer and has won multiple awards for her acting, singing, and directing work.

Her films have showcased her versatility as an actress, singer, and comedian, and she has given unforgettable performances in films like Funny Girl, A Star Is Born, and Yentl.

Powerful Voice: Streisand’s distinctive voice is one of the most recognizable in the entertainment industry.

Her singing has won her numerous awards, including ten Grammy Awards, and her music has been celebrated for its emotional depth and range. Her films often feature musical numbers, and watching Streisand perform on screen is a treat for any music lover.

Strong Female Characters: Streisand’s films often feature strong and independent female characters who challenge gender stereotypes and traditional roles.

Her characters are intelligent, driven, and unapologetically themselves, and they serve as role models for viewers of all ages. Streisand’s films also explore important social and political issues, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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Best Barbra Streisand Movies – Wrap Up

Funny Girl (1968) – Streisand’s breakthrough film, where she portrays legendary Broadway performer Fanny Brice.

A Star Is Born (1976) – Streisand plays a rising musician who falls in love with a famous rock star (played by Kris Kristofferson).

The Way We Were (1973) – Streisand and Robert Redford star in this romantic drama about a couple whose political differences threaten their relationship.

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Once Upon a Time in Anatolia: A Modern Appreciation

Demon Seed: A Guide to Watching It Like a Critic

Lone Wolf and Cub: The Final Conflict: A Modern Appreciation

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