Whoopi Goldberg is a legend of the entertainment industry and is one of a small group of people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony award. She is a true force to be reckoned with and has enjoyed a career spanning decades, starring in some of the most recognizable roles across a variety of genres. Recently, an IMDb study named Goldberg the best-performing actor in the industry. In addition to acting, Goldberg has served a co-host of The View since 2007 and was one of the best Academy Awards hosts of all time.
For acting, Goldberg won her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Ghost, and was previously nominated for her debut starring role in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, which spawned a Broadway musical that will soon be adapted for the screen with Taraji P. Henson. Goldberg easily moves between genres and brings a life to her roles that no one else can. Here’s a look at her best movies, ranked.
8 Cinderella
The classic Cinderella story was reimagined in 1997 when Robert Iscove released Cinderella. The film was streamed on ABC and was monumental for it’s racially diverse cast, featuring several Black actors in main roles including Brandi as Cinderella, Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother, and Whoopi Goldberg as Queen Constantina. The film was rewritten to empower Cinderella more, and is a refreshing take on the Disney trope. Goldberg’s performance is strong, and she blends well with the
cast.
7 The Lion King
The Lion King is a beloved story which was released by Disney in the form of an animated film in 1994. The film was a masterpiece and had an incredible musical score to compliment its brilliant visuals. The film follows the adventures of Simba who is the heir to the throne of Mufasa, his father. Scar plots to dethrone Mufasa and orchestrates his murder while banning Simba to exile. Whoopi Goldberg voices Shenzi, who is one of Scar’s hyenas, who helps him on his mission against Simba and Mufasa. Goldberg’s voice is perfectly suited, and the film proves that her talents extend to voice acting as well as the big screen.
6 Boys on the Side
Whoopi Goldberg would star alongside Drew Barrymore in 1995’s Boys on the Side. Whoopi Goldberg plays Jane who breaks up with her girlfriend and answers a personal ad from Robin (Mary-Louise Parker), a real estate agent with AIDS seeking a travel partner. They travel from New York to LA and pick up Robin’s friend Holly (Drew Barrymore) along the way, who is trying to escape an abusive relationship. The film is ultimately about women friends; however, the subject of homosexuality sets it aside from other films in this genre. Goldberg’s performance is excellent, and all three women have strong chemistry.
5 Girl, Interrupted
James Mangold’s Girl, Interrupted was released in 1999 and was a revolutionary film for the time. The film depicts a psychiatric ward and its patients starring Winona Ryder (who championed the movie's adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's eponymous memoir), Angelina Jolie, and Brittany Murphy. Whoopi Goldberg plays Valerie Owens, a strict but caring nurse at the facility. Goldberg brings a stern caring aspect to a film, which is largely focused on characters who are struggling mentally. She is not at the center, but her performance is still strong and memorable.
4 The Long Walk Home
Whoopi Goldberg starred alongside Sissy Spacek in The Long Walk Home, released in 1991 and directed by Richard Pearce. The film is a historical drama which sees Goldberg (Odessa) as Spacek’s (Miriam) maid. The film takes place during the Montgomery Bus Boycotts of the 1950s when Miriam would drive her to and from work certain days. This leads to frank conversations between the pair, and it’s Goldberg’s performance which shines through. She embodies her role perfectly and is the strongest point of the film.
3 Sister Act
Sister Act is one of the most recognizable and beloved films in Goldberg’s repertoire. The film was directed by Emile Ardolino and was a huge success after its release in 1992. Goldberg stars as Deloris Van Cartier who is a lounge singer that must go into witness protection as a nun. She is assigned the role as leading the choir and brings life into the convent, which has been lacking fun and livelihood before her arrival. Deloris is a lovable character and provides heart-warming moments and musical numbers of pure joy. She returned again for the sequel Sister Act 2, and there are talks of a third instalment in the franchise.
2 Ghost
Jerry Zucker’s Ghost was released in 1990 and was a massive success. The film focuses on Sam Wheat (Patrick Swayze) and Molly Hensen’s (Demi Moore) relationship. Sam ultimately dies and becomes a spirit throughout the film, and Goldberg plays Oda May Brown, who is a psychic that communicates with Sam throughout the film in order to fulfill what his spirit needs after death. Goldberg breathes life into an over the top 90s love story and the presence of her character breaks up the sometimes cliché nature of the film.
1 The Color Purple
Whoopi Goldberg made her debut in major cinema in 1985’s The Color Purple, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film focuses on the life of Celie, a woman living in the south who survives abuse and torment. It’s an incredibly moving performance, and Goldberg has a strength throughout which magnifies the power it took for Celie to survive. It’s an incredible debut on the mainstream acting scene and garnered an Academy Award nomination for Goldberg.