A Ranking Of Cher’s Most Memorable Movie Performances
Cher is known around the world as a music legend, but her acting career is just as impressive.
She has starred in dramas, comedies, and everything in between, earning awards and stealing hearts along the way.
From romantic comedies to powerful biopics, her performances prove she can do it all with style and emotion.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes.
Film interpretations, performances, and rankings reflect critical reception and public response and may vary based on individual perspective.
For copyright and licensing reasons, publicly available images of Cher were used in place of film stills where applicable.
1. Moonstruck (1987) – Loretta Castorini
Winning an Oscar is no small feat, and Cher earned hers playing a bookkeeper who falls for her fiancé’s brother.
This romantic comedy became an instant classic, blending humor with genuine emotion in a way that feels timeless.
Nicolas Cage co-starred, creating chemistry that lit up every scene they shared together.
Honestly, watching Cher navigate love and family drama in Brooklyn is like witnessing pure movie magic unfold.
2. Mask (1985) – Rusty Dennis
Playing a fiercely protective mother wasn’t just acting for Cher – it became one of her most powerful performances ever.
Rusty Dennis fights for her son who has a rare facial condition, showing strength and vulnerability in equal measure.
The role won Cher a Golden Globe and proved she could handle deeply emotional material with grace.
If you need a reminder that love conquers all obstacles, this film delivers that message beautifully.
3. Silkwood (1983) – Dolly Pelliker
Before Cher became an Oscar winner, she showed her dramatic chops alongside Meryl Streep in this intense biopic.
Dolly is a loyal friend and co-worker at a dangerous plutonium plant, bringing warmth to a dark story.
The film exposed real hazards workers faced, and Cher’s performance added heart to the hard-hitting narrative.
Perhaps this role marked the moment Hollywood realized Cher was far more than just a pop star.
4. The Witches Of Eastwick (1987) – Alexandra Medford
Supernatural powers meet small-town life when Cher teams up with Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer as magical friends.
Jack Nicholson plays a mysterious stranger who awakens their hidden abilities, sparking chaos and comedy.
Alexandra is a sculptor with quiet strength, and Cher brings both elegance and edge to the character.
While the plot gets wild, the friendship between the three women remains the true magic of the movie.
5. Mermaids (1990) – Rachel Flax
Rachel Flax is the kind of mom who serves unconventional dinners and moves towns whenever life gets complicated.
Cher plays this unconventional parent with humor and heart, balancing fun with the struggles of raising two daughters alone.
Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci co-star as her kids, creating a quirky family dynamic that feels both funny and real.
Ultimately, the film celebrates imperfect families and the love that holds them together through every messy moment.
6. Burlesque (2010) – Tess Scali
Owning a struggling burlesque club in Los Angeles sounds glamorous until the bills start piling up and reality hits hard.
Tess is a tough businesswoman with a golden voice, and Cher brings both grit and grace to the role.
Christina Aguilera plays a young singer she mentors, creating a dynamic that mixes competition with genuine care.
The musical numbers are dazzling, and Cher reminds everyone she can still command a stage like nobody else.
7. Suspect (1987) – Kathleen Riley
Defending a homeless man accused of murder becomes even more complicated when romance enters the courtroom.
Kathleen is a dedicated public defender who finds herself drawn to a juror, played by Dennis Quaid.
Cher plays the role with intelligence and determination, proving she could handle legal thrillers with ease.
Though the plot twists keep you guessing, it’s Cher’s grounded performance that anchors the entire suspenseful story.
8. Tea With Mussolini (1999) – Elsa Morganthal Strauss-Armistan
Set in Italy during World War II, this film follows a group of British and American women navigating dangerous times.
Elsa is a wealthy, eccentric American who joins the group, and Cher plays her with flair and confidence.
The ensemble cast includes Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, creating a powerhouse of talent on screen.
Fortunately, Cher holds her own among these legends, delivering a memorable performance filled with wit and charm.
9. Faithful (1996) – Margaret
Imagine being tied to a chair on your birthday while a hitman hired by your husband debates whether to kill you.
Margaret faces exactly this nightmare, and Cher brings dark humor and desperation to the bizarre situation.
The film is a tense, dialogue-heavy thriller that relies on sharp performances to keep audiences hooked.
Really, Cher proves she can carry a film even when literally tied down, showcasing her range in unexpected ways.
10. Stuck On You (2003) – Herself
Sometimes the best performances come from playing yourself, and Cher does exactly that in this Farrelly Brothers comedy.
She appears as a fictionalized version of herself, hiring conjoined twins for a television show in a hilarious subplot.
The cameo is brief but memorable, showcasing Cher’s willingness to poke fun at her own celebrity status.
Maybe it’s not her most dramatic role, but it proves she doesn’t take herself too seriously either.
