With her diverse talents ranging from acting to screenwriting to directing, Greta Gerwig is emerging as an unstoppable force in Hollywood. Her latest film, “Barbie,” which has received critical acclaim and redemption for the industry, has prompted her legion of fans to ask a crucial question: which movie in Gerwig’s directorial career stands out as her best work to date, the epitome of cinematic excellence?
Gerwig first garnered attention in Hollywood for her performances in several high-profile films. One notable example is “Frances Ha,” a project she co-developed with her real-life partner Noah Baumbach, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Subsequently, Gerwig began writing treatments and scripts that showcased her unique voice in the industry. However, it wasn’t until the release of “Lady Bird” in 2017 that she truly established herself as a formidable presence among her contemporaries.
Here, we present a ranking of every movie Greta Gerwig has directed thus far, from the least to the best. While personal preferences may differ, one cannot deny Gerwig’s prowess as a cinematic powerhouse that is just getting started.
4. “Nights and Weekends” (2008)
“Nights and Weekends” technically marks Gerwig’s directorial debut; however, she co-directed this 2008 low-budget film alongside renowned mumblecore filmmaker Joe Swanberg. Despite exploring the evolution of a long-distance relationship, the film fails to distinguish itself from others in the same genre in terms of its storytelling format.
Upon viewing “Nights and Weekends,” it immediately becomes clear that this isn’t a typical Greta Gerwig movie. Perhaps it suffers from the classic case of too many cooks in the kitchen. Nonetheless, since Gerwig is officially credited as a co-director, it warrants inclusion in this list albeit with some hesitation.
3. “Barbie” (2023)
Although the trailers for “Barbie” appeared promising, the film had the potential to fail disastrously. However, given Gerwig’s track record, it was unlikely that she would write or direct a film that sinks. And her gamble has paid off; not only has the film been well-received by critics, but it has also revitalized box office potential for other blockbusters and reinvigorated the industry itself. These cumulative successes solidify the significance of “Barbie.”
Nevertheless, I firmly believe that “Barbie” is not Gerwig’s best work. While the absurdist script works effectively when necessary, and the performances by Ryan Gosling’s Ken and Margot Robbie’s Barbie are exceptional, the script and direction do not possess the same level of precision found in Gerwig’s other two films, “Lady Bird” and “Little Women.”
2. “Lady Bird” (2017)
“Lady Bird” is an exceptional film in every aspect, representing the pinnacle of coming-of-age storytelling accompanied by a script that breathes life into its characters. Let us not forget Saoirse Ronan’s brilliant portrayal of the titular Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson.
Upon premiering the film at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017, Gerwig received a standing ovation. Critically acclaimed, the movie garnered immense praise from reviewers. It also earned five Academy Award nominations, solidifying Gerwig’s name as one of the great filmmakers of our time.
1. “Little Women” (2019)
One could almost speculate that Gerwig created “Little Women” to prove that the success of “Lady Bird” was not an isolated incident. Perhaps the inherent nostalgia in me cannot resist the allure of a period drama executed flawlessly. Maybe I could even persuade you to consider why “Little Women” objectively stands as Gerwig’s best film to date.
However, I will resist the temptation and simply say this: “Little Women,” adapted from Louisa May Alcott’s timeless 1868 novel, makes you fall in love with life itself. Through this two-hour period piece, our follies, accomplishments, heartbreaks, joys, and immense tragedies are depicted and elevated to a breathtaking crescendo of dramatic perfection, unequivocally establishing it as Gerwig’s finest work to date.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
