When Carrie Fisher’s health deteriorated rapidly and she passed away suddenly in late December of 2016, movie fans of all kinds were in mourning. Regardless of whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, her passing was tragic and unfortunate, to say the least. She was a natural-born talent, obviously inheriting a knack for show business from her mom and dad.
The daughter of Old Hollywood powerhouse Debbie Reynolds and pop musician and actor Eddie Fisher, Carrie was initially reluctant to assimilate into the Hollywood lifestyle of her parents. She’d dabbled in acting, but her role of Princess Leia was definitely her big break—it arrived while she was in school, trying to finish her degree. From that point forward, she would be remembered for her outspokenness when it came to mental health and her signature sardonic sense of humor in addition to her numerous famous roles, as well as her lesser-known role as a Hollywood script doctor.
Star Wars
What else but the first Star Wars film could’ve earned itself the top spot here? Fisher’s Princess Leia is strong, heroic, and brave throughout the entirety of the first film, showing a level of competence and skill and charisma unmatched by many Star Wars actors since.
Purchase now on Amazon for $14.99.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
In Empire Strikes Back, Fisher continues to portray Princess Leia as an important and essential figure in the Star Wars universe. She’s integral to the story and a huge part of what makes this film so spectacular.
Purchase now on Amazon for $14.99.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Rian Johnson’s Star Wars film, if nothing else, is a touching and important tribute to Fisher’s role in the universe. As of this writing, it’s unclear what will happen with General Leia in Episode IX, but Johnson’s talent as a filmmaker and Fisher’s skill as an actress are enough to create a powerful and lasting impression of a woman who has sacrificed everything for the cause she believes in.
Purchase now on Amazon for $19.99.
When Harry Met Sally…
Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner’s perfect film, beyond being one of the best romantic comedies of all time, is a fantastic vehicle for Carrie Fisher’s often hilarious sense of humor. Fisher plays the best friend to Meg Ryan’s Sally and provides plenty of laughs throughout the years of Harry and Sally’s roller coaster ride of a relationship.
Purchase now on Amazon for $13.99.
The ‘Burbs
No stranger to cult classics, Carrie Fisher gives a winning performance opposite Tom Hanks in Joe Dante’s The ‘Burbs. She’s basically playing the adversary to Tom Hanks, who (along with some of the other neighbors) is convinced there’s something not quite right about the new neighbors down the street. It’s one of her funniest and most enjoyable performances.
Purchase now on Amazon for $3.99.
Hannah and Her Sisters
Her first big role after the original Star Wars trilogy, Fisher brings plenty of charm to one of Woody Allen’s most beloved films. Hannah and Her Sisters follows Mia Farrow, Dianne West, Michael Caine, and Carrie Fisher over the course of two Thanksgivings. It’s a funny and pleasing film, thanks in part to Carrie Fisher’s unmissable role.
Purchase now on Amazon for $12.99.
The Blues Brothers
Another cult classic, Fisher’s role in The Blues Brothers is a little more than a cameo but still worth checking out simply for her performance. The movie’s well-known for its goofiness and its charm, and Fisher contributes to that easily and expertly.
Purchase now on Amazon for $8.99.
Catastrophe
You know Rob Delaney, also known as Peter from Deadpool 2? He’s got a hilarious show on Amazon Prime called Catastrophe, and Carrie Fisher plays his mom across multiple episodes. It’s one of the best vehicles for her unique sense of humor, and Delaney clearly lets her have some fun with it. She’s going to be missed on the show, for sure.
Watch now on Amazon Prime here.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Unfortunately, Fisher’s performance in Return of the Jedi lacks what her other Star Wars movies have: something for her to do. She’s sidelined by Lucas — not to mention the opening metal bikini thing — but at least she gets to strangle Jabba. She’s obviously still great here, but there’s a lot left to be desired.
Purchase now on Amazon for $12.99.
Soapdish
As with her part in The Blues Brothers, Fisher’s role in Soapdish isn’t as big as it deserves to be but is still worthy of recognition. The movie’s funny enough, but Fisher really deserved a larger role in the whole thing. The film follows the cast of a hit soap opera and features a winning all-star cast, with Fisher playing a supporting role that is as memorable as the film itself.
Purchase now on Amazon for $12.99.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
