With The Devil Wears Prada 2 generating buzz, fans everywhere are excited to see more of the fabulous (and often ruthless) world of fashion. While everyone waits for the second film to be released, now is the perfect time to reflect on some of Anne Hathaway’s most memorable performances. From romantic to comedic, and everything in between, her movies show why she has become one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood.
Of course, this is where we first fell in love with Anne Hathaway, and her portrayal of Andy Sachs is iconic. In playing Andy, Anne so beautifully portrayed anxiety, ambition, and eventually self-confidence of someone thrown into an intimidatingly glamorous fashion industry. As a film, The Devil Wears Prada combines humor, warmth, and fashion into one extremely fun experience.
The Intern (2015)
This charming story about friendship between two generations of successful people features Anne Hathaway opposite Robert De Niro. She plays Jules Ostin, a driven CEO of her own online retail business who is trying to juggle being a wife to her husband and mother to her young daughter, with the additional baggage of self-doubt that virtually every woman deals with. Her vulnerability and strength in this role make it feel refreshingly real.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
Before Andy Sachs, there was Mia Thermopolis, who is awkward, unsure, and hilariously as unprepared as any girl could be to be royalty. Anne Hathaway’s comedic timing, combined with the relatable insecurity of her character, is what makes “The Princess Diaries” such an entertaining story of coming-of-age. It’s both entertaining and honest, which is why people of all ages find the movie to be a classic and one of Hathaway’s most memorable performances.
One Day (2011)
This film hits differently than other romantic dramas, and is based on a novel written by David Nicholls that chronicles the friendship of Emma (Hathaway) and Dexter over 2 decades. The film is emotional and nostalgic, and allows Hathaway to take the lead in a character-driven film that is well-developed and multi-layered.
Bride Wars (2009)
Comedy gold. Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson play two best friends who become adversaries in the race for the perfect wedding, battling each other over wedding dates, jewelry, dresses, and increasingly ridiculous antics. It may not be high art, but it’s absolutely hysterical and will keep you glued to your seat.
The Hustle (2019)
A fun genderflip twist on the classic con comedy. Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson showcase comedic chemistry while portraying unequal opposites in two con artists who compete against each other with hilarious results. Their comedic chemistry is contagious, and Hathaway embraces the absurdity.
The Idea of You (2024)
This romantic dramedy is a recent favorite of mine and demonstrates that Hathaway has a special talent for performing in films that combine humor with heart and complexity. Her performance in this film reminds audiences why she’s more than just a familiar face.
As The Devil Wears Prada 2 inches closer to its release date, revisiting these films serves as an opportunity to reflect on not only the last decade of Anne Hathaway’s career but on the range and evolution of her craft as an actress – from her ability to be awkwardly charming, to being sharp-witted, movingly emotional, and yet still exuding an effortless charisma all within the same body of work.
Whether The Devil Wears Prada 2 becomes a classic or cult favorite, one thing is certain: Anne Hathaway’s career gives us plenty of reasons to revisit her brilliance beyond the runway.
