16 A Date with Judy
'A Date with Judy' is a 1948 romantic comedy film starring Elizabeth Taylor as Carol Pringle. Carol Pringle is one of the teenage characters in the film. She is a friend of the main character, Judy Foster (played by Jane Powell), and is part of the group navigating the romantic and comedic situations surrounding a high school dance. In her role as Carol Pringle, Elizabeth Taylor contributes to the ensemble cast, showcasing the charm and talent that would later characterize her illustrious career in Hollywood.
15 Reflections in a Golden Eye
Elizabeth Taylor starred in the 1967 film 'Reflections in a Golden Eye,' which was an adaptation of the novel by Carson McCullers. The film follows the story of Major Weldon Penderton (Marlon Brando) and his troubled marriage to Leonora (Elizabeth Taylor). Penderton is a repressed and troubled man who is in love with a fellow soldier, Private Williams (Robert Forster). Leonora is a bored and frustrated wife who seeks attention from other men. The film follows the unraveling of the marriage as the secrets and lies between the two characters are revealed.
14 Ivanhoe
Elizabeth Taylor starred as Rebecca of York in the 1952 film adaptation of Ivanhoe. The film was directed by Richard Thorpe and also stars Robert Taylor, Joan Fontaine, and George Sanders. Taylor's performance was praised by critics.
13 Julia Misbehaves
Elizabeth Taylor plays the character Susan Packettin the 1948 film 'Julia Misbehaves.' Susan is the daughter of the main characters, played by Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. The film revolves around her mother's romantic entanglements and how they affect Susan and the family dynamic.
12 Cleopatra
In the 1963 film "Cleopatra," Elizabeth Taylor portrays the iconic historical figure Cleopatra VII, the Queen of Egypt. It is a historical epic that chronicles the tumultuous relationship between Cleopatra and Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The film explores her relationships with Julius Caesar (played by Rex Harrison) and Mark Antony (played by Richard Burton), as well as the political intrigues of ancient Rome and Egypt. Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal of Cleopatra is one of her most iconic roles. Her performance is memorable for capturing both the regal and vulnerable aspects of the character.
11 Lassie Come Home
Elizabeth Taylor starred as Priscilla in the 1943 film 'Lassie Come Home.' She was only 11 years old at the time and it was her first major role. The movie follows Lassie, a collie owned by a poor family, as she makes her way back home after being sold to a wealthy Duke.
10 The Taming of the Shrew
Elizabeth Taylor played the role of Katherina (Kate) in the 1967 film adaptation of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." The film was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Katherina is one of the central characters in Shakespeare's play, and in this film adaptation, Elizabeth Taylor takes on the role of the strong-willed and independent woman who becomes the focus of Petruchio's attempts to "tame" her.
9 Father of the Bride
In the 1950 film "Father of the Bride," Elizabeth Taylor portrays the character Kay Banks. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, this classic comedy is a charming exploration of the chaos and emotions that ensue when a father's daughter decides to get married. Kay Banks is the central character, and the story revolves around her engagement and the events leading up to her wedding. She is the daughter of Stanley T. Banks, played by Spencer Tracy. The film takes the audience through the process of planning and preparing for Kay's wedding, from the announcement of her engagement to the actual ceremony. As Kay's father, Stanley Banks, grapples with the realization that his daughter is getting married, comedic and heartwarming situations arise. Elizabeth Taylor delivers a delightful performance as Kay, capturing the excitement, nerves, and joy that come with planning a wedding.
8 Life with Father
Elizabeth Taylor starred in the 1947 film adaptation of the play 'Life with Father,' which was based on the memoirs of Clarence Day, Jr. She starred alongside William Powell, who played Father, and Irene Dunne, who played Mother. Taylor played the role of Mary Skinner, the eldest daughter in the Day family. She had to learn to play the piano and sing for the role. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Taylor was praised for her performance.
7 Little Women
Elizabeth Taylor played the character Amy March in the 1949 film adaptation of "Little Women." Amy March is one of the four March sisters in Louisa May Alcott's classic novel "Little Women." In the 1949 film, Elizabeth Taylor takes on the role of Amy, the youngest sister.
6 National Velvet
Elizabeth Taylor starred as the title character, Velvet Brown, in the 1944 classic film National Velvet. Velvet Brown is a young girl with a deep passion for horses. She wins a spirited gelding in a raffle and decides to train him for the Grand National steeplechase. Velvet disguises herself as a jockey to ride in the race and prove the horse's worth. The film follows Velvet's determination, her bond with the horse, and her journey to overcome societal expectations. Even at a young age, Elizabeth Taylor's performance as Velvet Brown received critical acclaim.
5 Suddenly, Last Summer
In 'Suddenly, Last Summer,' Elizabeth Taylor stars as Catherine Holly, a young woman who is sent to a mental hospital after her cousin Sebastian's death. Her aunt Violet (Katharine Hepburn) is determined to keep the details of Sebastian's death a secret, and arranges for a lobotomy to be performed on Catherine. However, Catherine's doctor, Dr. Cukrowicz (Montgomery Clift), discovers the truth of Sebastian's death and helps her to fight against her aunt's plan.
4 Giant
Elizabeth Taylor starred as Leslie Lynnton in the 1956 film 'Giant.' Leslie is a strong and independent young woman who marries Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr., played by Rock Hudson. The film spans several decades and explores the dynamics of a Texas ranching family, addressing issues such as racism and social change. Leslie's character undergoes significant personal and societal challenges throughout the narrative. Elizabeth Taylor's performance in "Giant" received critical acclaim, and the film itself is regarded as a classic. It explores themes such as family, wealth, and societal transformations in Texas during the mid-20th century.
3 A Place in the Sun
Elizabeth Taylor did indeed play the character Angela Vickers in the 1951 film "A Place in the Sun." Directed by George Stevens, this drama is based on Theodore Dreiser's novel "An American Tragedy." The film also stars Montgomery Clift and Shelley Winters. Angela Vickers is a beautiful and wealthy socialite who becomes romantically involved with the film's protagonist, George Eastman, played by Montgomery Clift.
2 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
The film explores the tumultuous and dysfunctional relationship between Martha and George as they engage in a night of intense verbal sparring and emotional confrontation with a younger couple, Nick and Honey. Elizabeth Taylor's portrayal of Martha earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance is known for its raw emotion, intensity, and the complexity she brought to the character.
1 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Elizabeth Taylor starred as Maggie in the 1958 film adaptation of Tennessee Williams's play 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" explores the strained relationship between Maggie and her husband, Brick, who is dealing with personal struggles and a troubled family history. Maggie's character is resilient, determined, and plays a central role in the emotional conflicts that unfold within the family. Taylor received an Academy Award nomination for her performance and is remembered as one of the most iconic performances of her career. The film delves into the dynamics of the Pollitt family, addressing issues of desire, deceit, and the legacy of the family.