Anne Hathaway has turned 41 today, and honestly, can we just take a moment to appreciate how much she’s given us over the years? This woman is just so iconic. Whether she’s playing the awkward, lovable Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries or the mysterious, calculated Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises, Anne has done it all. let’s not forget about her more serious roles, like in Les Misérables and Dark Waters, where she showed us that she’s more than just a pretty face—she’s a powerhouse. Annie is an actor who can switch from cute to badass, from glamorous to grungy, and from totally relatable to completely otherworldly.
The crazy part is that she has nailed every single of them. Her versatility is what makes her stand out in Hollywood, and it’s seriously hard to think of anyone who can pull off the same blend of charm, depth, and sheer talent that Anne brings to the table. As Anne Hathaway celebrates her 41st birthday on November 12th (yes, she’s one of the November babies, y’all), it feels like the perfect time to look back at some of her most iconic roles. Trust us, we’ve got a lot to cover—because, let’s be real, this woman’s filmography is stacked.
Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Anne’s most memorable role is of Catwoman, or rather, Selina Kyle, in The Dark Knight Rises. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this film was already full of action and drama, but Anne brought a whole new layer to the role of the iconic DC villain. Her Selina is sharp, witty, and mysterious, but also surprisingly compassionate—especially when it comes to her complicated relationship with Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale). What makes Anne’s portrayal stand out is her ability to play both sides of Selina: the mischievous, morally gray thief and the vulnerable woman underneath it all.
One of the standout moments in the film is when she goes from being a sly, confident thief to the classic “damsel in distress,” manipulating a situation to her advantage. It’s a subtle yet powerful moment that shows just how skilled Anne is at balancing multiple emotions in one character. She made Selina Kyle both tough and humane at the same time, and honestly, that’s what made her version of Catwoman so special.
Dr. Amelia Brand in Interstellar (2014)
In Interstellar, Anne stepped into the shoes of Dr. Amelia Brand, an astronaut on a mission to save humanity. It’s a movie that’s full of mind-bending science and epic space travel, but Anne’s role, though quieter, is no less important. As Dr. Brand, she’s calm, intelligent, and determined, but she also has her own personal struggles.
While Matthew McConaughey’s character gets most of the spotlight, Anne’s role isn’t just a background piece. She might not have the juiciest lines or biggest arc, but she nails the complexity of being strong, yet emotionally vulnerable. Interstellar is trippy, but Anne’s performance? So real.
Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
We have been waiting to talk about this (personally) Who could forget Anne as Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada will become a phenomenon? This is probably one of Anne’s most well-known roles, and for good reason. She plays a young woman who lands a job as an assistant to the incredibly tough and demanding Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep) at Runway magazine.
At first, Andy is completely out of her depth—clueless about fashion and trying to fit in. But over time, she learns the ropes, but at what cost? But what makes Andy’s journey so good? It’s how Anne plays her. She starts out super innocent and kind of nerdy, wide-eyed, naïve newbie but eventually learns to stand her ground.
Her chemistry with Streep is pure gold, and the moments with Emily Blunt are too iconic to handle. Anne is at her best when she’s caught between her own dreams and the ruthless fashion world she’s been thrust into. It’s the ultimate glow-up, but with a whole lot of heart.
Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries (2001)
Let’s rewind all the way back to the start of Anne’s career, when she played the awkward teenager Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries. Mia is just your average San Francisco teen until she finds out that she’s actually the heir to the throne of a small European country. Suddenly, she’s thrust into the world of royalty, complete with a makeover, a new wardrobe, and a whole new set of expectations.
What makes Anne’s portrayal of Mia so special is how relatable she makes the character. Mia isn’t the typical princess—we all saw her trip and fall in high heels. She’s clumsy, a little nerdy, but with an undeniable charm.
Anne plays her perfectly, balancing the awkwardness of being a teen with the excitement and fear of becoming a princess. The Princess Diaries is a film that will always hold a special place in our hearts, thanks to Anne’s adorable and heartfelt performance.
Daphne Kluger in Ocean’s 8 (2018)
In Ocean’s 8, Anne plays Daphne Kluger, a famous actress who is the target of a heist at the Met Gala. At first, Daphne seems like a typical diva—self-absorbed and a little clueless—but Anne adds a layer of humour and heart to her character. Daphne becomes part of the plan, and Anne has a blast playing the role of the actress who’s more than meets the eye.
From her desperate attempts to fit in with the crew to her glorious fashion moments, Anne plays Daphne as a mix of comic relief and genuine surprise. Honestly? We could watch a spin-off of her character all day. Anne’s timing and wit are on point here, and it’s clear she had a blast with this one.
Rebecca Saint John in Eileen (2023)
Switching gears completely, Anne’s role in Eileen is an absolute wow moment. In this dark, edgy thriller, she plays Rebecca Saint John, a woman working in a men’s prison—glamorous, mysterious, and just a little bit unhinged. She walks in like she owns the place, and we’re here for it.
Watching Anne in this role is like watching a train wreck in slow motion—you’re intrigued, a little scared, but you can’t look away. She’s not your typical femme fatale—Rebecca is layered, unpredictable, and has a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Anne’s performance is magnetic. She makes Rebecca both a figure of power and someone you don’t fully trust. Her interactions with the younger Eileen (played by Thomasin McKenzie) are full of tension, and Anne’s ability to balance the seductive and dangerous aspects of Rebecca’s character is both thrilling and chilling. Can we get a sequel, please?
Fantine in Les Misérables (2012)
In Les Misérables, Anne took on the role of Fantine, a woman beaten down by life and struggling to survive. The film’s highlight, of course, is Anne’s gut-wrenching performance of I Dreamed a Dream. That scene is still one of the most powerful moments in film history, and Anne’s raw, emotional portrayal of Fantine made her an Oscar winner.
Sure, her breathy acceptance speech for her Oscar may have made some cringe, but let’s be real: she deserved it. Anne completely transformed into Fantine, giving us a heartbreaking portrayal of a woman falling apart at the seams. It’s one of those performances that leaves a mark. Don’t even act like you didn’t tear up when she sang. We all did.
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