Sandra Bullock at the 70th Venice International Film Festival in 2013

Sandra Bullock at the 70th Venice International Film Festival in 2013 (Photo by Silvi Photo on Shutterstock)

From rom-com queen to butt-kicking action star, Sandra Bullock has captivated audiences for decades. Remember dodging buses with Keanu Reeves in the rain? Or maybe you cried laughing as she navigated the hilarious world of beauty pageants? Bullock's filmography is a treasure trove of unforgettable characters and heart-pounding moments. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to dive into the best movies this versatile actress has to offer! We have taken it upon ourselves to bring you the top five best Sandra Bullock movies based on the most mentioned films across 10 expert reviews of her best work. As always, if you don't agree with our ranking, we would love to hear from you in the comments down below. 

The List: Best Sandra Bullock Movies, According to Experts

1. “Gravity” (2013)

Coveting the first spot is 2013's “Gravity.” It's one of two films to garner Bullock an Oscar nod. PureWow calls it a “nail-biting sci-fi thriller” that will leave you breathless (and maybe a little thankful for terra firma).

ScreenRant points out the film's critical acclaim, including ten Oscar nominations and a Best Actress nod for Sandra Bullock. This isn't just a space adventure; it's a powerful reminder of Bullock's dramatic chops. Move over, rom-coms – Gravity solidified her place as a Hollywood A-lister, no matter the genre.

Yes, the special effects are mind-blowing, but The Guardian says the true magic lies in Bullock's raw performance. She portrays Ryan Stone, an astronaut grappling with grief and isolation after a devastating accident. Despite being stranded in the vast emptiness of space, Stone's emotional journey feels oddly relatable. Bullock carries the film with quiet strength, making even the most dramatic moments feel strangely weightless. So, buckle up and prepare to be blown away by “Gravity” – a cinematic experience that's out of this world!

2. “Speed” (1994)

Next up on the list is “Speed”. This is known as the film that made Sandra Bullock a star. Before she was dodging meteors in space, Sandra Bullock was outrunning explosions on four wheels in “Speed.” GoldDerby describes her breakout role as Annie Porter, a bus passenger thrust into a life-or-death situation, as a “breath of fresh air.” Annie's blend of humor and courage is infectious, and it's easy to see why Bullock's star power shone so brightly after this film.

“Speed” isn't a one-woman show, though. IndieWire acknowledges the killer performances from the supporting cast, including Dennis Hopper, Jeff Daniels, and Keanu Reeves. But even amongst such heavyweights, Bullock steals the scene as Annie.

The Guardian hails “Speed” as a modern action masterpiece, a thrilling blend of disaster flick, siege movie, and high-octane car chase. But what truly sets it apart is the casting of Bullock as the unlikely hero. A smart, capable woman taking the wheel (and the movie) by storm? Groundbreaking. This ingenious choice not only propelled Bullock's career forward, but also injected the film with a welcome dose of freshness.

3. “The Blind Side” (2009)

The third spot belongs to 2009's “The Blind Side”. This film garnered Bullock her first Academy Award. This isn't your typical football movie! RedBook tells the true story of Michael Oher, a young man who overcame a rough start in life to become an NFL star. Enter Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, a determined woman who, along with her husband Sean (played by Tim McGraw), takes Michael under their wing.

But “The Blind Side” is more than just a sports flick. WatchMojo praises Bullock's powerful performance – she completely embodies Leigh Anne's strength and compassion. The chemistry between Bullock and Quinton Aaron, who portrays Michael, is undeniable, making their on-screen bond all the more heartwarming (and tearjerking!).

Bullock initially turned down the role, according to Looper. Thankfully, after meeting the real-life Leigh Anne, she decided to give it a shot. The result? An Oscar-worthy performance that celebrates the power of family, second chances, and a whole lot of heart. So, grab your tissues and get ready to be inspired.

4. “While You Were Sleeping” (1995)

For our next pick, we are going to need to travel back in time to 1995 for “While You Were Sleeping,” a slightly creepy but always charming Bullock rom-com. Ever fantasize about bumping into your crush and becoming a hero in the process? Well, for Sandra Bullock's character Lucy in “While You Were Sleeping,” that daydream turns into hilarious reality! IndieWire describes the film as a “deeply lovely” rom-com where Lucy, a lonely subway worker, quite literally falls for the dashing Peter (played by Peter Gallagher) when she rescues him from an oncoming train.

Things get a little complicated when a hospital mix-up leads Peter's family to believe Lucy is his fiancée. Talk about an awkward meet-cute! But Bullock, ever the charmer, navigates this comedy of errors with bubbly enthusiasm, making Lucy one of her most endearing rom-com roles ever.

The Guardian playfully compares this movie to Julia Roberts' “Pretty Woman,” acknowledging the slightly questionable premise. But hey, Sandra Bullock has a way of making even the most far-fetched scenarios feel sweet and heartwarming. This lighthearted film, coupled with her success in “Speed” the year before, solidified Bullock's status as a rom-com queen and Hollywood A-lister.

5. “Miss Congeniality” (2000)

You didn't think we were going to leave without mentioning Gracie Lou, did you? Coming in at number five is the classic “Miss Congeniality.” Remember that time an FBI agent went undercover in a beauty pageant? No, it wasn't a fever dream! IndieWire throws it back to this gem, a hilarious romp where Sandra Bullock takes center stage as Gracie Hart, a tough-as-nails agent tasked with infiltrating the Miss United States competition to stop a terrorist plot.

This wasn't your average undercover mission. Gracie had to transform from a rough-around-the-edges agent (think more “pizza and beer” than “roses and tiaras”) into a pageant-ready contender. Collider loves Bullock's comedic genius, praising her ability to deliver laugh-out-loud lines while flawlessly rocking a sparkly gown and stilettos (and maybe even pulling off a killer high kick!).

“Miss Congeniality” isn't just a laugh riot, though. Thrillist reminds us that for many of us, it was a coming-of-age movie moment. We saw Sandra Bullock as the relatable everywoman, a strong, independent agent navigating a world dominated by men. But as Gracie delves deeper into the pageant world, she discovers an unexpected source of strength – female camaraderie.

Sure, some aspects of the film might feel a bit dated two decades later, but one thing remains undeniable: Sandra Bullock's performance as Gracie Hart is pure gold. From her hilarious Jersey accent to her surprising vulnerability, she completely owns the role. So, dust off your tiara, grab your besties, and get ready for a side-splitting good time with “Miss Congeniality” – a movie that proves sometimes, the toughest battles are fought in ballgowns and high heels.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.

About Jilly Hite

Janelle is a freelance writer from New York. Her writing focuses on parenting, tech, business, interior design, education, and telling people’s inspiring stories. Janelle has written for Mustela and Newton Baby and has bylines in Pregnant Chicken, Syracuse Woman Magazine, the Baldwinsville Messenger, and Family Times Magazine. She holds a master’s degree in literacy from the State University of New York at Oswego.

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1 Comment

  1. Keith guyer says:

    new movies? maybe one with mary Magdalene. the early years. comedic.played by the stress free sandra bullock.controversial. inovative. motherly alienish. barrenish.racially obscured.taking Jesus by the earish kind of??