Geena Davis at 70: Six Unmissable Films to Stream Now

Seventy years young and still a force to be reckoned with, Geena Davis has spent decades upending expectations and redefining what it means to be a leading lady. Her career is a patchwork of bold choices, from slapstick comedy to high-octane action, and she’s never shied away from a challenge. If you’re in the mood to celebrate, here are six essential films that capture the breadth of her talent, all ready to stream from the comfort of your sofa.

Romantic Rivalries and Political Banter

In Speechless, Davis steps into the shoes of Julia Mann, a sharp-witted Democratic speechwriter who unwittingly falls for her Republican counterpart, Vallick. The pair’s professional rivalry simmers beneath a blossoming romance, and Davis brings a deft touch to the role, balancing quick-fire humour with a hint of vulnerability. Her chemistry with Michael Keaton is undeniable, making their second on-screen partnership a proper treat. The film’s political backdrop feels oddly prescient, and Davis’s knack for comedy shines through, proving she’s as comfortable with a punchline as she is with a dramatic turn.

Supernatural Antics and Ghostly Gags

Few roles have stuck in the public imagination quite like Barbara Maitland in Beetlejuice. Thrust into a world of mischievous spirits and eccentric afterlife bureaucracy, Davis grounds the chaos with a performance that’s both sweet and sly. Alongside Alec Baldwin, she plays one half of a recently deceased couple, their attempts to reclaim their home from the living going spectacularly awry. The physical comedy is spot on, but it’s Davis’s warmth that keeps the film from floating off into pure farce.

Sporting Legends and Sisterly Tensions

As Dottie Hinson in A League of Their Own, Davis doesn’t just play a baseball star—she embodies one. The film, set during the Second World War, follows the rise of the first all-female baseball league. Davis’s athletic poise and understated authority anchor the story, while her on-screen rivalry with Lori Petty’s Kit adds a proper edge. Tom Hanks may have the memorable one-liners, but it’s Davis who commands the field, her performance a reminder that sporting prowess and emotional depth aren’t mutually exclusive.

Family Chaos and Talking Mice

In Stuart Little, Davis takes on the role of Eleanor, a mother whose open-hearted acceptance of a talking mouse as her son’s sibling could have tipped into the absurd. Instead, she brings a gentle sincerity to the part, treating Stuart’s escapades with the same concern any parent would show. The film’s charm owes much to Davis’s ability to make the extraordinary feel entirely plausible, and for many, she remains the quintessential on-screen mum—supportive, patient, and just a bit bemused by the madness around her.

On the Run: Friendship and Rebellion

It’s impossible to overlook Thelma & Louise, the film that earned Davis her second Oscar nod and sparked endless debate. As Thelma, she transforms from a timid housewife into a woman on the run, her journey marked by moments of fear, exhilaration, and defiance. The dynamic with Susan Sarandon is electric, their friendship feeling lived-in and real. After a violent encounter outside a bar, the pair’s flight across the American landscape becomes a symbol of rebellion, and Davis’s performance is nothing short of fearless.

Quirky Encounters and Second Chances

Rounding out the list is The Accidental Tourist, the role that brought Davis her Academy Award. As Muriel Pritchett, she’s a whirlwind of energy and eccentricity, lighting up the screen opposite William Hurt’s reserved travel writer. The film explores grief and renewal without ever tipping into sentimentality, and Davis ensures Muriel is more than a stock ‘free spirit’. She’s messy, funny, and deeply human, her relationship with her son adding a layer of poignancy that lingers long after the credits roll.

Which of Davis’s performances stands out for you? There’s no shortage of options—her filmography is as varied as it is impressive.