Mary Tyler Moore wasn’t just a television iconshe was a magnetic force whose charm, quick wit, and unmistakable screen presence spilled effortlessly onto the big screen. While she’s best known for turning the world on with her smile (thank you, The Mary Tyler Moore Show), her film career is a fascinating collection of drama, comedy, romance, and the occasional unexpected genre turn. Fans continue ranking, debating, and revisiting her movies, proving that her influence extends far beyond the small screen.
This ranked list highlights Mary Tyler Moore’s best movies according to fansshowing which roles resonated most, which films still shine today, and which ones… well, let’s just say they remain conversation starters. Whether you’re revisiting classics or discovering her work for the first time, this guide breaks down her standout performances, explores what made each film memorable, and gives you all the context you need to appreciate her cinematic legacy.
1. Ordinary People (1980)
If there were ever a film to prove Mary Tyler Moore’s dramatic power, it’s Ordinary People. Directed by Robert Redford, the movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Pictureand Moore’s performance was a revelation. Fans rank this movie as her absolute best, not because it’s cheerful (it’s not) but because she delivered an unforgettable portrayal of a grieving, emotionally restrained mother.
In a sweeping departure from her comedic persona, Moore gave a performance so cold, controlled, and heartbreaking that audiences were stunned. Her character, Beth Jarrett, is a woman whose need for perfection suffocates her family. It remains her most critically acclaimed movie role, and fans consistently put it at number one thanks to its emotional depth, psychological nuance, and career-defining acting.
Why Fans Love It
- Breakout dramatic performance that showed a new side of her talent
- Intense, layered storytelling that remains timeless
- Exceptional ensemble cast and direction
2. Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)
Light, bright, and joyfully chaoticthis musical comedy pairs Mary Tyler Moore with Julie Andrews in a quirky story about 1920s modernity, flappers, and romance. Moore plays Miss Dorothy Brown, a sweet, slightly ditzy heiress with a charming innocence that fans adore.
While she doesn’t steal the spotlight from Andrews (few could), Moore’s delicate humor and irresistible sweetness make her performance unforgettable. Her comedic timing shines, reminding audiences why she was destined to be one of America’s favorite TV stars. Fans rank this high for its pure entertainment value and for the sheer delight of seeing her in a whimsical musical setting.
Why Fans Love It
- A fun, upbeat escape with irresistible performances
- Classic 1960s musical energy and humor
- Moore's early-career charm on full display
3. Flirting With Disaster (1996)
Fans appreciate this offbeat David O. Russell comedy for its quirky plot, stellar cast, and Moore’s bold, hilarious role as a somewhat over-the-top adoptive mother. Her performance is a comedic delightjust the right mix of absurdity and warmth.
Mary Tyler Moore rarely played characters with such heightened eccentricity, and that’s exactly why fans love her in this film. She leans into the role with fearless comic energy, proving once again that her range extended far beyond the wholesome characters she was often known for.
Why Fans Love It
- A sharp, funny script with memorable moments
- Moore showcasing her comedic edge and timing
- One of her best late-career film appearances
4. Change of Habit (1969)
Yes, this is the film where Mary Tyler Moore stars opposite Elvis Presleyand yes, it’s exactly as fascinating as it sounds. Moore plays a nun (Sister Michelle) who starts working in an inner-city clinic and begins questioning her vows as she grows closer to Elvis’s character.
Fans tend to rank this movie higher than critics do because, honestly, it’s irresistible. You’ve got Elvis, social commentary, and Mary Tyler Moore dressed as a nun while navigating moral complexityit’s cinematic candy. Moore gives a grounded, compassionate performance that elevates the film beyond its quirky premise.
Why Fans Love It
- A unique pairing of two major cultural icons
- Moore’s emotional sincerity in a complicated role
- A cult classic appeal
5. A Stranger With My Face (1974)
This lesser-known thriller made for television has become a sleeper favorite among Mary Tyler Moore fans. Though not a blockbuster movie, its suspenseful atmosphere and strong character work keep fans returning to it.
Moore plays a woman grappling with identity, mystery, and dangerfar from her usual comedic roles. Fans rank it well because it demonstrates her ability to dive into dramatic tension and carry a film with emotional strength.
Why Fans Love It
- Strong suspense and character development
- A rare dramatic TV-movie performance
- Shows her impressive versatility
6. First, You Cry (1978)
Based on the memoir of NBC journalist Betty Rollin, this moving drama explores the emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer treatment. Mary Tyler Moore delivers one of her most heartfelt, courageous performances.
Fans rank this high for its raw vulnerability. Her portrayal helped raise awareness and brought empathy to a subject not often discussed openly at the time. While heavy, it remains an important work in her filmography.
Why Fans Love It
- A sensitive, meaningful story
- Moore’s courage in tackling difficult subjects
- A film that holds up emotionally decades later
7. Just Between Friends (1986)
A warm friendship drama starring Moore and Christine Lahti, this film explores love, empathy, and grief with honesty. Fans appreciate the emotional sincerity and the way Moore blends humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Why Fans Rank It Here
- Strong chemistry between the leads
- Quiet but emotionally fulfilling drama
- Moore’s signature blend of warmth and depth
8. Six Weeks (1982)
This emotional dramacentered on a terminally ill girl, her mother (Moore), and a senatoroften divides audiences. But fans who resonate with the story rank it warmly for Moore’s compassionate, heartbreaking performance.
Why Fans Love It
- Emotional storytelling with heart
- Moore’s tender performance
- A meaningful but underrated film
9. What’s So Bad About Feeling Good? (1968)
A delightfully odd romantic comedy, this film is ranked lower mostly because it’s so unusualbut fans still appreciate its quirky charm. Moore plays a woman infected with a mysterious happiness virus in New York City, leading to comedic chaos.
Why Fans Still Appreciate It
- A strangely fun concept
- Classic Mary Tyler Moore charm
- Lighthearted and playful
10. X-Ray (1981) / aka Hospital Massacre
Yes, Mary Tyler Moore once appeared in a horror moviewell, sort of. The film is often ranked last because it’s campy, bizarre, and absolutely not what anyone expects from her career. Still, fans sometimes adore it for the novelty alone.
Why Fans Rank It Last (Lovingly)
- It’s a cult oddity, not a masterpiece
- Moore’s involvement is unexpected
- So-bad-it’s-good appeal for some viewers
Why Fans Continue Ranking Her Movies
The beauty of Mary Tyler Moore’s filmography lies in its variety. She wasn’t afraid to take risks, shift genres, or push past the boundaries of what audiences expected from her. Fans continue ranking her movies because her performanceswhether comedic, dramatic, or quietly powerfulstill resonate today. Her legacy lives not only in her iconic TV roles but also in these films that showcase her remarkable depth and versatility.
of Experiences, Insights, and Reflections
Exploring Mary Tyler Moore’s movies isn’t just a nostalgic exerciseit’s a journey through changing eras of American cinema, shifting cultural attitudes, and the evolution of a performer who never stopped surprising audiences. When fans rank her films, they aren’t simply judging plots or production values; they’re responding to how Moore made them feel.
Watching Ordinary People today, for example, still hits hardnot just because the film is powerful, but because Moore’s transformation remains astonishing. People recount seeing her on TV as the cheerful Laura Petrie or the independent, spirited Mary Richards, and then sitting stunned as she delivered one of the coldest, most complex maternal portrayals in film history. Fans often say the performance felt like seeing an old friend reveal a hidden emotional universe.
On the opposite end, movies like Thoroughly Modern Millie or What’s So Bad About Feeling Good? live in a different emotional space entirely. These films remind people of a more playful era in comedybright colors, innocent fun, and quirky humor. They show Moore as a performer who understood timing and tone with surgical precision. Fans frequently share stories about discovering these movies through parents or grandparents who adored her, creating an intergenerational connection through film.
Movies like Flirting With Disaster found her connecting with a new generation in the 1990s, proving she could still surprise audiences decades into her career. And films like First, You Cry and Six Weeks reveal the depth of empathy she brought to her dramatic roles. Fans often describe crying with her, rooting for her, or simply feeling seen through her portrayals of vulnerability and resilience.
Ultimately, ranking Mary Tyler Moore’s movies is a way for fans to celebrate a performer who left an indelible mark on American entertainment. Whether she made us laugh, think, or reach for a box of tissues, her work continues to resonateproving that true talent never fades. Her legacy remains vibrant, her films remain beloved, and her impact remains immeasurable.