Sigourney Weaver’s top five performances –

We all probably know her best as the fierce but emotionally recognizable Ripley from the Alien films, a character that not only revolutionized the image of female action heroes, but also earned her an Oscar nomination. But Sigourney Weaver has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and her long career has produced a wide range of performances that have showcased her dramatic and comedic sides. With her incredible presence and intensity, Weaver has managed to remain relevant for decades, a testament to her skill and ability. A pioneer who remains as respected and influential in Hollywood today, we have listed what we consider her five greatest achievements.

5. The Village (2004)

Mystery is on the menu in M. Night Shyamalan’s nail-biter about an isolated village and its inhabitants, in which Weaver once again excels with her phenomenal acting. This time as Alice Hunt, a character whose life is deeply rooted in the secrets of the village, forcing her to balance her loyalty to its rules and traditions with her love for her son. Weaver is subtle and nuanced in her performance, expressing the character’s inner conflicts and emotions in a way that elevates and enriches the mystery and atmosphere of the film. Probably her most understated and understated performance, but also one of the most powerful in our opinion.

4. Avatar (2009)

As Dr. Grace Augustine, Weaver gives us a powerful and intellectually heavy portrait whose underlying drive and passion make her an inspiring, credible leader full of nuance. Grace’s internal conflict between her scientific ideals and Pandora’s corporate exploitation balanced with a tough exterior and the underlying compassion she harbors for the Na’vi people make her character as interesting as she is engaging. Weaver’s razor-sharp lines and charismatic energy further help convey and shape the strength and vulnerability that is one of the most memorable characters in Avatar.

3. The Ice Storm (1997)

Ang Lee’s drama, based on the book of the same name, is filled to the brim with brilliant acting, and Weaver as Janey Carver is certainly no exception. She is an emotionally complex character and manages with exquisite dexterity to balance the character’s cold exterior with her underlying vulnerability and longing for something more meaningful. It is as mesmerizing as it is poignant, offering a strangely believable portrait of an emotionally closed off personality. Weaver’s interpretation of Carver is intense and emotional, filled with nasty resonance, and it is impossible not to be impressed by her dramatic skills in the film.

2. Galaxy Quest (1999)

In the role of Tawny Madison, Weaver showed her comic side through an insanely entertaining performance that in many ways made fun of her own status as a science fiction star. There is both warmth and humor here, making Madison a pleasantly relatable character, and Weaver’s superb comic timing elevates the film, which, along with the rest of its incomparable cast, forms a real sense of community and camaraderie. Madison’s character could easily have degenerated into a flat stereotype, but in Weaver’s hands she is alive, believable and fantastically entertaining. Arguably her best comic role.

1. Stranger (1979)

Ellen Ripley, by far Weaver’s most iconic and groundbreaking role, is also, in our opinion, the best. A symbol of strength, survival and independence in a genre previously dominated by men. Weaver’s fiery intensity and stage presence is second to none, and in Ripley she manages to capture a distinctive determination that makes her not only recognizable but also incredibly inspiring. Her journey from relatively insecure crew member to fearless, strategic survivor is mesmerizing, and Weaver’s physical and emotional dedication adds to the atmosphere of the claustrophobic, horror-filled scenes. It is a milestone in film history and by far Weaver’s most important, complete and versatile character.