The Drew Barrymore Renaissance: Ranking Her 12 Most Iconic Movies And The Confirmed Adam Sandler Reunion
Drew Barrymore's career trajectory is unlike any other in Hollywood, transitioning from a childhood superstar to a 90s icon, a major film producer, and now a successful daytime talk show host. As of December 23, 2025, while her focus remains on The Drew Barrymore Show, the world of cinema is buzzing with the exciting, fresh news of her potential return to the big screen, particularly through a highly-anticipated, fourth collaboration with her long-time co-star, Adam Sandler.
This article dives deep into the filmography of the multi-hyphenate star, from her earliest, most beloved roles that defined a generation to her most recent projects and the confirmed development of a new movie that promises to reignite her legendary on-screen chemistry with Sandler, cementing her legacy as one of Hollywood's most enduring and versatile actresses.
Drew Barrymore: Full Biography and Career Profile
Drew Blythe Barrymore is a member of the legendary Barrymore family of American actors, giving her a lineage deeply rooted in Hollywood history. Her career began at an astonishingly young age, leading to a life lived in the public eye.
- Full Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
- Date of Birth: February 22, 1975
- Place of Birth: Culver City, California, U.S.
- Parents: John Drew Barrymore (actor) and Ildiko Jaid Barrymore (actress/manager)
- Grandfather: John Barrymore (a legendary stage and screen actor)
- First Film Appearance: Altered States (1980)
- Breakthrough Role: Gertie in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
- Production Company: Co-founder of Flower Films (established in 1995)
- Directorial Debut: Whip It (2009)
- Recent Focus: Host of the syndicated talk show The Drew Barrymore Show (since 2020)
The Latest Buzz: Drew Barrymore's Confirmed Film Future
While Drew Barrymore has successfully pivoted to her talk show and her lifestyle brand, Flower Beauty, her film career is far from over. The most significant and fresh news for fans is the confirmed development of new projects, particularly with her most famous romantic comedy partner, Adam Sandler.
The Fourth Adam Sandler Collaboration is 'Actively' in Talks
The iconic duo of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, who have starred in the blockbuster romantic comedies The Wedding Singer (1998), 50 First Dates (2004), and Blended (2014), are "actively" talking about a fourth film together. Barrymore has publicly confirmed that a new movie with Sandler is "coming eventually."
This news is a major development, as their on-screen chemistry is one of the most beloved pairings in modern cinema. Fans are eager to see if this new project will be a continuation of a previous story, such as the rumored Blended 2, or an entirely new romantic comedy concept. The anticipation is high for this new chapter in their film partnership, which is expected to be a major theatrical release.
The Happy Gilmore 2 Development
In another exciting update, Barrymore also confirmed that a sequel to the 1996 comedy classic, Happy Gilmore, is "in process," based on information from Adam Sandler himself. While Barrymore did not star in the original film, her close relationship with Sandler and the involvement of his production company, Happy Madison Productions, suggests she could potentially be involved in the sequel. This development underscores the strong working relationship between the two stars that extends beyond their romantic comedy roles.
Recent and Potential Acting Roles
Barrymore’s most recent film role was in the 2020 dark comedy, The Stand-In, where she played two characters: a depressed actress and her ambitious stand-in. She also had a voice role in the animated film Toys To Life (2020). Additionally, there has been past buzz about a psychological thriller titled He Loves Me, which was described as having a "secret plot," though its current status remains "TBA" (To Be Announced).
The Essential Drew Barrymore Filmography: 12 Iconic Roles
To truly appreciate Drew Barrymore's impact, one must look at the breadth of her work. Her filmography spans genres from sci-fi to horror, and from coming-of-age dramas to defining romantic comedies. Here is a ranked list of her most essential and iconic cinematic contributions, showcasing her topical authority in Hollywood.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Her breakthrough role as the adorable, lisping Gertie, which instantly made her a global star at the age of seven. This Steven Spielberg classic remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
- The Wedding Singer (1998): The first and perhaps most beloved pairing with Adam Sandler. Barrymore’s portrayal of Julia Sullivan, the kind-hearted waitress, established her as the queen of 90s and 2000s romantic comedy.
- 50 First Dates (2004): A romantic comedy masterpiece where she plays Lucy Whitmore, a woman with short-term memory loss. The film perfectly balanced comedy with genuine emotional depth, solidifying her chemistry with Sandler.
- Never Been Kissed (1999): As Josie Geller ("Josie Grossie"), Barrymore captured the spirit of the awkward, yet hopeful, adult returning to high school. This film, produced by her company Flower Films, was a massive commercial success and a defining moment in her career as a producer.
- Charlie's Angels (2000) & Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003): Barrymore, alongside Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu, redefined the action-comedy genre. She was also a producer on both films, demonstrating her power behind the camera.
- Scream (1996): Her shocking opening scene as Casey Becker, a role that was brief but unforgettable, subverted genre expectations and helped revitalize the slasher horror genre. It remains one of the most famous horror movie openings ever.
- Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998): Her performance as Danielle de Barbarac gave the classic Cinderella tale a strong, feminist update, cementing it as a beloved period drama and a key film in her career.
- Donnie Darko (2001): A smaller, but critically important role as Ms. Karen Pomeroy, a sympathetic English teacher in this cult sci-fi psychological thriller. She also served as an executive producer, helping to get the indie film made.
- Grey Gardens (2009): A dramatic high point. Barrymore won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Film for her stunning portrayal of Edith Bouvier Beale ("Little Edie"). This role proved her dramatic acting prowess.
- Riding in Cars with Boys (2001): Based on a true story, her performance as a teenage mother navigating life's challenges was a raw, emotional turn that showcased her depth as a dramatic actress.
- Whip It (2009): Her directorial debut, a coming-of-age sports comedy about roller derby starring Elliot Page. The film was praised for its energy and feminist themes, proving her talent as a director.
- Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019): While a TV series, her role as Sheila Hammond, a suburban realtor turned zombie, was her most prominent acting role in years and a huge hit on Netflix, blending comedy and horror.
Drew Barrymore's Hidden Gems and Underrated Performances
Beyond the blockbusters, Drew Barrymore has delivered several compelling performances in lesser-known films that deserve recognition. These roles further illustrate her willingness to take on challenging and diverse characters:
- Poison Ivy (1992): A seductive, dark role as a manipulative teenager that was a stark contrast to her earlier wholesome image.
- Bad Girls (1994): A Western film where she starred alongside other rising stars of the 90s.
- Boys on the Side (1995): A road trip drama co-starring Whoopi Goldberg and Mary-Louise Parker, where Barrymore played a pregnant, free-spirited character.
- Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002): Directed by George Clooney, this biographical spy film saw Barrymore in a supporting role that added depth to the ensemble cast.
- Music and Lyrics (2007): Her underrated romantic comedy performance opposite Hugh Grant, where she played Sophie Fisher, an eccentric plant enthusiast. This film is often cited as a charming rom-com that deserves more attention.
From the innocent Gertie to the powerful producer of Flower Films, Drew Barrymore’s film career is a testament to her resilience and versatility. As she continues to dominate daytime television, the confirmed talks for a new Adam Sandler movie ensure that her legacy as a cinematic powerhouse will continue to evolve, promising new, exciting roles for her dedicated fanbase in the years to come.
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