Susan Sarandon movies showcase one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring talents, spanning five decades of remarkable performances. When we look at her impressive career, we can trace her evolution from early supporting roles to Academy Award-winning performances that have cemented her place in film history. From her breakout in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to her Oscar-winning turn in “Dead Man Walking,” her filmography represents a masterclass in acting.
As we explore susan sarandon movies in order, we’ll discover how her career progressed from the 1970s to the present day. Additionally, we’ll examine both early susan sarandon movies that established her talent and recent susan sarandon movies that demonstrate her continued relevance. The complete susan sarandon movies list reveals not only her range as an actress but also her careful selection of meaningful roles. Furthermore, her work extends beyond film, with notable susan sarandon movies and tv shows demonstrating her versatility across mediums. For fans wanting to experience her exceptional performances, services like Mom IPTV offer access to over 60,000 movies and TV shows, including many from Sarandon’s iconic filmography.
Early susan sarandon movies
The journey of Susan Sarandon’s acting career began rather unexpectedly in 1970 when she accompanied her then-husband Chris Sarandon to an audition. After reading a scene with him, she caught the casting director’s eye and soon landed her own audition for the film Joe, directed by John G. Avildsen. This unexpected hit became her film debut and marked the beginning of a remarkable career in cinema.
First screen appearances in the 1970s
Initially, Sarandon balanced film work with television appearances, featuring in soap operas like A World Apart (1970–1971) and Search for Tomorrow (1972). Her early filmography includes roles in Lady Liberty (1971) and Lovin’ Molly (1974).
Her career gained significant momentum in 1974 when she starred in F. Scott Fitzgerald and ‘The Last of the Belles’, a highly-rated television film. That same year, she worked with renowned director Billy Wilder in his adaptation of The Front Page. During this period, Sarandon established herself as an actor with natural instinct rather than formal training.
Other notable early performances include:
- The Great Waldo Pepper (1975) opposite Robert Redford
- One Summer Love (1976) as Chloe Farna
- Pretty Baby (1978) directed by Louis Malle
Breakout role in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’
Consequently, 1975 became a pivotal year in Sarandon’s career with her role as Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Despite her initial reluctance to sing, Sarandon won over the casting producers with a simple rendition of “Happy Birthday”. This musical horror comedy, directed by Jim Sharman, earned cult status and is still in limited release 50 years after its premiere – making it the longest-running theatrical release in film history.
“Janet was trying to appeal to her idiot boyfriend and then, at the same time, feeling things she hadn’t felt and experiencing things she hadn’t done before and uncovering a deep sexuality. I think the movie’s about saying yes, to life and to everything,” Sarandon explains about her character.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show grossed an impressive $170 million worldwide on a modest $1.4 million budget, demonstrating its phenomenal cultural impact. The film’s casting director Joel Thurm noted, “It was only when we started filming and I saw Susan Sarandon through the camera that I saw what a career that was going to be”.
Building momentum with ‘Atlantic City’
Notably, Sarandon’s collaboration with French director Louis Malle continued with Atlantic City (1980), where she portrayed Sally Matthews, a clam-bar waitress with dreams of dealing blackjack in Monaco. This performance earned her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, establishing her as a serious dramatic talent.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for all five major Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Burt Lancaster, Best Actress for Sarandon, and Best Original Screenplay. Atlantic City was filmed at a historically significant time, capturing the old Atlantic City before most of its resorts were demolished to make way for new casinos.
Through these early Susan Sarandon movies, viewers can witness the emergence of her trademark combination of intelligence, sensuality, and dramatic ability that would define her later career. Many of these classic films are now available through services like Mom IPTV, offering fans a chance to experience the foundation of Sarandon’s impressive filmography.
Career-Defining Performances
The 1990s marked a definitive chapter in susan sarandon movies, establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most formidable talents. Following her success in Bull Durham (1988), Sarandon actively campaigned for roles that “did away with a lot of myths and challenged the American definition of success”.
Thelma & Louise and its cultural impact
Thelma & Louise (1991) transformed Sarandon from respected actress to cultural icon. In this groundbreaking road trip film, she portrayed Louise, a waitress who, alongside best friend Thelma (Geena Davis), becomes an outlaw after shooting a man who sexually assaulted Thelma. Sarandon helped shape her character’s motivations: “I didn’t want to make a revenge film. Instead, I wanted my character to be more focused on trying to understand why guys think they can get away with this”.
Moreover, Sarandon suggested the now-iconic final kiss between the characters before their climactic plunge over the Grand Canyon. Director Ridley Scott placed their story against “John Wayne’s backdrop,” elevating what “could have been a tiny movie” into something epic.
Despite earning both Sarandon and Davis Oscar nominations, the film’s feminist perspective provoked unexpected backlash. “It never occurred to me that it would upset people to have women in those parts,” Sarandon reflected. Nevertheless, Thelma & Louise was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2016, cementing its legacy as a watershed moment for women in cinema.
Dead Man Walking and her Oscar win
After four Academy Award nominations in the 1990s, Sarandon finally claimed her Oscar for Dead Man Walking (1995). The film, which she helped initiate after reading Sister Helen Prejean’s book, features Sarandon as the nun who becomes spiritual advisor to a death row inmate (Sean Penn).
“When I was making The Client, I read the book,” Sarandon explained. “I arranged to have a dinner with Sister Helen to talk about getting the book made into a movie”. Directed by her then-partner Tim Robbins, the film showcased Sarandon’s ability to portray “a woman who adores being celibate” while maintaining “steely resolve”.
Her performance earned numerous accolades beyond the Oscar, including a Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress-Drama and a David Award for Best Foreign Actress.
Stepmom and emotional range
In Stepmom (1998), Sarandon demonstrated remarkable emotional depth as Jackie, a mother diagnosed with terminal cancer who must accept her ex-husband’s new partner (Julia Roberts) as her children’s future caregiver. “The story was just such a heartbreaking situation,” Sarandon noted. “I was taken by the generosity of both women trying to figure out that situation”.
The film resonated deeply with audiences, grossing over $159 million worldwide. Critics praised how Sarandon “transcends the formulaic script and glossy visuals” with performances that show “specific, strategic anger” paired with “absolute logic”.
Romantic and dramatic roles in the 90s
Throughout the decade, Sarandon’s versatility shone across diverse roles. In The Client (1994), she portrayed a determined attorney protecting a young boy, earning another Oscar nomination. While perhaps “the least impressive of Sarandon’s nominated performances,” according to some critics, it nonetheless showcased her “trademark indefatigable stare” and ability to project intelligence.
Other notable performances from this era include Lorenzo’s Oil (1992), which garnered her third Academy Award nomination, and Light Sleeper (1992). By strategically selecting roles that challenged traditional female characterizations, Sarandon established herself as an actress who could convey complex emotional landscapes while maintaining authenticity.
Many of these career-defining susan sarandon movies remain accessible today through streaming platforms like Mom IPTV, allowing new generations to appreciate the performances that shaped modern cinema.
Recent Susan Sarandon Movies
Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, Susan Sarandon has continued to expand her impressive filmography with diverse roles that showcase her enduring talent and versatility. Her recent work demonstrates an actor who refuses to be typecast, taking on everything from superhero blockbusters to intimate indie dramas.
Notable roles from 2010 to 2020
Beginning the decade with Oliver Stone’s Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010) as Sylvia Moore, Sarandon subsequently appeared in a string of critically acclaimed films. In 2012, she delivered memorable performances in both Arbitrage and the ambitious Cloud Atlas, where she portrayed multiple characters including Madame Horrox and Older Ursula.
Her comedic talents shone in Tammy (2014), playing Pearl Balzen opposite Melissa McCarthy. The following year, Sarandon took on the lead role in The Meddler (2015), portraying Marnie Minervini while simultaneously serving as executive producer. This period also saw her lending her voice to animated features such as Hell and Back (2015) and April and the Extraordinary World (2016).
As the decade progressed, Sarandon joined the ensemble cast of A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) as Isis Dunkler. Her dramatic range remained evident in films like The Death & Life of John F. Donovan (2018) and Viper Club (2018), where she portrayed complex, multidimensional characters.
2021–2025: New projects and indie films
In 2021, Sarandon appeared in the action comedy Jolt as Woman With No Name and the heartfelt dramedy Ride the Eagle. Her 2023 projects included the romantic comedy Maybe I Do and the DC superhero film Blue Beetle, where she portrayed Victoria Kord.
The year 2024 brought roles in The Gutter as Linda Curson and voice work in Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue. By 2025, Sarandon’s filmography expanded further with The Fabulous Four, co-starring alongside Bette Midler, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Fans can catch many of these susan sarandon movies through streaming services like Mom IPTV, which offers extensive libraries of films spanning her entire career.
Particularly significant among her recent projects is Nonnas (2025), directed by Stephen Chbosky and co-starring Vince Vaughn. Equally impressive is her portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt in Tyler Perry’s Netflix war drama Six Triple Eight.
Collaborations with emerging directors
Beyond established filmmakers, Sarandon has deliberately sought opportunities to work with emerging directors. In 2025, she made her UK stage debut in Tracy Letts’s play Mary Page Marlowe, demonstrating her continued interest in challenging theatrical roles.
For the supernatural thriller Unmerciful Good Fortune, Sarandon joined director Tirsa Hackshaw in her feature directorial debut. She has also signed on for Exit Right, veteran documentary filmmaker Thomas A. Morgan’s first narrative feature.
Especially noteworthy is her collaboration with actor-turned-director Zach Woods on The Accompanist, a magical realist drama where Sarandon plays Sylvia, described as “mysterious, witchy, funny, and unpredictable”. Woods praised Sarandon’s contribution, noting the importance of “telling stories about how scary, funny, and glorious it is when we’re brave enough to try to find our way to each other in the dark”.
Susan Sarandon Movies and TV Shows
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Susan Sarandon has built an equally impressive television portfolio that showcases her versatility across different mediums. Throughout her career, she has seamlessly transitioned between film and television, enriching the susan sarandon movies and tv shows catalog with memorable performances.
Feud: Bette and Joan
In 2017, Sarandon delivered one of her most acclaimed television performances as legendary actress Bette Davis in the first season of FX’s anthology series Feud. This portrayal earned her ninth Golden Globe nomination, cementing her status as a powerhouse performer in both film and television.
Feud: Bette and Joan chronicled the infamous rivalry between Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) and Bette Davis during their collaboration on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. The series explored how these iconic actresses endured ageism, sexism, and misogyny while struggling to maintain their careers.
Sarandon initially felt overwhelmed by the challenge of portraying Davis accurately, stating, “She’s so big and she really was so big, so I tried not to make her a caricature or someone a female impersonator would do… That was my fear, that she would just be kind of one-dimensional”. Her nuanced performance received widespread critical acclaim, with critics noting she avoided turning Davis into a caricature.
Guest roles in ‘The Flight Attendant’ and others
Since the early 2000s, Sarandon has made significant guest appearances in popular television series. She appeared in Friends as soap opera star Jessica Lockhart, showcasing her comedic timing. Her television résumé expanded with roles in Malcolm in the Middle as Meg, Mad TV, Saturday Night Live, Chappelle’s Show, 30 Rock, Rescue Me, and Mike & Molly.
More recently, Sarandon joined the cast of Ray Donovan for 13 episodes as Samantha Winslow and starred in 11 episodes of Monarch as Dottie Cantrell Roman. For viewers wanting to access these susan sarandon movies and tv shows, platforms like Mom IPTV offer extensive libraries of classic and contemporary content.
Voice acting and animated appearances
Primarily, Sarandon has established herself as a prolific voice actress across multiple animated projects. She has lent her voice to The Simpsons twice—once as herself in ‘Bart Has Two Mommies’ and as a ballet teacher in ‘Homer vs. Patty and Selma’.
Her voice acting portfolio extends to recent animated series, including voicing Dr. Wong in Rick and Morty, Demeter in Krapopolis, and Aunt Agatha in Neo Yokio. Additionally, she has contributed to animated films such as voicing Miss Spider in James and the Giant Peach, Queen Narissa in Enchanted, and Shades in Gracie & Pedro: Pets to the Rescue (2024).
Beyond entertainment, Sarandon has narrated approximately two dozen documentary films, many addressing social and political issues. She has frequently served as the presenter for PBS’s documentary series Independent Lens, further demonstrating her commitment to meaningful storytelling across various formats.
Legacy and Recognition
With a career spanning over five decades, Susan Sarandon has garnered prestigious accolades coupled with profound cultural impact through her thoughtful role selections and activism.
Major awards and nominations
Sarandon’s trophy cabinet includes her defining Academy Award for Best Actress for Dead Man Walking (1995), alongside a British Academy Film Award for The Client. Throughout her career, she has accumulated five Oscar nominations, nine Golden Globe nominations, and six Primetime Emmy nominations. Furthermore, her performances have earned her the Screen Actors Guild Award and the Women in Film Crystal Award in 1994.
Activism and off-screen influence
Throughout her career, Sarandon has remained steadfast in her political convictions. As she once noted, “I just can’t live with myself if I don’t say something”. Indeed, her activism spans decades—from protesting the Iraq War to advocating against hunger, homelessness, and the death penalty. In 1999, she became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, while also narrating numerous documentaries addressing social and political issues.
How her roles shaped female representation in film
Undoubtedly, Thelma & Louise stands as a feminist landmark in cinema history. Nevertheless, Sarandon expressed disappointment that the film didn’t create the anticipated revolution in women’s roles: “After Thelma & Louise, they predicted there would be so many films starring women. But it didn’t happen”. This realization inspired her co-star Geena Davis to establish the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, aiming to improve female representation in film and television.
Conclusion
Looking back at Susan Sarandon’s remarkable career, we witness not just an actress but a cultural force who transformed cinema across five decades. Her journey from unexpected beginnings in “Joe” to her iconic turn in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” demonstrates her natural talent and instinctive approach to acting. Through career-defining performances in “Thelma & Louise” and “Dead Man Walking,” Sarandon redefined what it meant to portray complex, multidimensional women on screen.
What makes Sarandon truly exceptional, however, is her refusal to fade into predictable roles as her career progressed. Instead, she has continuously reinvented herself through collaborations with emerging directors and appearances in both blockbusters and independent films. Her television work, particularly her acclaimed portrayal of Bette Davis in “Feud,” proves her versatility extends beyond cinema.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Sarandon’s activism and commitment to meaningful storytelling have cemented her legacy as someone who uses her platform for positive change. Though she expressed disappointment that films like “Thelma & Louise” didn’t create the anticipated revolution in women’s roles, her work undoubtedly helped pave the way for better female representation in film.
Film enthusiasts hoping to experience Sarandon’s incredible range can access many of her iconic performances through services like Mom IPTV, which offers an extensive library of classic and contemporary content spanning her entire career. Whether you’re discovering her early work or revisiting her Oscar-winning performances, Sarandon’s filmography remains a testament to an artist who consistently chose substance over stardom, consequently achieving both.
FAQs
Q1. What upcoming projects does Susan Sarandon have for 2025? Susan Sarandon is set to star in “The Fabulous Four” alongside Bette Midler, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. She’s also making her UK stage debut in Tracy Letts’s play “Mary Page Marlowe” at the London Old Vic in autumn 2025.
Q2. What are some of Susan Sarandon’s most recent film roles? In recent years, Sarandon has appeared in diverse projects including “Blue Beetle” (2023) as Victoria Kord, “Maybe I Do” (2023), and “Ride the Eagle” (2021). She’s also set to star in “Nonnas” (2025) and Tyler Perry’s Netflix war drama “Six Triple Eight.”
Q3. How has Susan Sarandon’s career evolved from the 1970s to now? Sarandon’s career has spanned five decades, evolving from early roles in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to Oscar-winning performances in “Dead Man Walking.” She continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television, including recent appearances in series like “Feud: Bette and Joan” and “Monarch.”
Q4. What impact has Susan Sarandon had on female representation in film? Sarandon has played a significant role in shaping female representation in film, particularly through iconic performances in movies like “Thelma & Louise.” Her portrayal of complex, multidimensional women has helped pave the way for better female roles in cinema.
Q5. Besides acting, what other areas has Susan Sarandon been involved in? Beyond her acting career, Sarandon is known for her activism and advocacy. She has been involved in various social and political causes, including protesting against war and advocating for issues like hunger and homelessness. She also became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1999 and has narrated numerous documentaries on social issues.