5 Best Greta Gerwig Movies to Watch Before 'Narnia: The Magician's Nephew'

Greta Gerwig's name became widely known only in 2023 when her Barbie became the highest-grossing movie ever directed by a woman.

However, Gerwig's filmography includes many lesser-known films in which she acted, directed, wrote the screenplay, or did everything all at once.

While you wait for Gerwig's next big project, Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, take a look at her best works.

1. 'Lady Bird', 2017

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

Christine, who goes by the name Lady Bird, dreams of escaping sleepy Sacramento for bustling New York City.

Unfortunately, her mother, Marion, is not supportive of her aspirations. As high school graduation approaches, the relationship between the two becomes increasingly complex.

Lady Bird will touch anyone who experienced rebellion as a teenager and couldn't find common ground with their parents. Greta Gerwig's film reflects the difficult relationship between a mother and daughter who cause each other pain.

2. 'Nights And Weekends', 2008

IMDb Score: 5.8/10

Mattie and James are in love, but they live in different cities – James in Chicago and Mattie in New York. They are forced to meet in one of the cities every week to spend the weekend together.

The fatigue associated with long-distance relationships gradually accumulates. When the bad in their relationship outweighs the good, Mattie and James break up, only to meet again a year later.

Nights and Weekends is Gerwig's directorial debut, in which she also starred as Mattie. It is the embodiment of the mumblecore genre for which the director was loved before Barbie – painfully relatable, honest, and sincere.

3. 'Frances Ha', 2012

IMDb Score: 7.4/10

Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig co-wrote the script, with Gerwig playing the lead role. The result is one of the most accurate and truthful portraits of the millennial generation.

Twenty-five-year-old New York dancer Frances is at a crossroads. Her friend moved out, she broke up with her boyfriend, and she's not advancing in her career. Having forgotten all about her problems, Frances decides to find herself.

4. 'Little Women', 2019

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

Gerwig's breakthrough as a director was Lady Bird, which earned her an Oscar nomination. However, viewers now remember Little Women more.

In her adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Gerwig combines literature, the author's biography, and her own memories of youth.

Four different sisters grow up and find their place in the world. The story takes place during the American Civil War, and the sisters' struggles are closely intertwined with the tragedies of the era.

5. 'Mistress America', 2015

IMDb Score: 6.7/10

Once again collaborating with Noah Baumbach on the script and production, Greta Gerwig no longer plays the sweet, naive girl she did in Frances Ha – now, she is Brooke, a grown woman.

Tracy, a modest student at a New York college, leads a secluded and quiet life. When her mother gets married, Tracy must meet her future stepsister, Brooke, who is her complete opposite.

Restless and impulsive, Brooke drags Tracy into all sorts of adventures and problems.