7 Lesser Known Meryl Streep Projects to Watch Before ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’

While everyone knows her powerhouse performances in The Iron Lady, Sophie's Choice, and Mamma Mia!, the three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep has so much more to offer those who want to see her real range as an actress. Streep appeared in many projects that deserve more recognition and delivered breathtaking performances.

So here are 7 lesser-known Meryl Streep gems to rediscover before Miranda Priestly returns to terrorize her assistants once again.

1. ‘The Hours’ (2002)

IMDb: 7.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% form critics, 84% from audience

Often overshadowed by Nicole Kidman's Oscar-winning portrayal of Virginia Woolf, Streep's performance as Clarissa Vaughan in this literary adaptation is quietly devastating. Playing a modern-day Mrs. Dalloway planning a party for her AIDS-stricken friend, Streep navigates complex emotions with the kind of subtlety that became her trademark.

Her scenes with Ed Harris showcase her ability to convey decades of unspoken history through the smallest gestures, proving that even in an ensemble cast, she remains one and only.

2. ‘A Prairie Home Companion’ (2006)

IMDb: 6.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% form critics, 59% from audience

Robert Altman's final film features Streep in one of her most entertaining roles as Yolanda Johnson, half of a country singing duo with Lily Tomlin.

The movie captures the last broadcast of a fictional radio variety show, and Streep's musical performances are both heartfelt and humorous. Her chemistry with every cast member, including Kevin Kline and Woody Harrelson, proves once again her remarkable ability to blend seamlessly into any dramatic plot while still commanding attention.

3. ‘The Laundromat’ (2019)

IMDb: 6.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 42% form critics, 40% from audience

In this hilarious satire, Streep’s performance as Ellen Martin is definitely a standout. When her husband dies in a boating accident, Ellen discovers a web of insurance fraud that leads to offshore tax havens. That was the moment Streep had to transform from grieving widow into determined investigator. Such a fun thing to witness!

4. ‘Dark Matter’ (2007)

IMDb: 6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 41% form critics, 40% from audience

This rather old indie drama based on true events features Streep as Joanna Silver, the wife of a university cosmology professor who becomes involved with a brilliant Chinese graduate student.

While the film focuses more on the student's tragic story, Streep's supporting role still provides the much needed emotional weight. Her portrayal of a woman caught between her husband's academic politics and her genuine concern for a troubled young man showcases her ability to breathe life into even small roles.

5. ‘Lions for Lambs’ (2007)

IMDb: 6.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 28% form critics, 47% from audience

Though this political drama received lots of mixed reviews, Meryl Streep's performance as television journalist Janine Roth stands as one of the movie’s strongest elements.

Engaged in a tense interview with a slick senator played by Tom Cruise, Streep owns her character and is very persuasive in her role. You can never get enough of Streep playing fierceful and intelligent women, right?

6. ‘The Giver’ (2014)

IMDb: 6.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 35% form critics, 55% from audience

My favorite movie from the list which I have seen two times in theatres. In this underrated dystopian adaptation of Lois Lowry's novel, Streep plays the Chief Elder with chilling authority. She really makes you believe that the character is pure evil.

7. ‘Let Them All Talk’ (2020)

IMDb: 6.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% form critics, 50% from audience

Steven Soderbergh reunited with Streep for this HBO Max dramedy about a celebrated author taking a transatlantic cruise with old friends and her nephew. Much of the dialogue was improvised, allowing Streep to demonstrate her talent and make the setting feel more natural and authentic.