
Michelle Pfeiffer built a career ranging from gangster films and period dramas to superhero adaptations and allegorical horror. From the estranged wife of a drug lord to Catwoman: these films show her range most clearly.
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Scarface (1983): Elvira Hancock
As Elvira Hancock, the estranged wife of drug lord Tony Montana, Pfeiffer plays one of her first major film roles in this gangster classic.
Batman Returns (1992): Selina Kyle / Catwoman
As Selina Kyle, who transforms into Catwoman after an attempt on her life, Pfeiffer delivers one of the most acclaimed versions of the character, combining vulnerability with menacing, feline precision.
A bit overrated compared to #1, but still great. (12)
The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989): Susie Diamond
As a lounge singer who joins two piano-playing brothers, Pfeiffer plays one of her most celebrated roles. Her performance on the piano during 'Makin' Whoopee' is one of the best-known scenes of her career.
Flawless film for real.
Dangerous Liaisons (1988): Madame de Tourvel
As a virtuous married woman who becomes the target of a cynical seduction scheme, Pfeiffer plays a key role in this period drama about power and manipulation in eighteenth-century France.
The cast had incredible chemistry hands down.
The Age of Innocence (1993): Countess Ellen Olenska
In Martin Scorsese's period drama about forbidden love in nineteenth-century New York, Pfeiffer plays a woman whose independence makes her an outsider in high society.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987): Sukie Ridgemont
As one of three women who accidentally summon a devilish figure to their town, Pfeiffer plays one of the leads in this mix of comedy and horror.
Frankie and Johnny (1991): Frankie
As a waitress who cautiously builds a relationship with a recently released convict, Pfeiffer stars opposite Al Pacino in this understated romantic drama.
Married to the Mob (1988): Angela de Marco
As the widow of a mobster trying to build a new life after her husband's death, Pfeiffer leads this crime comedy.
Hairspray (2007): Velma Von Tussle
As the antagonist in this adaptation of the Broadway musical, Pfeiffer plays one of the leads against the backdrop of segregation in 1960s Baltimore.
Mother! (2017): Woman
In Darren Aronofsky's elusive, allegorical horror film, Pfeiffer plays a mysterious, intrusive visitor whose presence completely disrupts the protagonist's household.
Oh. What. Fun. (2025)
Pfeiffer plays an underappreciated mother who disappears at Christmas in this Amazon holiday comedy that went straight to number 1 on Prime Video.
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Easily the best on this list by far.