Winona Ryder aka Joyce Byers from Stranger Things is a name that resonates with movie and TV show lovers around the world. She is known for her engaging on-screen presence and creative acting abilities. One of the most beautiful and skillful actresses from the 90s with charming looks. She was born on 29th October 1971, in Minnesota USA. Even now at 52 years old, she’s full of energy and graceful beauty, and is one of the most beautiful women in the United States of America. Most of the young generation may be unaware of how compelling she was in her twenties.
Image credits: Instagram
She began her acting career at the age of 15 years, with a role in the movie Lucas (1986), then got a major role in The Beetlejuice 1988 (which was a great success). Later, she appeared back to back in big blockbusters and made a name in the Hollywood Industry. In fact, in this article, we’ll be discovering some of her best movies from the late 90s. Interestingly, Our famous celeb has been with well-known actor Johnny Depp as well, they began dating in July 1990 when Winona was only 17 years old. They were engaged from 1990 to 1993 but later on separated.
Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things
Despite appearing in multiple movies and TV shows since the 90s she’s mostly known for her role as Joyce Byers in Stranger Things, and there’s a reason behind it. Stranger Things brought Winona Ryder’s fan base to a new level. Joyce Byers portrays a loving and tough mother who will do anything it takes to find her son Will (Noah Schnapp), who has gone missing.
You may have seen a lot of movies about a mother’s love for her children, but Joyce’s role as a mother in this amazing series is on another level. From the very beginning after the disappearance of Will, she had a strong gut feeling that he was around somewhere, not missing. At some point, she is depicted as a mentally disturbed woman when she begins to talk to lights and follow the light patterns only to find his son but later on, when our little heroes in the series discover that Will is trapped in Upside Down they come to know that Joyce is right from the beginning. This is mother’s love.
Even after Will got back from Upside Down, she always kept an eye on him, followed him to school, asked his teachers if he was feeling okay, and always looked for him. At one point, even Will began to panic at his mother to leave him alone so he could enjoy himself in his way. But the series is based on four chapters and all of them are based on evil entities from Upside Down and Will always feels them whenever they are around him.
Joyce protected his son till the end, and all the adventurous moves she has done in season 4 in Russia only to save Jim Hopper (David Harbour) clearly show that she’s not only a loving mother but also a loyal friend. But there’s a lot more in Winona’s acting career other than Stranger Things, and let’s have a look at some classical and thrilling hits from her.
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Best Movies and TV Shows from Winona Ryder
Beetlejuice (1988)
In this horror and humor-based movie Beetlejuice, Winona played Lydia Deetz, a goth teenager with a fascination for the macabre. The film narrates the story of a recently deceased couple who hire a bio-exorcist named Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) to scare away the new inhabitants of their home. Lydia, with her unique style and curiosity, becomes the bridge between the living and the dead. The movie gives a vibe of Jim Carrey’s The Mask (1994) because of its overall humor and action.
It’s full of fun and a hit movie, maybe that’s the reason some of its scenes are still used in memes these days for entertainment purposes. One of the most famous memes based on this movie’s scene is from Juno (Sylvia Sydney). Sadly, she’s no more with us, but her content is still alive and aired.
Image Credits: Nerdist
The way Ryder played Lydia is charming and legendary. Lydia was especially notable because of her ability to deliver a mix of humor and melancholy. Her relationship with the ghostly pair and her well-known statement, “I myself am strange and unusual,” are just two of the memorable moments that have made Lydia Deetz a loved character in cult classic films. The movie was highly liked and got 7.5/10 on IMDb.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Another great movie of Our Queen from the 90s with the director Tim Burton. A collaboration between Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp, together they made a great fictional movie, which was one the most hit movies at that time. In this fairy-tale-like story, Winona (Kim Boggs), is a kind-hearted girl who befriends (Johnny Depp) Edward, a gentle man with scissors for his hands. The film explores themes of acceptance, love, and the consequences of being different.
Johny Depp and Winona Ryder began to like each other on set of Edward Scissorhands. Their chemistry is not only strong in the movie but also began to develop in real and they began dating each other.
Her performance as Kim shows her capacity to express herself with sincerity and empathy. Her relationship with Edward is evident and deepens the emotional core of the movie. The moment where Kim dances in the snow made by Edward’s ice sculptures is one of the most famous. In addition to showcasing Ryder’s acting abilities, this movie went on to become a classic hit. The movie got 7.9/10 on IMDb.
Heathers (1998)
This movie is a dark comedy and is one of the most famous movies of the 90s. Winona (Veronica Sawyer) is a teenager who becomes disillusioned with her popular friends, known collectively as the Heathers. When she meets the rebellious Jason (Christian Slater), things take a dark and twisted turn. The movie is full of twists, humor, and twists, and narrates the life of girls from being a sensitive child to young teenagers.
She gives a witty and realistic performance as Veronica. The film became a cult classic because of its sarcastic humor and ironic portrayal of teenage life. Veronica’s transition from a follower to a leader and her battle with moral dilemmas is depicted with sensitivity and humor. Her skill can be seen in her ability to handle the dark subjects of the movie with depth and irony. This one got 7.2/10 on IMDb.
Little Women (1994)
This movie is a great collaboration with Christian Bale (Theodore Lawrence) and was a great hit with 7.3/10 ratings on IMDb. This movie is based on a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Our beautiful Diva appears with the name Jo March, the spirited and independent second eldest of the March sisters. The movie follows the lives of the sisters as they grow up during and after the American Civil War, highlighting their struggles, dreams, and bonds.
Her role is really heartfelt and inspiring. As this movie was based on a novel, she effectively conveys Jo’s love of writing, her desire for freedom, and her intense loyalty to her family. Her performance in Little Women remains one of her most appreciated roles, capturing the essence of a beloved literary character with grace and depth.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
This movie is definitely a hidden gem from the 90s. Two great actresses in the industry worked with each other and portrayed one of the best cult classic mind-bending movies. Winona (Suzana Kaysen) is a young woman who finds herself in a mental institution (McLean Hospital) after a suicide attempt. The film explores her interactions with other patients and her journey toward self-discovery. The famous and beautiful actress Angelina Jolie (Lisa Rowe) appeared as a side actress and their collaboration was great. The movie is full of lessons, as we can see how they recovered themselves from being a drug addict and junkie.
She is truly realistic and fascinating in this movie. She gently and honestly handles every detail of her character’s mental health challenges. The way Ryder shows bravery and compassion in this movie shows both her talent as an actress and her dedication to delivering compelling narratives. Moreover, Angelina Jolie also won an Academy Award for her outstanding performance. This movie got 7.3/10 on IMDb.
Why we love Joyce Byers aka Winona Ryder
Her influence in the entertainment industry is undeniable. She continues to captivate audiences with her performances, leaving a lasting impact on both film and television. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her work, exploring these five movies and TV shows will give you a deeper appreciation of Winona Ryder’s remarkable career. Not only as a mother in Stranger Things, she proved herself worthy and greatest of all among all of her movies.
Let us know, which of these movies have you already watched and which one is your favorite!
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