Every August 16th, the world celebrates the birthday of Madonna, one of the most iconic figures in music, film, and pop culture. Known for her fearless reinvention, and enduring influence, Madonna has shaped not just the sound but the very spirit of modern pop.
Madonna performs in concert at Rod Laver Arena on March 12, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
Born in Bay City, Michigan in 1958, she rose from a struggling dancer in New York City to global superstardom. With a career spanning over four decades, Madonna remains a trailblazer.
But while she’s best known for hits like Like a Virgin, Vogue, and Hung Up, Madonna has also made a notable impact on the silver screen. From provocative dramas to romantic comedies and cult classics.
10 movies featuring Madonna
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
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This is the story of a bored housewife (Rosanna Arquette) who becomes fascinated with the free-spirited Susan through a series of personal ads. When an accident causes a case of mistaken identity, their lives become entangled in unexpected ways. Madonna shines as the edgy, magnetic Susan.
Shanghai Surprise (1986)
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Set in 1930s China, this romantic adventure follows a conman (Sean Penn) and a missionary nurse (Madonna) as they search for a hidden stash of opium to treat wounded soldiers. The film flopped critically but gained attention due to the real-life relationship between its stars.
Who’s That Girl (1987)
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After being wrongfully imprisoned, eccentric and unpredictable Nikki Finn is released and seeks to clear her name. Along the way, she persuades a straight-laced man into her chaotic journey. Madonna plays the lead in this comedy and also performed several tracks on the soundtrack.
Dick Tracy (1990)
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Based on the classic comic strip, this stylized crime film stars Warren Beatty as detective Dick Tracy, who battles gangster Big Boy Caprice. Madonna plays a sultry lounge singer caught between loyalties and danger. Her performance was praised, and the film won three Oscars.
Truth or Dare (1991)
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This groundbreaking documentary follows Madonna behind the scenes of her 1990 Blond Ambition tour. Offering a raw and unfiltered look at fame, performance, and personal relationships, the film became a defining moment in pop culture and concert documentary history.
A League of Their Own (1992)
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This beloved sports comedy-drama centers around the formation of a women’s professional baseball league during WWII. Madonna plays the flirtatious yet talented Mae, adding charm and charisma to a powerhouse ensemble cast including Tom Hanks and Geena Davis.
Body of Evidence (1993)
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A sensual courtroom thriller in the vein of Basic Instinct, the film revolves around a woman accused of killing her lover through rough s*x. Madonna plays the seductive and manipulative Rebecca Carlson. The movie was controversial and panned, but it’s remembered for its boldness.
Evita (1996)
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A major highlight in Madonna’s acting career, Evita is a film adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical about the life of Argentina’s First Lady, Eva Perón. Madonna received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for her powerful performance and vocals.
The Next Best Thing (2000)
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A yoga instructor (Madonna) and her gay best friend (Rupert Everett) decide to have a child together, but things get complicated when Abbie falls in love with someone else. The film explores themes of modern families, friendship, and unconventional parenting.
Swept Away (2002)
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Directed by Guy Ritchie, this romantic drama (a remake of the 1974 Italian film) follows a wealthy, spoiled woman stranded on a deserted island with a working-class fisherman. Madonna’s performance as Amber was widely criticized, and the film is often cited as one of her worst, but it remains a curious character in her filmography.
We raise a glass to the Queen of Reinvention, whose legacy in music, film, and fashion remains unmatched.
