Before Legally Blonde: Take a Look Back at Reese Witherspoon’s First 15 Films

From ‘The Man in the Moon’ to ‘Cruel Intentions,’ Witherspoon has had major star power since she was a teen.

Legally Blonde propelled Reese Witherspoon into Hollywood’s A-list 23 years ago, making her one of the biggest stars of her time.

Since then, she has made a huge impact in the entertainment industry, acting in films like Wild and Walk the Line (which won her an Academy Award), and producing projects such as Gone Girl and HBO’s Big Little Lies.

But even before she became Elle Woods, Witherspoon was a talented young actress with an impressive list of movies. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit her early films.

‘The Man in the Moon’

Reese made her movie debut as a teenager in 1991’s The Man in the Moon, playing Dani, a 14-year-old tomboy vying with her sister for their neighbor’s affection.

You can currently watch The Man in the Moon for free on Tubi.

‘A Far Off Place’

In 1993, she starred alongside Ethan Embry in A Far Off Place, where they play teens escaping into Africa’s Kalahari Desert after their parents are killed by poachers.

This film isn’t currently available for streaming.

‘Jack the Bear’

Reese played a supporting role in 1993’s Jack the Bear as the girlfriend of Danny DeVito’s older son. The film focuses on a widowed father and his two sons.

It’s not available for streaming right now.

‘S.F.W.’

In 1994’s dark comedy S.F.W., Reese starred alongside Stephen Dorff in a story about a teen who becomes a media sensation after surviving a kidnapping.

You can currently watch S.F.W. for free on Pluto.

‘Freeway’

This 1996 film is a twisted take on Little Red Riding Hood, with Reese playing a wild runaway teen trying to evade a serial killer (Kiefer Sutherland).

You can watch Freeway for free on Tubi, Pluto, Freevee, and other platforms.

‘Fear’

In the cult classic Fear (1996), Reese plays a teen in a toxic relationship with a boy (Mark Wahlberg) who becomes violently possessive.

This film is streaming on Netflix.

‘Twilight’

Reese played a runaway in the 1998 thriller Twilight, featuring an impressive cast including Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, and Gene Hackman.

Twilight is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.

‘Overnight Delivery’

Reese tried her hand at romantic comedy in 1998’s Overnight Delivery, starring alongside Paul Rudd as a stripper helping him intercept a breakup letter.

You can stream Overnight Delivery for free on Tubi.

‘Pleasantville’

In 1998’s Pleasantville, Reese plays a popular teen who gets transported into a 1950s sitcom, bringing the world to life with her twin brother, played by Tobey Maguire.

The film is available for rent on various streaming platforms.

‘Cruel Intentions’

In 1999, Reese starred in Cruel Intentions, a modern twist on Dangerous Liaisons set in an elite Manhattan prep school.

Cruel Intentions is free to stream on Freevee.

‘Election’

Reese’s role as Tracy Flick in 1999’s Election became iconic, and the film earned her first Golden Globe nomination. A sequel is currently in development.

You can stream Election on Max.

‘Best Laid Plans’

In this crime drama, Reese stars as a young woman trying to extort money from a one-night stand (Josh Brolin), but things go awry.

Best Laid Plans can be rented on various platforms.

‘Little Nicky’

In 2000’s Little Nicky, Reese played Holly, the angelic mother of Adam Sandler’s devil-spawn character.

The comedy is free to stream on Tubi.

‘American Psycho’

Released in 2000 and based on Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, American Psycho features Reese as Evelyn, unaware her fiancé (Christian Bale) is a serial killer.

You can watch American Psycho on Peacock.