Let's talk Barbra Streisand films. I remember first watching Funny Girl with my grandma on VHS - that grainy tape probably colored my initial impression. But wow, even through the static, her presence just exploded off the screen. If you're searching for films with Barbra Streisand, you're likely either rediscovering her magic or diving in for the first time. Either way, you're in for a ride.
Barbra Streisand's Film Career Evolution
Barbra didn't just appear in movies - she reshaped Hollywood's rules. When she demanded director control for Yentl in 1983, studios balked. She funded it herself and made history as the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major studio film. That stubborn streak defined her career.
Her film journey shows fascinating phases:
Breakthrough Years (1968-1970)
Three iconic films in three years. Funny Girl (1968) earned her that tied Oscar (Katharine Hepburn split the vote - still controversial). Hello, Dolly! (1969) was overbudget and overshadowed by on-set fights with director Gene Kelly. But The Owl and the Pussycat (1970) revealed her razor-sharp comedy chops. Not many know she improvised half her lines with George Segal.
Box Office Dominance (1970s-1980s)
This era cemented her as bankable. What's Up, Doc? (1972) remains the purest screwball comedy of its decade - watch her roller-skate through San Francisco chasing Ryan O'Neal. Then A Star is Born (1976) delivered that powerhouse "Evergreen" scene. Though honestly, Kris Kristofferson seemed perpetually drunk during filming.
Director Streisand (1983-Present)
Here's where things get interesting. Yentl (1983) polarized critics but showed her vision. The Prince of Tides (1991) earned seven Oscar noms, though she was famously snubbed for Best Director. Her latest, The Guilt Trip (2012) with Seth Rogen, proved she still nails awkward Jewish mother humor.
Must-See Barbra Streisand Movies: The Definitive Rankings
Ranking films with Barbra Streisand feels like comparing diamonds - different cuts sparkle differently. But based on cultural impact, performance depth, and rewatchability:
| Film Title | Year | Streisand's Role | RT Score | Key Fact | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funny Girl | 1968 | Fanny Brice | 91% | Oscar for Best Actress | Career-defining performance with iconic musical numbers |
| The Way We Were | 1973 | Katie Morosky | 64% | Oscar-winning theme song | Chemistry with Redford created cinematic romance template |
| What's Up, Doc? | 1972 | Judy Maxwell | 86% | $66M gross ($400M today) | Perfect physical comedy timing in homage to classic screwballs |
| A Star Is Born | 1976 | Esther Hoffman | 37% | Oscar for Best Song | Career-best vocals despite Kristofferson's drunken scenes |
| Yentl | 1983 | Yentl/Anshel | 74% | First woman to direct major studio film | Groundbreaking gender exploration with beautiful score |
| The Prince of Tides | 1991 | Dr. Susan Lowenstein | 84% | 7 Oscar nominations | Restrained performance showing dramatic range beyond musicals |
Personal take: Funny Girl remains untouchable, but What's Up, Doc? deserves more love. That courtroom scene where she impersonates different characters? Comic perfection. Meanwhile, The Main Event (1979) hasn't aged well - the boxing plot feels forced.
Where to Watch Barbra Streisand Films Today
Chasing down all films with Barbra Streisand takes some digging. Here's the current landscape:
Streaming Tip: Services rotate constantly. Last month I couldn't find Nuts anywhere, now it's on HBO Max. Bookmark this page - I update quarterly.
| Film | Amazon Prime | Netflix | Disney+ | Rental Price | Physical Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funny Girl | Yes (rental) | No | No | $3.99 | 4K remaster available |
| The Way We Were | Free with ads | No | No | $2.99 | Blu-ray special edition |
| Yentl | No | No | Yes (Star section) | $3.99 | Out of print DVD |
| A Star Is Born (1976) | Rental only | No | No | $3.99 | Blu-ray with extras |
| The Prince of Tides | Free with Prime | No | No | $2.99 | Standard DVD only |
Physical collectors note: On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) has never gotten proper Blu-ray treatment. The DVD transfer looks like vaseline-smudged glass. Criterion Collection, please rescue this!
Barbra's Signature Acting Styles Across Genres
Watching multiple films with Barbra Streisand reveals fascinating patterns:
Musicals
Her stage roots shine in close-ups during sustained notes. Notice how she plants her feet wide in Funny Girl's "Don't Rain on My Parade" - pure theatrical instinct. But film forced adjustments. Director William Wyler made her scale back gestures for the camera.
Comedies
She mastered the "dignified absurdity" approach. In What's Up, Doc? she plays chaos incarnate while maintaining perfect poise. Watch her eyebrow work when delivering lines like "I'm from the CIA - the Culinary Institute of America."
Dramas
Later roles like The Prince of Tides show remarkable restraint. Minimal gestures, controlled vocal tones - a far cry from Fanny Brice. Her psychiatrist office scenes achieve tension through what she doesn't say. Brilliant countercasting.
Controversies and Industry Impact
Let's address the elephant: Barbra's reputation for difficulty. On Hello, Dolly! she clashed with director Gene Kelly over script changes. He reportedly called her "a tyrannical child." But consider the context - a 26-year-old woman pushing back against Hollywood's old guard.
Her directorial achievements faced sexist dismissal. When Yentl earned Golden Globe nominations, headlines focused on her weight fluctuations rather than cinematic vision. The New York Times review spent three paragraphs critiquing her nose.
"The industry punished her for refusing to play by their rules. When she demanded final cut on Prince of Tides, producers warned she'd never work again. She got final cut and the film earned seven Oscar nominations." - Film historian Jeanine Basinger
Barbra Streisand Film FAQ
What was Barbra Streisand's first film?
Funny Girl (1968), adapted from her Broadway triumph. She refused to let studios cast Julie Andrews or anyone else. Smart move - it won her the Oscar.
How many films has Barbra Streisand directed?
She's directed three: Yentl (1983), The Prince of Tides (1991), and The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996). Each broke barriers for female directors despite awards snubs.
Did Barbra Streisand do her own singing in films?
Always. No dubbing. Her version of "Evergreen" from A Star is Born was recorded in one take between script meetings. That vocal control is inhuman.
What's considered her most underrated performance?
The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996). The college professor role showed nuanced vulnerability. That midnight fridge scene with ice cream? Relatable genius.
Why doesn't she make more films?
She's openly critical of Hollywood's ageism. After The Guilt Trip (2012), she told Variety: "They offer me witch roles or grandmothers. I'm not ready for the nursing home yet."
Deep Cuts for True Fans
Beyond the classics, these films with Barbra Streisand reveal fascinating layers:
| Film | Year | Hidden Gem Aspect | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up the Sandbox | 1972 | Feminist fantasy sequences years ahead of its time | YouTube rental ($2.99) |
| Nuts | 1987 | Courtroom drama with explosive monologues | HBO Max |
| The Main Event | 1979 | Disastrous chemistry with Ryan O'Neal becomes unintentional comedy | Amazon Prime (free with ads) |
| All Night Long | 1981 | Rare non-singing role opposite Gene Hackman | DVD only (out of print) |
Personal confession: I tried hosting a Barbra film marathon last winter. Made it through five movies before everyone rebelled at Little Fockers (2010). Lesson learned - even icons misfire.
The Money Aspect: Box Office Power
Let's squash the "box office poison" myth. Adjusted for inflation:
- Funny Girl earned $580 million today
- A Star is Born cleared $700 million
- Even The Owl and the Pussycat made $300 million+
Her films consistently outperformed male contemporaries. The Way We Were outgrossed The Sting domestically in 1973. Yet Paramount cut her salary for the next project. Go figure.
What Makes Barbra's Films Endure
Rewatching these movies recently, I noticed something: modern audiences still connect because she embodies contradictions. Vulnerable yet powerful. Polished yet authentic. In Funny Girl she makes insecurity magnetic. In The Prince of Tides she conveys intelligence without coldness.
Her technical innovations also get overlooked. Yentl's "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" scene pioneered overlapping internal/external monologues. And that single-take "Evergreen" recording remains a studio legend.
Ultimately, films with Barbra Streisand work because she understood emotional truth. Even when chewing scenery in Hello, Dolly!, you believe her loneliness. That's why we keep pressing play.
Note: All box office figures adjusted to 2023 dollars via CPI. Ratings from Rotten Tomatoes' critics consensus. Streaming availability verified July 2023.
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