Hey guys! Ever find yourself wondering, "What movies has Julianne Hough been in?" You're not alone! This multi-talented actress, dancer, and singer has graced the silver screen in a variety of roles. From her breakout performance in Footloose to her recent work, let’s dive into Julianne Hough's filmography and explore the movies that have made her a star. Get ready to discover some hidden gems and revisit your favorites!

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Julianne Hough's journey in the entertainment industry started long before her movie career took off. She first gained recognition as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, where her incredible talent and charismatic personality quickly made her a fan favorite. But before we delve into her film roles, let's take a quick look at how her dance background influenced her acting career and set the stage for her future success.

From Dance Floor to Silver Screen

Hough's transition from the dance floor to the silver screen is a testament to her versatility and dedication. Her background in dance not only honed her performance skills but also gave her a unique physical grace and stage presence that translated beautifully to film. In many of her early roles, you can see how her dance training influenced her performances, adding an extra layer of dynamism and energy to her characters. Her ability to convey emotion through movement and her natural rhythm made her a compelling performer, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike.

Footloose (2011): A Star is Born

One of Julianne Hough's early and most memorable roles was in the 2011 remake of Footloose. Playing the character of Ariel Moore, Hough brought a fresh, contemporary energy to the iconic role, while still capturing the rebellious spirit and vulnerability of the original character. This role was pivotal in establishing her as a leading lady in Hollywood and showcased her ability to handle both dramatic and dance-heavy scenes. The film's success also introduced her to a wider audience, cementing her status as a rising star.

In Footloose, Hough’s dance background was on full display, and her chemistry with co-star Kenny Wormald was palpable. The film’s choreography was dynamic and modern, and Hough’s performance was both energetic and emotionally resonant. Her portrayal of Ariel Moore was not just a rehash of the original; she brought her own interpretation to the character, making it relatable to a new generation of viewers. This role was a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating her ability to carry a major film and solidifying her transition from dancer to actress.

Rock of Ages (2012): Showcasing Musical Talents

Following the success of Footloose, Julianne Hough took on another musically inclined role in Rock of Ages (2012). In this film, she played Sherrie Christian, a small-town girl with big dreams of making it in Hollywood. The movie, a jukebox musical featuring classic rock hits from the 1980s, provided Hough with another opportunity to showcase her singing and dancing talents. Rock of Ages allowed her to explore a different facet of her performing abilities and further solidified her reputation as a triple threat in the entertainment industry.

Hough's performance in Rock of Ages was particularly notable because it required her to not only act and dance but also sing. Her vocal abilities shone through in the film's musical numbers, and her on-screen chemistry with co-star Diego Boneta added depth to the romantic storyline. The film’s high-energy performances and nostalgic soundtrack resonated with audiences, and Hough’s portrayal of Sherrie Christian was both endearing and powerful. This role further expanded her repertoire and demonstrated her versatility as a performer.

Expanding Her Range: Diverse Roles and Genres

After establishing herself in dance and musical films, Julianne Hough strategically expanded her range by taking on roles in a variety of genres. This diversification allowed her to showcase her acting abilities beyond her dance background and demonstrated her commitment to growth as an actress. From romantic dramas to comedies, Hough has proven her ability to tackle a wide array of characters and stories, making her a versatile and sought-after performer in Hollywood.

Safe Haven (2013): A Romantic Drama Turn

In 2013, Hough starred in Safe Haven, a romantic drama based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Playing the character of Katie Feldman, a young woman with a mysterious past, Hough demonstrated her ability to handle more dramatic material. The film offered her the opportunity to explore complex emotions and deliver a nuanced performance, showcasing her range as an actress. Safe Haven marked a significant departure from her previous roles and allowed her to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level.

Safe Haven required Hough to delve into the psychological complexities of her character, portraying a woman who is running from a dark past and trying to build a new life. Her performance was both vulnerable and strong, capturing the essence of Katie Feldman's resilience and determination. The film's romantic storyline, combined with elements of suspense and mystery, kept audiences engaged, and Hough’s chemistry with co-star Josh Duhamel added to the film's emotional impact. This role was a crucial step in her career, proving her ability to excel in dramatic roles and expand her acting horizons.

Paradise (2013): Exploring Darker Themes

Also in 2013, Hough starred in Paradise, a film that delved into darker and more controversial themes. In this movie, she played Lamb Mannerheim, a young woman who loses her faith after a traumatic experience and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Paradise offered Hough a challenging role that required her to explore complex emotions and confront difficult issues. This film showcased her willingness to take risks and tackle roles that pushed her beyond her comfort zone.

Paradise presented Hough with the opportunity to explore a character grappling with profound existential questions. Lamb’s journey from devout believer to disillusioned seeker allowed Hough to showcase her acting range and emotional depth. The film’s themes of faith, doubt, and personal freedom resonated with audiences, and Hough’s performance was both compelling and thought-provoking. This role further solidified her reputation as an actress willing to take on challenging projects and explore complex characters.

Dirty Grandpa (2016): A Comedy Venture

In a lighter turn, Julianne Hough appeared in the comedy Dirty Grandpa (2016), alongside Robert De Niro and Zac Efron. While the film itself received mixed reviews, Hough’s presence added a touch of charm and comedic timing to the ensemble. This role allowed her to showcase her versatility and her ability to work in different genres, proving that she could handle both serious and comedic roles with equal aplomb.

In Dirty Grandpa, Hough played the role of Meredith, a character who is caught in the midst of the film’s chaotic and humorous events. Her comedic timing and ability to play off her co-stars added to the film’s overall entertainment value. While the film may not have been a critical darling, it showcased Hough’s ability to adapt to different genres and work with seasoned comedic actors like Robert De Niro. This role demonstrated her willingness to experiment with different types of projects and continue to expand her acting repertoire.

Recent Projects and Future Directions

Julianne Hough continues to be a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, with a mix of acting, dancing, and singing projects on her horizon. Her recent work reflects her continued growth as an artist and her commitment to exploring new creative avenues. Let's take a look at some of her more recent endeavors and what we can expect from her in the future.

Bigger (2018): A Biographical Role

In 2018, Hough starred in Bigger, a biographical drama about the Weider brothers, who revolutionized the fitness industry. Hough played Betty Weider, the wife of Joe Weider, and her portrayal added depth and emotional resonance to the film. This role allowed her to delve into the life of a real person and bring their story to the screen, showcasing her ability to handle biographical material with sensitivity and authenticity.

Hough’s performance as Betty Weider in Bigger was particularly noteworthy because it required her to embody the spirit and determination of a real-life figure. Her portrayal captured Betty Weider’s strength and resilience, as well as her contributions to the fitness industry. The film itself offered an inspiring look at the Weider brothers’ journey, and Hough’s performance added an important layer of emotional depth to the story. This role demonstrated her ability to immerse herself in a character and bring their story to life in a compelling way.

Dolly Parton's Heartstrings (2019): Television Ventures

Julianne Hough has also ventured into television, most notably in the Netflix anthology series Dolly Parton's Heartstrings (2019). In this series, she starred in an episode titled