It's hard to believe, but the Judy. Zellweger exquisitely captured not only Garland's dark, troubled personal life but also her sheer talent and awe-inspiring ability to perform even when the chips are down.
Whether viewers enjoyed the narrative story of a real-life artistic legend, the glamour of the era, or the dark side of show business, these 10 films are a must-add to any Judy fan's watch list.
La La Land (2016)
Judy showed just how far a young Garland had to go in order to achieve her dreams. Though in La La Land, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) and Mia (Emma Stone) aren't subjected to the same abuse as Garland, they both sacrifice their love for each other for the sake of their art.
For viewers who love musicals and stories of Tinsel Town but are looking for something a little less disturbing, La La Land is a perfect pick.
Boogie Nights (1997)
What does a movie about the Golden Age of Porn have to do with Judy Garland?
Surprisingly, quite a bit. Both Judy Garland and Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) are big, bright shining stars (that's right) who get chewed up and spat out by their respective industries, only to try to claw their way back to the top. Fans of period pieces set in the mid-20th century will also love the costumes and sets. It's just a shame that Judy didn't have a Jack Horner-like figure in her corner like Dirk did in Boogie Nights.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Considering the hell Garland went through during the making of The Wizard of Oz, it might put a damper on the classic story of Dorothy Gale and her fantastical journey back home to Kansas.
But while it's important to that the filming of this movie wasn't all yellow brick roads and ruby slippers, there's truly something magical about Garland's performance, particularly her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Between Judy and The Wizard of Oz, there's no questioning why Judy Garland became the superstar she did.
Rocketman (2019)
In one of Judy's more upbeat scenes, we see Garland spend a lovely evening with a queer couple who are among her biggest fans. Even to this day, Judy Garland is a gay icon.
If viewers are looking for more biopics about queer icons, Rocketman fits the bill. The film chronicles the rise and fall and rise of glam rock legend Elton John (Taron Edgerton). Like Judy, Rocketman depicts the corrosive combination of show biz and addiction in a mostly London setting. And on the lighter side, the flashy costumes are to die for.
Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)
How many viewers were screaming at the screen when Garland insisted she didn't need any rehearsals in Judy? For those craving a glimpse at the rehearsal process leading up to a big performance, look no further than Florence Foster Jenkins.
Though it's certainly a lighter film than Judy, the titular protagonist (Meryl Streep) is also based on a real-life figure who had troubles of her own. Jenkins battled syphilis, but was determined to give the performance of her life before she succumbed to her illness. Her biggest problem? She couldn't carry a tune. Just like Garland's teary rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in Judy, no viewer will have a dry eye after Jenkins declares, "People may say I can't sing, but no one can ever say I didn't sing."
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Even before her Oscar win, critics hailed Renee Zellweger's performance as a tour de force and a much-deserved comeback.
Another acting powerhouse who delivered a career-defining performance is Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Both Holly and Garland are as charming as they are self-destructive. And while it may not be in the same league as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Breakfast at Tiffany's' "Moon River" is one of Hollywood's most recognized tunes.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2018)
For those who loved Judy and are looking to catch up on this year's Oscar nominees, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood should be next on your watch list.
Similar to Judy, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is about another beloved public figure, Mister Rogers (Tom Hanks). Rather than a traditional birth-to-death biopic, both films take place at a specific point in their subject's career. If Judy left you feeling a little blue, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a much more upbeat story. It's the perfect pick-me-up.
My Week With Marilyn (2011)
Just like Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe is another beloved celebrity whose life was tragically cut short. Sadly, in the case of both icons, fan adoration and talent weren't enough to quell their inner demons.
In Oscar gold like Zellweger, she certainly deserved to as her performance is just as haunting and heartbreaking.
Chicago (2002)
While Renee Zellweger may have knocked some socks off with her musical performances in Judy, those who have seen Chicago know that the actress has some serious pipes.
Though she didn't win, Zellweger was nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal as protagonist Roxie Hart, a wannabe performer who is arrested for murdering her caddish lover. The subject matter may sound serious, but Chicago is a glitzy romp, and the costumes are even more fabulous than Judy's.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Though most critics agreed on the sky-high caliber of Zellweger's performance, they were divided on Judy itself, with many bemoaning the film for retreading the same tired biopic terrain.
For those looking for a decidedly more fresh take on a familiar story, check out Bradley Cooper's A Star is Born. Those who found the romantic subplot in Judy to be lacking will lap up the sizzling chemistry of leads Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Like Garland, Cooper's Jackson Maine is a talented performer whose star shine is fading fast thanks largely to his addictions. Like Judy, A Star is Born makes no apologies for showing the dark underbelly of stardom.
