From teen drama breakout star to blockbuster lead and producer, Blake Lively's filmography spans over two decades of diverse roles. Whether you're looking up her early indie credits or her recent box office hits like It Ends with Us, tracking her cinematic evolution reveals a career defined by sharp genre shifts, romantic leads, and survival thrillers.
If you're wondering what movies Blake Lively has been in, the short answer is that she has starred in over fifteen major feature films, ranging from heartfelt coming-of-age adaptations to gritty crime dramas and high-concept sci-fi. Here is a comprehensive look at her cinematic journey, broken down by eras.
The Breakthrough Years (2005–2010)
Blake Lively stepped into professional acting with minimal prior experience, landing her first major role while still in high school. Her early career established her dramatic range before television superstardom on Gossip Girl made her a household name.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Lively made her feature film debut as Bridget Vreeland in the adaptation of Ann Brashares' bestselling novel. Playing an athletic, emotionally vulnerable teen dealing with loss, she earned a Teen Choice Award nomination and critical praise that instantly put her on Hollywood's radar. She reprised the role in the 2008 sequel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2.
Accepted (2006)
Showing her comedic chops early on, Lively starred alongside Justin Long in this college-comedy satire as Monica Moreland, a smart college applicant attending a fictional, makeshift university.
The Town (2010)
Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, this gritty Boston crime thriller gave Lively her most critically acclaimed dramatic role to date. Playing Krista Coughlin, a troubled, volatile single mother wrapped up in a crew of bank robbers, she proved she could hold her own in heavy, dramatic ensemble casts. She shared a National Board of Review Award for Best Cast for her performance.
Blockbusters and Genre Exploration (2011–2016)
Following the peak of her television run, Lively pivoted toward studio blockbusters, romantic dramas, and nail-biting survival thrillers.
Green Lantern (2011)
Lively took on the high-profile comic book role of Carol Ferris, the love interest and eventual pilot counterpart to Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds. While the film had a mixed critical reception, it remains a major studio tentpole in her filmography.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
In this romantic fantasy, Lively played Adaline Bowman, a woman who stops aging at 29 after surviving a near-fatal accident. Spanning decades of historical styling and romantic longing, the film showcased her ability to anchor a sentimental, high-concept narrative.
The Shallows (2016)
Lively carried almost the entire runtime of this survival horror film as Nancy Adams, a medical student stranded on a rock 200 yards from shore while stalked by a great white shark. Her physical performance earned widespread acclaim and proved her viability as a solo box-office draw.
Café Society (2016)
Working with auteur Woody Allen, Lively appeared as Veronica Hayes in this 1930s Hollywood romantic comedy-drama, blending period aesthetics with witty dialogue.
Recent Hits and Producing Roles (2017–Present)
In recent years, Lively has leaned into complex character studies, dark comedies, and producing her own projects.
A Simple Favor (2018)
Playing the enigmatic, impeccably dressed, and deeply manipulative Emily Nelson alongside Anna Kendrick, Lively delivered one of her sharpest performances in this stylish dark comedy-thriller directed by Paul Feig.
The Rhythm Section (2020)
Lively underwent a dramatic physical transformation to play Stephanie Patrick, a grief-stricken woman seeking revenge against the conspirators behind a plane crash that killed her family in this action-thriller.
It Ends with Us (2024)
As both the lead star playing Lily Bloom and an executive producer, Lively anchored this adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel. The film became a massive commercial success, dominating the global box office.
Another Simple Favor (2025)
Lively returned to her role as Emily Nelson in the highly anticipated sequel, bringing back the dark twists and high-fashion espionage of the original film.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Blake Lively's very first movie?
Her official feature film debut was The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants in 2005, though she technically appeared in an uncredited or minor role in the 1998 musical Sandman directed by her father.
Has Blake Lively won any major acting awards?
While she hasn't won an Academy Award, she has won multiple Teen Choice Awards, a People's Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress, and shared ensemble cast wins from critics associations for The Town.
Did Blake Lively star in Gossip Girl?
Yes. Before and during her early film career, she starred as Serena van der Woodsen in the hit television series Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012 across 121 episodes.
