From Mermaids to Assassins: Daryl Hannah's 15 Most Unforgettable Films
From making waves in Splash to hunting replicants in Blade Runner, Daryl Hannah's diverse filmography spans decades of memorable performances. Here are her 15 best movies, as voted by fans on Ranker, showcasing why she became one of Hollywood's most versatile actresses.
Few actresses have shown the versatility of Daryl Hannah, who captivated audiences as a mermaid in Splash and later terrified them as the eye-patch-wearing assassin Elle Driver in Kill Bill. Despite her impressive catalogue of memorable roles spanning three decades, Hannah has since stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight, choosing a more sustainable lifestyle on her solar-powered ranch in Colorado.
Before her departure from mainstream cinema, Hannah built an eclectic filmography working with some of the industry's most visionary directors, including Ridley Scott, Ron Howard, and Quentin Tarantino. From science fiction classics to heartwarming romantic comedies, her roles showcased both her dramatic range and commanding screen presence.
Based on votes from movie fans on Ranker.com, here are Daryl Hannah's 15 most unforgettable films, ranked from beloved cult classics to box office hits that defined her career.
Quick Facts About Daryl Hannah's Films
- Earliest Ranked Film: Summer Lovers (1982)
- Most Recent Ranked Film: Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004)
- Notable Directors:
- Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2)
- Ron Howard (Splash)
- Ridley Scott (Blade Runner)
Highest Rated Films
- 1. Splash (1984) - Her breakthrough role as Madison the mermaid
- 2. Blade Runner (1982) - Iconic sci-fi performance as Pris
- 3. Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) - Career resurgence as Elle Driver
The Rankings
15. Grumpier Old Men (1995)
In this sequel to the hit comedy, Hannah joins Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon as Melanie, showing her talent for comedic timing. The film continues the rivalry between the two elderly neighbours, now complicated by their children's romance. While not as critically acclaimed as some of her earlier work, the film showcases Hannah's ability to hold her own alongside comedy legends.
14. A Walk to Remember (2002)
Though not one of Hannah's leading roles, her supporting performance adds depth to this touching romantic drama. The film, based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, demonstrates Hannah's ability to enhance an ensemble cast, even in a smaller role.
13. Crazy People (1990)
Starring alongside Dudley Moore, Hannah plays Kathy Burgess in this satirical comedy about the advertising industry. The film offers Hannah a chance to showcase her comedic chops in a role that blends humour with genuine emotional depth.
12. Summer Lovers (1982)
One of Hannah's earliest roles, this romantic drama set in Greece sees her starring alongside Peter Gallagher. The film, while controversial for its time due to its themes, helped establish Hannah as a rising star willing to take on challenging roles.
11. Legal Eagles (1986)
In this legal drama/romantic comedy hybrid, Hannah shares the screen with Robert Redford and Debra Winger. As Chelsea Deardon, an artist caught up in a complex legal battle, Hannah delivers a performance that balances mystery with vulnerability, proving her versatility as an actress.
10. Attack of the 50-Ft. Woman (1993)
This HBO remake of the 1958 sci-fi classic features Hannah in the titular role of Nancy Archer. The film gave Hannah a chance to blend camp with genuine emotional depth, updating the B-movie concept for modern audiences. Her portrayal of a wronged woman who literally outgrows her problems brought a feminist twist to the classic monster movie formula.
9. Reckless (1984)
In this gritty romantic drama, Hannah stars opposite Aidan Quinn as Tracey Prescott, a cheerleader who falls for a rebellious outsider. The film captures the essence of 1980s teen angst, with Hannah's performance bringing depth to what could have been a stereotypical role. Her chemistry with Quinn helped elevate this cult classic above typical teen fare.
8. Roxanne (1987)
This modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac pairs Hannah with Steve Martin. As Roxanne, Hannah brings warmth and intelligence to her role as an astronomer who becomes the object of affection in a complex love triangle. The film showcases her ability to handle both romantic comedy and more thoughtful dramatic moments.
7. The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986)
Taking on the challenging role of Ayla, a Cro-Magnon woman raised by Neanderthals, Hannah proves her commitment to unique and demanding roles. While the film received mixed reviews, her physical performance and ability to convey emotion with limited dialogue demonstrated her range as an actress.
6. Grumpy Old Men (1993)
Before returning in the sequel, Hannah appeared in this beloved comedy alongside Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. The film's success helped revitalise her career in the 1990s, proving her ability to adapt to different genres and hold her own against veteran actors in a comedy setting.
5. Kill Bill Volume 2 (2004)
Quentin Tarantino's sequel sees Hannah return as the ruthless Elle Driver, cementing this character as one of cinema's most memorable antagonists. Her brutal fight scene with Uma Thurman's Bride stands as one of the franchise's highlights, showcasing Hannah's physical prowess and ability to portray compelling villains. Her portrayal of Elle Driver would become one of her last major Hollywood roles before stepping away from mainstream cinema.
4. Steel Magnolias (1989)
As part of an exceptional ensemble cast including Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and Dolly Parton, Hannah plays Annelle Dupuy Desoto, a shy beautician with a mysterious past. The film showcases her ability to blend into a powerful ensemble while still creating a memorable character arc. Her transformation from timid newcomer to confident woman adds depth to this beloved Southern drama.
3. Kill Bill Volume 1 (2003)
Hannah's turn as the eye-patch-wearing assassin Elle Driver marked a dramatic departure from her earlier roles. Under Tarantino's direction, she created an unforgettable villain, bringing both menace and dark humour to the character. Her scenes at the hospital demonstrate her ability to create tension with minimal dialogue, proving that her screen presence had only grown stronger over the decades.
2. Blade Runner (1982)
In Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece, Hannah delivers a haunting performance as Pris, a "basic pleasure model" replicant. Her portrayal of the artificial human combines childlike innocence with lethal capability, creating one of science fiction's most memorable characters. The physical demands of the role, particularly in her final scenes, showcased Hannah's commitment to her craft.
1. Splash (1984)
Hannah's breakthrough role as Madison the mermaid remains her most beloved performance. Directed by Ron Howard, her chemistry with Tom Hanks helped turn this fantasy romance into a classic. Her portrayal of a fish-out-of-water character (quite literally) captures both comedy and tenderness, setting a high bar for all romantic comedies that followed. The role established Hannah as a leading lady and demonstrated her unique ability to make even the most fantastical characters feel genuinely human.
Frequently Asked Questions
Daryl Hannah's breakthrough role was Madison the mermaid in Splash (1984), directed by Ron Howard and starring alongside Tom Hanks. This performance established her as a leading actress in Hollywood.
Hannah has worked with several acclaimed directors, including Ridley Scott (Blade Runner), Ron Howard (Splash), and Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2). Each director brought out different aspects of her acting range.
Her role as Elle Driver in Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004) marks her last major Hollywood blockbuster, though she has continued to appear in independent films and environmental documentaries since then.
Hannah chose to focus on environmental activism and sustainable living, moving to a solar-powered ranch in Colorado. You can read more about her current life in our article: What Happened to Daryl Hannah?
Hannah has excelled across multiple genres, from science fiction (Blade Runner) to romantic comedies (Splash) and action (Kill Bill). Her versatility as an actress is demonstrated by her successful performances across these varied roles.
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