The Town, a gritty crime drama directed by Ben Affleck, follows a group of lifelong friends who rob banks in Charlestown, Boston. As the leader of the gang, Doug MacRay (played by Affleck), struggles to balance his criminal lifestyle and newfound love interest with Claire Keesey (portrayed by Rebecca Hall), an unexpected turn of events puts both his personal and professional life at risk.

The film is a tense exploration of loyalty, redemption, and the human capacity for change. Affleck's direction is both confident and nuanced, masterfully capturing the gritty underworld of Charlestown while never losing sight of the complex emotional stakes of the story. The cast is uniformly excellent, with amazing performances from Jeremy Renner and Jon Hamm. However, it is Lively's portrayal of Krista, Doug's ex-girlfriend, that truly shines.

Lively brings a raw vulnerability to the role, infusing Krista with a sense of strength and resilience that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. Her chemistry with with the remaining cast is electric, adding a layer of emotional depth to the film that elevates it beyond a standard heist movie.

Overall, The Town is a tense and engrossing crime drama that showcases the best of its talented cast and crew, and Lively's performance is a standout among them. This masterpiece deserves to top our list of the best movies of Blake Lively.

Release: 2010

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Blake Lively

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Directed by Paul Feig and starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, "A Simple Favor" is a captivating thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film tells the story of a mommy blogger, Stephanie (Kendrick), who befriends the mysterious and stylish Emily (Lively). When Emily suddenly disappears, Stephanie takes it upon herself to unravel the truth behind her friend's disappearance, and what she discovers is beyond her wildest imagination.

The film is a masterclass in suspense, with Feig deftly weaving together elements of mystery, intrigue, and dark humor to create an experience that is both thrilling and entertaining. Kendrick delivers a nuanced performance as Stephanie, a character who is both endearing and complex, while Lively is magnetic as Emily, exuding an air of danger and sophistication.

What sets "A Simple Favor" apart from other thrillers is its subversive take on gender roles and power dynamics. The film flips the traditional narrative on its head, with Lively's character challenging the patriarchal status quo and Kendrick's character grappling with her own agency and power. It's a refreshing and timely message that is delivered with a deft touch.

Overall, "A Simple Favor", one of the best movies of Blake Lively, is a must-see for fans of the thriller genre, boasting a strong script, outstanding performances, and a unique take on gender and power. Blake Lively in particular shines as Emily, showcasing her range as an actress and cementing her status as one of Hollywood's brightest talents.

Release: 2018

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is a heartwarming coming-of-age film that follows the lives of four teenage girls as they navigate the ups and downs of life, love, and growing up. The film features an outstanding cast, including our talented Blake Lively, who portrays the confident and independent Bridget Vreeland.

Set against the backdrop of a picturesque summer, the film explores the themes of friendship, family, and the transformative power of shared experiences. The plot centers around a pair of magical jeans that mysteriously fits all four girls perfectly, serving as a powerful symbol of their unbreakable bond. Through the challenges they face individually and together, the girls learn to lean on each other and draw strength from their unique sisterhood.

With its poignant storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and exceptional performances, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Blake Lively's dynamic portrayal of Bridget is a great performance that showcases her incredible range as an actress and cements her place as one of Hollywood's most talented leading ladies.

Release: 2005

Cast: Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%

"The Shallows" is a gripping thriller that showcases the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the film follows Nancy (Blake Lively), a young surfer who finds herself stranded on a rock in the middle of the ocean after being attacked by a great white shark. With only her wits and determination to survive, Nancy must navigate the treacherous waters and outsmart the predator that stalks her every move.

Lively delivers a standout performance as the resourceful and determined protagonist, capturing the fear and desperation of her character as she fights for her life. The cinematography is equally impressive, capturing the stark beauty and danger of the ocean with stunning precision.

Collet-Serra's direction is taut and skillful, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease throughout "The Shallows". The shark itself is a formidable and terrifying presence, with the director making the most of its limited screen time to maximize its impact.

Release: 2016

Cast: Blake Lively, Oscar Jaenada, Brett Cullen

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

Café Society, a romantic drama film set in the 1930s, features Blake Lively in a captivating and nuanced performance. She portrays Veronica Hayes, a socialite who catches the attention of Bobby Dorfman, a young man trying to make his way in Hollywood. Lively expertly embodies the charm and elegance of a woman from high society, but also conveys a sense of loneliness and longing that lies beneath the surface.

The film, written and directed by Woody Allen, explores themes of love, ambition, and the choices we make in life. The dazzling cinematography and period costumes transport the viewer to a bygone era, while the witty dialogue and complex characters keep them engaged.

Lively's performance as Veronica in Café Society deserves all the praise, showcasing her range as an actress and her ability to bring depth to a character. She portrays both the glamorous facade of Veronica and the vulnerability and pain she feels, making the character feel like a fully realized human being rather than a caricature.

Release: 2016

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%