From dazzling dance numbers to heartfelt dramas and even a touch of magic, Julianne Hough has carved out a diverse film career that showcases her versatility and charm. Known for her breakout roles in dance-heavy hits and her fearless forays into dramatic and comedic territory, Hough has steadily built an impressive resume on the big screen. Whether she’s belting out tunes in Rock of Ages, bringing Southern romance to life in Safe Haven, or lending her voice to animated adventures like The Steam Engines of Oz, there’s something for every movie lover in her filmography. Let’s take a closer look at Julianne Hough’s top 10 most memorable movie roles — including a surprising connection to the world of Harry Potter.
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) – A Magical Beginning
IMdb Rating: 7.7/10
You ever think about how some folks start big in small ways? Well, here’s a story you might like. Julianne Hough — yeah, the one from dance shows and movies — she was in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . Didn’t play a main part, but she was there. Just another face in the crowd of Hogwarts students.
If you watch the movie and look close, you might catch her in the background. Robe on, just like the rest, blending in with the magic. She didn’t say much, maybe nothing at all, but still — that’s her on screen. Pretty cool way to start a career, huh?
Now, this film? It’s about a boy named Harry. Regular kid, or so he thinks. Turns out, he’s a wizard. Imagine that. Gets a letter, goes off to school, learns spells, makes friends. Meets Hermione and Ron. They get into all sorts of trouble. Flying brooms, giant chess boards, hidden chambers — it’s wild what they go through.
The whole thing is full of wonder. Makes you feel like magic could be real. Like maybe if you wait long enough, an owl will bring you a letter too.
Julianne’s part was small, but being part of something this big? That’s no small deal. This movie made over $970 million. Yeah, you read that right. People loved it. Critics too. And it kicked off a series that just kept growing.
Funny thing is, she wasn’t the only one starting small. Other stars were hiding in plain sight too. Some names you’d know today. All tucked away in the background of this magical world.
Want to see it for yourself? You can find Philosopher’s Stone on Max (used to be HBO Max) and other places where the Harry Potter films live.
If you like your stories with a bit of magic, some mystery, and fun surprises like secret cameos — then this one’s for you. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and let the magic take you away.
2. Burlesque (2010) – Glitz, Glam, and Great Moves
IMdb Rating: 6.4/10
You ever seen a movie that just makes you want to get up and dance? Burlesque is one of those. Julianne Hough dances her heart out in it. She plays Georgia, one of the shining stars at a fancy club in Los Angeles. Her moves? Smooth. Her smile? Bright. She’s not the main story, but when she hits the stage, it’s hard not to notice her.
Picture this: feathers, lights, music that grabs your soul. That’s Burlesque . It’s about a small-town girl named Ali, played by Christina Aguilera. She leaves home, heads west, chasing a dream. Ends up at this old-time club where every night is full of fire and rhythm.
Cher owns the club. She’s tough, smart, and knows what she wants. The whole cast dances like they were born for the spotlight. Watching them is like seeing magic made with feet and voice.
If you love songs that lift you up, costumes that shine like stars, and women who stand tall — this film is for you. It’s about finding your place, singing loud, and dancing even louder.
It made more than $90 million around the world. Not everyone said kind things about it, but plenty loved the beats and the beauty on stage. One song even got a Golden Globe nod. Pretty big deal.
Here’s something cool: Julianne did all her own dancing. No tricks, no doubles. Just her. Makes sense, too. She came from Dancing with the Stars , so she already knew how to move.
Want to see it? You can catch Burlesque on Netflix or Amazon Prime. Or rent it if that’s your thing.
If you’ve ever dreamed big, worn glitter just because, or believed in the power of a good song — this one’s got your name written all over it. Hit play, turn it up, and let the rhythm take you where dreams come alive.
3. Footloose (2011) – Dancing with Heart
IMdb Rating: 5.9/10
You ever seen a movie that makes you want to move your feet, even if you don’t know how to dance? Footloose is one of those. Julianne Hough plays Ariel — strong girl, big heart, loves to dance. She’s from a small town where the rules are tight and the music is quiet. Her dad’s the preacher. He banned dancing after something bad happened long ago.
But Ariel? She doesn’t buy into the silence. She’s got fire in her soul and rhythm in her bones. Doesn’t like being told what to do. That’s who she is.
The story starts when a new kid rolls into town. His name’s Ren. He’s from the city. Loud, free, used to moving to music. When he finds out there’s no dancing at the school dance — or anywhere else — he can’t believe it. So he decides to change things.
He teams up with Ariel and other kids who feel the same way. Together, they try to bring back the beat. Not just for fun, but for freedom. For healing. For life.
If you love stories about standing tall, speaking up, and moving your body to a good song — this one’s for you. The dances pop. The songs stick in your head. And the people? You start to care about them real fast.
It made over $63 million when it came out. Some folks liked it. Some missed the old version from 1984. But Julianne? She shined. People noticed her dancing, her voice, and how real she made Ariel feel. Like she could be someone you know.
Fun thing I learned: Even though she’s a pro dancer, she still trained hard for this part. Said playing Ariel was one of her favorite roles ever. You can tell.
Want to watch it? You can find Footloose on Paramount+, Amazon Prime, or rent it on YouTube and such.
I enjoyed this version. It’s full of heart. Good beats. Big feelings. And Julianne? She lights up the screen like fire under stars. Definitely worth a watch.
4. Rock of Ages (2012) – Big Hair, Big Dreams, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
IMdb Rating: 5.9/10
You ever had a dream so big it felt like lightning in your chest? That’s Sherrie in Rock of Ages . Julianne Hough plays her — small-town heart, big-city hope, and a voice that can shake the stars. She lands in L.A. with nothing but a suitcase and a song in her soul.
She meets Drew soon after. City kid, same dream, different rhythm. They both land jobs at The Bourbon Room — a loud, wild rock club where dreams either rise or crash like cymbals. Together, they chase music, love, and a shot at something more.
This story lives in the ‘80s — leather jackets, big hair, songs you know by heart. Think Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard. It’s part love tale, part stage show, all heart. There’s pain, sure. Fame twists things. Choices get heavy. But through it all, they keep believing — yes, just like the song says.
If you love music that makes you want to sing out loud, clothes that scream bold, and stories about holding on when the road gets rough — this one’s got your name on it.
Julianne sings. She dances. She does it all herself. No tricks. Just talent. And she nails it. Her energy? Real. Her voice? Strong. You feel every note.
The film made around $59 million. Not everyone gave it high praise, but plenty had fun watching. Loud? Oh yeah. Wild? You bet. But also full of life.
Here’s a cool thing: Tom Cruise plays a wild rockstar in this flick — and he sings . Loud and proud. Julianne said she couldn’t believe she was standing next to him on set. Said she pinched herself more than once.
Want to see it? You can catch Rock of Ages on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or rent it wherever movies live.
I had a good time watching this one. Full of fire, music, and moments that stick. Julianne gives it everything. If you’re into big dreams, big sounds, and big feelings — hit play. Let the music take you back.
5. Safe Haven (2013) – A Love Story with Secrets
IMdb Rating: 6.7/10
You ever met someone who walks like they’re carrying the wind on their back? That’s Katie in Safe Haven . Julianne Hough plays her — quiet at first, eyes full of secrets, heart heavy with something you can’t yet see. She shows up in a small town by the sea, looking for peace, trying to leave the past behind.
She takes a job, rents a room, and keeps her distance. But the town is full of kind folks, and one of them is Alex — played by Josh Duhamel. He’s a father, a cook, still healing from loss. He sees something in Katie. Not just beauty, but pain. And slowly, they start to connect.
It’s not just a love story — it’s also a mystery. You feel like there’s something hiding under her words. Why she left. Why she looks over her shoulder. As the days pass, the truth starts to show itself, like the tide pulling sand away.
If you like movies that make your heart beat slower, that mix soft romance with real danger — this one will catch you. It’s based on a book by Nicholas Sparks, same one who gave us The Notebook . So yeah, bring tissues.
It made more than $97 million when it came out. Some folks thought it was just another tear-jerker. Others fell for the deep feels and how real the characters felt. Julianne showed both fire and softness. Made you believe every word she didn’t say.
Here’s a cool thing: They filmed in a real beach town in North Carolina. Quiet. Peaceful. Full of salt air and old boats. Julianne said being there helped her understand Katie better. Like the place whispered the story into her bones.
Want to watch it? You can find Safe Haven on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or rent it on most streaming places.
I liked this movie. It’s got soul. Heart. A little bit of fear, a lot of hope. Watching Julianne carry Katie’s story — it felt honest. Like she knew exactly what it meant to start over. If you’re looking for something real, something that stays with you — give this one a try.
6. Paradise (2013) – Finding Freedom in Sin City
IMdb Rating: 5.0/10
You ever met someone who starts off like a whisper, but ends up speaking fire? That’s Lamb in Paradise . Julianne Hough plays her — raised in a town where rules were louder than feelings, and being “good” mattered more than being real. But life hits hard. A plane crash changes everything. Scars run deep, not just on skin, but inside.
So she does something most folks wouldn’t — she heads to Las Vegas. Not for fame, not for money, but to find herself. To break free from what she was told to be.
There, she tries things she was taught to fear. Meets people who don’t judge her, but see her. People who help her take each shaky step forward. It’s not wild or flashy — it’s quiet. Honest. Full of pain, but also hope.
Julianne shows you all of that. You feel the hurt in her voice. The doubt in her eyes. And slowly, you see the courage rise. She doesn’t shout her truth — she lives it. Minute by minute.
This movie isn’t loud or fast. It’s soft like dust in sunlight. Some called it slow, but I saw it as a story that takes time to breathe. Diablo Cody wrote it — same one who gave us Juno — and directed it for the first time too.
It didn’t make much when it came out. But over time, folks found it. Liked its soul. Some praised Julianne for showing a side we hadn’t seen before. Others said it wasn’t for them. That’s okay. Not every story fits every heart.
Here’s something cool: This film lets you sit with Lamb. Not rush her. Just let her be. And Julianne makes that work. She brings truth to every moment. No dance moves. No big songs. Just raw, real feeling.
You can watch Paradise on Amazon Prime or rent it on digital spots.
I liked this one. It made me think. Made me feel. It’s about asking questions, making your own path, and learning that scars don’t mean broken — they mean lived. If you’re looking for a story that speaks low but hits deep, give this a try.
7. Curve (2015) – A Road Trip Turned Nightmare
IMdb Rating: 5.4/10
You ever had that feeling when the road ahead looks clear, but something deep in your gut says, not so fast ? That’s Mallory in Curve . Julianne Hough plays her — a woman on her way to meet her fiancé, nerves buzzing like a storm in her chest. She’s not sure about the life waiting for her. But what she thinks is just cold feet turns into something much worse.
Her car breaks down. No one around. Just trees and silence. Then comes a man. Friendly voice. Calm smile. He offers help. At first, he feels like luck. But soon? That smile starts to feel like a trap.
She figures it out quick. Doesn’t wait for bad to get worse. So she does something wild — slams her car into a tree on purpose. Traps him with her. Car teeters on the edge of a cliff. She’s stuck. Hurt. Alone with him. Now it’s not just fear — it’s survival.
This movie isn’t full of big chases or cops showing up at the last second. It’s tight. Close. Real. You feel every breath, every heartbeat. It shows how strong someone can be when they have no choice but to fight.
Julianne gives it everything. Fear. Fire. Pain. Hope. She doesn’t just act — she lives it. This role is nothing like her other ones. And she nails it. Hard to believe this is the same girl you’ve seen dancing or singing before.
It didn’t play in many theaters. Most folks never heard of it. But those who did? A lot of them were surprised. Said Julianne showed a side we hadn’t seen. Serious. Strong. Real.
Here’s a cool thing: Most of this film happens inside a car. That’s it. One setting. Tight space. Which made acting even harder. But Julianne pulled it off. Every scream, every tear, every moment of panic — you feel it.
Want to watch it? You can find Curve on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or rent it on most digital spots.
I liked this one. Not because it was fun — but because it was real. Made me hold my breath more than once. If you’re into thrillers where one person faces danger head-on and doesn’t back down — give this a try. You won’t forget it.
8. Dirty Grandpa (2016) – Wild Road Trip Comedy
IMdb Rating: 5.9/10
You ever met someone who’s got life all planned out—right down to the color of the napkins? That’s Meredith in Dirty Grandpa . Julianne Hough plays her — sharp, loud, and full of plans. Wedding bells are coming, but not everyone’s cheering.
She’s set on marrying Jason (played by Zac Efron), a guy starting to wonder if that “perfect” life fits him at all. Then comes Grandpa, played by Robert De Niro — wild-eyed, full of stories, and not done living just yet. He drags Jason off on what’s supposed to be a quick trip. Of course, things go sideways real fast.
Road trip turns into chaos. Spring break madness, crazy parties, new folks, and more than a few weird moments. Jason starts asking questions about what he really wants. Meanwhile, Meredith’s back home, trying to keep control of a wedding that’s slipping away.
Julianne doesn’t have the biggest part, but she makes it count. She’s funny, fierce, and a little over the top — and that’s exactly what this movie needs. You don’t often see her do comedy like this, but she pulls it off with style.
It made over $105 million when it came out. Critics were split — some said it was too silly or too wild, others said it was just plain fun. If you like movies that don’t take themselves too seriously and enjoy laughs that come out of nowhere, this one’s got your name on it.
Here’s a cool thing: De Niro did a lot of his own stunts. Julianne said she couldn’t believe how wild he was on set. Said she watched him jump into scenes like he was twenty again.
Want to watch it? You can find Dirty Grandpa on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or rent it wherever movies play.
I’ll admit — I went in expecting nonsense. And yeah, there’s plenty of that. But it’s also got heart under all the jokes. Julianne surprised me — she’s not dancing or singing here. Just being real, funny, and a little bit wild. If you’re looking for a laugh and don’t mind something a little messy, give it a shot.
9. The Steam Engines of Oz (2018) – A New Twist on a Classic Tale
IMdb Rating: 3.9/10
You ever seen Oz like this before? Not the yellow brick road you know. Not the same old magic either. In The Steam Engines of Oz , the land of Oz gets a new look — gears, steam, and machines mixed with spells. It’s different. Cool. Like magic met metal and made something wild.
Julianne Hough gives voice to Locasta — the Good Witch of the North. She’s not the loudest character, but she’s got heart. Her words feel warm, like fire on a cold night. You can hear it in how she speaks — kindness, strength, and a little mystery too.
The story jumps in years after Dorothy’s gone. The Emerald City’s changed. Tin Man’s in charge now, but he’s not so soft anymore. Cold. Hard. And down below, in the shadows, lives Victoria — a young girl who decides enough’s enough. She wants peace back. Wants things right again.
She grabs a few friends — some human, some magical — and they set off on a journey. Not just to fix a city. But to fix a world.
It’s a tale about hope. About standing up when things go wrong. And about finding your own way when the path’s been lost.
If you love fantasy, or stories where brave kids change the world, this one’s for you. Great for families. Kids’ll like it. Grown-ups might too. Especially if they don’t mind their Oz with a bit of steam and shine.
Didn’t play in many theaters. Most folks missed it that way. But those who found it liked what they saw. Said it was fresh. Different. A story with good bones and even better dreams.
Here’s a cool thing: This film comes from a comic book. So yeah, it’s got that drawn-out feel, just brought to life. Julianne said she loved being part of something creative, something she could voice into being real.
Want to see it? You can catch The Steam Engines of Oz on Amazon Prime, Tubi, or rent it on most digital spots.
I liked it. Not just for the gears or the flying ships — but for the soul behind it. Julianne’s voice helps carry that. If you’re looking for something magical, but not quite like every other Oz tale — give this one a try. You might just find yourself smiling at the end.
10. Bigger (2018) – A Story of Strength and Dreams
IMdb Rating: 3.5/10
You ever heard of a woman who stood tall in a world full of weights and sweat? Betty Weider was that woman. In Bigger , Julianne Hough plays her — not just as a wife, but as a force. She’s smart. Strong. Not with fists, but with heart and grit. She helped build something big alongside Joe Weider, one-half of the brother duo who changed bodybuilding forever.
This film tells their real-life story. Two brothers with a dream. Started small. Faced tough times. But kept pushing. They didn’t just lift weights — they lifted an entire sport. Found Arnold Schwarzenegger before anyone else saw what he could become. That’s how big their vision was.
It’s not all muscle and mirrors. It’s about family. Teamwork. The kind of fire that comes from believing in something — and someone — even when no one else does.
Julianne doesn’t take over the screen, but when she’s there, you feel it. Her Betty is calm, warm, and sure of herself. You see why Joe needed her. Not just to run things, but to keep him grounded.
I liked seeing Julianne in this kind of role. Not dancing. Not singing. Just being real. Playing someone who lived, breathed, and believed.
The movie didn’t make a big noise when it came out. Didn’t fill theaters. But folks who love true stories, fitness roots, or underdog tales found something worth watching. Critics were split. Some said it was okay. Others said it moved them. I’m in the second group.
Here’s a cool thing: Betty wasn’t just a wife in the background. She was a model. A writer. A real part of the fitness world. Julianne even talked to people who knew her. Said it helped her walk in Betty’s shoes with respect.
Want to watch it? You can find Bigger on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or rent it on most streaming spots.
If you like movies where real lives turn into big dreams, give this one a try. I walked away knowing more than I did before. And I found a new respect for the people behind the muscles. Julianne helps make that happen — with a smile, some fire, and a lot of heart.
Julianne Hough has taken on so many different roles—dancer, singer, actress, and even voice artist—and she brings something special to each one. Whether she’s lighting up the screen in a musical or showing strength in a serious drama, her performances always leave a mark. If you’ve seen any of these movies (or plan to watch them soon), we’d love to hear what you think! Which one is your favorite? Did any surprise you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’re excited to chat about all things Julianne Hough with you!
