6 of Winona Ryder’s most haunted roles

It’s been over three decades since Winona Ryder first graced our screens as Lydia Deetz in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice—although not her debut it was the one that made her a household name (later that year she would play the lead in teen black comedy Heathers, and in 1990, go on to star in Burton’s magical Edward Scissorhands). Known for her deeply emotional and complex feminine roles in a slew of dark fantasy films and TV shows, Ryder has been hailed as the “undisputed queen of Halloween” —famous for her characters’ close encounters with the supernatural as much as her iconic ‘90s goth wardrobe (both on and off screen). As the Hollywood icon celebrates her birthday today, we take a look back at her most haunted roles to date—wide-eyes and Gothic glamour galore. 

1. Beetlejuice (1988)

Putting an acting career in motion that would dabble heavily in the supernatural, Ryder plays death-obsessed teenager, Lydia Deetz, who routinely frequents the dinner table in full-mourning dress. Sporting all-black to express her character’s morose soul, the actress’ pointy micro-bangs and red bridal dress triggered the romantic Goth aesthetic that would go on to become Ryder’s signature look.

2. Edward Scissorhands (1990) 

In what is arguably her most memorable role, Ryder stars opposite Johnny Depp as doe-eyed Kim Boggs in Burton’s modern fairytale. Here, she is the antithesis to Depp’s robotic, wiry-maned Edward, with her strawberry-blonde hair, frosted pink lipstick and virginal white dresses that suggest an air of sweetness and innocence. Although Ryder’s look waivers from her signature grungy attire, she’s pretty damn convincing as the virtuous girl with the hots for the guy with blades.

3. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) 

Remaining ever entangled in the supernatural, Ryder plays Mina Harker, a young girl of 20, alongside Gary Oldman and Keanu Reeves in Francis Ford Coppola’s rendition of Dracula. Radiantly beautiful yet pale in appearance, her performance emits traces of warmth amidst the Transylvanian snow and ice of 1897. Adding an extra layer of mystery to the story, Ryder commented post-production that her and Keanu Reeves might actually be married IRL, an unpredictable result of the on-set wedding scene.

4. The Crucible (1996)

All wide-eyes and gaping mouth, Ryder stars as Abigail Williams in the 1990s adaptation of Arthur Miller’s famous play set in 17th century Massachusetts. Appearing opposite Daniel Day Lewis as John Proctor, Ryder is suspected of practicing witchcraft but uses her power in the community to turn the claims on her enemies instead, instigating the Salem witch trials. In this story fraught with suspicion and accusations, Ryder reveals a different side to her on-screen persona, one that flashes with jealousy, lust, desire and a hunger for power. 

5. Black Swan (2010) 

After a decade of playing smaller roles, Ryder resurrected her career as ballet soloist Beth Macintyre who can’t accept that her glory days are over. In Darren Aronofsky’s twisted tale, Ryder’s Beth is characterised by rings of smudged eye-liner framing her signature expressive eyes, paired with organza, drop earrings and swathes of silvery satin. The bitter, resentful mood is completed as you might expect with a champagne flute in hand. 

6. Stranger Things (2016 — present)

As a reminder of her unwavering ability, the ‘90s star recently returned to our screens as the brave and persevering Joyce Byers in Netflix’s Stranger Things. The loss of her son in the first season triggers a stream of those wide-eyed, knitted-brow facial expressions that we know and love her for. And in keeping with her earlier grungier roles, Ryder showcases an ‘80s retro style with turtleneck sweaters and that sleek black MOTO jacket.