10 Essential Judy Garland Movies to Understand the Screen Legend (Photos)

When the 2-year-old Frances Gumm stepped onto the stage of her father’s Grand Rapids, Minnesota, vaudeville and movie house and belted out “Jingle Bells” to thunderous applause, little did anyone know that she would become one of the greatest entertainers of all time, Judy Garland. From child actress to musical-comedy superstar to two-time Oscar-nominated icon, Garland’s career evolved before our eyes as she battled the demons that haunted her and led to addiction and a reputation for being difficult. Here are 10 essential Garland films that are a must-see if you really want to know who she was and how her private life touched her performances.