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The Winona Ryder Movie You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Winona Ryder was born Winona Laura Horowitz under the sign of Scorpio on October 29, 1971. Ryder's film debut was in the 1986 film "Lucas," but her breakthrough came with Tim Burton's 1988 classic "Beetlejuice," where she played the quirky Lydia. Ryder quickly became a teenage star thanks to leading roles in movies like the cult classic "Heathers," "Mermaids," and "Edward Scissorhands," where she played opposite her then-boyfriend, Johnny Depp.

After taking part in this series of popular coming-of-age films, Ryder successfully transitioned to more adult roles, beginning with "Bram Stoker's Dracula." She hit her stride in this more serious space, as she appeared in "The Age of Innocence," which snagged her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win in 1994 (per IMDb). Although Ryder's career took a slight downturn in the early '00s after her shoplifting conviction, she has consistently worked in Hollywood for decades. In 2016, Ryder's career heated up again with her role in Netflix's red-hot hit, "Stranger Things." Over the years, Ryder has become known for her unconventional roles, delicate beauty, and versatility as an actress, so keep reading to discover what Winona Ryder movie you are based on your zodiac sign!

Aries: Great Balls of Fire! (March 20—April 19)

"Great Balls of Fire!" is a sanitized biopic about Jerry Lee Lewis' (Dennis Quaid) rise to fame. The movie follows Lewis' career, as it crashes and burns when the impetuous musician marries his 13-year-old second cousin, Myra Gale Brown (Winona Ryder). And he does so without even divorcing his wife. Passionate, impulsive and moody, this film is the perfect personification of both Aries and Jerry Lee's personality.

Aries is a fire sign, and as such, those born under the sign of the Ram can be known for being hotheads. It's a term often ascribed to Jerry Lee, as Peter Travers did in his Rolling Stone review of the movie: "Quaid's take on the young, hotheaded Jerry Lee as a well-meaning bumpkin radiates scads of energy." Even the film's name references the fire element, which imbues the movie with Aries' characteristic enthusiasm and "larger than life" personality (per Astrology.com). Fire signs are known for their passionate natures, and the chemistry between Myra and Jerry Lee is combustible (albeit problematic). After all, Aries' ruling planet is Mars, the Roman god of war, which is also clearly represented in Jerry Lee's volatility in the film.

Aries has a cardinal modality, which means that this sign embodies the impatience and abundant energy of spring and youth. Cardinal signs are innovative and enjoy pushing boundaries, much like Jerry Lee does in "Great Balls of Fire!" But with all this focus on getting things going, cardinal signs can also be self-centered, which we see in Jerry Lee's relationship with naïve Myra, whom Ryder plays to perfection. 

Taurus: The Age of Innocence (April 19—May 20)

"The Age of Innocence" stars Winona Ryder, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Daniel Day-Lewis in a bittersweet romance about a man who is in love with one woman, but engaged to her cousin. This exquisite historical drama explores the tension between tradition and duty, and does so with the sensual romantic nature that is inherent to the zodiac sign of Taurus. Taurus is a fixed earth sign, a pleasure-seeker that's also known for characteristics of loyalty and stubborn determination.

As an earth sign, Taureans are known for their down-to-earth countenance. They are reliable, practical, and prone to playing it safe. The traditional, upper-class culture represented in this film exemplifies this earth sign's materialistic and conservative values. When Newland Archer (Day-Lewis) asks for May Welland's (Ryder) hand in marriage, he thinks himself happy for making such a suitable, socially acceptable, match. But when Newland meets May's older cousin, Ellen Olenska (Pfeiffer), a wealthy woman who has scandalously separated from her husband, a passion stirs within. Newland is tempted to turn his back on propriety and to fulfill his carnal desires instead.

This is a battle well-known to the practical and earthy Taurus. After all, Venus – the goddess of love and beauty — rules Taurus, which lends this sign its sensual nature. Taureans are drawn to explore the physical pleasures of life: being touched, eating rich foods, drinking fine wines, and lounging in luxurious surroundings are all deep sources of enjoyment for this sign. In true Taurus fashion, "The Age of Innocence" creates a sumptuous world on screen that explores some of these pleasures, and the film reveals the struggle Taureans can face between honoring their respect for societal expectations and their innate desires.

Gemini: Reality Bites (May 20—June 21)

Winona Ryder stars opposite Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, and Steve Zahn in "Reality Bites," a 1994 classic about a group of friends, who have just graduated from college. This '90s movie has major Gemini vibes, much like its lead character Lelaina (Ryder), who has a youthful, curious energy that's often found in this sign. Geminis are a mutable air sign, known for their quick wit and mercurial nature. Symbolized by the twins, you never know which side you will get with a Gemini. One day they might dance in a gas station, while the next they might be camped out on the couch in a pit of depression.

Gemini is mischievous and can sometimes be a little "creative" with the truth. Geminis get this quality from the trickster god Mercury, who rules their sign. We see these traces of Mercury in Lelaina, particularly when she hustles at the gas station with her dad's gas card to pay off her massive phone bill. Gemini occurs at the end of a season — specifically, the transition from spring to summer — which gives it a mutable modality. Mutable signs are all about transformation and adaptability, which this film represents by focusing on the period of life right after college, when everything is changing.

Geminis are also an air sign. Air signs are recognized for their intelligence and communication skills, both of which Lelaina displays: She's the valedictorian at her college graduation, and she loves to talk (as per that $400 phone bill). "Reality Bites" is a heady film that is filled with wide-ranging conversations and characters, who are always asking "why?" Curiosity is something you can always count on from this sign and ultimately, "Reality Bites" perfectly embodies Gemini's vivacious vibe.

Cancer: Mermaids (June 21—July 22)

The star-studded "Mermaids" features Cher, Winona Ryder, Christina Ricci, and Bob Hoskins, and has major Cancer vibes. In the film, Mrs. Flax (Cher) enjoys a nomadic lifestyle, who picks up and carts her two daughters — Charlotte (Ryder) and Kate (Ricci) — off to the next adventure whenever things get tough. But Charlotte longs to stay in one town long enough for it to feel like home. She wants her mom to be a "normal" mom, who cooks proper meals rather than appetizer plates. 

Cancer is a cardinal water sign, symbolized by the crab. The water element connects Cancer to the realm of emotions, which is particularly heightened in this sign thanks to its planetary ruler of the Moon. The cycles of the moon affect both the tides and our emotions, and this celestial body symbolizes both feminine energy and a connection to the cycles of life. 

Charlotte embodies these Cancer traits in this film, as she has a need for a home base and family security, all of which this sign cares about deeply. Plus, the film is filled with Cancer-friendly water references: Kate is a swimmer, Charlotte goes fishing, and Mrs. Flax dresses as a mermaid. The Crab is the astrological embodiment of the mother archetype, and "Mermaids" explores the mother-daughter relationship between two women who couldn't be more different, which makes this film an excellent representation of Cancer.

Leo: Heathers (July 22—August 22)

The dark comedy "Heathers" deconstructs the social hierarchy of Westerburg High. At the top of the teen food chain is the popular clique, which consists of three Heathers and one unhappy Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder). When J.D. (Christian Slater) comes to town, he brings the winds of change with him. J.D. and Veronica click, and team up to give these popular, cruel drama queens a taste of their own medicine. Not surprisingly, things quickly get out of hand in this cult classic that offers a hilarious and biting takedown of the superficial and materialistic culture of the '80s and high school itself.

"Heathers" roars with Leo energy. Leo is a fixed fire sign, which is ruled by the sun that gives the Zodiac lion its trademark confidence. After all, much like the star at the center of our universe, Leos also expect everything to revolve around them. Heather Chandler (Kim Walker), Heather Duke (Shannen Doherty), and Heather McNamara (Lisanne Falk) all exude Leo's confidence. Unfortunately, they also reek of this sign's arrogance as well. 

This double-edged sword of Leo's personality is what "Heathers" illustrates so well, as it shows what happens when this sign's best traits — like confidence — get thrown out of balance to become its worst: a materialistic "me, me, me" energy, embodied by the Heathers. 

While Veronica doesn't radiate Leo fire, she is the character through which we experience the film. It is Veronica's analytical perspective that paints such a vivid portrait of Leo magnetism that turns catty. Like other fire signs, Leos are known for being fun, humorous, and energetic, all of which could be used to describe "Heathers." In the end, this is a dark and entertaining film, fit for a queen (or a Leo).

Virgo: Little Women (August 22—September 22)

The 1994 adaptation of "Little Women" stars Winona Ryder as Jo March, with Claire Danes, Trini Alvarado, Kirsten Dunst, and Samantha Mathis playing her sisters. This classic American tale about four sisters growing up during and after the Civil War has big Virgo energy, especially within the heroine, Jo March. For starters, it's a story about young women, which clearly links to Virgo, a sign that's symbolized by the virgin or harvest maiden. But the connections don't stop there.

Virgo is a mutable earth sign that is ruled by Mercury, the messenger god. Not surprisingly, Virgos are gifted communicators, who have a knack for self-expression. We clearly see this in Jo, who loves both reading and writing. Virgos are known for being analytical, perfectionistic, and hard-working, but they are also kind, loyal, and curious. These descriptions also fit Jo March perfectly. 

While signs with an earth element are known for being practical, stubborn and predictable, Virgo's mutable modality makes Virgo more dynamic and spontaneous than other earth signs like Taurus or Capricorn. This mutable modality also contributes to Virgo's philosopher persona, something we see expressed in Jo's academic interests and unquenchable curiosity. Virgo's link to the virgin warrior Athena is also reflected in Jo's feisty spirit, strength of character, and independent nature.

Libra: Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (September 22—October 23)

"Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael" is about an adopted teenage girl named Dinky (Winona Ryder). Dinky is a misfit, who feels like she doesn't fit with her family or community. At first glance, you might think Dinky is an Aquarius or maybe a Scorpio. But Dinky doesn't relish being a misfit, as an Aquarius would. In fact, Dinky falls more in line with Libra, a cardinal air sign. 

Like other air signs, Libras are intellectually gifted, idealistic, and fair-minded. We see these qualities clearly in Dinky. She is an excellent student, loves books and knowledge, and she hates being singled out and bullied. Libras in particular hate bullies because they believe in equality and justice. They also abhor conformity, which explains Dinky's outsider status, as Libras often believe that just because someone is a little different doesn't mean they should be judged for that. 

Ruled by Venus, the goddess of love, Libras are gentle and loving individuals. We see this empathy in the way Dinky cares for stray animals, as well as in the way she longs for love. She desperately wants a mother, who can give her the love she needs and also receive Dinky's love in return. We see this in the way Dinky quickly opens up to her school counselor Elizabeth Zaks (Laila Robins), and in Dinky's obsession with Roxy Carmichael. Love is always important to Libra, and for teenage Dinky, the most significant love she can find is a maternal kind.

Scorpio: Bram Stoker's Dracula (October 23—November 22)

Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 adaptation of "Bram Stoker's Dracula" explores a love that transcends time and even death. The film centers around the Dark Prince of Transylvania a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler a.k.a. Dracula (Gary Oldman), the most famous vampire in history. This Halloween favorite carries an obvious link to spooky Scorpio, the sign of Halloween itself. Despite Scorpios' many admirable qualities like courage, loyalty, and passion, in the popular imagination, they will always be associated with their darker proclivities towards jealousy, violence, and obsession.

Scorpio is a fixed water sign, which was formerly ruled by Mars and currently by Pluto. These dual planetary rulers link Scorpio with death, sex, war, and regeneration. The character of Dracula perfectly illustrates the potential dangers of a fixed modality, which is what gives Scorpio a "brooding intensity" unmatched in the zodiac (per Cosmopolitan). In fact, Scorpio is the perfect personification of the vampire, a creature that is seductive, dangerous, and immortal. In "Bram Stoker's Dracula," Winona Ryder (who happens to be a Scorpio) plays Mina Murray, whose fiancé is sent to Transylvania to assist a client. As fate would have it, Mina is the spitting image of Dracula's long-dead wife, Elisabeta, and Mina becomes Dracula's new obsessive fixation. 

Scorpio's water element is represented in the film as well both in the blood Dracula must drink, as well as in his psychic abilities, which are often attributed to the sensitive and intuitive water signs. All of this makes "Bram Stoker's Dracula" the epitome of Scorpio energy.

Sagittarius: Girl, Interrupted (November 22—December 21)

"Girl, Interrupted" is a drama that explores the lives of a group of young women, who were committed to an intuition in the 1960s because they defied social norms. Based on Susanna Kaysen's 1993 memoir of the same name, "Girl, Interrupted" explores a time when freedom-loving, independent, and idealistic women, who refused to conform to society's expectations, were regularly pathologized and institutionalized instead. While some of these women are actually mentally ill, others — like Susanna (Winona Ryder) — are misunderstood and primarily just ill-equipped to deal with the expectations her family and community place on her. All of this makes "Girl, Interrupted" a perfect representation of Sagittarius.

A mutable fire sign, Sagittarius is the curious and spontaneous wanderer of the Zodiac, who offers a philosophical outlook on life. Sagittarians aren't afraid to ask the hard questions, and as a result, they are often criticized for being too blunt or not diplomatic enough. Many of the young women Susanna meets in the institution have been committed because they say what they want, without considering the repercussions. Fire signs are known for their impulsivity and feisty personalities, which can be seen in the Sagittarian energy of this film.

Sagittarius has a mutable modality. Those with a mutable modality are open-minded, adaptable, and sometimes indecisive, which we see reflected in Susanna's character. In fact, these are some of the qualities that get her in trouble with her family and conservative community. After all, open-minded people, who welcome social change, are a friend to progress and the enemy of convention. It's an attitude that conservative America was very afraid of in the 1960s before the Women's Liberation Movement, and it's one that any Sagittarius probably knows quite well.

Capricorn: How to Make an American Quilt (December 21—January 20)

In "How to Make an American Quilt," graduate student Finn (Winona Ryder) goes to California for the summer to visit her grandmother and great-aunt. Finn joins her family's quilting club, where she spends time with a group of elders, who share their life stories and wisdom with Finn, as she contemplates love, marriage, tradition, and duty. These concepts firmly root the film in the sensibilities of Capricorn, a cardinal earth sign.

Like other earth signs, Capricorn is practical, grounded, and disciplined. Capricorns aren't typically risk-takers, but rather can be pragmatic people, who value tradition, family, and hard work. Although overall this film carries obvious Capricorn energy, the character of Finn does so in a less obvious way. 

Finn's boyfriend Sam (Dermot Mulroney) has proposed to her, and she's taking the summer to think about her answer, as she isn't sure she wants to get married at all. She wonders if she can be with just one person for the rest of her life, and she questions the viability of monogamy and long-term commitment. Sam believes Finn just has cold feet, but in fact, she's contemplating where she fits into these traditions. This type scrutiny that we see in Finn is actually an important aspect of Capricorn's character.

Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn is all about order and boundaries, which sometimes gives this sign a reputation for being judgmental rule-followers. But the function of Saturn isn't just to force people to follow rules; rather, it is to encourage them to look back on their past, so they can understand themselves better and take deeper responsibility for their actions. This newfound clarity can free us to move forward and make decisions about our future. This is exactly what Finn does while she visits these wise women, who teach her about history and the past, which makes "How to Make an American Quilt" a total Capricorn film.

Aquarius: 1969 (January 20–February 18)

"1969" explores the anti-war movement from the perspective of two young men, Ralph (Robert Downey Jr.) and Scott (Kiefer Sutherland). The two college students embark on a cross-country trip, as they attempt to avoid the draft for Vietnam and have some summer fun. Beth (Winona Ryder) is Ralph's younger sister, who is in love with Scott. "1969" personifies Aquarius' rebellious and humanitarian spirit.

Aquarius is a fixed air sign, known for an independent spirit and unique personality. Aquarians absolutely dance to the beat of their own drum, and the counterculture of the '60s and '70s perfectly embodies this essence of the water-bearer of the Zodiac. Aquariuses are one of the three air signs, which means they're known for their philosophical leanings and intellectual prowess. Scott exemplifies this in the film, as he butts heads with his veteran father over his stance on the Vietnam War.

Despite Aquarians' independent nature, they aren't loners. This sign loves being part of a community (especially as an organizer), which explains the Aquarius penchant for activism. This dedication is in part because of a fixed modality, which makes Aquarians more reliable than other air signs. Signs with a fixed modality are often the loyal friends you can count on, which we see reflected in Ralph and Scott's devotion to each other.

Pisces: Beetlejuice (February 18—March 20)

With its link to the paranormal and spiritual realm, Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" is a total personification of the Pisces sign. This comedy follows Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis), who are a recently deceased couple. They hire an unsavory spirit named Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton) to help them haunt the awful family that has bought their beloved home. But when Barbara and Adam become unexpectedly attached to Lydia (Winona Ryder), the daughter of the couple now living in their house, they decide to get rid of Betelgeuse once and for all.

Pisces is a mutable water sign, and is characterized by a sensitive, dreamy, and artistic nature. Lydia is obviously very receptive, as she's the first person to realize there are restless spirits living in their new home. Pisces' water element is a significant influence on this fish of the Zodiac, as water signs are intuitive, in tune with their emotions, and creative (which we see in Lydia's interest in photography). On the flip side, they also have a reputation for being emotionally unstable. 

Lydia is also intelligent and gifted with the curiosity that comes with Pisces' mutable modality. Mutable signs are open-minded and flexible, which makes Pisces especially empathetic and compassionate. We see this quality in Lydia's reaction to Barbara and Adam, as she isn't afraid of them and in fact, tries to understand their situation. As the last and oldest sign of the zodiac, Pisces is spiritually evolved. According to Bustle, "Pisces are often naturally gifted psychics, artists, or healers since they're deeply connected to the ethereal world," which links this sign spiritually and emotionally with Tim Burton's paranormal comedy "Beetlejuice."