Rotten Tomatoes score: 4%

Summary: In "Serving Sara," attorney Joe Tyler (Matthew Perry) works with Sara (Elizabeth Hurley) to get back at her husband (Bruce Campbell) and his new girlfriend Kate (Adams) during their unexpected divorce proceedings.

Although "Serving Sara" is a comedy, reviewers thought the laughs were few and far between. 

"Romantic comedy ought to have some romance and laughs, but this extraordinarily flat effort has neither," Hank Sartin wrote for the Chicago Reader.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 11%

Summary: After Kat's (Debra Messing) sister Amy (Adams) sets a date for her wedding and she realizes that her ex-boyfriend will be the groom's best man, she decides to hire a male escort (Dermot Mulroney) as a wedding date to make her ex jealous. 

Most critics wrote "The Wedding Date" off as a forgettable and boring affair. 

"This is a charmless, lifeless affair that had me leaving the theater in a mood more appropriate to a funeral than a wedding," James Berardinelli wrote for ReelViews.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 14%

Summary: After a lab accident, a beagle (voiced by Jason Lee) becomes a crime-fighting superhero overnight. With his newfound powers, Underdog defends his home of Capitol City and falls for Polly Purebred (voiced by Adams). 

The majority of film critics thought that "Underdog" was cute but too formulaic. 

"At just over 80 minutes it feels not so much like a proper film as a piece of extended filler for slow afternoons on Disney's TV channels," James Rocarols wrote for BBC.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 18%

Summary: In the prequel to "Cruel Intentions" (1999), Kathryn Merteuil (Adams), the daughter of a wealthy socialite, attends an upscale prep school and plays mind games with her new stepbrother Sebastian Valmont (Robin Dunne).   

The direct-to-video prequel was originally meant to be a TV series. When the show was canceled, the footage was reconfigured into a film, and critics agreed that the movie suffered because of the format change. 

"If he intended to produce a straightforward two-hour original prequel, the writer-director would have made certain that the script was less meandering," Ted Murphy wrote for Baseline Hollywood.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 18%

Summary: In "The Ex," Tom Reilly (Zach Braff) starts a new job to support his family but soon realizes that his boss (Jason Bateman) was his wife's (Amanda Peet) high-school sweetheart. 

Adams had a brief appearance as Abby March.

Although some critics admired the leading cast's acting ability, "The Ex" was largely panned for its over-the-top plot.

"Braff has a natural likability, but the screenplay gives him so many stupid, far-fetched and annoying things to do that 'The Ex' loses credibility quickly," Hap Erstein wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Summary: When Anna (Adams) learns of an Irish tradition in which women propose to their partners on leap day, she flies to Ireland to surprise her boyfriend (Adam Scott). But along the way, Anna meets the cynical Irishman Declan (Matthew Goode), who makes her rethink her relationship. 

Most critics considered "Leap Year" to be a generic romantic comedy that wore thin toward the end, but Adams' performance was seen as a silver lining. 

"The bright spot in this boggy botched mess is Amy Adams, a fine and always interesting actress who sparkles and shines here despite the stilted storyline," Neil Pond wrote for American Profile.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 24%

Summary: Based on the memoir by JD Vance, "Hillbilly Elegy" centers on three generations of an Appalachian family — Mamaw (Glenn Close), Bev (Adams), and JD Vance (Gabriel Basso) — through the perspective of the youngest member as he's forced to return home from Yale Law School. 

Critics weren't impressed with the Netflix film, citing its unlikable characters and uneven performances as some of its downfalls. 

"'Hillbilly Elegy' isn't as terrible as the trailers make it look, but as an enterprise it's just all — around sad, a movie that courts sympathy for its characters yet ends up only as a requiem for itself," Stephanie Zacharek wrote for Time magazine.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 25%

Summary: Based on the novel by AJ Finn, "The Woman in the Window" follows agoraphobic child psychologist Anna Fox (Adams) as she accidentally witnesses a crime while keeping tabs on the family across the street through her window. 

Most critics found the thriller to be lacking in substance. 

"As it is, you get a good cast working with a good director and screenwriter on a story that just doesn't have enough to offer," Linda Holmes wrote for NPR. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

Summary: Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, "Dear Evan Hansen," follows anxious high schooler Evan (Ben Platt) as he navigates fitting into his social-media-driven world. 

Adams appeared in the film as Cynthia Murphy. 

Most critics didn't think the successful musical adapted well to the big screen. 

"An adaptation that's alternately baffling and cringeworthy, with only the occasional emotional highpoint for balance," Caroline Siede wrote for AV Club. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

Summary: In the aftermath of Clark Kent's (Henry Cavill) citywide battle in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) starts to view the superhero as a threat and plans a way to take out his new adversary. 

Adams appeared as Lois Lane in the DC superhero flick.

Critics felt like their senses were bombarded by the endless action in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." 

"If only the film actually had depth, along with a little levity to lighten the bulk in the script, the visual murk and the sonic overkill," Peter Howell wrote for The Toronto Star.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

Summary: After his father (Richard Jenkins) announces his plans to take himself off life support, Jonathan (Garrett Hedlund) uses his precious time left with his dad to reconnect with his family and his lost love Emily (Adams). 

Critics blamed the poor reception of "Lullaby" on its low-level cinematography and cardboard-thin characters. 

"A film like 'Lullaby' should both enlighten and inspire debate," Christy Lemire wrote for Roger Ebert. "Instead, it feels simultaneously superficial and overbearing, albeit with a few moments that do indeed resonate."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 36%

Summary: In "Pumpkin," sorority girl Carolyn McDuffy (Christina Ricci) tries to score brownie points at school by helping athletes with disabilities. Although her mission is initially misguided, she soon falls for shot-put athlete Pumpkin Romanoff (Hank Harris). 

Adams had a small supporting role in the film.

Unapologetically profane, "Pumpkin" was largely panned for grossly mishandling its subject matter. 

Film critic Emanuel Levy wrote, "Rambling and diffuse, this debut film vacillates between the Farrelly brotthers' gross-out comedy and a softer, kinder message film, an incoherent blend that proves frustrating and not particularly enjoyable either."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%

Summary: "Disenchanted" picks up a few years after "Enchanted" as Giselle (Adams), Robert (Patrick Dempsey), and Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino) start a new life in the suburb of Monroeville. But things quickly turn sinister after Giselle wishes their lives were more like her fairy-tale upbringing. 

Many critics felt like the sequel's story didn't fit with the original world, but others enjoyed seeing the actors back together on the screen. 

"Does 'Disenchanted' live up to the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of 'Enchanted?' No," Hoai-Tran Bui wrote for Inverse. "But does it lose the magic of the original? Not quite."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 39%

Summary: In "Justice League," Batman (Affleck) calls upon Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), the Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) to face off against the supervillain Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds)

Adams returned as Clark Kent/Superman's girlfriend, Lois Lane. 

Although most film critics liked "Justice League" more than its prior installment, "Batman v Superman," they still found it overlong and imperfect. 

"'Justice League' clears the spectacularly low bar set by 'Batman v Superman,'" Matthew Norman wrote for the London Evening Standard. "Whether bare adequacy is a compelling reason to extend the franchise is another matter."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%

Summary: In "Standing Still," old friends come together to celebrate the wedding of Elise (Adams) and Michael (Adam Garcia) during a weekend packed with wild bachelor parties and a whirlwind of secrets. 

The majority of critics said that "Standing Still" plodded along with a drawn-out narrative. 

"The aptly named 'Standing Still,' about postcollegiate 20-somethings, has the dramatic momentum of a daisy-picking toddler," Jeannette Catsoulis wrote for The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 43%

Summary: In "Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian," Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) returns to help the living exhibits — including Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Amelia Earheart (Adams), and Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek) — at the Smithsonian when the source of their magic is threatened. 

The "Night at the Museum" sequel earned mixed reviews from critics, but many welcomed Adams' presence in the film. 

"Amy Adams is the lone saving grace to be found herein, which is a nice way of saying she's all that kept me from pondering 'to be or not to be,'" Rob Humanick wrote for The Projection Booth.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 46%

Summary: Based on the real-life experiences detailed in the novel by Jack Kerouac, "On the Road" follows writer Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), Dean Moriarty (Hedlund), and Marylou (Kristen Stewart) as they embark on a cross-country road trip. 

Adams played Jane, who is based on the real historical figure Joan Vollmer. 

Although most critics loved Kerouac's classic novel, many felt that it translated poorly to the screen. 

"Walter Salles's warm but strangely staid adaptation of a piece of literature that was never meant to be tamed as cinema," Ann Hornaday wrote for The Washington Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 47%

Summary: In the dark comedy "Drop Dead Gorgeous," beauty contestants in the small town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, vie for the crown in a cut-throat competition.

Adams appeared as contestant Leslie Miller, starring alongside Kirsten Dunst and Brittany Murphy.

Critics fell in love with the cast of "Drop Dead Gorgeous" but felt like some of the dark humor fell flat. 

"Energetically acted but too in love with its own outrageousness, 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' goes for the jugular of beauty pageant culture and ends up leaving only a hickey," Brian Farnham wrote for Citysearch.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 51%

Summary: In the sports drama "Trouble With the Curve," Mickey (Adams) joins her father, Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood), on a scouting trip to North Carolina to recruit new baseball players. Along the way, they meet rival scout Johnny (Justin Timberlake).

Although the script and story left something to be desired, the star-studded cast elevated the film, in critics' opinions. 

"The narrative feels almost intentionally hokey and diagrammatic, a framework that gives the actors freedom to display their best-known qualities," Jake Wilson wrote for The Age.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

Summary: In "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," wannabe rock stars JB (Jack Black) and KG (Kyle Gass) set their sights on fame and stardom after JB is inspired by Black Sabbath front man Ronnie James Dio. 

Adams had a brief cameo in the film that was credited as "Gorgeous Woman."

Film critics had mixed feelings about "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," which was called enthusiastic, lazy, and overtly silly. 

"'The Pick of Destiny' ain't going to win any awards, and the girls don't get much of a look-in, but it will strike a few power chords with a certain generation that is too old to disco and too young to die," Paul Arendt wrote for the BBC.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

Summary: Set in 1962, the slasher comedy "Psycho Beach Party," follows Florence "Chicklet" Forrest (Lauren Ambrose) as she flirts and surfs in a small beach town. But when Florence starts blacking out while severed body parts start popping up on the beach, she wonders if she's responsible. 

Adams had a supporting role as Marvel Ann, the girlfriend of surfer dude Starcat (Nicholas Brendon). 

"Psycho Beach Party" split critics down the middle, with some loving the campy humor and others feeling like the satire was laid on a little too thick. 

"It's all enjoyable enough, but it's played so broadly that it loses whatever impact it might have had," David Nusair wrote for Reel Film Reviews.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 57%

Summary: In "Man of Steel," superhuman Clark Kent (Cavill) discovers more about his past as he takes on his role as Superman on Earth. At the same time, news reporter Lois Lane (Adams) tries to piece together the man behind the myth. 

Serviceable but hardly a crowd-pleaser, "Man of Steel" had a lot of critics longing for the earlier versions of Superman.

"Cavill broods handsomely as Superman, but this reboot skimps on fun and romance," Rafer Guzmán wrote for Newsday.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%

Summary: Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder, "Nightbitch" follows a new stay-at-home mom (Adams) who's looking to change up her life. However, things quickly become surreal when she starts to think she's a dog. 

Although not every critic praised the film's somewhat odd plot, the consensus was that Adams' acting talent shone. 

"Though oddly restrained at times, 'Nightbitch' is a bold, thoughtful, and often funny exploration of a side of parenthood that's rarely shown," Linda Marric wrote for HeyUGuys. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

Summary: The partially biographical drama "Vice" details the political career of former Vice President Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), including the influence of his wife Lynne Cheney (Adams).  

Some critics were unimpressed with the winding direction of "Vice," but most praised the range of the lead performances. 

"What is perhaps most remarkable about Bale's and Adams's performances is that they supply depth and nuance to a film whose director appears to have had no appetite for either quality," Christopher Orr wrote for The Atlantic.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Summary: In the comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) has to crawl his way back to the top when his record-winning streak is broken by French rival Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen). 

Adams starred alongside Ferrell as Susan, Ricky Bobby's former assistant. 

Relentlessly silly and full of heart, "Talladega Nights" was best enjoyed by critics when they turned their brains off and just went with it. 

"Broad but not crude, dumb but not witless, clever but still snot-spittingly funny," wrote the staff of Time Out magazine. "Stupidly brilliant, in other words."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%

Summary: "Zack Snyder's Justice League" is director Zack Snyder's cut of the 2017 superhero movie and follows Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Momoa), Cyborg (Fisher), and the Flash (Miller) as they come together to save the world. 

Adams once again played Lois Lane in the superhero flick. 

Critics preferred this cut of the film over "Justice League," but it still didn't win over everyone.

"Four-plus hours is plenty of time for Snyder to have his say, yet he doesn't appear willing to let it go. But justice has been served, and it's time to move on," Adam Graham wrote for The Detroit News. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Summary: Based on a true story, "Big Eyes" centers on painter Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) and his meteoric rise to fame in the art world after he claimed ownership of the paintings created by his wife Margaret (Adams). 

Critics admired director Tim Burton's more subtle approach to directing and the nuanced performances he captured from his leads in "Big Eyes."

"It's not the kind of performance that screams for attention," Wendy Ide wrote for The Times. "But as the artist Margaret Keane, Amy Adams is quietly extraordinary."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

Summary: In the romantic thriller "Nocturnal Animals," based on the book by Austin Wright, gallery owner Susan Morrow (Adams) tries to move on from a hidden past with her new husband. But after her ex, Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal), releases a haunting novel, Susan finds old secrets rising to the surface. 

Some reviewers felt like the narrative of the film was messy, but the majority of critics marveled at the cinematography and visual spectacle of "Nocturnal Animals." 

"Just in case the theme isn't clear, midway through Adams becomes unnerved while standing in front of a painting with 'Revenge' sprawled on it," Mara Reinstein wrote for Us Weekly.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

Summary: In the dramatic comedy "Sunshine Cleaning," Rose (Adams) and her sister Norah Lorkowski (Emily Blunt) make extra cash by cleaning up crime scenes. Although they couldn't be more different, the tough job helps them grow closer as siblings. 

Several critics felt like the film could have benefited from better plotting, but most lent particular praise to Adams' strong lead performance. 

"'Sunshine Cleaning' will be the sleeper of this year, a movie soon to be talked about in the same breath as 'Sideways,' 'Juno' and 'Little Miss Sunshine.'" Andrew O'Hagan wrote for the London Evening Standard. 

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Summary: After receiving devastating family news and getting cut from his high-school football team, Roy Chutney (Ryan Gosling) gets a chance at redemption when a local semipro coach recruits him for a six-man team.  

Adams had a supporting role in "The Slaughter Rule" as Roy's classmate, Doreen. 

Critics were blown away by the debut effort of the directors and impressed with the young but talented cast at the helm of "The Slaughter Rule." 

"The writing and directing team of twin brothers Alex and Andrew Smith have made an astonishingly good first feature," Marjorie Baumgarten wrote for The Austin Chronicle.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Summary: Based on the autobiographical novel by Julie Powell, "Julie and Julie" compares the interconnected lives of chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep) in 1950s Paris and writer Julie Powell (Adams) in 2002 New York as Julie tries to tackle every recipe in Child's famous cookbook within a year. 

With a pair of lovable leads and witty writing, "Julie and Julia" received high praise from critics. 

"I left feeling surprisingly buoyant, with a warm heart, and a smile," Kate Rodger wrote for Newshub.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Summary: After governess Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is unceremoniously let go from her job, she quickly picks up a secretary position working for American actor Delysia Lafosse (Adams). As Delysia builds up Miss Pettigrew's confidence, she helps the actor sort out her love life in return. 

Although the film was light and airy, sometimes to a fault, critics still adored McDormand and Adams in the romantic comedy. 

"It's lucky that Amy Adams and Frances McDormand lend their best charms to 'Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,' otherwise this featherweight Art Deco fancy might drift away like a soap bubble, and go 'pop!'" Anthony Quinn wrote for the Independent.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Summary: In "Doubt," elementary-school instructors Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep) and Sister James (Adams) receive backlash from the congregation after they accuse Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of sexual assault. 

Critics said the film's slow buildup rewarded patient viewers with an emotional conclusion. 

"It is an acting showcase with big questions and few answers, but for those willing to take the journey, it is an experience well worth having," wrote film critic Matthew Lucas.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

Summary: Set in the early 1980s, "Charlie Wilson's War" details the real-life efforts of US Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) and CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman) to help Afghan freedom fighters during the Soviet-Afghan War. 

Adams had a supporting role in the film as Wilson's assistant, Bonnie Bach. 

With strong writing and a well-balanced script, "Charlie Wilson's War" was received as a winning picture. 

"Aaron Sorkin has written an acute, hilarious, and informative screenplay which is rich with character, and is perfect fodder for director Mike Nichols, who has a knack for meshing comedy and drama," wrote film critic Matthew Pejkovic.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

Summary: In the aftermath of World War II, veteran Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) thinks he's returning home to an empty future until charismatic cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman) and his wife Peggy (Adams) welcome Freddie into their community. 

Critics said that although "The Master" was a heavy drama, the story and performances made it worth watching. 

"In the end it may not have the emotional uplift the Academy or a popular mainstream audience craves, but make no mistake, this is an enthralling drama about a peculiarly American restlessness, and the striving for insight and grace," Tom Charity wrote for CNN.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Summary: In "Junebug," art curator Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) experiences culture shock when she visits her husband's large Southern family in North Carolina and befriends her new sister-in-law Ashley (Adams). 

Critics clamored to praise Adams' performance in "Junebug," a role that led to her first Academy Award nomination. 

Kathy Cano Murillo wrote for the Arizona Republic, "Thanks to Adams' performance and [a] strong story, it makes for a mildly entertaining Southern-fried experience."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Summary: In the sports drama "The Fighter," welterweight boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) hires his half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale) as his boxing coach to train for the Intercontinental Lightweight title. 

Adams starred alongside Wahlberg as Micky's girlfriend, Charlene Fleming. 

With brutal action sequences and breakneck pacing, "The Fighter" was a hit with critics, mostly due to its talented cast. 

"The performances from Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, and Amy Adams in 'The Fighter' are the very definition of a masterclass in acting," Danielle Solzman wrote for Solzy at the Movies.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Summary: Inspired by a true story, "American Hustle" follows 1970s con artists Sydney Prosser (Adams) and Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) as they find themselves in hot water with the mafia and are forced to cooperate with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper).

Critics called "American Hustle" an imperfect but electrifying crime film.  

"The story stumbles ever so slight but it is ultimately fun, brilliantly acted and incredibly stylish," wrote film critic Katie Smith-Wong.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Summary: When she falls from the magical land of Andalasia into the chaotic world of Manhattan, bubbly Princess Giselle (Adams) struggles to adapt to life in the city as she befriends cynical lawyer Robert (Dempsey).

Led by the energetic and infectious charm of Adams, "Enchanted" was hard for critics to resist. 

"Like the Cinderella figure she plays in Disney's 'Enchanted,' Amy Adams spreads a contagion of delight," Joe Morgenstern wrote for The Wall Street Journal. "The movie is great fun, but she's enchanting."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Summary: When an otherworldly spaceship makes contact with Earth, linguist Louise Banks (Adams) and her team of scientists attempt to communicate with the alien species and decipher their language in "Arrival."

Reviewers praised "Arrival" as an intelligent and affecting science-fiction film. 

"'Arrival' plays with your head as gently as any sci-fi thriller I can remember," Will Leitch wrote for The New Republic.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Summary: In "Her," reserved writer Theodore Twombly (Phoenix) develops romantic feelings for his artificially intelligent computer system named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). 

Adams had a supporting role in "Her" as Theodore's neighbor and friend Amy. 

Thoughtful and warm, "Her" was praised for its clever send-up of romantic-comedy tropes. 

"It is a sweet-natured and melancholy film, beautifully directed, that manages to be satirical about love in a digital, distracted age without losing its heartfelt quality," Geoffrey Macnab wrote for the Independent.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

Summary: Muppet fans Gary (Jason Segel), Mary (Adams), and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) travel to Los Angeles to get the Muppets back together for one last show after a conniving oilman threatened to tear down their beloved Muppet Theater. 

Colorful, cheerful, and simply fun, "The Muppets" was a winning film for all ages, according to critics. 

"A film bursting at the seams with sheer, unadulterated joy: watch it, and the world seems just that little bit brighter," Tom Huddleston wrote for Time Out.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Summary: Based on a true story, "Catch Me If You Can" details the unbelievable life of Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a con artist who posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer for years as he evaded the FBI.

Adams had a supporting role as Brenda, a young nurse who falls for Frank. 

With a winding narrative and charismatic leads, "Catch Me If You Can" was praised across the board. 

"Spielberg rediscovers his sense of fun with this funny, frivolous con caper," Nev Pierce wrote for the BBC.

Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Films without critical scores were not included.

This story was originally published in August 2020 and most recently updated on December 6, 2024.

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Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking: No. 32

Population: Around 654,000

Median sold home price: $780,000

Median household income: Around $89,000

Known for: The largest city in New England is big on sports, colonial history, and seafood (think buttery lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder).

But Boston might be best known for its higher education offerings, with over 30 universities and colleges, including the likes of Harvard and MIT, having campuses there.

Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking: No. 36

Population: Around 809,000

Median sold home price: $1.5 million

Median household income: Around $137,000

Known for: Only around a 40-minute drive from Silicon Valley, San Francisco is a global hub for tech and innovation.

It also has a vibrant cultural scene and is dotted with iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.

Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking: No. 39

Population: Around 342,000

Median sold home price: $620,000

Median household income: Around $83,000

Known for: The birthplace of former US president Barack Obama is brimming with stunning beaches, lush green hiking trails, and crystal clear waters.

The Hawaiian capital is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the US.

Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking: No. 44

Population: Around 3.8 million

Median sold home price: $1 million

Median household income: Around $76,000

Known for: Los Angeles is one of the US's entertainment hubs. Besides being the primary residence for a long list of Hollywood stars, the city has a world-class food scene, countless shops, and beautiful beaches.

Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking: No. 45

Population: Around 8.3 million

Median sold home price: $708,000

Median household income: Around $77,000

Known for: The birthplace of late-night television, the Big Apple is best known as a concrete jungle of skyscrapers and the center of the US financial sector.

The city has a diverse population, an eclectic food scene, and a seemingly never-ending nightlife.

Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking: No. 48

Population: Around 630,000

Median sold home price: $530,500

Median household income: Around $86,000

Known for: Portland, Oregon, is known as a haven for creatives, foodies, and small business entrepreneurs. The city's many parks and walking trails make it a sweet spot for those who like a city that blends urban areas with nature.

Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living City Ranking: No. 49

Population: Around 679,000

Median sold home price: $695,000

Median household income: Around $102,000

Known for: The nation's capital and home of the sitting US president, Washington, DC, is full of landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument — to name just a few.

The 10th most fun city in the US is New York.

It received two top-10 rankings in entertainment and recreation, and nightlife and parties, placing fifth and eighth, respectively, out of the 182 cities.

According to WalletHub, the city is tied for the most park playgrounds per capita and has the fourth most dance clubs per capita. A previous WalletHub study also ranked New York as the fourth-best sports city in the country.

However, New York ranked last among the 182 cities for costs, as the cost of living database Numbeo reported that New York is the most expensive city in the country.

In addition to cost of living, WalletHub compared costs of items like wine, movie tickets, and average fitness-club fees. In New York, a mid-range bottle of wine and a movie ticket each cost about $20, while a one-month fitness-club fee costs nearly $150.

Houston's highest ranking was as the No. 15 city for nightlife and parties, with WalletHub reporting that the city was tied for the most dance clubs per capita.

The "Space City" also received two top-25 rankings for entertainment and recreation and costs, finishing 23rd and 25th.

Numbeo reported that people in Houston's monthly fitness-club fee costs about $39, while a mid-range bottle of wine costs about $13, and a movie ticket costs $15.

The "Windy City" ranked the eighth most fun city in the US, with 10th and 11th place finishes in entertainment and recreation and nightlife and parties, respectively.

According to WalletHub, Chicago was tied for the most park playgrounds and most restaurants per capita. It was also ranked the 15th best sports city in the country.

However, the city also struggled in the costs category, ranking 151st overall.

The seventh most fun city is San Francisco, with top-10 rankings in entertainment and recreation, and nightlife and parties.

WalletHub reported the city was tied for the most festivals, restaurants, and dance clubs per capita.

However, San Francisco was one of the worst-ranked cities for costs, with WalletHub ranking the city 178 out of 182.

Similar to New York, people in San Francisco can expect to pay $17 for a movie ticket, $18 for a mid-range bottle of wine, and about $96 for a one month fitness-club membership, Numbeo reported.

Austin's ranking as the sixth most fun city in the US could largely be credited to its position as the seventh-best city for nightlife and parties.

With the city's robust reputation for live music — it's known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" — residents and tourists can enjoy music venues, festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, and dance clubs (it's tied for the most per capita).

The city also ranked 18th in entertainment and recreation, and earned a mid-tier 50th place ranking for costs.

As the home of the most famous Mardi Gras celebration in the country, it comes as little surprise that New Orleans would receive a top-five ranking for nightlife and parties.

"Crescent City" tied with San Francisco, Honolulu, Tampa, and Miami for the most festivals per capita, annually hosting the Essence Music Festival and the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience, among other events.

The city also placed 20th in entertainment and recreation as well as 76th in costs. In New Orleans, people can expect to pay around $15 for a movie ticket, $64 for one month at a fitness club, and $17 for a mid-range bottle of wine, according to Numbeo.

The fourth most fun city in the US is Atlanta, which placed sixth in nightlife and parties and eighth in entertainment and recreation.

The city is home to a variety of music festivals, like SweetWater 420 Fest, Atlanta Jazz Festival, and Shaky Knees Music Festival, all of which contribute to the city's nightlife score.

Atlanta was also ranked as a top 15 city for sports fans.

Meanwhile, the city's lowest ranking was for costs, where it ranked 124th.

The city synonymous with spring break — Miami — ranked third overall for fun, with top-10 rankings in entertainment and recreation and nightlife and parties.

According to WalletHub, the "Magic City" is tied for the most festivals and restaurants per capita, and it has the fourth most fitness centers and fifth most dance clubs per capita. The outlet added that more than 88% of Miami residents live within half a mile of the park, and that it is the country's leader for water sports opportunities.

And you can't forget about sports; with the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, and Inter Miami FC, the city ranked sixth overall for best sports cities in the country.

However, similar to other major cities on the list, Miami was hurt by the cost category, where it ranked 157th.

The second most fun city in the US is Orlando, home of world renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

But if rides aren't your thing, the city has plenty more to offer, as it tied for the most restaurants per capita and ranked second overall for nightlife and parties.

The city also has the second most fitness centers per capita and is the fifth best city for soccer fans, as both the MLS and NWSL have teams in Orlando (Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride).

And contrary to the rising prices of Disney tickets, the city itself isn't as expensive as some other major cities. It ranked 58th in the cost category, with Numbeo reporting the average movie ticket costs $15, a monthly fitness club membership costs about $40, and a mid-range bottle of wine costs $15.

Last but not least, is Las Vegas. The most fun city in the US is ranked No. 1 in nightlife and parties and No. 2 in entertainment and recreation. (Honolulu took the top spot for entertainment and recreation, but ultimately did not make the list of top 10 fun cities.)

From casinos and dance clubs to sports stadiums, spas, and arcades, "Sin City" has it all. WalletHub reported that Las Vegas is tied with other cities for the most dance clubs, restaurants, and park playgrounds per capita.

All that fun doesn't have to break the bank, either. The city ranked 36th in costs, with $13 movie tickets, $25 monthly fitness memberships, and $15 bottles of wine.