Jenna Ortega has rapidly become one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars, known for her versatility and charisma on screen. From horror films to family comedies and thrilling TV series, she’s built an impressive resume that resonates with fans worldwide. Here are the top 10 Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows, ranked by popularity, performance, and impact.
1. Wednesday (2022)
Platform: Netflix
Role: Wednesday Addams
Ortega shines in the lead role of Wednesday, a reboot of The Addams Family centered on the iconic character Wednesday Addams. Her unique, darkly humorous portrayal of Wednesday has received critical acclaim, with the series becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched shows. This role cemented her as a talent to watch, blending her comedic timing and dramatic flair in a performance that captivated audiences.
2. Scream (2022)
Platform: Theatrical Release
Role: Tara Carpenter
In the latest installment of the iconic horror franchise, Scream, Ortega stars as Tara Carpenter, a character who quickly becomes a fan favorite. She brings intensity and vulnerability to the role, proving her prowess in the horror genre. This film showcased Ortega’s ability to handle intense, high-stakes scenes and introduced her to an even broader audience.
3. You (2019)
Platform: Netflix
Role: Ellie Alves
In the second season of the thriller You, Ortega portrays Ellie Alves, a quick-witted and resilient teen who becomes entangled in the twisted world of Joe Goldberg. Her sharp performance added depth to the show’s suspenseful narrative, making her one of the season’s standout characters. Fans appreciated her dynamic performance, which balanced grit and vulnerability.
4. X (2022)
Platform: Theatrical Release
Role: Lorraine
In this A24 horror film, Ortega plays Lorraine, a member of a film crew that stumbles into terrifying situations. Her role in X further solidified her as a scream queen in the making, with a compelling performance that added emotional depth to the story. This role allowed Ortega to demonstrate her range within horror, with a performance that was praised for its intensity.
5. The Fallout (2021)
Platform: HBO Max
Role: Vada Cavell
The Fallout explores the emotional impact of a school tragedy, and Ortega’s performance as Vada Cavell is powerful and heartfelt. Her portrayal of a teenager navigating trauma and recovery received critical praise and showcased her dramatic depth. This role is widely considered one of her best performances, with Ortega demonstrating vulnerability and resilience in a deeply moving way.
6. Yes Day (2021)
Platform: Netflix
Role: Katie Torres
In this family comedy, Ortega plays Katie, a rebellious teenager whose parents grant her one “Yes Day” where she can do whatever she wants. Yes Day became a Netflix hit, with Ortega bringing charm and humor to her role. This lighthearted project allowed her to shine in a fun, family-friendly setting, balancing her more intense roles with comedic skill.
7. Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018)
Platform: Disney Channel
Role: Harley Diaz
In Stuck in the Middle, Ortega stars as Harley Diaz, a young inventor and middle child in a large family. Her role as the lead character brought her recognition as a Disney star and showcased her comedic talent. This sitcom was a major stepping stone in her career, helping her connect with a younger audience and proving her versatility as an actress.
8. Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)
Platform: The CW
Role: Young Jane
In Jane the Virgin, Ortega plays a younger version of the lead character, Jane. Though her role is brief, she brought warmth and relatability to the character, giving audiences a glimpse into Jane’s childhood. This appearance allowed Ortega to be part of an award-winning series and contributed to her early reputation as a skilled young actress.
9. The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)
Platform: Netflix
Role: Phoebe Atwell
In this horror-comedy sequel, Ortega plays Phoebe, a new character who finds herself caught up in supernatural chaos. Her role adds new energy to the series, and she delivers a performance that is both humorous and thrilling. The Babysitter: Killer Queen allowed her to showcase her comedic timing and knack for horror, making her a fan favorite.
10. Richie Rich (2015)
Platform: Netflix
Role: Darcy
In one of her early roles, Ortega played Darcy in Netflix’s Richie Rich. This children’s comedy series allowed Ortega to gain on-screen experience and introduced her to the streaming audience. While not one of her most notable roles, it represents her early career growth and foreshadowed her transition into more challenging roles.
Conclusion
Jenna Ortega’s career continues to evolve, with each role showcasing her impressive range and depth. From horror to heartfelt drama and lighthearted comedy, she’s become a versatile actress with an ever-growing fanbase. As she takes on new projects, fans are eager to see where her career will go next. For anyone looking to explore her work, these 10 movies and shows provide a well-rounded look at Jenna Ortega’s talent and versatility.
