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Zooey Deschanel's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 8th 2024, 17:00 GMT+1

Cropped Abbout — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Zooey Deschanel appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © Peace Arch Entertainment Group

Cropped The Happening — 20. The Happening (2008)

Zooey Deschanel in *The Happening*—oh, what can we say? This is the movie where plants take revenge on humanity, and Zooey plays the confused, slightly bewildered wife of Mark Wahlberg’s equally perplexed science teacher. Despite the bizarre premise, Zooey gives it her signature wide-eyed charm, though she often seems as lost as the audience. This wasn’t her best showcase, and it’s no wonder her performance felt a little, well, “wooden.” This one’s a low point for all involved, but at least it’s memorable…for better or worse. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Gigantic — 19. Gigantic (2009)

This indie rom-com tries to be quirky, but it often lands as just plain weird. Zooey Deschanel’s role as Harriet, a whimsical free spirit who inexplicably sleeps in a giant bed, is charmingly offbeat, but the film itself struggles to find a clear direction. There’s an odd mix of romance, dark humor, and a bizarre subplot involving a violent stranger. Deschanel does her best to bring Harriet to life, but even her lovable quirks can’t save *Gigantic* from being more forgettable than fantastic. | © First Independent Pictures

Cropped The Go Getter — 18. The Go-Getter (2007)

Deschanel takes a road trip through indie territory in *The Go-Getter*, where she plays Kate, a mysterious girl whose voice guides the main character on a journey of self-discovery. The film has moments of charm, but it leans heavily on clichés about finding oneself on the open road. Zooey’s calm, almost ethereal presence adds a touch of magic, but the movie doesn’t quite hit its stride. It’s a quiet, moody ride, best suited for die-hard indie fans. | © Peace Arch Entertainment Group

Cropped Eulogy — 17. Eulogy (2004)

In *Eulogy*, Deschanel stars in a dark comedy about a dysfunctional family gathering for a funeral. It’s a quirky setup, but the humor is hit-or-miss, often veering into absurd territory. Deschanel plays Kate, who provides some grounded moments amid the chaos, though the script doesn’t give her much to work with. Her deadpan delivery is solid, but the movie itself struggles to balance humor with heart. It’s a curious entry in her filmography, but not her best. | © Lionsgate

Cropped Your Highness — 16. Your Highness (2011)

This medieval fantasy-comedy is full of raunchy jokes, slapstick humor, and stoner jokes that mostly miss the mark. Deschanel plays Belladonna, a princess with little personality who feels like a prop in the story. Despite the star-studded cast, *Your Highness* never quite finds its footing, and Zooey’s charm is overshadowed by the movie’s lackluster plot. It’s a role that fails to showcase her comedic potential, making this one of her more forgettable appearances. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Winter Passing — 15. Winter Passing (2005)

*Winter Passing* is a bleak indie drama where Deschanel stars as Reese, a young woman grappling with family issues and grief. She gives a moving performance, capturing Reese’s struggles with raw vulnerability. However, the movie’s tone is heavy and often feels unrelenting. Deschanel shines in her portrayal, but the story’s gloomy atmosphere might be too much for some viewers. This one’s for fans who appreciate a deeper, more somber side of Zooey. | © Yari Film Group

Cropped Big Trouble — 14. Big Trouble (2002)

This ensemble comedy has some fun moments, but it’s a chaotic ride that doesn’t always land. Deschanel plays Jenny, a teenager caught up in a wild scheme involving guns, bombs, and FBI agents. She’s charming in her role, though the film’s humor and storyline feel a bit all over the place. *Big Trouble* is entertaining in a wacky way, but it’s far from her most memorable work. If anything, it’s a quirky relic of early 2000s comedy. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped Failure to Launch — 13. Failure to Launch (2006)

Deschanel plays the sarcastic best friend in this romantic comedy about a man who won’t leave his parents’ house. Her witty one-liners and deadpan delivery are actually some of the best parts of the movie, which otherwise feels formulaic. She’s a refreshing presence in an otherwise predictable rom-com, adding a bit of edge to the fluff. Zooey’s supporting role is a highlight, but *Failure to Launch* is mostly standard rom-com fare. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Our Idiot Brother — 12. Our Idiot Brother (2011)

As one of three sisters dealing with their clueless brother, Deschanel plays Natalie, a free-spirited artist with her usual quirky charm. She brings a playful, lighthearted energy, though the movie itself is a mixed bag. It has some funny moments but doesn’t quite hit the comedic mark. Zooey’s role adds a fun dynamic to the ensemble, but it’s not her most memorable performance. *Our Idiot Brother* is an easy watch, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped All the Real Girls — 11. All the Real Girls (2003)

In this indie romance, Deschanel plays Noel, a young woman navigating first love with all its ups and downs. Her performance is tender and understated, capturing the emotional depth of falling in love for the first time. It’s a quiet, intimate film that showcases Zooey’s talent for bringing vulnerability to her roles. *All the Real Girls* may not be for everyone, but it’s a beautifully crafted story about young love. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford — 10. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford (2007)

Deschanel has a small role in this beautifully shot western, appearing as Dorothy Evans, a character whose screen time is brief but impactful. She brings a quiet grace to her scenes, though her presence is more of a footnote in this epic story. The movie is slow-paced but visually stunning, and Deschanel adds a delicate touch to an already nuanced ensemble cast. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped The New Guy — 9. The New Guy (2002)

As Nora, a shy musician, Deschanel plays the high school love interest in this teen comedy. Her character adds a bit of charm to the otherwise silly plot, where a geek reinvents himself as a cool kid. While the film is definitely a product of its time, Zooey’s character brings a touch of authenticity to the mix. It’s not groundbreaking, but she manages to make her role stand out amid the slapstick humor. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Manic — 8. Manic (2001)

In *Manic*, Deschanel tackles a gritty role as a teenager in a mental institution, where she meets a troubled young man played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Her performance is raw and vulnerable, revealing a depth that goes beyond her typical “quirky girl” persona. The film is intense and realistic, and Zooey brings authenticity to her character. It’s one of her earlier roles, showcasing her talent in a challenging and emotional part. | © IFC Films

Cropped The Good Girl — 7. The Good Girl (2002)

Playing Cheryl, a store clerk in a small town, Deschanel brings her deadpan humor to *The Good Girl*. She’s a memorable sidekick to Jennifer Aniston’s character, delivering snarky lines with her signature comedic timing. Though she’s not the lead, her character adds some much-needed levity to the dark dramedy. It’s a small but notable role that hints at Zooey’s ability to steal scenes effortlessly. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Elf — 6. Elf (2003)

As Jovie, the love interest to Will Ferrell’s Buddy the Elf, Deschanel shines in this holiday classic. Her character is sweet and relatable, and her singing scene is a delightful moment that adds to the movie’s charm. *Elf* has become a Christmas staple, and Zooey’s warm performance is a big reason why. It’s a role that suits her perfectly, blending humor and heart in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. | © New Line Cinema

Cropped Bridge to Terabithia — 5. Bridge To Terabithia (2007)

In *Bridge to Terabithia*, Deschanel plays Miss Edmunds, a supportive teacher who encourages creativity in her students. Though her role is small, she brings warmth and kindness that makes a lasting impression. The movie itself is a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of friendship, and Zooey’s character is a comforting presence in the story. It’s a brief but memorable performance that adds to the film’s emotional impact. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy — 4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy (2005)

As Trillian, Deschanel is right at home in the wacky universe of *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*. Her character is adventurous and intelligent, fitting well into the film’s quirky sci-fi world. Zooey’s playful yet grounded performance keeps things relatable amid the chaos of intergalactic travel. It’s a fun role that suits her unique charm, making her a standout in this cult favorite. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped Yes Man — 3. Yes Man (2008)

Zooey stars opposite Jim Carrey as Allison, a free-spirited musician with a zest for life. She brings a refreshing lightness to *Yes Man*, balancing Carrey’s over-the-top antics with her more subtle humor. The film itself may lean on rom-com tropes, but Zooey’s quirky, genuine energy makes it more enjoyable. It’s not groundbreaking, but her role adds a memorable spark to the feel-good comedy. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Almost Famous — 2. Almost Famous (2000)

In *Almost Famous*, Deschanel has a small yet impactful role as Anita, the rebellious older sister of the protagonist. She captures the spirit of the ’70s perfectly, embodying both independence and compassion. Her character’s departure is a turning point in the story, and Zooey’s brief performance adds warmth to this coming-of-age classic. It’s a small but essential role that foreshadows her future in indie film. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped 500 Days of Summer — 1. 500 Days of Summer (2009)

As Summer Finn, Deschanel plays one of her most iconic roles—a mysterious, charming woman who captures the heart of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character. *500 Days of Summer* is a fresh take on romance, exploring love’s highs and lows. Zooey’s performance brings both sweetness and complexity, making Summer feel real and relatable. It’s a defining role in her career, balancing humor, heartbreak, and honesty. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

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Zooey Deschanel has carved a unique place in Hollywood with her quirky charm, endearing humor, and memorable roles. From indie darlings to beloved comedies, she’s brought her signature touch to a variety of characters, each with that distinct Deschanel flair.

Whether she’s making us laugh, cry, or contemplate love, Zooey's performances are as unforgettable as they are authentic. In this list, we’re diving into her top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best, celebrating the highs, lows, and delightful oddities that make her filmography so special. Let’s see how they stack up!

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Zooey Deschanel has carved a unique place in Hollywood with her quirky charm, endearing humor, and memorable roles. From indie darlings to beloved comedies, she’s brought her signature touch to a variety of characters, each with that distinct Deschanel flair.

Whether she’s making us laugh, cry, or contemplate love, Zooey's performances are as unforgettable as they are authentic. In this list, we’re diving into her top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best, celebrating the highs, lows, and delightful oddities that make her filmography so special. Let’s see how they stack up!