Francia Raisa is a talented American actress who has made a name for herself in Hollywood over the past two decades. From her breakout role in the cheerleading comedy Bring It On: All or Nothing to her recent starring turn in the How I Met Your Mother spinoff How I Met Your Father, Raisa has proven her versatility across film and television. In this blog post, we’ll count down the 12 best Francia Raisa movies and TV shows, ranked.
Welcome to our movie blog! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of Francia Raisa’s filmography. This talented actress has graced our screens with her captivating performances in both movies and TV shows. Let’s explore the 12 Best Francia Raisa Movies and TV Shows Ranked, showcasing her versatility and charm.
12. The Wrong Car (2016)
Starting our list is the thriller “The Wrong Car.” In this made-for-TV movie, Francia Raisa plays Trudy, a young woman who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation after using a ride-sharing app. While not her most prominent role, Raisa’s performance adds depth to this suspenseful story.
Plot: The movie follows Trudy, a law student who becomes a victim of assault after using a ride-sharing service. Determined to seek justice, she teams up with another victim to expose the criminals behind these attacks.
Raisa’s Role: As Trudy, Raisa portrays a strong-willed character who refuses to be silenced. Her performance brings authenticity to the role, showcasing her ability to handle intense, dramatic scenes.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “The Wrong Car” tackles relevant issues surrounding technology and personal safety. Raisa’s portrayal of a survivor fighting back resonates with viewers and highlights her range as an actress.
11. Christmas Bounty (2013)
Getting into the holiday spirit, we have “Christmas Bounty,” a festive action-comedy that allows Raisa to showcase her lighter side. This TV movie blends romance, action, and holiday cheer into an entertaining package.
Plot: Former bounty hunter Tory Bell (played by Francia Raisa) has left her family’s bounty hunting business behind for a quieter life as a teacher in New Jersey. However, her past catches up with her when she must return home for Christmas and team up with her ex-boyfriend to catch a fugitive.
Raisa’s Role: As Tory Bell, Raisa gets to flex her comedic muscles while also engaging in action sequences. Her character’s journey from reluctant bounty hunter to embracing her roots forms the heart of the story.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “Christmas Bounty” offers a unique twist on the typical holiday movie formula. Raisa’s charismatic performance and the film’s blend of action and romance make it a fun watch during the festive season.
10. Dirty Lies (2017)
Moving up our list, we have the crime thriller “Dirty Lies.” This independent film showcases Raisa in a supporting role, demonstrating her ability to contribute to ensemble casts in more mature, gritty narratives.
Plot: The story revolves around an intern entrusted with a million-dollar necklace who must uncover which of his roommates betrayed him while also dealing with dangerous criminals intent on stealing the jewelry.
Raisa’s Role: Francia Raisa plays Officer Ramirez, a law enforcement officer involved in the case. Though not the lead, her presence adds credibility to the police procedural aspects of the film.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “Dirty Lies” offers a twisty plot that keeps viewers guessing. Raisa’s portrayal of Officer Ramirez showcases her versatility, proving she can hold her own in more serious, adult-oriented productions.
9. Beyond Paradise (2015)
“Beyond Paradise” represents a significant step in Raisa’s career, offering her a leading role in a feature film. This romantic drama allows her to explore more complex emotions and relationships on screen.
Plot: The film tells the story of Shahrzad, a young Iranian-American woman who falls in love with Sebastian, an All-American boy. Their relationship faces challenges due to cultural differences and family expectations.
Raisa’s Role: As Shahrzad, Raisa takes center stage, portraying a character torn between her heritage and her desires. This role requires her to navigate complex family dynamics and cultural conflicts while also depicting a blossoming romance.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “Beyond Paradise” tackles important themes of cultural identity and generational differences. Raisa’s nuanced performance brings depth to these issues, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
8. Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006)
One of Raisa’s earliest and most recognizable roles comes in “Bring It On: All or Nothing,” the third installment in the popular cheerleading franchise. This film helped introduce Raisa to a wider audience and showcased her dancing skills.
Plot: Britney Allen, a cheerleader at a wealthy suburban high school, is forced to transfer to a multi-ethnic inner-city school. She must adapt to her new environment and compete against her former squad in a cheer competition.
Raisa’s Role: Francia Raisa plays Leti, one of the cheerleaders at the inner-city school. Her character becomes friends with Britney and helps her adjust to her new surroundings.
Why It’s Worth Watching: While it’s a teen-oriented film, “Bring It On: All or Nothing” addresses themes of diversity and overcoming prejudices. Raisa’s energetic performance and dance skills make her a standout in the ensemble cast.
7. The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream (2008)
Continuing with Raisa’s early career, we have “The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream,” a made-for-TV movie that’s part of “The Cutting Edge” figure skating franchise. This film allowed Raisa to combine acting with athletic performance.
Plot: Alejandra “Alex” Delgado is a tough-talking, fiercely determined female hockey player who’s persuaded to become a figure skater. She pairs up with a male skater to compete in a prestigious competition.
Raisa’s Role: As Alex Delgado, Raisa takes on the lead role, portraying a character who must transition from the rough-and-tumble world of hockey to the graceful art of figure skating.
Why It’s Worth Watching: The film offers a classic underdog story with a romantic subplot. Raisa’s performance captures both the physical demands of the role and the emotional journey of her character.
6. Life-Size 2 (2018)
Moving into more recent territory, we have “Life-Size 2,” a sequel to the popular 2000 film starring Tyra Banks. This TV movie gave Raisa the opportunity to lead a high-profile project alongside a well-known co-star.
Plot: Grace Manning, the young CEO of a toy company, is struggling with her position and personal life. When she magically brings a doll named Eve (Tyra Banks) to life, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns to embrace her responsibilities.
Raisa’s Role: Francia Raisa stars as Grace Manning, a character dealing with the pressures of running a company while also grappling with personal insecurities. Her performance requires a balance of comedy and drama.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “Life-Size 2” offers nostalgic fun for fans of the original while telling a new story. Raisa’s chemistry with Tyra Banks and her ability to carry the film as the lead make it an entertaining watch.
5. The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008-2013)
Now we’re entering the realm of television series, starting with “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” This long-running drama series provided Raisa with her first major recurring television role, significantly boosting her profile in the industry.
Plot: The show follows the lives of several teenagers as they navigate high school, focusing particularly on Amy Juergens, who becomes pregnant at 15. The series explores how this event affects her life, family, and friends.
Raisa’s Role: Francia Raisa plays Adrian Lee, initially introduced as a rival to the main character but who develops into a complex, multi-dimensional character over the course of the series. Adrian deals with her own pregnancy storyline and various romantic relationships.
Why It’s Worth Watching: While the show tackles serious issues, it does so in a way that’s accessible to its target teenage audience. Raisa’s portrayal of Adrian is a highlight, as she brings depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been stereotyped.
4. Dear White People (2017-2021)
Moving up our list, we have “Dear White People,” a critically acclaimed Netflix series that tackles issues of race and identity on a college campus. While Raisa’s role is recurring rather than main cast, her appearances add significant value to the show.
Plot: Set at a prestigious Ivy League college, the series follows a group of Black students as they navigate various forms of racial discrimination and other social issues.
Raisa’s Role: Francia Raisa plays Vanessa, a Latina student who becomes involved with one of the main characters. Her presence in the show helps to broaden the discussion of race and identity beyond a simple black-and-white dynamic.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “Dear White People” is praised for its sharp writing and willingness to engage with complex social issues. Raisa’s performance adds to the show’s nuanced portrayal of diverse experiences on a college campus.
3. Grown-ish (2018-2022)
Climbing higher on our list, we have “Grown-ish,” a spin-off of the popular sitcom “Black-ish.” This series gave Raisa a prominent role in a high-profile, youth-oriented show, further cementing her status as a talented TV actress.
Plot: The series follows Zoey Johnson, the eldest daughter from “Black-ish,” as she begins her journey through college. It explores various aspects of modern young adult life, including relationships, social issues, and personal growth.
Raisa’s Role: Francia Raisa plays Ana Torres, one of Zoey’s roommates and close friends. Ana is a first-generation Cuban-American student with conservative values who often finds herself at odds with the more liberal environment of her college.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “Grown-ish” offers a fresh, contemporary take on the college experience. Raisa’s portrayal of Ana provides a unique perspective, and her character’s growth throughout the series is both compelling and relatable.
2. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2015)
While Raisa only appeared in one episode of this long-running crime drama, her guest role in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” deserves recognition for its impact and the exposure it provided to a massive audience.
Plot: The series follows a team of crime-scene investigators in Las Vegas as they use physical evidence to solve murders. Each episode typically features a different case, with the team using forensic science to uncover the truth.
Raisa’s Role: In her guest appearance, Raisa played a character involved in one of the cases. While details of her specific role are limited, guest spots on such high-profile shows often require actors to make a strong impression in limited screen time.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “CSI” is known for its compelling mysteries and innovative use of forensic science. Raisa’s appearance in this popular show demonstrates her ability to hold her own alongside established TV stars.
1. How I Met Your Father (2022-2023)
Topping our list is “How I Met Your Father,” a spin-off of the beloved sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.” This series represents Raisa’s most high-profile role to date, showcasing her comedic talents to a wide audience.
Plot: Set in the near future, Sophie tells her son the story of how she met his father. The series follows Sophie and her close-knit group of friends as they navigate love, careers, and personal growth in New York City.
Raisa’s Role: Francia Raisa plays Valentina, Sophie’s roommate and best friend. Valentina is an aspiring stylist who is passionate, impulsive, and always supportive of Sophie. Her character brings energy and humor to the show, often serving as a catalyst for adventures and romantic entanglements.
Why It’s Worth Watching: “How I Met Your Father” offers a fresh take on the format of its predecessor, with a diverse cast and contemporary storylines. Raisa’s performance as Valentina is a standout, bringing charm and depth to her character while showcasing her comedic timing.
Throughout her career, Francia Raisa has proven herself as a gifted, versatile actress who can shine in comedy, drama, and everything in between. From her early roles in teen and TV movies to her more recent starring turns on television, Raisa has grown tremendously as a performer, taking on complex, layered characters who often represent important facets of the Latinx experience.
Whether playing a determined athlete, an ambitious businesswoman rediscovering her inner child, a headstrong teen navigating sex and relationships, or a vivacious 20-something embracing her identity, Raisa brings authenticity, relatability, and spark to all her performances. She has an innate ability to find the humanity and heart in each character.
As a proud Mexican and Honduran American actress, Raisa has also used her platform to advocate for important causes like immigration, women’s health, and anti-sex trafficking. She is a powerful voice and positive representation for the Latinx community in Hollywood.
Looking ahead, it will be exciting to see what projects and roles Francia Raisa takes on next. Given her talent, drive, and undeniable star quality, the future looks bright for this gifted actress. She has already accomplished so much, but it feels like she is just getting started.
From Bring It On: All or Nothing to How I Met Your Father, Francia Raisa has left an indelible mark on film and television over the past 20 years. Her performances across these 12 movies and shows, and many others, have established her as one of the most compelling and charismatic actresses of her generation. Here’s to Francia Raisa continuing to shine on screen for many years to come!
