At just 21 years old (2024), Jenna Ortega has already made a major impact in Hollywood. From her early days on Disney Channel to her breakout roles in hit horror films and the smash Netflix series Wednesday, Ortega has proven herself to be one of the most talented and versatile young actresses working today.
Known for her expressive performances, deadpan comedic delivery, and ability to bring depth to any character, Ortega has quickly become a fan favorite and one of the most in-demand stars of her generation. Her meteoric rise has included acclaimed turns in indie dramas, family films, slasher flicks, and everything in between.
As Ortega continues to line up exciting new projects, including a starring role in the highly anticipated Beetlejuice sequel, now feels like the perfect time to look back at the impressive resume she’s already built. Here are the 15 best Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows so far, ranked:
15. Richie Rich (2015)
One of Ortega’s earliest roles was in this Netflix sitcom adaptation of the classic Harvey Comics character. She played Darcy, the sassy new friend of the titular wealthy kid. While the show itself was short-lived and not particularly well-received, lasting only one season, it gave Ortega a chance to show off her talent for biting one-liners. Even in a small supporting part, the young actress made an impression and hinted at the comedic chops she would put to great use in future roles.
14. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Ortega made her feature film debut with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance in this Marvel blockbuster. She pops up briefly as the Vice President’s daughter in one scene. It may be a nothing role in the grand scheme of the MCU, but everyone has to start somewhere. Ortega was only 10 years old and the fact that she managed to book even a tiny part in such a huge movie is impressive.
13. Yes Day (2021)
Netflix’s family comedy Yes Day stars Jennifer Garner and Edgar Ramírez as parents who decide to say “yes” to their kids’ every request for 24 hours, leading to a wild string of adventures. Ortega plays Katie, the eldest daughter who takes full advantage of the situation. Though the film is silly and predictable, Ortega brings some spark to the typical angsty teen role. She gets a few funny moments and sells Katie’s strained relationship with her mom. Yes Day is far from a must-see, but it’s an easy, breezy watch that highlights Ortega’s lighter side.
12. The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)
This Netflix horror comedy sequel brings Ortega into the fold as Phoebe, the new girl in town who gets caught up in another round of murderous mayhem. A follow-up to 2017’s The Babysitter, the movie is just as gleefully gory and cheekily self-aware as the original. Ortega fits right into the ensemble, matching her co-stars’ manic energy. Phoebe could have been a one-note “too cool for school” type, but the actress finds the vulnerability beneath the wisecracking facade. Killer Queen doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a fun, blood-soaked romp that lets Ortega cut loose.
11. Elena of Avalor (2016-2020)
On the sweeter side of things, Ortega lent her voice to Disney’s animated series Elena of Avalor for three seasons. A spin-off of Sofia the First, the show follows a Latina princess adjusting to her new leadership role. Ortega voices Elena’s younger sister Isabel, a precocious inventor and bookworm. The actress brings warmth and spunk to the character, making her an endearing supporting presence throughout the series. Elena of Avalor earned praise for its cultural representation and Ortega’s work added to the show’s charms.
10. Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018)
Ortega’s first lead role in a TV series was on this Disney Channel sitcom. She starred as Harley Diaz, an engineering whiz who uses her skills to cope with being the middle child in a large family. Across three seasons, Ortega displayed deft comic timing and grounded Harley’s over-the-top schemes in real emotion. Even when the show veered into silly territory, she committed fully. Stuck in the Middle proved Ortega could carry a series and showcased her ability to balance humor and heart.
9. The Fallout (2021)
In her most dramatically challenging role to date, Ortega shines in The Fallout as Vada, a high schooler grappling with the aftermath of a school shooting. Writer-director Megan Park’s film thoughtfully explores grief, trauma, and the difficulty of moving forward. Ortega delivers a raw, vulnerable performance that never feels inauthentic or manipulative. She conveys Vada’s pain and confusion with heartbreaking subtlety. It’s a showcase for the actress’ range and a powerful portrait of a young woman learning to heal.
8. American Carnage (2022)
American Carnage is a messy but ambitious horror-comedy that takes aim at the American immigration system. Ortega has a supporting role as Camila, one of a group of young people offered a chance to avoid deportation by caring for elderly white people. But when their charges start turning into zombies, the teens have to fight for survival. Ortega brings fierce determination to Camila, a character who remains somewhat underdeveloped. Still, she makes the most of every moment she has onscreen. American Carnage doesn’t fully deliver on its intriguing premise, but Ortega is a bright spot.
7. Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous (2020-2022)
Ortega returned to voice acting as Brooklynn in this animated spin-off of the Jurassic World franchise. The Netflix series, which ran for five seasons, follows a group of teens trying to escape Isla Nublar after multiple dinosaurs break free. As the social media-savvy Brooklynn, Ortega gets to be both funny and heroic. She brings a lively energy to the character, selling her transformation from vapid influencer to resourceful survivor. With Camp Cretaceous, Ortega proves her voice can be just as expressive as her face.
6. Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)
Although she doesn’t appear in every episode, Ortega makes a strong impression in Jane the Virgin as the younger version of Gina Rodriguez’s title character. Introduced in flashbacks starting in the show’s second season, young Jane is a bright, imaginative girl with a love of writing and telenovelas. Ortega captures Jane’s spirit and infuses her with a mix of curiosity, stubbornness, and optimism. The actress’ work enriches the audience’s understanding of who Jane is and how she became the woman we follow throughout the series.
5. X (2022)
Ortega takes on her first truly adult role in Ti West’s ode to 70s exploitation horror. She plays Lorraine, a shy young woman who gets caught up in a porn shoot that goes horribly wrong when the elderly hosts start killing the cast and crew. Ortega brings an innocence to Lorraine that contrasts effectively with the film’s sleazy tone. As the character comes out of her shell, the actress reveals new depths. It’s a tricky balancing act, but Ortega pulls it off with finesse. X allows her to show a different, more mature side of her talent.
4. You (2019)
In the second season of Netflix’s hit thriller series You, Ortega delivers a breakout performance as Ellie, a sharp-tongued teenager who becomes entangled with Penn Badgley’s serial killer Joe. Ellie could have been just another snarky sidekick, but Ortega makes her feel fully lived-in. She nails the character’s world-weary attitude while also hinting at the vulnerability lurking beneath the surface. Ellie acts tough because she has to be, and Ortega sells that hard-earned armor. Her scenes with Badgley crackle with tension as Ellie starts to see Joe for who he really is.
3. Scream (2022) & Scream VI (2023)
Ortega earns her scream queen status with not one but two terrific performances in the latest installments of the Scream franchise. In the 2022 requel, she plays Tara Carpenter, a horror-loving high schooler who’s brutally attacked by Ghostface. It’s a subversive twist on the series’ famous opening sequences and Ortega sells Tara’s terror and resilience. In this year’s Scream VI, she gets even meatier material as Tara grapples with the fallout of the previous film’s events. Ortega brings new shades to the character, exploring her trauma, her complicated bond with her sister (Melissa Barrera), and her attempts to move on with her life. Together, the performances cement Ortega as a genuine horror icon.
2. The Fallout (2021)
The Fallout isn’t just a great Jenna Ortega movie – it’s a great movie, period. And Ortega’s heartbreaking lead performance is a big reason why. As Vada, a 16-year-old struggling in the wake of a school shooting, the actress delivers her most mature and emotionally complex work to date. She captures the character’s shock, grief, and slow journey toward healing with astonishing nuance. Vada’s pain feels raw and real, but Ortega never overplays it. She also excels in the film’s lighter moments, bringing a sardonic edge to Vada’s narration and banter. It’s a masterful turn that establishes Ortega as one of the finest young actresses of her generation.
1. Wednesday (2022-present)
Was there any doubt that Wednesday would top this list? Ortega’s star-making performance as the iconic Addams daughter is a revelation. She perfectly embodies Wednesday’s macabre sensibilities and bone-dry wit while also adding new layers to the character. Ortega finds the humanity beneath the deadpan exterior, imbuing Wednesday with a surprising vulnerability and a genuine desire for connection. She’s hilarious in the role, delivering one-liners with razor-sharp timing, but she also excels in the show’s more emotional moments. Whether she’s solving mysteries, navigating new friendships, or exploring her psychic powers, Ortega is endlessly watchable. She makes an indelible impression and singlehandedly justifies the series’ existence. Wednesday is a true showcase for Ortega’s immense talent and charisma. It’s the role she was born to play.
Honorable Mentions:
- Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) – Ortega has a small but pivotal role in this horror sequel as Annie, a girl targeted by the ghostly bride.
- Saving Flora (2018) – In this family drama, Ortega plays Dawn, the daughter of a circus owner who tries to save an elephant from being euthanized.
- Studio 666 (2022) – Ortega has a glorified cameo as a groupie in this horror comedy about the Foo Fighters recording an album in a haunted house.
From child star to scream queen to leading lady, Jenna Ortega has already had an incredible career. And the most exciting thing is that she’s just getting started. With a slew of high-profile projects on the horizon, including her return as Wednesday Addams, Ortega is poised to become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Her talent, versatility, and undeniable screen presence make her someone to watch for years to come.
No matter what genre she’s working in or what size the role is, Ortega always brings her A-game. She has an uncanny ability to fully inhabit her characters and make them feel authentic. Whether she’s playing a sarcastic teen, a final girl, or an iconic goth heroine, she finds the truth in every moment.
So if you’re not already on the Jenna Ortega bandwagon, now is the time to hop on. Watch her movies, binge her TV shows, and get ready to say you knew her when. Because if the past few years are any indication, Ortega is going to be a force to be reckoned with for a long time to come. She’s not just a scream queen or a Disney darling – she’s a bona fide superstar in the making.
