Piper Perabo is a talented American actress who has starred in many memorable films and television series over the past two decades. From her breakout role in Coyote Ugly to her acclaimed performance in the TV series Covert Affairs, Perabo has demonstrated her versatility and skill as a performer. In this blog post, we’ll rank the 18 best Piper Perabo movies and TV shows, highlighting what makes each one special.
18. First Snow (2006)
In this psychological thriller, Perabo plays Deirdre, the supportive wife of a man (Guy Pearce) who becomes increasingly paranoid after a psychic tells him his days are numbered. While it’s a smaller role, Perabo brings warmth and humanity to her character. First Snow is an underrated gem with a compelling lead performance by Pearce.
17. Carriers (2009)
Set in a world devastated by a highly contagious virus, Carriers follows a group of friends (including Perabo and Chris Pine) as they travel across the Southwest trying to survive. It’s a bleak and harrowing film, but Perabo gives a strong performance as a single mother determined to protect her daughter at all costs. Carriers is a thought-provoking post-apocalyptic drama.
16. The Cave (2005)
The Cave is a creature feature about a group of divers exploring an underground cave system that turns out to be inhabited by deadly monsters. Perabo plays Charlie, one of the expedition leaders. While the film itself is somewhat forgettable, Perabo makes for a convincing action heroine, handling the physical demands of the role with ease. If you enjoy monster movies, The Cave is worth checking out.
15. Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005)
The sequel to the 2003 family comedy, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 finds the Baker family (led by Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt) on a lakeside vacation where they encounter a rival family led by Eugene Levy. Perabo reprises her role as Nora Baker-McNulty, the eldest daughter who is now married and expecting a baby. It’s a fun, lighthearted film and Perabo has some nice moments throughout.
14. Imagine Me & You (2005)
In this charming British romantic comedy, Perabo plays Rachel, a newlywed who finds herself attracted to another woman (Lena Headey) she meets at her own wedding. Imagine Me & You sensitively explores the complexities of love, sexuality and commitment. Perabo and Headey have wonderful chemistry together, making this unconventional love story feel authentic and moving.
13. Notorious (2016)
Notorious was a short-lived ABC drama series about the relationship between a charismatic defense attorney (Daniel Sunjata) and a powerhouse TV news producer (Perabo). The show was soapy and over-the-top, but also a guilty pleasure thanks to the strong lead performances. Perabo was commanding as Julia George, a woman willing to blur ethical lines for the sake of ratings. Notorious was cancelled after one season but remains an entertaining legal drama.
12. The Prestige (2006)
Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival magicians in Victorian-era London. Perabo has a supporting role as Julia McCullough, the wife of Jackman’s character. Although her screen time is limited, Perabo makes an impression and holds her own against her heavyweight co-stars. The Prestige is one of Nolan’s best films, a mind-bending thriller that rewards repeat viewings.
11. Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)
In this family comedy, Perabo voices the character of Rachel, the owner of the titular talking Chihuahua (voiced by Drew Barrymore) who gets lost in Mexico. Beverly Hills Chihuahua is silly but charming, with a positive message about embracing one’s heritage. Perabo brings likability to her role and has good voice chemistry with Barrymore. It’s a cute, inoffensive film that should entertain kids.
10. Looper (2012)
Rian Johnson’s inventive sci-fi thriller Looper stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a hitman who is sent back in time to assassinate a target, only to discover that the target is his future self (played by Bruce Willis). Perabo has a key supporting role as Suzie, a single mother who gets caught up in the dangerous situation. Looper is a smart, original film with great performances all around. Perabo makes the most of her limited screen time, bringing depth to her character.
9. Lost and Delirious (2001)
Lost and Delirious is a Canadian drama about the relationship between two teenage girls (Perabo and Jessica Paré) at a boarding school. When their secret romance is discovered, it leads to tragic consequences. Perabo gives an intense, committed performance as Paulie, a rebellious student who will do anything for love. Lost and Delirious is a powerful, if sometimes melodramatic, film that showcases Perabo’s talent.
8. Cheaper by the Dozen (2003)
In this remake of the 1950 comedy, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt star as the parents of twelve children, including Perabo as eldest daughter Nora. Cheaper by the Dozen is a chaotic but heartwarming family film with a great ensemble cast. Perabo shines in her scenes as Nora, a loving sister and daughter trying to find her place in the world. It’s a sweet, funny movie that holds up well.
7. Spontaneous (2020)
Spontaneous is a darkly comedic sci-fi romance about two teenagers (Katherine Langford and Charlie Plummer) who fall in love as their classmates begin spontaneously exploding. Perabo plays Langford’s mother, struggling to protect her daughter in an increasingly dangerous world. It’s a strange but poignant film, with Perabo providing some of the emotional anchor. Spontaneous is one of Perabo’s most recent and underrated roles.
6. Black Butterfly (2017)
In this twisty thriller, Perabo plays the real estate agent and love interest of a reclusive writer (Antonio Banderas) who invites a mysterious drifter (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) into his remote cabin. Black Butterfly keeps you guessing until the very end, with strong performances from the three leads. Perabo has good chemistry with Banderas and brings some warmth to the chilly proceedings.
5. Covert Affairs (2010-2014)
Covert Affairs was a USA Network series that ran for five seasons, starring Perabo as Annie Walker, a young CIA trainee unexpectedly promoted to field operative. The show was a fun, breezy action drama that made great use of Perabo’s charm and physicality. She was the heart and soul of Covert Affairs, handling the dramatic moments as well as the comedic ones with equal skill. Perabo deservedly earned a Golden Globe nomination for her work on the show.
4. Coyote Ugly (2000)
The film that put Perabo on the map, Coyote Ugly stars her as Violet, an aspiring songwriter who takes a job at a rowdy NYC bar to make ends meet. It’s a flashy, high-energy movie with a killer soundtrack and a star-making performance by Perabo. She’s impossible not to root for as Violet, displaying both vulnerability and moxie. Coyote Ugly is a quintessential early 2000s guilty pleasure that still holds up today.
3. Angel Has Fallen (2019)
The third entry in the Fallen action franchise, Angel Has Fallen finds Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) framed for an assassination attempt on the President. Perabo plays Banning’s wife Leah, who gets caught up in the dangerous conspiracy. It’s a small but pivotal role, and Perabo brings a lot of heart and humanity to it. Angel Has Fallen is an entertaining thriller elevated by Perabo’s grounded presence.
2. The Prestige (2006)
Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige is a twisty, mind-bending drama about the rivalry between two magicians (Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale) in Victorian-era London. Perabo plays Julia McCullough, the wife of Jackman’s character. While it’s not the flashiest role, Perabo brings a quiet strength and dignity to Julia. She’s the moral center of the film in many ways. The Prestige is a masterful thriller, and Perabo is an important part of why it works so well.
1. Covert Affairs (2010-2014)
Was there any doubt that Covert Affairs would top this list? The USA series was the perfect showcase for Perabo’s talents, allowing her to play a character that was equal parts tough and vulnerable, funny and dramatic. As Annie Walker, Perabo was the heart and soul of the show, anchoring every episode with her warmth and relatability. She had fantastic chemistry with her co-stars, especially Christopher Gorham as Annie’s handler/love interest Auggie. Covert Affairs ran for five highly entertaining seasons and earned Perabo some of the best reviews of her career, including a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination. It’s the quintessential Piper Perabo role and a must-watch for any fan of the actress.
So there you have it, the 18 best Piper Perabo movies and TV shows, ranked. Whether she’s playing an action heroine, a romantic lead, or a supporting character, Perabo always brings intelligence, depth, and charisma to her roles. She’s one of the most underrated actresses of her generation, and these films and series are a testament to her talent. If you’re a fan of Piper Perabo, or just looking for some great entertainment, you can’t go wrong with any of the titles on this list.
