Top 10 Movies and TV Shows Starring Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment world, gaining recognition among fans for her memorable performances in various films and television series ranging from superhero sagas to beloved sitcoms. Born in Delaware, Plaza’s passion for acting was ignited by her love for cinema. She honed her craft at the New York Film Academy and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, alongside training in improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

Plaza’s commitment to her acting career paid off when she secured a small yet notable role in Judd Apatow’s “Funny People.”Her impressive performance led to her iconic role in “Parks and Recreation,”which significantly elevated her profile. Since then, she has become recognized as an actress with a strong affinity for geek culture, appearing in popular titles like “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,””Legion,”and “Agatha All Along,”in addition to horror films such as “This is Beth”and “Child’s Play.”Let’s delve into some of her most significant projects.

10 Child’s Play (2019)

Karen Barclay

Aubrey Plaza starred in the 2019 reboot of “Child’s Play,”a film that received mixed reactions from fans of the original franchise. While some expressed discontent over the reimagining of Chucky, the backlash ultimately led to the revival of a new series that catered to nostalgic audiences. Despite the changes, such as transforming Chucky from a possessed doll into an AI-controlled figure, there were positive aspects worth noting.

Plaza’s portrayal of Karen Barclay, Andy’s devoted mother, showcased her ability to navigate a horror-thriller landscape. Alongside the legendary Mark Hamill, who voiced Chucky, Plaza’s Karen serves as a fierce protector, battling against the disobedient Buddi dolls. Plaza’s performance adeptly balances skepticism and concern as she grapples with her son’s terrifying claims about a killer doll.

9 Happiest Season (2020)

Riley Johnson

Plaza shines as Riley Johnson, Harper’s ex-girlfriend, whose presence complicates Abby’s already uncomfortable situation. Critics lauded the film, awarding it an impressive score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, yet many fans still speculate about the potential of Riley and Abby as an ideal couple.

8 Life After Beth (2014)

Beth Slocum

In the offbeat romantic horror comedy “Life After Beth,”Plaza explores the intricacies of love amidst the chaos of a zombie apocalypse. Her character, Beth, returns from the dead after a snake bite, startling her grief-stricken boyfriend Zach (Dane DeHaan), who finds her hidden away in her parent’s home. Despite her condition, Beth retains fragments of her humanity, complicating Zach’s efforts to navigate their relationship.

Although “Life After Beth”garnered a lukewarm reception (45% on Rotten Tomatoes), critics praised Plaza’s engaging performance, emphasizing her ability to embody a character transitioning from life to a more primal existence.

7 Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Darius Britt

Aubrey Plaza’s role in the critically acclaimed “Safety Not Guaranteed”marked a significant point in her career. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, this sci-fi comedy revolves around a quirky classified ad requesting a partner to travel back in time, an inquiry that Plaza’s character, Darius Britt, is compelled to investigate.

Opposite Mark Duplass, whose character aims to change a tragic past, Plaza’s performance earned her the Young Hollywood Award for Breakthrough Performance and contributed to the film’s impressive 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

6 Emily The Criminal (2022)

Emily Benetto

In “Emily The Criminal,”Plaza tackles a gritty role that exemplifies her range as an actress. The film, released in 2022, follows Emily Benetto, a woman constrained by her past, navigating the criminal underworld to escape her financial plight. Critics praised Plaza for bringing depth to a character navigating moral ambiguity and her ability to portray a flawed but relatable protagonist.

The film received recognition for its storytelling, achieving a remarkable 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, further cementing Plaza’s status as a formidable talent within Hollywood.

5 Agatha All Along (2024)

Rio Vidal / Death

In the upcoming miniseries “Agatha All Along,”Aubrey Plaza stars alongside Kathryn Hahn, reprising her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Plaza’s character, Rio Vidal, is a complex figure—the former lover turned adversary to Agatha—navigating themes of betrayal and revenge in a storyline steeped in magic and mystery.

With Plaza’s talent for mixing humor with darkness, her character stands out as a fun foil to Agatha’s villainy, and her potential for future appearances in the MCU remains tantalizing.

4 The White Lotus (2022)

Harper Player

Joining the ensemble of “The White Lotus,”Plaza portrays Harper Spiller, a lawyer entangled in a web of intrigue during a luxurious Sicilian getaway. As the story unfolds, Plaza navigates the complexities of a waning relationship, illustrating the series’ blend of humor and tension against the backdrop of a murder mystery.

Her captivating performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination, showcasing the growth of her career and her ability to command the screen.

3 Parks And Recreation (2009-2015)

April Ludgate

Aubrey Plaza’s portrayal of April Ludgate in “Parks and Recreation”remains one of her most iconic roles. The NBC sitcom, structured as a mockumentary, tackled political satire through the lens of a small-town Parks Department. Plaza, characterized by her deadpan delivery and dry humor, quickly became a fan favorite, illustrating the depth of her talent.

Her role served as a launchpad for her career, securing her place in pop culture and presenting an unforgettable character within a beloved ensemble.

2 Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)

Julie Powers

In “Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World,”Plaza portrayed Julie Powers, the acerbic friend who humorously interacts with the protagonist, Scott (Michael Cera). Though her role is secondary, she delivers some of the film’s sharpest lines and connects various plot points, proving that her character’s presence is vital to the storyline.

Plaza later reprised her role in the Netflix anime adaptation “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,”showcasing her enduring connection to this cult classic.

1 Legion (2017-2019)

Amahl Farouk/Shadow King/Lenny Busker

In “Legion,”Aubrey Plaza took on the challenging role of Amahl Farouk, also known as the Shadow King—a shifting character navigating the realms of mental health and superhero narratives. Plaza’s unique approach to her character, often oscillating between identities, showcased her versatility and depth as an actress. Her portrayal contributed to making the Shadow King a standout villain in the Marvel universe.

For her captivating performance, Plaza won the MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Villain, solidifying her as a key player in the superhero genre.

Source & Images