The impressive repertoire of Kristen Bell in both film and television underscores her exceptional talent as a comedic actress, solidifying her status in the entertainment industry. Born in Michigan in 1980, Bell embarked on her performing career in 1992 through theatrical productions but made her on-screen debut later, in 1998, with an uncredited role in the comedy-drama Polish Wedding.
Spending several years honing her craft on stage, Bell transitioned back to television with a role in FX’s The Shield in 2003. It was her starring role as the titular character in Veronica Mars in 2004 that truly propelled her career forward. Though many of the best Kristen Bell movies and TV shows are comedies, Bell’s versatility is evident as she navigates various genres, showcasing her wide range of talents across both film and television.
10 Pulse (2006)
Kristen Bell Plays Mattie Webber
While Kristen Bell is predominantly associated with comedic roles, Pulse allows her to demonstrate a darker side of her acting prowess. In this horror film, Bell portrays Mattie Webber, a character ensnared in eerie supernatural occurrences as spirits use the internet to reach the living. Despite the film receiving negative reviews overall, Bell’s performance was widely regarded as strong, highlighting her ability to transcend her comedic roots. This film emphasizes her capability to handle more serious material while retaining her comedic flair.
9 The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022)
Kristen Bell Plays Anna Whitaker
Among Bell’s recent collaborations, the Netflix miniseries The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (often referred to as TWITHATSFTGITW) stands out. In this dark comedy, she embodies Anna, a woman grappling with mental health challenges who believes she has witnessed a murder. The series cleverly satirizes the tropes of thriller and true crime genres that have become Netflix staples.
Bell expertly balances the comedic aspects with the character’s psychological struggles, bringing depth to Anna without veering into exaggeration. This show intricately weaves humor and mystery, anchored by Bell’s engaging performance.
8 Queenpins (2021)
Kristen Bell Plays Connie Kaminski
In 2021’s Queenpins, Bell shines as Connie Kaminski, a former Olympic speed walker dissatisfied with her unremarkable life as a mother. Following a complaint to a cereal company, she concocts a coupon scam with her friend JoJo (played by Kirby Howell-Baptiste), resulting in a comedic yet insightful commentary on consumer culture and ambition.
Bell’s performance brings laughter and showcases her growth as a performer, adeptly portraying a character navigating emotional turmoil from IVF struggles and past trauma. Queenpins not only highlights her comedic talents but also marks a significant step in her career as she embraces roles that reflect a more mature character experience.
7 Nobody Wants This (2024)
Kristen Bell Plays Joanne
Kirsten Bell’s role in Nobody Wants This has positioned her for recognition in several award circuits, including a Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. The Netflix romantic comedy features her as Joanne, a dating and sex podcast host who finds unexpected romantic interests in a Rabbi, portrayed by Adam Brody.
The show’s success has led Netflix to greenlight a second season, with the first season currently holding a remarkable 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While it may not yet have the iconic status of her previous series like Veronica Mars and The Good Place, it certainly has the potential to elevate her legacy further.
6 Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
Kristen Bell Narrated
Running from 2007 to 2012 on The CW, Gossip Girl remains an iconic staple of teen drama. Although Bell did not appear on-screen in a traditional sense, her voice as the titular Gossip Girl was instrumental to the series’ allure. The character functions as both an omniscient narrator and scandalous commentator on the lives of Manhattan’s elite.
Bell’s exceptional voice acting provided the series with its signature edge, making her a key contributor to its success. Thus, Gossip Girl stands as one of the best shows in Bell’s career, revealing her multifaceted talent as an actress beyond physical performances.
5 Bad Moms (2016)
Kristen Bell Plays Kiki Moore
In the ensemble comedy Bad Moms, directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, Kristen Bell plays Kiki Moore, a beleaguered mother juggling the challenges of raising four children. The film explores the lives of mothers rebelling against societal expectations in hilarious fashion, with Bell’s portrayal delivering some of the film’s funniest moments.
While the narrative mainly focuses on Mila Kunis’s character, Bell’s Kiki stands out due to her relatable portrayal and exceptional chemistry with her co-stars. Her performance earned her a nomination for Favorite Comedic Movie Actress at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards, solidifying Bad Moms as one of her standout comedic films.
4 Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2009)
Kristen Bell Plays Sarah Marshall
Described as one of her most notable roles, Forgetting Sarah Marshall features Kristen Bell as the heart of the story, the titular character opposite Jason Segel. Despite its controversies, the film is loved for its earnest humor and romantic entanglements, and it firmly situates Bell as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Her hysterical and heartfelt performance as Sarah earned her significant praise, along with nominations for awards, including Best Actress in a Comedy. It showcases her ability to blend comedy with emotional complexity, a hallmark of her acting style. For many, this film remains a standout in her filmography and an essential part of her ascent in Hollywood.
3 The Good Place (2016-2020)
Kristen Bell Plays Eleanor Shellstrop
Broadcast on NBC from 2016 to 2020, The Good Place is celebrated not only as one of Kristen Bell’s best TV shows but as a groundbreaking entry in the fantasy-comedy genre. Bell’s character, Eleanor Shellstrop, finds herself in an afterlife that initially appears heavenly due to an administrative error. The twist reveals that their paradise might be far from perfect.
Bell’s comic timing and ability to blend humor with existential themes have received widespread acclaim, and she earned multiple award nominations for her role. Her portrayal of Eleanor Shellstrop has left an indelible mark on her career, establishing The Good Place as a key highlight of her television achievements.
2 Veronica Mars (2004-2019)
Kristen Bell Plays Veronica Mars
Kristen Bell’s breakout role emerged in the acclaimed series Veronica Mars, where she captivated audiences as the titular amateur sleuth. The show, which ran from 2004 to 2019, resonated deeply with fans, earning Bell critical recognition, including nominations for prestigious awards.
Her performance was integral in driving the series’ complex narratives, effectively anchoring the plot’s twists and turns. Despite her expansive career since, Veronica Mars remains a defining role for Bell, showcasing her unique ability to engage viewers on both the big and small screens.
1 Frozen (2013)
Kristen Bell Plays Anna
Overall, no project has had as monumental of a cultural resonance as Frozen, where Bell voices Anna, one of Disney’s celebrated princesses. Together with Idina Menzel’s Elsa, Bell’s character embarks on a journey to save their kingdom of Arendelle from an eternal winter.
Her humorous voice acting, combined with memorable songs such as “Do You Want To Build A Snowman,” has contributed to the film’s historic success and has cemented her place in pop culture. With both critical and commercial acclaim, Frozen undoubtedly stands at the pinnacle of Kristen Bell’s career as the standout masterpiece among her extensive filmography.
Leave a Reply