Jenna Ortega has become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about young stars — and for good reason. From her early Disney Channel days to her breakout as the gothic yet vulnerable Wednesday Addams, Ortega’s career has been marked by range, intensity, and an uncanny ability to own every genre she touches. Whether she’s making audiences scream in Scream or reflect deeply in The Fallout, she’s proven herself to be far more than just a teen-idol-turned-Netflix-phenomenon.
Her trajectory mirrors the best kind of evolution in modern acting: starting light and family-friendly, then diving fearlessly into dark, mature, and emotionally layered work. With upcoming projects like Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Death of a Unicorn, Ortega’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Here’s a look at Jenna Ortega’s 10 best TV shows and movies, ranked by cultural impact, critical acclaim, and the strength of her performances, from Wednesday’s iconic deadpan charm to the raw vulnerability of The Fallout and the blood-curdling chaos of Scream.
The Fallout (2021)
The Fallout is widely regarded as Jenna Ortega’s most powerful performance to date. She plays Vada Cavell, a teenager whose life is upended after a school shooting. The role gave her a chance to deliver deep, emotionally resonant work that many critics and fans consider her breakout drama outside the horror genre.
Wednesday (2022–Present)
Ortega’s star-making turn as Wednesday Addams on Netflix cemented her status as a household name. Her deadpan, gothic-charm performance anchors Wednesday, a supernatural coming-of-age series based on The Addams Family. The show has been a cultural phenomenon and earned her award nominations for her portrayal.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
In Tim Burton’s sequel to the beloved Beetlejuice, Ortega plays Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Lydia (Winona Ryder). The film blends quirky comedy with supernatural spectacle, and Ortega’s turn shows she can hold her own alongside veteran genre performers.
Scream (2022)
Ortega brought fresh energy to the iconic Scream franchise as Tara Carpenter, one of the new generation of Woodsboro teens targeted by Ghostface. Her performance helped bridge classic horror fans with a new audience and launched her reputation as a modern scream queen.
Scream VI (2023)
The Scream sequel expands Ortega’s role as Tara, placing her front and center amid the terror in New York City. Scream VI allowed her to deepen the character and lean into both horror intensity and emotional grounding within a high-stakes, slasher environment.
X (2022)
Ortega starred in the critically acclaimed horror film X, set in 1979 on a secluded Texas farm, where a group of filmmakers run afoul of sinister hosts. Her performance as Lorraine helped solidify her horror credentials beyond the Scream universe.
Yes Day (2021)
In this Netflix family comedy, Ortega appears as Katie Torres, joining Jennifer Garner and Édgar Ramírez in a fun, feel-good story about letting kids run the day — with wild results. While not as critically praised as her dramatic or horror work, it shows Ortega’s versatility in lighter material.
The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)
Ortega plays Phoebe Atwell in this black-comedy horror sequel. The movie blends slasher thrills with campy humor, and while it received mixed reviews, it remains a memorable genre entry in her early adult career.
You (2019, Season 2)
In Netflix’s psychological thriller You, Ortega appeared as Ellie Alves, a perceptive teenager navigating dangerous situations. This role marked one of her first major departures from Disney work and helped establish her range in more mature, dramatic fare.
Stuck in the Middle (2016–2018)
One of Ortega’s earliest breakout roles was as Harley Diaz, the inventive middle child in this Disney Channel family comedy. The performance earned her an Imagen Award and showcased her early charm and comedic timing.
