The iconic Netflix seriesWednesdayintroduces audiences to Jenna Ortega’s take on the character of Wednesday Adams,set with hilarious linesfor an iconic character that has impressed fans and non-fans alike. Jenna Ortega’s versatility as an actor shows within Netflix’sWednesday, and it’s easy to quickly fall in love with her deadpan humor and dominant presence as she brings a beloved, unconventional, and hard-to-play character fromThe Addams Familyback to life.
It’s time to list down the best TV shows and movie performances by the one and only Jenna Ortega, showcasing her journey and influence in Hollywood over the years. For readers who don’t already know, her versatility knows no bounds - she plays so much more than just the dark and gloomy, yet brilliant Wednesday!
11Darcy
The Tech-Savvy Best Friend That Everyone Needs inRichie Rich(2015)
This Netflix series is based on the classic comicRichie Richand the storyline follows Richie, a ten-year-old trillionaire who has invented green technology that can turn veggies into clean energy. Darcy, played by Jenna Ortega, is one of Richie’s best pals - she is tech-savvy and a dependable companion as he goes on adventures.
With her intelligence and practical thinking, she perfectly balances out Richie’s carefree spirit and reckless nature. Here, Ortega haseffortless comedic timingand brilliantly takes on the role of a supportive yet striking character.
10Young Jane
An Innocent Yet Determined Role Model InJane The Virgin(2014-2019)
This romantic comedy-drama series follows the life of Jane Villanueva, a devout young woman whose life is turned upside down when she is artificially inseminated by accident. Here, Jenna Ortega plays the role of a young Jane, and the audience gets to see the character’s dreams and ambitions as a little girl.
Ortega’s brilliant performance on the show highlights how Jane’s innocence and persistent character make her the person she is today. Jane’s experiences as a youngster also convey to the audience that family, love, and sudden changes in life can set the tone for how one navigates adulthood.
9Katy Torres
A Fun-Loving And Adventurous Daughter In Yes Day (2021)
Yes Dayis afamily-friendly filmin which Jenna Ortega stars as Katy Torres, a brazen teenager, who along with her brothers and sisters, can’t wait to take advantage of their parents on “yes day” - a 24-hour period where their mother and father has promised to say yes to whatever they want. Katy is a lover of adventure, and she goes on a series of the most fun and chaotic challenges that she can imagine.
In this movie, Jenna Ortega’s performance captures what it is to be youthful, determined, and in search of excitement, making her a very relatable character. Her role is both humorous and full of heart, and she plays it beautifully!
8Phoebe Atwell
A Bold And Rebellious Teen In The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)
Dark humor andthe slasher subgenrecome together inThe Babysitter: Killer Queen, a sequel to the movieThe Babysitter. The movie follows high school student Cole, who is once again being hunted by a blood cult from his past.
In thisfun horror film, Jenna Ortega plays Phoebe Atwell, a rebellious newcomer to Cole’s class - she has a bold and edgy personality, which aids her in the fight for survival. Here, the audience witnesses a fresh dynamic, with Jenna’s character revealing multiple layers as the film progresses.
7Lorraine Day
A Complex And Ambitious Actress In X (2022)
Xis a horror film in which Jenna Ortega plays Lorraine Day, a budding actress who, along with a group of filmmakers, heads out on a rural getaway to Texas to shoot an adult movie. The crew sets up in an isolated farmhouse as Lorraine struggles with severe anxiety, much of which has to do with themoral complexitiesof the project.
Here, Ortega’s character is innocent, setting her apart from the violence and horror that unfolds as the movie progresses. She perfectly plays a vulnerable and determined Lorraine, gaining sympathy for the character from the audience.
6Tara Carpenter
A Survivor Battling Her Masked Killer In Scream (2022) And Scream 6 (2023)
The 2022 and 2023Screamfilms are sequels and acontinuation of the iconic slasher franchisethat brings together horror and satirical comedy. Jenna Ortega plays the striking role of Tara Carpenter, a teenager who is Ghostface’s new target. Though her character is vulnerable, Ortega still lets fierceness and resilience shine through, just as the role requires her to.
In the 2022 movie, the audience witnesses Tara being brutally attacked, and in the next sequel, they see her battling with trauma, yet fighting back with all her might. This makes her a memorable character in theScream franchise, although she was introduced only in the 5th and 6th installments.
5Ellie Alves
A Smart, Mysterious, And Troubled Teen In You (2019-2021)
In the Netflix seriesYou, Ellie Alves is a smart and resourceful teenager who gets entangled in Joe Goldberg’s web of lies - Jenna Ortega nails the character. The audience is introduced to a brilliant girl who is as street-smart as a teen gets. She is also seen as a fiercelyloyal characterwho will do anything to protect her loved ones.
Through Ellie’s interactions with Joe, viewers notice that she is as vulnerable as she is strong, and she soon becomes a favorite in the series. Fans even started theorizing all over the internet that she would finally be the one to take Joe down and put an end to his years of crime.
4Vada Cavell
A Grieving Teen Navigating Trauma In The Fallout (2021)
InThe Fallout, Jenna Ortega delivers a poignant performance as Vada Cavell - a high school student who is dealing with the traumatic emotional aftermath of a shooting that happened at her school. She tries to align herself with the new reality, but feelings of grief and survivor’s guilt consume her.
Ortega’s acute portrayal flawlessly captures how vulnerable yet strong Vada is, making her journey on the show both tragic and relatable. The film addressesthemes of traumaand healing and is a brilliant example of Ortega’s ability to take on complex emotional roles that require depth and authenticity.
3Harley Diaz
A Smart Middle Child Navigating Family Chaos In Stuck In The Middle (2016-2018)
Stuck in the Middleis a Disney Channel series that’s all about the life of Harley Diaz, who is a middle child trying to navigate life and the challenges of being in a large family who lives in a small house. Portrayed by Jenna Ortega, the audience sees Harley as someone who is smart and resourceful - she uses her creativity to solve everyday problems and stay sane even when her siblings get out of control.
The audience is bound to get hours of laughs out of the show, as it explores themes of sibling rivalry, adolescence, and the bond that a family shares. Ortega plays a charismatic character here, teens will definitely relate to her.
2Astrid Deetz
An Eccentric Teen Navigating The Supernatural In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
InBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, Jenna Ortega plays the role of Astrid Deetz - an eccentric girl who embodies the classic Deetz, but with a fresh new twist! Just like her mother Lydia Deetz, Astrid too has a strange fascination with the supernatural, while also showcasing a rebellious spirit - she disagrees with her family’s intentions of living a so-called “normal” life.
Once again, fans witness Ortega’s signature blend of dark humor and vulnerability, making her performance as Astrid captivating, memorable, and a great addition to this cult favorite.
