The pipeline from Disney Channel original movie star to Oscar nominee may not be the most common route in Hollywood, but America Ferrera is proving it’s possible.before she became gloria barbie, the actress made a name for herself with iconic millennial films, groundbreaking Latina-led projects, and quirky sitcoms that never stop being quoted. She won a Golden Globe Award, a SAG Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award for her most famous role. ugly betty (This may bode well for our list). Obviously her talent is (and it is) barbie Monologue) speaks for itself. So without further ado, read EW’s ranking of the 15 best America Ferrera movies and TV shows.
14. steel city (2006)
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Focused on family drama with a dash of romance, this Brian June film stars John Heard and PJ Lee as two brothers whose father is jailed in the aftermath of a tragic car accident. Ferrera plays Amy Barnes, PJ’s love interest, and brings a real sense of light and warmth to an hour and a half of otherwise pure doom and darkness. EW reviewer said: steel city calling it “quietly absorbing and incisive”, and particularly praising the way “even the most minor characters come across as complete and complex beings”.
where to watch steel city:Amazon Prime Video (Rental)
13. good wife (2009-2016)
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EW’s critics gave the drama, a CBS courtroom drama that follows a woman who returns to work as a litigator after her state’s attorney husband is embroiled in a sex scandal, a glowing review when it ended in 2016. “The program may never be broadcast again,” he declared.like good wife Also. Ferrera appeared in just four episodes, but her performance as undocumented immigrant Natalie Flores stands out not only for its important subject matter, but also for her clear dedication and care for the character. And, as an EW critic noted, the series often “led the conversation around the issues.”
where to watch good wife: Paramount+
12. How did the Garcia girls spend their summer? (2005)
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This underrated comedy is a true family story centered around three generations of Garcia girls (hence the title) experiencing a summer sexual awakening. Ferrera stars as Blanca, a dim-witted teenager, and co-stars Elizabeth Peña, who plays her mother, and Lucy Gallardo, who plays her grandmother. If you’re looking for a sweet coming-of-age story about love and familial bonds that will have you laughing, clinging, and occasionally reaching for tissues, look no further. How did the Garcia girls spend their summer?.
where to watch How did the Garcia girls spend their summer?: YouTube
11. Lords of Dogtown (2005)
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Kathryn Hardwick’s drama about a group of skateboarders in Santa Monica, California in the ’70s has been a cult favorite over the years, even though it didn’t do very well at the box office. Ferrera plays the Thunder Monkey among a star-studded cast that includes Heath Ledger and Nikki Reed. Besides her girlfriend’s name, her character is memorable for her sizzling chemistry with Sid (Michael Angarano). A critic from EW described the characters as “vibrant and full” and deemed the film “rare in its grit and authenticity.”
where to watch Lords of Dogtown: Paramount+
Ten. our family wedding (2010)
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our family wedding is not necessarily a critical darling, given that some of its humor relies too much on stereotypes and is, as EW’s critic puts it, “zero-calorie jokes.” That would be fair. Still, a breezy romantic comedy where Ferrera and Lance Gross (of Tyler Perry fame) get married?It’s basically impossible do not have It’s to smile at the two characters playing lovers, their respective fathers (Forest Whitaker and Carlos Mencia), and their shenanigans. The film also stars the late Lupe Ontiveros as Lucia’s highly opinionated grandmother, which is worth checking out. real women have curves Reunion alone.
where to watch our family wedding:Max
9. dumb money (2023)
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Based on the real story of r/WallStreetBets, the drama follows Redditor Keith Gill (Paul Dano) who invests his life savings in GameStop (what could go wrong?) and sparks a movement with a viral YouTube video . The cast is fleshed out by Pete Davidson and Seth Rogan, but Ferrera particularly stands out as Jenny, a debt-ridden nurse who follows Keith’s stock tips. In an interview with EW, director Craig Gillespie called Ferrera’s performance “very anchoring” to the story and said, “I love that tone of hers, that dance between humor and drama.”
where to watch dumb money:Netflix
8. Got Kick It Up! (2002)
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Buried somewhere deep in the brain of every Millennial is a faint but distinct memory of America Ferrera enthusiastically chanting, “Si, se puede!” Inspired by a true story, this feel-good Disney Channel original film follows a middle school Latin dance group and their teacher-turned-coach Ms. Bartlett (Susan Egan) as they practice for a big competition. (Of course) It depicts learning about life. Lessons along the way. EW designated it a no. He is ranked 16th out of 33 in the DCOM rankings and is described as having “all the classic ingredients.”
where to watch Gotta Kick It Up:Disney Plus
7. we crashed (2022)
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A sure-fire addition to your “WeWatched” list, this AppleTV+ miniseries is based on the Wondery podcast WeCrashed: The rise and fall of WeWork — Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway play the real-life couple behind a notoriously bankrupt company. EW’s critics took issue with the script, but praised the “deeply funny” performances. Ferrera will play CEO Elysia Kennedy (standing in for SoulCycle co-founder Julie Rice), who develops a friendship with Rebecca Newman, the ill-fated company’s chief brand and impact officer, played by Hathaway. The two actresses expertly poke fun at each other as they lean into the absurdity of the highly publicized fiasco. Their characters are a combination made in heaven (or, perhaps more accurately, hell).
where to watch we crashed:AppleTV+
6. how to train a dragon (2010)
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From the creators of shrek, this DreamWorks Animation hit has spawned several sequels, graphic novels, a television series, and even an upcoming live-action remake. It’s the story of Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a boy who dreams of becoming a Viking, but first he must learn how to slay dragons. But in a heart-wrenching twist, he ends up befriending the irresistibly adorable Toothless. Don’t judge a dragon by its appearance. Ferrera plays the voice of Astrid, Hiccup’s love interest and voice of reason. EW’s reviewer said something similar. how to train a dragon “to”Harry potter wrote that the film “will leave you feeling miles higher in every way.”
where to watch how to train a dragon: Freevee on Amazon Prime Video
Four. barbie (2023)
In addition to blowing up the box office and everyone’s TikTok feeds (thank you Babenheimer), Greta Gerwig’s smash hit earned Ferrera her first Oscar nomination. Her monologue about the impossibility of being a woman resonated with her across generations and made her clearly stand out among her outstanding ensembles. “I love it when young girls and young women come up to me and say how much it meant to them,” Ferrera told EW. Responding to her criticism that the speech “oversimplifies” feminism, the actress said her message is ultimately still important. “We can know things, but we still need to hear it out loud,” she said. new york times.
where to watch barbie:Max
3. super store (2015–2021)
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Although EW’s critic wasn’t a big fan of the pilot (although he called the cast “great”), the NBC sitcom quickly found its footing. Ferrera plays Amy, the manager of the fictional chain Cloud 9, and Ben Feldman plays her loveable lover Jonah. By season 4, EW deemed the series a “riot” and declared it a “must-see TV”. Although Ferrera only appears sporadically in the final season, Amy is still the heart and soul of Cloud 9, and for someone who has had to deal with ordinary people for a living, it’s ridiculously relatable.
where to watch super store:Hulu
2. real women have curves (2002)
Ferrera made his feature film debut at just 17 years old and gained attention for playing an East Los Angeles student pursuing his dreams. This Sundance breakout coming-of-age drama was groundbreaking with its predominantly Latin American cast and body-positive message. Ferrera’s co-star George Lopez praised her performance as Ana in EW in 2017, saying, “It was like watching a rose open…I was ecstatic with her confidence that she brought.” “I shed tears,” he said. The actress told EW that the film “set the tone for her career.” [she] “I realized that I could do what I love and tell powerful stories that make people feel noticed,” he explained.
where to watch real women have curves:Max
1. ugly betty (2006-2010)
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It’s impossible to imagine anyone other than America Ferrera playing the role of Betty Suarez, the uncool 22-year-old who somehow ends up in a high-fashion magazine. mode. Praised for its sharp humor and progressive portrayal of the LGBTQ community, feminism, and self-love, the ABC comedy has maintained a cult following over the years. said Ferrera, who is the first Latina to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. entertainment tonight 2023: “Betty is my heart. I’m so happy.” [to play her again]”
where to watch ugly betty:Netflix
