Jenna Ortega’s Top 7 Impactful Movie Performances Revealed

A chilling whisper, a defiant glare, a vulnerability that cuts deep – Jenna Ortega has captivated audiences worldwide, evolving from a Disney Channel star into one of Hollywood’s most compelling young actors, particularly within the horror genre. Her filmography showcases remarkable range, blending macabre intensity with poignant drama. This curated list explores the 7 Jenna Ortega movies that solidified her status and demonstrated her undeniable talent, drawing from critical reception and audience impact. As reported by sources like Rotten Tomatoes (aggregating reviews from major publications like the Los Angeles Times) and industry accolades, Ortega’s choices reflect both commercial appeal and artistic daring.

Rising Through Horror and Heartbreak

Ortega’s ascent wasn’t overnight. Early roles laid the groundwork, but it was her embrace of darker, complex characters that truly ignited her career. Films like The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020) showcased her ability to blend into stylized horror-comedies. Playing Phoebe Atwell, Ortega brought charm and relatability to the sequel’s chaotic, satanic cult chaos, proving her screen presence even in projects receiving mixed reviews (Rotten Tomatoes, 2020).

She continued exploring genre boundaries with American Carnage (2022), a timely horror-comedy tackling immigration issues. Critics like Noel Murray (Los Angeles Times, July 2022) praised the cast’s authenticity and the film’s “lively, impassioned” take on social injustice, highlighting Ortega’s role in a narrative unafraid to confront real-world monsters. This commitment to substance alongside scares became a hallmark.

Breakout Performances and Critical Acclaim

A pivotal moment arrived with The Fallout (2021), Megan Park’s sensitive drama exploring trauma after a school shooting. Ortega’s portrayal of Vada Cavell earned widespread critical acclaim. The Hollywood Reporter (January 2022) hailed it as a “breakout performance,” leading to nominations and the film winning top honors at SXSW. This role transcended genre, proving her profound dramatic depth and emotional resonance.

Simultaneously, Ortega cemented her “Scream Queen” status. Ti West’s X (2022) became an instant cult hit. Ortega played Lorraine, a quiet observer caught in the 1970s-set slasher mayhem. The film’s critical success (94% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and exploration of aging and desire revitalized the slasher genre. Its success spawned a trilogy, underscoring its cultural impact.

This momentum surged into Scream (2022), the franchise revival. As Tara Carpenter, Ortega delivered a performance both terrified and resilient, winning the MTV Movie & TV Award for Most Frightened Performance. The film’s commercial and critical success (76% Certified Fresh, Rotten Tomatoes) proved her ability to anchor major franchises while honoring their legacy alongside veterans like Neve Campbell.

Reigning Supreme: Blockbusters and Legacy

Ortega’s star power reached new heights with Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). Stepping into the iconic Deetz family as Astrid, Ortega held her own against legends Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton. The film’s box office success and Saturn Award win for Ortega (Best Young Performer) solidified her mainstream appeal within fantastical, Burton-esque darkness. Its positive reception (75% on Rotten Tomatoes) marked a significant milestone.

While newer films like the dark fantasy Death of a Unicorn (2025) show her continued ambition (playing opposite Paul Rudd), its mixed reception highlights her selective journey. Ortega consistently chooses roles that challenge, whether in blockbusters or indie darlings.

Jenna Ortega’s filmography is a masterclass in navigating Hollywood’s evolution, proving depth and daring can coexist with massive popularity. From the raw trauma of The Fallout to the meta-horror of Scream and the gothic whimsy of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, she redefines what a modern star can be. Explore her transformative performances – her best work demands to be seen. Discover why Jenna Ortega movies are dominating searches and screens alike.

Must Know

1. What are Jenna Ortega’s most famous horror movies?
   Jenna Ortega is renowned for her roles in Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023) as Tara Carpenter, X (2022), and the Netflix series Wednesday. Films like The Babysitter: Killer Queen and American Carnage also contribute to her “Scream Queen” status. Her performance in X helped launch a successful horror trilogy.
2. Did Jenna Ortega win awards for any movies?
   Yes. She won the MTV Movie & TV Award for Most Frightened Performance for Scream (2022) and the Saturn Award for Best Young Performer for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). She was also nominated for awards for her lead role in the critically acclaimed drama The Fallout (2021).
3. What was Jenna Ortega’s breakout movie role?
   While known earlier in her career, Jenna Ortega’s dramatic breakout is widely considered to be her lead role as Vada Cavell in The Fallout (2021). Her portrayal of a teen navigating trauma after a school shooting garnered significant critical praise and award recognition, showcasing her depth beyond genre work.
4. Is Jenna Ortega in the new Beetlejuice movie?
   Yes. Jenna Ortega stars as Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Winona Ryder’s character Lydia Deetz, in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). Her performance was a highlight, contributing to the film’s success and earning her a Saturn Award.
5. What kind of roles does Jenna Ortega typically play?
   Jenna Ortega often gravitates towards complex, often dark or macabre characters, particularly in horror and thriller genres (Scream, X, Wednesday). She also excels in dramatic roles exploring trauma and adolescence (The Fallout). Her choices showcase versatility, blending intensity with vulnerability.