Amanda Seyfried's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Amanda Seyfried appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © Amanda Seyfried

20. Gone (2012)

Let’s be real: Gone isn’t exactly a masterclass in suspense. In this thriller, Amanda plays Jill, a woman who believes her sister has been kidnapped by the same mysterious killer who once abducted her. The problem? The whole movie is kind of a gone case itself. The plot is a bit all over the place, and despite Seyfried’s best efforts to sell us on the terror, there’s only so much she can do when the writing isn’t supporting her.

Still, she’s the MVP here, delivering a performance that at least makes you feel like she believes the outrageous events unfolding. If you’re into low-budget thrillers with a “we tried” vibe, this one's for you. But don’t expect it to change the course of cinema history. | © Summit Entertainment

19. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Look, Mamma Mia! has its charm, but it also has a lot of wild moments that are just so extra, you can’t help but laugh. Seyfried plays Sophie, a bride-to-be who’s determined to find her real dad among three possible candidates. With ABBA blasting through the soundtrack and the actors seemingly having a ball (including Meryl Streep, who gives it 150%), it’s clear that Mamma Mia! isn’t meant to be taken too seriously.

Seyfried’s performance is sweet and earnest, but her character sometimes gets lost in the bombastic musical numbers and the what-is-even-happening-here energy. Still, the movie's goofy magic and catchy tunes make it an absolute guilty pleasure. | © Universal Pictures

18. Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: Jennifer’s Body was totally misunderstood when it first came out. This campy horror-comedy became a cult classic years after it hit theaters, and for good reason – thanks to Diablo Cody’s script and a killer (no pun intended) performance from Megan Fox. But Amanda Seyfried’s role as Needy Lesnicki, Jennifer’s best friend, is something of a revelation.

She’s the perfect foil to Fox’s seductive, dangerous demon, and Seyfried embraces her character’s awkwardness with a blend of dark humor and sincerity. The film is over-the-top, but Seyfried’s grounded, emotional portrayal helps anchor the madness. If you haven't given this one a rewatch, it might be time to rethink your stance. | © 20th Century Fox

17. A Mouthful of Air (2021)

This one’s a bit of a mixed bag. Seyfried plays Julie, a woman struggling with postpartum depression, and while the topic is a heavy one, the execution is, unfortunately, a bit too predictable at times. Seyfried brings real emotional depth to the role, showcasing her dramatic chops in scenes where she’s clearly trying to process something far more complex than the script allows her to.

The film’s attempt to tackle mental health feels more like a textbook than a personal journey. Still, Seyfried’s portrayal of a woman struggling with her inner demons is haunting and believable, even if the movie itself doesn’t always rise to meet her. | © Amazon Studios

16. The End of Love (2013)

The End of Love is one of those indie films that feels like it was made for the sole purpose of being… well, indie. Seyfried plays a love interest in a very quiet, very moody drama that’s more concerned with being “artsy” than telling a compelling story. The film’s a little like watching someone’s therapy session unfold – slow, a bit awkward, and not a lot of payoff.

Seyfried doesn’t have the meatiest role here, but she does provide a calm presence amid the emotional chaos. Her ability to shine in a subdued part like this proves she’s more than capable of handling quieter, more nuanced performances. Still, The End of Love may leave you wishing for a bit more... well, love. | © The Orchard

15. Dear John (2010)

Ah, Dear John – the Nicholas Sparks adaptation where Amanda Seyfried falls in love with a soldier (played by Channing Tatum), and we all collectively suffer through a relationship filled with lots of longing gazes, slow-motion rain scenes, and heartbreak. Seyfried does her best to make us care about her character, Savannah, but let’s face it: this movie is basically just an emotional roller coaster with a bit of a broken track. Tatum’s brooding intensity (and occasional wooden delivery) doesn’t help matters.

While Seyfried injects warmth and sincerity into a role that could’ve been a complete tearjerker cliché, there’s only so much she can do when the script has already pulled the tissue box out for you. If you're into tear-filled romances that feel like they were made for middle school sleepovers, this one's for you. | © Screen Gems

14. In Time (2011)

In In Time, Seyfried plays Sylvia, the love interest to Justin Timberlake’s character in a dystopian future where time is literally money (yes, it’s as wild as it sounds). While the concept is intriguing in a "why hasn’t anyone else thought of this?" way, the film quickly devolves into an action-packed chase that makes The Fast and the Furious look like a meditation retreat. Seyfried’s role, while not totally terrible, doesn't quite allow her to shine.

Her chemistry with Timberlake feels forced, and she often seems like a mere prop to further the "time is money" plot rather than an actual character with her own agency. Still, it’s fun to see her play around in this flashy, futuristic world – even if the movie as a whole doesn’t always make a ton of sense. Time’s up, unfortunately. | © 20th Century Fox

13. The Last Word (2017)

In The Last Word, Seyfried plays a young, quirky writer named Anne who is hired by a cantankerous old woman (Shirley MacLaine) to help her write her obituary. It’s a decent concept with a sprinkle of "feel good" moments, but the film doesn’t quite hit the emotional beats it aims for. Seyfried’s performance here is fine – she brings her usual charm and spunk to the role – but there’s not enough depth to make the movie as compelling as it thinks it is.

Her character’s relationship with MacLaine’s is the film's heart, but even that feels a bit like it’s been seen before. The movie itself feels like it’s trying to be the quirky, introspective indie that reflects on life, death, and everything in between… but sometimes it feels more like a Lifetime movie in disguise. | © A24

12. Fathers & Daughters (2015)

Fathers & Daughters is one of those movies that really wants you to cry, but it’s not sure if it should make you cry out of sadness or frustration. Seyfried plays a woman named Katie, whose relationship with her father (Russell Crowe) is a central part of the emotional drama. While Seyfried gives a solid, earnest performance, the script leans so heavily into melodrama that it sometimes feels like the movie is trying to drown you in sentimentality.

The pacing is slow, the flashbacks are a bit heavy-handed, and some of the scenes border on cringe-worthy in their execution. Seyfried shines here, but it’s tough to keep your eyes from glazing over with all the over-the-top emotion that doesn’t always feel earned. It’s a movie that might leave you feeling like you’ve been emotionally manipulated – although Seyfried’s work here is one of the few things worth watching. | © Lionsgate

11. Les Misérables (2012)

The Les Mis movie: the one that made everyone ask, "Why didn't we just do a stage production?" Seyfried’s role as Cosette – the orphaned, saintly love interest – is a thankless one, given that Cosette is basically a passive, idealized figure in the original musical. Seyfried sings well, no doubt, but in a cast that includes heavyweights like Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe, her portrayal often feels like she’s lost in the chorus line. While she brings the right amount of sweetness to the role, there’s not a lot of depth to her character.

The film’s heavy emphasis on its all-star cast and grandiose set pieces makes it difficult for anyone to truly shine in their smaller roles. Seyfried does what she can, but let’s face it: this movie belongs to the other characters (especially that “I Dreamed a Dream” scene that still haunts us). Still, we appreciate the effort. | © Universal Pictures

10. Letters to Juliet (2010)

Letters to Juliet is the kind of rom-com where you can practically predict the entire plot within the first 15 minutes – but that’s part of its charm, right? Seyfried plays Sophie, an aspiring journalist who gets swept into a magical tale of love, loss, and letters to Juliet (yes, that Juliet). While Seyfried’s performance is sweet and likable, the film itself is as fluffy as a cloud made entirely of clichés.

She’s charming enough to make us root for her, but the movie is more about picturesque Italian landscapes and finding love in the most unrealistic, fairytale-ish ways. Still, if you're in the mood for a heartwarming but utterly predictable journey, this one fits the bill. It’s like a cinematic version of a Hallmark card – but with better scenery. | © Summit Entertainment

9. Chloe (2009)

In Chloe, Seyfried dives into the world of intrigue, jealousy, and questionable life choices as she plays a high-priced escort hired by Julianne Moore's character to test her husband’s fidelity. It’s a psychological thriller that treads the line between sensual and slightly unsettling, and Seyfried’s portrayal of Chloe walks that line with some serious confidence. She’s a fascinating character – a blend of innocence and manipulation – but let’s face it: sometimes, the film feels more like a series of dramatic pauses than an actual plot.

Seyfried manages to make the sometimes melodramatic script work in her favor, and she holds her own next to the powerhouse that is Moore. The film might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Seyfried certainly makes you want to keep watching. | © Sony Pictures Classics

8. Nine Lives (2005)

Ah, Nine Lives – a movie that sounds way more thrilling than it actually is. This indie film features Seyfried in a quiet, small role that doesn’t give her a lot to do other than sit there and look pensive. And while Seyfried’s natural ability to convey emotion without saying much is on full display here, the film’s fragmented, vignette-style structure doesn’t quite give her enough to work with. In a film that revolves around women’s lives intersecting in strange, subtle ways, Seyfried doesn’t get a storyline that fully allows her to shine.

Nine Lives isn’t a bad film by any means; it just doesn’t do much for her. It’s one of those indie films that’s easy to forget as soon as it’s over – but at least Seyfried’s brief appearance is a soft, tender moment in an otherwise understated movie. | © IFC Films

7. While We're Young (2014)

In While We’re Young, Seyfried plays the free-spirited, millennial muse who challenges the conventional life choices of Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts’ characters. Her role isn’t massive, but she brings the perfect mix of youthful energy and unsettling nonchalance to her character, who becomes the catalyst for the couple’s midlife crisis. Seyfried’s dynamic with Adam Driver (her co-star in this quirky, intellectual comedy) is what makes her role pop – she’s the bright spark in the film's exploration of the generational divide, and her chemistry with Driver is genuinely fun to watch.

However, it’s a bit of a double-edged sword: while Seyfried’s character is intriguing, she’s also more of a plot device to expose the existential dilemmas of the older generation than a fully fleshed-out character in her own right. Still, the film’s humor and her sharp delivery make her a standout. | © A24

6. The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)

Okay, The Art of Racing in the Rain is definitely a “heartstrings pulled” type of movie, and Seyfried’s role as Eve, the wife of a race car driver (played by Milo Ventimiglia), is the emotional core of this canine-infused drama. The film is told through the perspective of Enzo, the family dog, which, let’s be honest, sounds like a concept that could easily go off the rails. But Seyfried nails it.

Her portrayal of a woman going through a cancer diagnosis while maintaining a sense of grace and dignity amidst the chaos is both heartbreaking and, oddly, uplifting. The film, for all its dog narration and sappy moments, is saved by Seyfried’s grounded performance. It’s a tearjerker, but Seyfried ensures that Eve’s journey feels real, not just sentimental fluff. If you're a sucker for dog movies that make you sob, this one's a winner. | © 20th Century Fox

5. Lovelace (2013)

In Lovelace, Seyfried takes on the role of Linda Lovelace, the infamous adult film star who became a feminist icon for exposing the dark side of her career. It’s a deeply intense performance, and Seyfried shows a side of herself we hadn’t really seen before – far removed from the girl-next-door roles. She does an impressive job of capturing the vulnerability and strength of a woman trapped in an industry that didn’t care for her well-being.

The film itself is a bit uneven, as it flips between "before" and "after" the infamous film Deep Throat, but Seyfried's portrayal of Linda is undeniably captivating. She brings complexity to a character who could easily have been reduced to a stereotype. If you’re into gritty biopics with a purpose, this one delivers, even if the film’s tone can sometimes be a bit jarring. | © Radius-TWC

4. Seven Veils (2022)

In Seven Veils, Seyfried plays a contemporary artist, tackling some heavy themes of trauma, control, and vulnerability. It’s an artsy, cerebral piece that demands a lot from its audience – and, in turn, a lot from Seyfried. And boy, does she deliver. Her performance is layered, subtle, and powerful, as she navigates her character’s psychological landscape.

The film is slow and contemplative, often more about mood than plot, but Seyfried’s raw, emotional performance keeps you invested. She’s forced to carry a film that relies heavily on introspection and ambiguity, which can feel like a slog for some. However, those who appreciate films that challenge the audience will find Seyfried’s work here to be nothing short of mesmerizing. | © IFC Films

3. First Reformed (2017)

Seyfried’s role in First Reformed is a quiet one, but it’s integral to the story. Playing Mary, the pregnant wife of a troubled man seeking spiritual redemption, she holds her own next to the powerhouse that is Ethan Hawke. The movie itself is an exploration of guilt, environmental destruction, and faith – quite heavy material for a character who could have easily been written as a one-dimensional "supporting wife."

Seyfried, however, breathes life into Mary, subtly adding complexity to her role. Her performance might not be the showiest, but it’s grounded, empathetic, and essential to the unraveling of the film’s darker themes. As always, she proves that she can shine even in a more understated part. | © A24

2. Mean Girls (2004)

Let’s just say it: Mean Girls is iconic. And while the movie is packed with unforgettable one-liners, Seyfried’s portrayal of the lovable but slightly clueless Karen Smith is a standout. Karen might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but Seyfried plays her with such endearing sweetness that you can’t help but root for her – no matter how ridiculous her character gets. Her portrayal of the dim-witted but lovable "Queen Bee" of the Plastics remains one of the most memorable performances in teen movie history.

Seyfried steals scenes with her delivery of lines like, “I have a fifth sense,” and her inability to understand basic concepts (like geography). Mean Girls isn’t just a cultural touchstone; it’s a movie that proves Seyfried can turn the simplest, most stereotypical character into something you love to watch. | © Paramount Pictures

1. Mank (2020)

Ah, Mank – David Fincher’s stylish, black-and-white ode to Hollywood’s golden age. Seyfried plays the legendary Marion Davies, the actress who had an affair with newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst and became the inspiration for Citizen Kane’s Susan Alexander. This is hands-down Seyfried’s most nuanced and complex role to date. Her portrayal of Davies is both captivating and heartbreaking, a woman who has to navigate the treacherous waters of love, loyalty, and power in a time where her voice often went unheard.

Seyfried’s performance is radiant, pulling off the mix of charm, wit, and vulnerability with aplomb. Mank may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Seyfried’s work here stands as a career-defining moment – showing that she’s not just the sweet girl next door, but an actress with range, depth, and star quality. | © Netflix