Join to get exclusive perks & news!

Eva Mendes's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

1-21

Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - December 6th 2024, 17:30 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Eva Mendes 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!

| © Eva Mendes

Cropped Holy Motors — 20. Holy Motors (2012)

Eva Mendes in *Holy Motors* is a bit of a wildcard – just like the film itself. This surreal, arthouse fever dream doesn’t play by anyone’s rules, and Mendes’s role as a kidnapped model who ends up in a bizarre beauty-and-the-beast tableau is... well, let’s just call it “memorable.” Her presence adds a touch of humanity to an otherwise alien experience, even if her screen time is limited. You’ll either love it for its daring weirdness or scratch your head wondering what you just watched. Either way, Mendes proves she’s not afraid to take a risk – even when the result is this bananas. | © Pierre Grise Productions

Cropped All About the Benjamins — 19. All About the Benjamins (2002)

*All About the Benjamins* is a chaotic buddy comedy that pairs Ice Cube and Mike Epps, with Eva Mendes slipping in as the love interest. While the movie’s over-the-top action and humor keep the energy high, Mendes doesn’t get much room to shine. She looks great, delivers her lines with charm, and... well, that’s about it. It’s one of those roles where she feels more like window dressing than an integral part of the story, but hey, everyone’s gotta start somewhere, right? | © Cube Vision

Cropped The Women — 18. The Women (2008)

*The Women* is a female-driven ensemble drama that, unfortunately, doesn’t give Mendes much to do beyond being the “other woman.” Playing the sultry temptress wreaking havoc on a marriage, she delivers her scenes with her trademark magnetism but gets stuck in a role that feels a little one-dimensional. Still, she holds her own against an impressive cast, and her stylish wardrobe might just be the highlight here. Not her most groundbreaking work, but Mendes makes the most of what she’s given. | © Picturehouse

Cropped Once Upon a Time in Mexico — 17. Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)

In Robert Rodriguez’s chaotic action-packed sequel, *Once Upon a Time in Mexico,* Eva Mendes plays a sultry but secretive government agent. While she oozes cool and looks amazing doing it, the role doesn’t allow her to dive deep into her acting chops. She’s mostly there to look mysterious and deliver a few cryptic lines before all hell breaks loose. It’s fun, it’s explosive, but let’s be honest – she’s more of a side note in this one. Still, she fits perfectly into Rodriguez’s stylish world. | © Dimension Films

Cropped Clear History — 16. Clear History (2013)

Eva Mendes trades in her usual glamour for laughs in *Clear History,* a comedy where she plays a con artist caught up in Larry David’s web of neuroticism. While the film leans heavily on its awkward humor, Mendes shows she can roll with the absurdity. It’s refreshing to see her in a less polished, more comedic role, even if the movie itself is hit-or-miss. Mendes adds some much-needed charm to the mix, proving she’s got the comedic chops to hang with David’s sharp wit. | © HBO Films

Eva mendes stuck on you msn — 15. Stuck on You (2003)

*Stuck on You* is a quirky comedy about conjoined twins, and Eva Mendes plays – wait for it – the quirky love interest. It’s a Farrelly Brothers film, so you can expect a mix of heartwarming moments and ridiculous humor. Mendes is her usual charming self, bringing a lighthearted energy to the role, but let’s be real: this movie is mostly about Matt Damon and Greg Kinnear doing their conjoined comedy routine. Mendes doesn’t get a lot of meat to work with, but she manages to make her scenes memorable, even if it’s not the role of a lifetime. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Cleaner — 14. Cleaner (2007)

In *Cleaner,* Eva Mendes steps into a darker, more serious role alongside Samuel L. Jackson. She plays a grieving daughter caught in the web of a murder mystery, and while the premise has potential, the movie struggles to keep things engaging. Mendes delivers a solid performance, balancing vulnerability and grit, but the film itself feels like a by-the-numbers thriller. It’s not bad, but it’s not particularly groundbreaking either. Mendes does her best to elevate the material, proving she can handle more dramatic fare – even when the script isn’t quite up to par. | © Millennium Films

Cropped Exit Wounds — 13. Exit Wounds (2001)

Let’s talk *Exit Wounds,* a Steven Seagal action fest where Eva Mendes plays – you guessed it – a supporting role with minimal screen time. Mendes is magnetic as always, but in a movie dominated by Seagal’s stoic karate chops and DMX’s gritty charisma, there’s not much room for her to shine. She adds a bit of flair to an otherwise testosterone-heavy flick, but honestly, it feels like she’s just passing through. Still, her brief appearance hints at the star power she’d later unleash in bigger roles. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped The Spirit — 12. The Spirit (2008)

*The Spirit* is a visually striking Frank Miller adaptation that aims for comic book greatness but lands closer to a confusing fever dream. Eva Mendes plays Sand Saref, a jewel thief with a flair for drama and fashion. She delivers her lines with gusto and looks stunning, but the movie’s chaotic tone doesn’t do her – or anyone – any favors. Mendes is clearly having fun, but it’s hard to take the character seriously in a film that’s so busy trying to be edgy. Still, she gets points for commitment and sheer style. | © Lionsgate

Cropped Ghost Rider — 11. Ghost Rider (2007)

In *Ghost Rider,* Eva Mendes stars opposite Nicolas Cage as Roxanne, the love interest of a fiery-skulled antihero. While Cage is busy chewing the scenery (and occasionally setting it on fire), Mendes brings warmth and groundedness to the film. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t give her much to do beyond reacting to Cage’s motorcycle stunts and supernatural shenanigans. It’s a fun popcorn flick, but her talent feels underutilized here. Even so, Mendes’s natural charisma shines through, reminding us why she’s a star. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped 2 Fast 2 Furious — 10. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

Eva Mendes as Monica Fuentes in *2 Fast 2 Furious* is the epitome of “too cool for school.” She’s undercover, she’s stylish, and she’s caught between Paul Walker’s boy-next-door charm and Cole Hauser’s villainy. While the film is all about fast cars and furious stunts, Mendes adds a much-needed dose of sophistication to the chaos. Sure, her character could’ve used more depth (and maybe her own car chase), but she holds her own in this testosterone-fueled franchise. Let’s just say she’s one of the reasons the movie remains a guilty pleasure. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Other Guys — 9. The Other Guys (2010)

In *The Other Guys,* Eva Mendes proves she’s got comedic chops by playing Sheila, the inexplicably gorgeous and devoted wife of Will Ferrell’s awkward cop. The gag is as absurd as it is hilarious, and Mendes leans into the joke with impeccable timing. Whether she’s singing about tuna or hilariously trying to seduce Ferrell, she’s a scene-stealer. The film might be focused on Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg’s bromance, but Mendes adds her own sparkle to the madness. Who knew she could be this funny? | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Last Night — 8. Last Night (2010)

*Last Night* is a slow-burn drama about love, temptation, and fidelity, and Mendes brings her A-game as Laura, a seductive and confident woman who stirs up trouble for Keira Knightley and Sam Worthington’s shaky marriage. Mendes plays her character with a quiet intensity, walking the fine line between alluring and emotionally complex. While the film’s pacing might not be for everyone, her performance is layered and compelling. She’s not the villain here – just someone who knows what she wants. It’s a subtle, grown-up role that lets her flex her dramatic muscles. | © Gaumont

Cropped Out of Time — 7. Out of Time (2003)

*Out of Time* is a crime thriller with a dash of romance, and Eva Mendes plays Alex, a sharp detective who also happens to be Denzel Washington’s ex. Sparks fly, secrets unravel, and Mendes effortlessly balances the personal and professional stakes. She’s tough yet vulnerable, making her one of the most relatable characters in the film. While Denzel obviously commands the screen, Mendes proves she’s no sidekick – she’s an essential part of the story. This role marked a turning point, showing she could handle serious drama with ease. | © MGM

Cropped Hitch — 6. Hitch (2005)

Ah, *Hitch,* the rom-com that made every guy want to take dating advice from Will Smith. Eva Mendes stars as Sara, a no-nonsense journalist who’s immune to Hitch’s smooth-talking charms – at least at first. Mendes brings intelligence, sass, and chemistry to the role, creating one of the most believable rom-com pairings of the era. Whether she’s laughing at Hitch’s ridiculous dancing or confronting her own insecurities, Mendes makes Sara more than just the love interest – she’s the heart of the story. It’s no wonder this movie became a classic. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Bad Lieutenant Port of Call New Orleans — 5. Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

*Bad Lieutenant* is a wild ride, thanks largely to Nicolas Cage’s unhinged performance, but Eva Mendes holds her own as Frankie, a struggling prostitute with a complex relationship with Cage’s corrupt cop. Mendes brings depth to a role that could have easily been a cliché, grounding the film’s chaos with moments of vulnerability and quiet strength. While Cage steals the spotlight with his manic energy, Mendes’s performance provides much-needed balance, showing she can shine in even the most outrageous stories. It’s gritty, messy, and oddly compelling – kind of like the movie itself. | © Millennium Films

Cropped Girl in Progress — 4. Girl in Progress (2012)

Eva Mendes takes center stage in *Girl in Progress,* playing Grace, a flawed but loving single mom who’s trying to juggle her chaotic life while connecting with her daughter. Mendes delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing Grace’s imperfections with honesty and warmth. The film walks a fine line between comedy and drama, and Mendes excels at both, making the character relatable and human. Sure, the movie leans on familiar tropes, but Mendes’s charm elevates it beyond your typical coming-of-age fare. It’s one of those roles that reminds you she’s more than just a pretty face – she’s got serious acting chops. | © Pantelion Films

Cropped The Place Beyond the Pines — 3. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

In *The Place Beyond the Pines,* Mendes proves she’s a master of subtlety as Romina, a woman caught between her past with Ryan Gosling’s brooding outlaw and her future with stability. Her performance is understated but powerful, showing the quiet resilience of a woman trying to protect her family. Mendes’s chemistry with Gosling is electric, but it’s her solo moments – filled with heartbreak and hope – that truly stand out. The movie itself is an ambitious epic, and Mendes anchors its emotional core with grace. This is the kind of role that leaves a lasting impression. | © Focus Features

Cropped We Own the Night — 2. We Own the Night (2007)

In *We Own the Night,* Mendes plays Amada, the loyal girlfriend of Joaquin Phoenix’s character, Bobby, as he navigates the dangerous world of crime and family loyalty. Mendes brings warmth and authenticity to a role that could’ve easily been overshadowed by the film’s intense drama. She’s the emotional anchor in a story filled with moral ambiguity, and her chemistry with Phoenix feels genuine. It’s a mature, nuanced performance that showcases Mendes’s ability to shine in a gritty, character-driven narrative. This one’s a standout for all the right reasons. | © Columbia Pictures

Cropped Training Day — 1. Training Day (2001)

*Training Day* might be Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke’s show, but Eva Mendes makes every second of her limited screen time count as Sara, Alonzo’s complicated girlfriend. Her scenes are intense, raw, and packed with tension, giving us a glimpse into a character who’s caught up in a world of corruption. Mendes’s performance adds another layer to an already gripping film, proving she can hold her own in a heavyweight cast. It’s a small but memorable role that helped put her on the map – and for good reason. | © Warner Bros.

1-21

Eva Mendes has a knack for lighting up the screen, whether she’s starring in a gritty drama or a laugh-out-loud comedy. Her career has been a rollercoaster of iconic moments, surprising choices, and a few roles that made us go, “Well, she tried.”

From heart-stopping romances to action-packed adventures, her filmography is as diverse as it is entertaining. But which roles truly stood the test of time, and which ones are better left in the archives? Let’s dive in and find out—because ranking movie roles is serious business (and a lot of fun).

Facebook X Reddit WhatsApp Copy URL

Eva Mendes has a knack for lighting up the screen, whether she’s starring in a gritty drama or a laugh-out-loud comedy. Her career has been a rollercoaster of iconic moments, surprising choices, and a few roles that made us go, “Well, she tried.”

From heart-stopping romances to action-packed adventures, her filmography is as diverse as it is entertaining. But which roles truly stood the test of time, and which ones are better left in the archives? Let’s dive in and find out—because ranking movie roles is serious business (and a lot of fun).