Best Performances by Jenna Ortega

The iconic Netflix series Wednesday introduces audiences to Jenna Ortega’s take on the character of Wednesday Adams, set with hilarious lines for an iconic character that has impressed fans and non-fans alike. Jenna Ortega’s versatility as an actor shows within Netflix’s Wednesday, 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 from The Addams Family back 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!

11 Darcy

The Tech-Savvy Best Friend That Everyone Needs in Richie Rich (2015)

• First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 3 – The Set Up
• Last Appearance: Season 2, Episode 11 – Family Tie$
• Total Appearances: 21

This Netflix series is based on the classic comic Richie Rich and 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 has effortless comedic timing and brilliantly takes on the role of a supportive yet striking character.

10 Young Jane

An Innocent Yet Determined Role Model In Jane The Virgin (2014-2019)

• First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 22 – Chapter Forty-Three
• Last Appearance: Season 5, Episode 13 – Chapter One Hundred
• Total Appearances: 21

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.

9 Katy Torres

A Fun-Loving And Adventurous Daughter In Yes Day (2021)

• Release Date: March 12, 2021
• Director: Miguel Arteta
• IMDb Rating: 5.7

Yes Day is a family-friendly film in 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!

8 Phoebe Atwell

A Bold And Rebellious Teen In The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)

• Release Date: September 10, 2020
• Director: McG
• IMDb Rating: 5.8

Dark humor and the slasher subgenre come together in The Babysitter: Killer Queen, a sequel to the movie The Babysitter. The movie follows high school student Cole, who is once again being hunted by a blood cult from his past.

In this fun 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.

7 Lorraine Day

A Complex And Ambitious Actress In X (2022)

• Release Date: March 18, 2022
• Director: Ti West
• IMDb Rating: 6.5

X is 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 the moral complexities of 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.

6 Tara Carpenter

A Survivor Battling Her Masked Killer In Scream (2022) And Scream 6 (2023)

• Release Dates: January 14, 2022 and March 10, 2023
• Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
• IMDb Ratings: 6.3 and 6.4

The 2022 and 2023 Scream films are sequels and a continuation of the iconic slasher franchise that 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 the Scream franchise, although she was introduced only in the 5th and 6th installments.

5 Ellie Alves

A Smart, Mysterious, And Troubled Teen In You (2019-2021)

• First Appearance: Season 2, Episode 1 – A Fresh Start
• Last Appearance: Season 2, Episode 10 – Love, Actually
• Total Appearances: 10

In the Netflix series You, 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 fiercely loyal character who 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.

4 Vada Cavell

A Grieving Teen Navigating Trauma In The Fallout (2021)

• Release Date: January 27, 2021
• Director: Megan Park
• IMDb Rating: 7

In The 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 addresses themes of trauma and healing and is a brilliant example of Ortega’s ability to take on complex emotional roles that require depth and authenticity.

3 Harley Diaz

A Smart Middle Child Navigating Family Chaos In Stuck In The Middle (2016-2018)

• First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 – Stuck In The Middle
• Last Appearance: Season 3, Episode 21 – Stuck In Harley’s Quinceañera
• Total Appearances: 57

Stuck in the Middle is 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.

2 Astrid Deetz

An Eccentric Teen Navigating The Supernatural In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

• Release Date: September 6, 2024
• Director: Tim Burton
• IMDb Rating: 6.8

In Beetlejuice 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.

1 Wednesday Addams

A Mysterious, WItty, And Independent Student in Wednesday (2022)

• First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 – Wednesday’s Child Is Full of Woe
• Last Appearance: Season 1, Episode 8 – A Murder of Woes
• Total Appearances: 8

This mystery series features elements of dark comedy, and the storyline follows Wednesday Addams as she explores Nevermore Academy – a school for misfits with supernatural abilities. Jenna Ortega brings a fresh take to this classic, beloved character, perfectly exuding Wednesday’s macabre personality along with the angst that’s seen in modern-day, rebellious teens.

Ortega’s performance is sharp, deadpan, and absolutely magnetic – nobody could’ve showcased Wednesday’s morbid humor and emotional depth in a better way. This led to Ortega earning widespread praise, reaffirming her raw talent and making her known as a standout actress in Hollywood.