2025 is a big year for Natasha Lyonne, whose impressive and inspiring career revival is continuing with The Fantastic Four: First Steps in an unannounced role.
This string of successes is a long time coming for the actor, whose extensive film and TV career began when she was just seven years old. Whether you’re a new fan or someone who loved Netflix.
Poker Face (2023)
There’s a lot to love about Knives Out writer and director Rian Johnson, from its smart writing and genuinely shocking twists to its revolving door of celebrity guest stars who bring the show to life. What really brings the series together, though, is Natasha Lyonne’s performance as human lie detector Charlie Cale. As a mystery-of-the-week show that takes place on the road, Charlie is the only constant between every episode, and her ability to connect with—and call BS on—the various people she meets on the road is what makes each episode’s mystery so compelling.
Russian Doll (2019)
Before Poker Face, Lyonne starred as Nadia Vulvokov in Parks and Recreation star Amy Poehler. The show’s first season follows Nadia, a woman trapped in a time loop after suddenly dying on her 36th birthday, as she tries to break the cycle alongside a man named Alan (Charlie Barnett) in a similar situation. It’s a dark premise, but Natasha Lyonne’s performance balances the high-stakes drama and many story twists with humor and wit.
But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
While the film went unappreciated when it was initially released in 1999, But I’m a Cheerleader has since become a cult classic particularly beloved by the LGBTQ+ community. Lyonne plays Megan Bloomfield, a teenager whose parents send her to a conversion therapy camp when they suspect that she is a lesbian. However, despite the program’s efforts to “cure” her, Megan ultimately learns to embrace her sexual orientation and even falls in love with another camper. It’s a powerful story about acceptance and the harms of conversion therapy that was made in a time when few stories like it were being told, and Lyonne’s role in it helped make her an icon to the queer community.
Orange Is the New Black (2013)
This early Orange Is the New Black follows a diverse group of inmates at a minimum security women’s prison as they navigate their lives behind bars and contend with the injustice of the prison system and the societal conditions that led them there. As Nicky Nichols, Lyonne gets to use that signature wit and dry humor she’s known for while also portraying an addict with a dysfunctional background who later relapses. In a show packed with excellent performances, Nicky is still a highlight of the ensemble cast. It’s no wonder the show earned Lyonne her first Emmy nomination.
All About Evil (2010)
This darkly funny slasher film stars Natasha Lyonne as Deborah, a librarian running a small family-owned theater in San Francisco. When Deborah accidentally plays security footage of herself murdering her abusive mother on the big screen, the audience mistakes the footage for a short snuff film. Seeing a chance to keep the family business open, Deborah begins making her own brutal and graphic films, committing a multitude of atrocities to delight her unaware audience. All About Evil isn’t for everyone, but those who love campy, gory, and low-budget horror movies will appreciate this lesser known gem.
His Three Daughters (2023)
His Three Daughters is a dramatic departure for Natasha Lyonne, who is best known for her comedic chops. The film tells the story of three sisters who reunite to care for their father in his final days. Lyonne plays Rachel, the stepdaughter who has served as her dad’s primary caretaker throughout his illness and clashes with her sisters over her habits and festering family tensions. Opposite Carrie Coon and Elizabeth Olsen, Lyonne gives a powerful performance that reminds you just how good an actor she is.
American Pie (1999)
This classic and raunchy teen comedy includes Natasha Lyonne in a small but important role. American Pie tells the story of a group of high school boys who make a pact to lose their virginity before graduation. Lyonne stands out as the sarcastic but wise Jessica who’s close friends with Vicky (Tara Reid). It might not be her best or favorite performance—Lyonne herself has itted she initially turned down the role and couldn’t relate to the film’s content—but American Pie does show how Lyonne can turn a small part into a memorable performance.
Antibirth (2016)
Antibirth is another gory horror movie led by Lyonne, who plays a hard partying woman named Lou that becomes pregnant after being injected with a mysterious drug. The movie explores the more gruesome elements of pregnancy and the complicated feelings that come with being able to bring new life into the world. While the film received mixed reviews, dividing critics and audiences with its bizarre plot and psychedelic visuals, the performances of Lyonne and co-star Chloë Sevigny were more warmly received. While Antibirth won’t work for everyone, it’s worth a watch for anyone interested in pregnancy-related body horror.
Dennis the Menace (1993)
As mentioned, Lyonne has been acting since she was very young, and of her various credits from her time as a child actor, her small role in Dennis the Menace is perhaps the most memorable. She plays Polly, Dennis’ teenage babysitter who falls victim to the boy’s tricks despite showing up prepared with a helmet. It’s a brief appearance, but Lyonne makes the most of it, showing an impressive level of skill for her age.
Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)
Another excellent performance from her days as a young actor, Lyonne shines in Slums of Beverly Hills. She plays 14 year old Vivian, who must deal with both the chaos of her dysfunctional, nomadic family and the regular challenges of growing up. Vivian’s curiosity and insecurities about her body are realistic and relatable in ways that aren’t often explored, making her the heart of the movie. It also speaks to Natasha Lyonne’s talent as a performer that she, as a teenager, holds her own so well in scenes with Oscar winners Alan Arkin and Marisa Tomei, who play her father and cousin, respectively.
Where To Watch The Best Natasha Lyonne Movies And TV Shows Online
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