The 12 Best Kristen Bell Movies and TV Shows Ranked!
Kristen Bell has a long and storied career in acting. She had an agent by the time she was 13 and landed parts in commercials and print ads before nailing her big role as the title character in Veronica Mars in 2004. She (and the film) received multiple Teen Choice Awards. From there, her career took off. In her personal life she’s married to fellow actor Dax Shepard and together they have two children. We love hearing her tweets and posts about how she’s juggling a busy acting career with being a full-on parent.
Here, we look back at our favorite Kristen Bell movies and TV shows.
12. Couples Retreat (2009): Kristen Bell movies and TV shows
Four couples attend a therapy retreat on a tropical island, where they confront their relationship issues. Bell plays Cynthia, one of the wives trying to rekindle her marriage. The movie also stars Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman, Jason Bateman and Kristin Davis. The film's beautiful location and comedic scenarios made it a box office success despite mixed reviews.
This film is streaming on Netflix.
11. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
This romantic comedy is about a guy named Peter, who goes to Hawaii to heal after a breakup with his TV-star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall, only to find her there with a new boyfriend. Bell plays the titular role of Sarah Marshall. Also starring Jason Segel, Mila Kunis, Paul Rudd and Russell Brand. The film was well-received for its humor and heartfelt moments, with Bell's performance being a highlight.
This film is streaming on Hulu.
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10. When in Rome (2010): Kristen Bell movies and TV shows
Bell stars as Beth, a disillusioned New Yorker who travels to Rome and finds herself the object of affection from several suitors after she steals coins from a magical fountain. The film also stars Josh Duhamel, Anjelica Huston and Danny DeVito. Interesting note: Dax Shepard appears in When in Rome as one of Kristen Bell's would-be suitors. After the film, Shepard and Bell married.
This film is streaming on Hulu.
9. You Again (2010)
This comedy revolves around a woman who realizes her brother is marrying her high school nemesis. Bell plays Marni, the protagonist dealing with unresolved teenage drama. The movie also stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Sigourney Weaver and Odette Yustman.
This film is streaming on Amazon Prime.
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8. The Boss (2016): Kristen Bell movies and TV shows
We love Melissa McCarthy as much as we love Kristen Bell and the duo together make this movie a hit. McCarthy plays the role of the difficult and wealthy CEO who ends up in jail for insider trading. When she gets out, she’s broke, homeless and hated by all. Enter Bell, who is her former assistant and the only one willing to help her out. The chemistry between Bell and Melissa McCarthy made this comedy a hit. Also starring Peter Dinklage and Kathy Bates.
This film is streaming on Amazon Prime.
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7. Like Father (2018)
Bell stars as Rachel, a workaholic woman who is left at the altar, and decides to go on her “honeymoon” cruise with her estranged father. The film also stars Kelsey Grammer, Seth Rogen and Paul W. Downs. The movie was directed by Lauren Miller Rogen who was initially nervous about directing her husband, Seth Rogen. We think she did a great job.
This film is streaming on Netflix.
6. Bad Moms (2016): Kristen Bell movies and TV shows
Bell stars as Kiki, one of three overworked and underappreciated moms who decide to let loose and take back their lives. Bad Moms also starred Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, and Christina Applegate. The film was a commercial success, resonating with audiences for its relatable humor and strong female leads.
This movie is streaming on Apple TV
5. Queenpins (2021)
Starring Bell and Kirby Howell-Baptiste as housewives who create a $40 million coupon scam. The story is actually based on a real event. Bell (Connie) and Kirby (JoJo) previously starred together in The Good Place as Eleanor Shellstrop and Simone Garnett, and they also acted together on season four of Veronica Mars (2004).
This movie is streaming on Netflix.
4. House of Lies (2012-2016): Kristen Bell movies and TV shows
Bell plays Jeannie Van Der Hooven, a sharp management consultant, in this dark comedy about the cutthroat world of corporate consulting. The show also stars Don Cheadle, Ben Schwartz and Josh Lawson. The show was praised for its witty dialogue and strong performances, particularly by Bell and Cheadle.
This show is streaming on Paramount +
3. The Good Place (2016-2020)
Starring Kristen Bell, Ted Danson, William Jackson Harper and Jameela Jamil, this comedy looks at four people and their struggle in the afterlife to define what it means to be good. Bell stars as Eleanor Shellstrop, a woman who explores philosophical questions about ethics and morality with humor and heart.
Did you know? Bell was visibly pregnant in the season two, so directors tried to cover up her belly with the usual loose clothes and big purses. Ultimately, they ended up digitally erasing Bell's pregnant stomach. Streaming on Netflix.
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2. Frozen (2013) and Frozen II (2019): Kristen Bell movies and TV shows
Okay, we admit it: we loved Frozen (and the sequel) in large part because of Bell’s performance. For those who haven’t seen it (gasp), these Disney animated films follow the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, in the kingdom of Arendelle. Kristen Bell voices Anna, who embarks on adventurous quests alongside her sister. Frozen and its sequel became a cultural phenomenon, with both the songs and characters becoming iconic. In addition to Bell, the movies starred Idina Menzel, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff.
These movies are streaming on Disney +
1. Veronica Mars (TV show: 2004-2007, 2019; movie 2014)
The Veronica Mars TV series was soooo good that they added a movie and a reboot. The original show aired from 2004-2007, and then was revived in 2019. The movie came out in 2014. Kristen Bell stars as Veronica Mars, a high school student who moonlights as a private investigator under her detective father’s tutelage. The franchise combines elements of mystery, drama, and teen angst as Veronica solves various cases, from murder to school scandals. Bell starred alongside Enrico Colantoni and Jason Dohring.
Did you know? Bell was 24 when she started out playing 17-year-old Veronica.
This show is streaming on Hulu.
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