Following a captivating journey through the realms of film and television, Jenna Ortega has positioned herself as a performer with a multitude of facets and a constant capacity for development. Ortega’s career has been characterized by a wide range of roles since her breakthrough performance as Harley Diaz on Disney’s “Stuck in the Middle” and throughout her adolescence as a child celebrity on well-known television programs.
However, it was her outstanding performance as Wednesday Addams in the highly regarded Netflix series ‘Wednesday’ that sparked her career and solidified her status as one of the scream princesses of Generation Z. Beyond her achievements in the horror sector, Ortega has skillfully explored various genres, bringing lasting significance to every undertaking she undertakes. With the imminent release of ambitious projects like ‘Beetlejuice 2’ and the continued ascent of Jenna Ortega’s star, we cordially invite you to explore her filmography and television appearances.
These appearances attest to her undeniable talent and growing impact in the entertainment industry. This article is devoted to Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
Jenna Ortega
Shortly after its late-year release on Netflix, Jenna Ortega’s series Wednesday became an instant and resounding success. As a result of the twenty-year-old’s phenomenal performance as the titular character, a brand-new cult revival arose, paying reverence to the solemn teenage icon.
Jenna possesses a bright and successful future; if the phrase “occupied and scheduled” referred to a person, it would be her. Jenna has a plethora of upcoming endeavors that her fans—i.e., the entire world—are eagerly anticipating after she recently cemented her status as a true Hollywood A-lister through her hosting of Saturday Night Live. Unexpectedly, these undertakings do not exclusively center on terror but instead span a wide range of her acting prowess. The Boston-based crime thriller Finestkind, in which the brunette will co-star alongside Ben Foster and Tommy Lee Jones, follows two brothers from opposing sides of the tracks who are forced to unite to combat an organized criminal syndicate. That appears to be quite intense!
Miller cooperating with Girl to the Weeknd and Jenna Ortega’s growth
Following that, Jenna and Martin Freeman will share the lead roles in the comedy-drama Miller’s Girl. In addition, she is preparing to collaborate with The Weeknd and Barry Keoghan on an untitled project, which, if recent casting rumors are to be believed, is Beetlejuice 2! Filming will commence momentarily for the second season on Wednesday as if that were not sufficient. Is she even afforded the chance to rest?
Nevertheless, Jenna’s accomplishments are entirely merited; for those who were oblivious, she has toiled assiduously for years. Having made a name for herself before her noteworthy appearances in the Scream franchise and Netflix’s “You,” Jenna Ortega has also appeared in films including “Disney’s Stuck in the Middle” and “Jane the Virgin.” Therefore, if you are as interested in her background as the rest of the world is, look over the impressive projects she has worked on so far in her career.
The film and TV roles of Jenna Ortega, from Disney Darling to Scream Queen
Despite not being new to Hollywood, Jenna Ortega’s performance as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix sensation Wednesday propelled her to fame in 2022. Before becoming one of Generation Z’s shriek monarchs, the 20-year-old actress was a child phenomenon who appeared on CSI: NY and in the mega-sequels Iron Man 3 and Insidious: Chapter 2. Despite this, she still managed to appear in several Disney series during the 2010s, including Stuck in the Middle, where she made her breakthrough performance as Harley Diaz. Her tenure in the horror film Insidious, however, foreshadowed her subsequent work in the genre. Ortega’s career and standing as a horror icon experienced a significant surge during the preceding year when she was cast in four harrowing films, including Wednesday, which further cemented her status as one of the most sought-after young celebrities at present.
Ortega’s extensive resume for the foreseeable future, which reportedly includes a role as Lydia’s daughter in Beetlejuice 2, guarantees that she will remain a screen presence for an extended period. Join EW as we rank the ten most significant films and television programs in which Jenna Ortega has appeared to date according to the importance of her performances.
20 Most Popular Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows
The 20 most popular Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows include:
1. Wednesday (2022-present)
Wednesday Addams (Ortega), who is forcibly enrolled in Nevermore Academy, becomes entangled in a series of murders and a riddle that has perplexed her parents, Gomez (Luis Guzmán) and Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones), for an extended period. When Ortega was cast in the film Wednesday, it was, in many ways, the optimal vehicle for her in the mind of Tim Burton. This performance served as a reminder to audiences around the world that she desired recognition for reasons beyond her status as a scream queen. Furthermore, the film’s morbid nature prevented the actor from alienating the genre devotees she had amassed the previous year.
The production, under Ortega’s direction, is a marvel of technique and aesthetics, traversing each set piece with the same audacity and dexterity as a young Winona Ryder, whom Burton also influenced.
2. You, season 2 (2019)
Season two of the critically acclaimed and darkly surreal Netflix serial thriller follows protagonist Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) to Los Angeles, where he falls in love with and obsesses over Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti) while navigating relationships with his next-door neighbor, investigative reporter Delilah Alves (Carmela Zumbado), and her 15-year-old, film-obsessed sister Ellie (Ortega).
You were the first character to put Ortega beyond her childlike Disney star persona by placing her in legitimately distressing situations (with Chris D’Elia’s being the most traumatic), but you implement that gauzy, we’re just joking vibe so flawlessly that it belies the gravity of the situation. Ortega’s performance exemplifies why she has gained such popularity among horror filmmakers: when her character is in peril, her authentic charisma subdues the dread of assault and deceit into pure anxiety. This is among the most popular Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
3. Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
Indeed, the Insidious franchise is up there with the most extraordinary horror films of all time. Significant acclaim was bestowed upon the majority of the submissions, including Insidious: Chapter 2, the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2010 debut. The majority of the original cast was reconstituted for the film, including Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne. The fact that horror master James Wan serves as the series’ director contributes to the franchise’s overall quality.
Despite being considered subpar in comparison to the original due to its dearth of unexpected elements, this generally succeeded. Jenna Ortega was a juvenile when this was published; she appeared in a supporting role as a child named Annie. Similar to Iron Man 3, Insidious 2 is among the best Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows in which Jenna Ortega appears. However, her role is so minor that it is hard to believe, considering that Jane the Virgin taught her how to act when she was a child.
4. Rake (2014)
The dependable Greg Kinnear directed the first episode of Rake, which featured Keegan Deane as the title character. The central character of the legal drama is a self-destructive criminal defense counsel who acquires a negative reputation among all individuals concerned. The program is, in fact, an adaptation of a popular Australian television series.
This iteration was discontinued after a mere 13 episodes, in contrast to the initially planned 40. Jenna Ortega appeared in a brief recurring role as Zoe Leon, the offspring of Keegan’s closest companion, Ben, and Scarlet, an ADA hailing from Los Angeles. Because she was ultimately given a more substantial character, it is among the finest films and television programs starring Jenna Ortega. This is present in quality Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
5. Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)
Despite Jane Villanueva’s (Gina Rodriguez) strong commitment to moral rectitude and her desire to prevent premature parenthood, which was a mistake made by her mother, she becomes unpredictably and unexplainably pregnant with the child of her employer, Rafael (Justin Baldoni). Amid a significant disruption, Jane is faced with challenging decisions and irrational trials that threaten the carefully planned version of her life.
Ortega rose to prominence beyond the confines of the Disney Channel with her portrayal of the juvenile Jane in thirty episodes of this lively comedy show. It is rational that Ortega would attract the interest of Disney executives; nevertheless, her performance of Jane the Virgin is notable for its intentional rejection of the norms and expectations typically associated with child actors. Even seasoned performers find it challenging to replicate her natural delivery and, at times, jubilation; she is witty without being endearing. This is among the most popular Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
6. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Jenna Ortega made an unanticipated appearance in an MCU film. Because Jenna Ortega’s Iron Man 3 role occurred so many years ago, the majority of people would still be oblivious if she were to earn an entirely new role in the franchise at any moment. In her minor capacity as the Vice President’s daughter, Tony Stark was tasked with rescuing one of numerous individuals.
Although the concluding installment of the Iron Man trilogy received generally positive reviews from critics, certain enthusiasts voiced their dissent regarding the alterations that were introduced to the source material. It is one of the finest Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows, but her role is so minor that she is hardly noticeable. This is among the most popular Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
7. X (2022)
In the first episode of A24’s new franchise, a group of ambitious actors and filmmakers headed by Lorraine Ortega, a wallflower boom operator, and self-described “sex symbol” Maxine (Mia Goth), set out on a mission to record pornographic material on a remote estate in the Texas hills. Nevertheless, the situation becomes complicated when the elderly proprietors of the property, Howard (portrayed by Stephen Ure) and Pearl (a Goth in an unrecognizable disguise), raise objections to the material presented in the low-budget movie. This is present in quality Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
Ti West (House of the Devil, The Sacrament) accomplished his initial professional milestone with this exquisitely crafted saccharine exploitation film from the 1970s. With consistently exceptional performances from Goth (who also appeared in the sequel Pearl and, shortly thereafter, Maxine) and, most notably, Brittany Snow as on-screen talent Bobby-Lynne, who boldly assaults the screen, it is both an acceptance and a subversion of slasher conventions. As the initially cautious Lorraine, Ortega delivers some of her most nuanced work in this performance. The plot of the film’s most intricate and captivating character trajectory, X, shall remain undisclosed for those who have not yet viewed the film until the initial thirty seconds of the narrative, during which she emerges from the periphery.
8. The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)
Cole Johnson (portrayed by Joshua Lewis), who narrowly escaped a violent sect in The Babysitter (2017), is placed under the care of a psychiatric facility due to his parents’ refusal to accept his recollection of the events portrayed in the original movie. Cole and a group of associates escape to a lakeside retreat, but the resurrected members of the cult follow closely behind. Once more, with the assistance of a new student, Phoebe Atwell (Ortega), Cole is obligated to exert maximal effort to prevent catastrophe.
The classic tragic heroine is Ortega’s persona in Killer Queen. Despite Phoebe’s limited autonomy compared to Tara in Scream or Lorraine in X, Ortega effectively exposes her potentially terrifying essence in this particular scene. Her performance is relatively remarkable, particularly when considering the substantial number of acrobatics and pyrotechnics that are displayed. (It is, after all, a McG film.) Nevertheless, Ortega’s ability to imbue Phoebe with personal details that ground her in a recognizable reality as she makes her debut as a leading lady at a major studio is what makes it work.
9. Scream (2022)
As the first directors to helm the Scream franchise since Craven, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett defied insatiable directors with this critically acclaimed legacy sequel (or “requel”). Twenty-five years after her assassination in Woodsboro, Sidney (Neve Campbell), Gale (Courteney Cox), and Dewey (David Arquette) convene with a new cohort of individuals—including the Carpenter sisters, Sam (Melissa Barrera), and Tara (Ortega)—to unveil the most recent perpetrator of the Ghostface heinous crime. Despite its unfavorable appellation, Scream (why not 5cream??) firmly establishes itself as the third most outstanding installment in the franchise’s canon. It successfully reunites returning classic characters with newcomers and returns the series to its suitably macabre and extraordinarily violent inception.
It is the only installment, excluding the original, to feature genuine life-or-death repercussions. The player harbors a sincere apprehension that a person might die (or be identified as the assailant) before the film’s closing credits. The mere inclusion of Ortega in the film constitutes a meta-joke. Scenes renowned for their brutality and star power in this franchise, including the icy opening in which she appeared, likely caused several viewers to ponder who this person was. “You will recognize her for far too long within thirty minutes,” the film ostensibly advises. Ortega achieved the distinction of being the initial (and sole) character to appear in the opening credits of a Scream film. Subsequently, she assumed a critical role as an employee of the franchise.
10. The Fallout (2022)
Vada Ortega and Mia Maddie Ziegler, having both survived a terrifying school assault, established an improbable bond. Vada, to reacclimate to her familial surroundings, explores her friendship with Mia and finds solace in the company of Quinton (Niles Fitch), an additional survivor whose sibling was regrettably killed in the carnage. This is present in quality Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
In Megan Park’s agonizing drama, Ortega delivers her most evocative performance to date; it combines all of her extraordinary acting skills. The fact that the overall quality of The Fallout is comparable to that of Ortega’s work is an immense advantage. Park’s film is delicate and subdued; it never pulls any blows. Notwithstanding the gravity of the circumstances, the film’s 92-minute duration enables it to sustain a lighthearted and colloquial atmosphere, inclining towards a positive outlook. Undoubtedly, this is the first of Park’s numerous significant films and one of Ortega’s earliest seminal film performances.
11. American Carnage (2022)
One could contemplate a tonally harmonious amalgamation of The New Mutants and Get Out. The preceding statement provides a synopsis of the sprightly comedic drama by Diego Hallivis, which envisions a society in which warrants are issued to apprehend children born to unauthorized immigrants and subsequently stigmatized as criminals. After apprehending the adolescents, the authorities provide them with an opportunity to serve their sentence by participating in volunteer work at a geriatric care facility. As time passes, however, it becomes increasingly apparent that this is all but a facade designed to obscure a far more malevolent scheme. American Carnage more than makes up for any lack of subtlety with its vintage, go-for-brokeness.
The film by Hallivis conjures the pinnacle of the eccentric, direct-to-video teen thrillers that were prevalent in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This is present in quality Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows. Carnage, the actress’s forthcoming horror film and the fourth by Ortega to be released in 2022 showcase an alternative facet of her character compared to her portrayals of relatively subdued individuals in Scream and X. Ortega effectively sets the stage for a character whose contorted intensity and refined comedic abilities foreshadowed what audiences witnessed a few months later in her performance as Wednesday Addams through her portrayal of Camila, the outspoken member of the incarcerated group.
12. The Little Rascals Save The Day (2014)
A rising child sensation at the time of her 2014 appearance in The Little Rascals Save the Day, Jenna Ortega managed to infuse the lackluster film with a dash of allure. To aid Doris Roberts (grandmother) in the preservation of her bakery, the Little Rascals strive to win the $10,000 main reward at a regional talent competition. Although the movie does surpass its direct-to-video budget in specific aspects, its overall execution falls short of expectations. Mary Ann, portrayed by Ortega, slots in splendidly despite having only recently been introduced in the film.
13. Yes Day (2021)
Allison (portrayed by Jennifer Garner) and Carlos (portrayed by Edgar Ramirez) enthusiastically pursued novel opportunities when they were younger. Nevertheless, they have since adopted the opposite stance, saying “no” to their children daily. To alleviate the collective anguish of the family, specifically that of their teenage daughter Katie (Ortega), who petitions them for permission to attend a concert, Allison and Carlos agree to a “yes day” in which their children’s every desire is promptly granted.
Miguel Arteta, a journeyman filmmaker (Beatriz at Dinner, The Good Girl), fills an all-too-common gap in family-friendly entertainment with his film Yes Day. Featuring A-list actors, it is an unapologetically sophisticated live-action film that is appropriate for parents with their very young children. Without using self-aware introductions to appeal to a mature audience, it achieves a delightful equilibrium between self-aware slapstick sequences and more genuine emotional beats. The firstborn of Allison and Carlos’s three children, Ortega embodies the nuanced archetype of the pretentious adolescent. Her performance is genuine and trustworthy, and her rapport with Garner is the pinnacle of the film. This is present in quality Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
14. Scream VI (2023)
In the most recent episode of Scream, Tara (Ortega), Chad and Mindy (represented by Mason Gooding and Yellowjackets MVP Jasmin Savoy-Brown, respectively), and Sam (portrayed by Melissa Barrera) all endeavor to escape Woodsboro in pursuit of New York City. Nevertheless, who could have foreseen that a new wave of Ghostface homicides would initiate immediately upon their arrival?
Whether intentionally or not, Scream VI’s gameplay is identical to that of several post-Scream slashers from the 1990s and early 2000s, including Urban Legend and Wrong Turn. This film is flagrantly absurd, if not intentionally, in contrast to the 2022 installment from returning directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, which features calculated peril and unpredictability. (In the end, what is a slasher sequel if not an identically meaningless repetition of itself that is marginally more entertaining?)
15. Studio 666 (2022)
In 2022, Jenna Ortega achieved the notoriety of a modern-day scream queen after starring in three separate horror films, one of which was Studio 666. This film, in contrast to her previous horror films, featured a comedic component. In the horror film, the Foo Fighters are portrayed in their own personas as they make the journey to a haunted estate in pursuit of album production. Ortega assumes the role of Skye Willow, a percussionist who has a profound connection to her residence. Although it is a relatively small portion of a film that has received substantial criticism from critics, she capitalizes on the opportunity. This appears in the top Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
16. Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous (2020-2022)
Jenna Ortega delivered yet another outstanding performance as a voice actress in the film Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous. The series, an animated children’s sequel to the renowned Jurassic Park franchise, follows a group of adolescents as they become isolated on an island after dinosaurs flee. It garnered critical acclaim throughout its entire run. The characters in the show have adult voices, including those of Stephanie Beatriz and Jameela Jamil, while Ortega portrays Brooklynn, one of the teenagers. The series has completed four seasons and has received Annie and Emmy nominations despite its 2020 premiere.
17. Saving Flora (2018)
Each aspiring actor is ultimately obligated to perform in an animal film, and in the case of Jenna Ortega, that film is the 2018 independent thriller Saving Flora. Young Dawn (Ortega) is resolute in her mission to preserve Flora, an elderly circus elephant on the verge of permanent “retirement.” The ambitious casting and star power of the film, which included David Arquette and Rhea Perlman, more than offset its modest budget. Ortega was incredibly composed, and her chemistry with her elephant co-star drove the entire movie. Although not perfect, Saving Flora generated a higher gross than the vast majority of independent films. This appears in the top Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
18. Stuck In The Middle (2016-2018)
Jenna Ortega’s breakthrough as a Disney Channel celebrity occurred with the release of Stuck in the Middle, which served as a turning point in her burgeoning career. Harley Diaz, the resourceful middle child of her family, is determined to set herself apart from her six siblings by any means necessary. Through her participation in all 57 episodes of the three-season series, Harley granted Ortega the opportunity to showcase a significant portion of the persona that would subsequently secure her additional roles. Ortega continued to perform well despite the series being somewhat overshadowed at the time by other significant Disney Channel successes.
19. Elena Of Avalor (2016-2020)
Consistently entertaining is an animated television series that revolves around a courageous female protagonist. Princess Elena, the protagonist of the Disney Channel series Elena of Avalor, is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding her realm from an evil sorceress. While Jenna Ortega portrayed Princess Isabel, Elena’s younger sister and a brilliant inventor, Aimee Carrero provided the voice of the titular princess. Numerous Emmy Awards were bestowed upon the series, which was also well received; Mark Hamill and other notable guest voices appeared. This appears in the top Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
20. Richie Rich, 2015
While Wednesday propelled Jenna to the status of a star, her first notable appearance on a Netflix series was in 2015’s Richie Rich, in which she portrayed Darcy, the protagonist’s closest companion. Even though the program only aired for one season, Jenna was truly phenomenal in it.
Conclusion
The filmography of Jenna Ortega provides substantial proof of her exceptional prowess and versatility in the role of an actress. During Ortega’s adolescence, the Disney series captivated young audiences. Ever since her breakthrough performance as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix phenomenon ‘Wednesday,’ she has delivered consistently captivating performances across a variety of genres. Her extensive filmography, which demonstrates her commitment to challenging roles and promising opportunities in the entertainment industry, is proof of her successful Hollywood career.
According to her diverse portfolio, which includes horror, drama, and criminal mystery projects, Jenna Ortega is an accomplished actress and businesswoman who is ready to make a lasting impact in the film and television industries. Everything regarding Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows.
FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of Jenna Ortega’s role in the film?
A noteworthy achievement of Jenna Ortega was her groundbreaking performance on the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle as Harley Diaz.
Q2: Which Netflix series contributed to Jenna Ortega’s prominence?
Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix phenomenon series ‘Wednesday’ elevated Jenna Ortega to prominence.
Q3: What can the fan base anticipate from Jenna Ortega in the future?
Alongside Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Foster, Jenna Ortega is slated to appear in the crime thriller ‘Finestkind,’ among her numerous upcoming projects.
A4: In contrast to the horror genre, Jenna Ortega’s imminent projects showcase her versatility through their incorporation of a diverse array of genres.
Q5: Has Jenna Ortega presided over any momentous occasions as a presenter?
Undoubtedly, Jenna Ortega solidified her status as a Hollywood A-lister through her anchoring role on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ which served as a testament to her celebrity status.
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