Anna Faris is a successful television and film actor who has delivered several memorable performances throughout her career. She is rightfully known for her brilliant comedic performances. Notably, Faris was the center of the Scary Movie franchise and has worked with big named directors including Ang Lee. Faris has a sheer charisma on screen, and gives everything she has with every performance that she takes on. She completely transforms into her characters, and has proved that she is a master of comedy. Faris has been on successful television shows including Friends and Mom. Although she is known for her comedy, she can also deliver effective dramatic performances.

Faris was born in Baltimore, Maryland and had a love for acting from a very young age. Her career started with independent films such as Lovers Lane. Her breakout role was in Scary Movie, where she proved that she was a great comedic talent. From there, Faris continued to earn comedic roles and worked with several prominent filmmakers. She has acted opposite several amazing actors including Diane Keaton, Bill Murray, and Ryan Reynolds. She has proved, throughout her career, that she is one of the best comedic actors working in Hollywood. Next, per Variety, Faris will star opposite Toni Collette and Thomas Haden Church in The Estate. According to Collider, filming began earlier this year. Until further details are released, let’s dive into Faris’ best performances, ranked.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

8 Waiting…

     Element Films

The hilarious film Waiting… follows a group of restaurant employees over the course of one day. Faris plays a waitress named Serena and delivers a great comedic performance. She perfectly encapsulates the persona of an underachieving and hard-partying restaurant employee. She is brash and totally relatable to anyone who works in that industry. Faris’ chemistry with Ryan Reynolds and the rest of the cast was also top-notch.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

7 Observe And Report

     Warner Bros. Pictures

In Observe and Report, Faris plays a shopping mall employee named Brandi opposite Seth Rogen. She creates a character that is self-centered and simple-minded. At the same time, she shows us a character who casually takes prescription drugs and loves to drink a little too much. Her character is a complete mess, and Faris was the perfect choice to play her.

6 Smiley Face

     First Look International

Anna Farris gives a brilliant comedic performance in the stoner comedy Smiley Face. She plays an aspiring L.A. actress who goes on an adventure in the city after eating marijuana-infused cupcakes. Faris perfectly captures the persona of someone who is extremely high, and she is a joy to watch from beginning to end. She also proved that she is definitely capable of leading a film on her own.

5 Brokeback Mountain

     River Road Entertainment

Although Faris is only on-screen for one scene in Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, she is an absolute scene-stealer. She plays a charismatic and talkative wife named Lashawn Malone. She is a joy to watch and perfectly encapsulates a woman who is unquestionably an extrovert. She is the center of the scene and was the perfect casting choice. ​​​​​​​

4 Scary Movie Franchise

     Miramax Films

Faris was the center of the Scary Movie franchise, and proved that she was a sheer comedic talent. She played Cindy Campbell in several of the films and always delivered the goods. It was a hilarious take on the “final girl” trope in horror movies, and the franchise would not have been the same without her. She creates a good-hearted, yet ignorant, character and was a joy to watch on screen.

3 Mom

     CBS

In the CBS series Mom, Faris plays Christy Plunkett, a single mother struggling with addiction. The series is based on the relationship between her and her mother, played by Allison Janney. The chemistry between Faris and Janney was fantastic throughout the series. Faris gave an honest and hilarious performance and proved that she could lead a television series.

2 Just Friends

     New Line Cinema

Faris steals the show in Just Friends, playing a fictional pop star named Samantha James. Faris is hilarious every minute that she is on-screen and also adds a lot of physicality to her performance. Her chemistry with Reynolds was fantastic, and she perfectly showcases a self-centered pop star, who is jealous and extremely crazy.

1 The House Bunny

     Sony Pictures Releasing

Faris was the star of the 2008 comedy The House Bunny. She plays Shelley Darlingson, who is a former Playboy bunny who starts a new life with an unconventional sorority. Faris is endearing and charismatic every moment that she is on-screen. She is hilarious and delivers several great one-liners. Faris creates a bubbly, kind-hearted character who is trying to create a new life and her chemistry with the rest of the cast was top-notch. It is unquestionably her finest performance to date. The film was a box office success and has even developed a cult following.