Ranking All Rachel Zegler Movies from Lowest to Highest Quality

Warning: This article includes spoilers for Y2K!

Rachel Zegler: Rising Star in Hollywood
Since her striking debut in West Side Story (2021), Rachel Zegler has emerged as a formidable talent in the entertainment industry. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on May 3, 2001, she initially garnered attention through her YouTube channel, where she showcased her singing abilities. Zegler’s journey to fame began when she submitted videos on Twitter for an open casting call to find a new Maria in Spielberg’s iconic revival of West Side Story.
While the film was a commercial disappointment, it received acclaim from critics and audiences alike, catapulting Zegler into the limelight. Since then, she has been cast in an array of lead roles across multiple genres, often showcasing her remarkable vocal talent. However, not every project has matched her previous successes, with various films varying significantly in critical reception.

Critical Reception of Zegler’s Films

Title
Tomatometer
Popcornmeter

Shazam! Fury of the Gods
49%
85%

Spellbound
45%
53%

Y2K
43%
51%

Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
64%
89%

West Side Story
91%
93%

Rotten Tomatoes Scores as of 12/8/2024

5 Shazam! Fury Of The Gods (2023)
Rachel Zegler as Anthea
Among Rachel Zegler’s filmography, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is often considered the weakest entry—not due to her performance, which is commendable, but because of the film’s overall execution. Despite boasting a talented cast, the sequel struggled to deliver a compelling experience. Critics note that while the film contained components of a successful production, it ultimately resulted in a forgettable narrative.
The movie seems to target a younger audience, potentially leaving adult viewers feeling underwhelmed. The humor fails to resonate like it did in the original installment, coming off as immature rather than the clever wit many expected. Visually, although the special effects are adequate, they don’t elevate the film within the superhero genre. One of the most noted criticisms is its departure from the original’s nostalgic costume design.
Regardless, viewers may find enjoyment in Shazam! Fury of the Gods if approached with tempered expectations. Despite its flaws, moments of charm surface, though it overall ranks lower compared to Zegler’s other works.

4 Spellbound (2024)
Rachel Zegler as Princess Ellian
Based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings, Spellbound might seem to deserve a lower ranking, given its critic and audience scores. However, much of the discontent stems from backlash against its themes, such as the normalization of divorce, which can alienate certain viewers. Thus, while numbers provide insight, they shouldn’t be the sole metric of a film’s value.
This animated feature resonates with those whose childhoods weren’t picture-perfect. Its pacing can feel uneven, but it features rich characters and themes that provide depth. Zegler’s portrayal of Princess Ellian infuses the film with charisma that helps to elevate the storytelling. The visual artistry of Skydance Animation complements a soundtrack enriched by Zegler’s theatrical vocal style, creating a listening experience worth revisiting.
Despite its shortcomings in urgency and predictability, Spellbound stands above Shazam! largely due to Zegler’s performance and its artistic merit.

3 Y2K (2024)
Rachel Zegler as Laura
Y2K presents a humorous yet apocalyptic premise, exploring the chaos that might have ensued if Y2K had posed a genuine threat. The film’s reception is polarized, with people either loving or loathing its kitschy aesthetics and nostalgic callbacks to the late 90s. Those seeking entertainment through humorously bad horror tropes may find a niche satisfaction within its borders.
However, its appeal wanes among younger audiences unfamiliar with the Y2K panic. Despite trends from the 90s and 2000s regaining popularity, without a context for the film’s references, younger viewers might miss out on its charm. Nevertheless, the film remains accessible, featuring an energetic soundtrack filled with 1999 hits across its runtime.
Zegler offers a poignant performance as Laura, imparting depth to a script that struggles with its coherence. The movie also takes an unexpected risk by eliminating a main character early on, subverting traditional expectations. While Y2K lacks lasting impact, its earnest attempt at entertainment is noteworthy.

2 The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird
The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes challenges audiences to find sympathy for a character destined for tyranny. It navigates complex themes, exploring the youth of Coriolanus Snow while following his mentorship of tributes like Lucy Gray Baird, portrayed by Zegler.
This prequel pays homage to the original trilogy while reviving its core themes, resonating with long-time fans. Zegler’s musical talents enhance her character’s emotional depth, and alongside Tom Blyth’s performance, they deliver a credible portrayal that approaches the emotional levels of the original franchise leads.
Despite criticisms surrounding its PG-13 rating, which some feel diminishes the franchise’s intensity, the film stands out due to its compelling narrative and dynamic performances—particularly Zegler’s vocal renditions that captivate audiences throughout the lengthy runtime.

1 West Side Story (2021)
Rachel Zegler as Maria
Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story unfolds in the 1950s, chronicling a passionate romance between a Puerto Rican woman and a Polish man. The cinematic adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg faced high expectations, and it succeeded as a stunning rendition of one of Broadway’s finest musical adaptations—despite its initial box office struggles.
The film’s costume design is notable for its vibrant detail, showcasing the divide between rival gangs, the Jets and Sharks. Lead costume designer Paul Tazewell masterfully blends classic designs with modern elements, revitalizing the iconic aesthetics.
Most commendably, the casting strategy prioritized Broadway talent, resulting in stellar performances that highlight both vocal and choreographic precision. Songs like “America” and “Gee, Officer Krupke” resonate profoundly, especially with its cinematography emphasizing continuous shots that evoke a live theatrical performance.
Zegler’s portrayal won her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, showcasing her formidable talent alongside the remarkable performance of Ariana DeBose as Anita, creating an unforgettable dynamic. Though this was Zegler’s debut, her talents truly shine alongside seasoned co-stars.
With a commendable Rotten Tomatoes score of 91% and a 93% audience rating, West Side Story remains a cinematic treasure deserving of accolades, affirming its legacy next to the beloved original.