Top 10 Movies and TV Shows Starring America Ferrera

America Ferrera’s impressive filmography encompasses a variety of roles that reveal her versatility and talent beyond her well-known sitcom origins. Since her debut in 2002, Ferrera has demonstrated remarkable range, earning numerous awards and accolades as a multi-faceted actor. Born in California in 1983, she gained early recognition with standout performances in projects like Real Women Have Curves and the Disney Channel hit Gotta Kick It Up.

Ferrera captured the public’s attention as the lead in the acclaimed sitcom Ugly Betty, but this role merely scratches the surface of her career achievements. The following list showcases ten of the best movies and TV shows featuring America Ferrera that highlight her remarkable breadth as an actress.

10 Lords Of Dogtown (2005)

America Ferrera Plays Thunder Monkey

Helmed by Catherine Hardwicke and featuring the late Heath Ledger, Lords of Dogtown represents a defining moment in Ferrera’s early career. This biographical drama explores the vibrant skateboarding culture of Santa Monica in the 1970s. By the 2020s, the film has garnered a cult following and is regarded as one of the finest skateboarding movies.

In this film, Ferrera takes on the minor yet impactful role of Thunder Monkey. This departure from her typical roles showcases her unique range and acting capabilities. Her chemistry with Ledger is palpable, especially during an awkwardly charming flirtation scene at a party, which feels seamlessly natural.

9 Gotta Kick It Up (2002)

America Ferrera Plays Yoli

Gotta Kick It Up, a Disney Channel original, was one of Ferrera’s first roles where she portrayed Yolanda “Yoli” Vargas. This lighthearted sports-comedy-drama centers on a Latina dance team aspiring to balance their passion for dance with academic pressures. While the film doesn’t break new ground within the genre, Ferrera’s performance resonates with audiences, highlighting the challenges faced by Latina students in predominantly white settings.

Ferrera’s portrayal exemplifies her skill, demonstrating the potential that would later elevate her career. This early film marks an important milestone that laid the foundation for her future successes.

8 Dumb Money (2023)

America Ferrera Plays Jenny

Dumb Money, inspired by Ben Mezrich’s book The Antisocial Network, marks a significant chapter in Ferrera’s more recent filmography. Departing from traditional themes, she plays Jenny, a Reddit user helmed into the chaos of the GameStop stock phenomenon during the pandemic.

This engaging and humorous film stands out in Ferrera’s portfolio, showcasing her ability to shine in a multi-star ensemble featuring Pete Davidson and Seth Rogen. Although her role isn’t the centerpiece, Jenny’s character reinforces Ferrera’s versatility as an actress and the film’s overall entertainment value remains strong.

7 How The Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer (2005)

America Ferrera Plays Blanca

In 2005, Ferrera starred in another significant film of her career, How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer. While less mainstream compared to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, it is undeniably remarkable. In this coming-of-age narrative, Ferrera plays Blanca, who wrestles with personal and cultural conflicts amid the complexities of intergenerational trauma within a Hispanic family.

The blend of emotional depth and youthful romance highlights Ferrera’s ability to address culturally nuanced topics and sets the stage for her continued rise in Hollywood.

6 The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants (2005)

America Ferrera Plays Carmen

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is an iconic coming-of-age film that showcases Ferrera’s considerable talent as Carmen, one of four friends bound by a shared pair of jeans. This pivotal role significantly advanced her career, reflecting on themes of friendship, identity, and emotional struggles.

Ferrera’s insightful portrayal earned her accolades, including an ALBA Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Carmen’s narrative arc is particularly poignant, fostering dialogue surrounding race and familial relationships, ensuring this film remains a standout in her impressive body of work.

5 How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

America Ferrera Plays Astrid

As part of the successful How To Train Your Dragon franchise, Ferrera lends her voice to Astrid, a character known for her fierce independence and assertiveness. From 2010 onwards, she has made significant contributions to this beloved DreamWorks series.

Astrid stands out not just in terms of her romantic involvement with Hiccup, but also for her exceptional combat skills and bravery. Ferrera’s outstanding voice work has garnered recognition, including the Best Actress award in an Animated Feature from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, reinforcing her role as a formidable figure in animation.

4 Real Women Have Curves (2002)

America Ferrera Plays Ana

Ferrera’s feature film debut in Real Women Have Curves positioned her as a formidable talent in Hollywood. This crucial film directly addresses themes of self-acceptance and societal pressures regarding body image, laying the groundwork for her future roles.

As Ana Garcia, an 18-year-old navigating her identity in Beverly Hills, Ferrera’s performance is rich with nuance and emotional depth. Her success in this film was acknowledged with both a Special Jury Prize at Sundance and a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award, making it one of the cornerstones of her early career.

3 Superstore (2015-2021)

America Ferrera Plays Amy

In the NBC sitcom Superstore, which aired from 2015 to 2021, Ferrera plays Amy Sosa, a character balancing her role as a worker and mother in the everyday hustle of a retail environment. This experience allows her to depict relatable struggles faced by many working-class individuals.

Ferrera’s portrayal is both humorous and heartfelt, earning her multiple award nominations, including a Gracie Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The depth she brings to Amy rivals that of her earlier roles, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences with authentic performances.

2 Ugly Betty (2006-2010)

America Ferrera Plays Betty

Ugly Betty remains one of the most celebrated sitcoms of the 2000s, solidifying Ferrera’s status as a household name. Her portrayal of Betty Suarez, a devoted assistant in a fashion magazine, earned her invaluable accolades, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Throughout the show, Ferrera effectively navigates moments of humor and poignant emotion, charting a character’s evolution from naivety to empowerment. The acclaim she received for this role underlines her exceptional talent, establishing Ugly Betty as one of her signature performances.

1 Barbie (2023)

America Ferrera Plays Gloria

In the 2023 sensation Barbie, Ferrera delivers her most compelling performance to date as Gloria, a mother who struggles to connect with her daughter. Sharing the screen with famed actors such as Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Ferrera’s portrayal emerges as one of the film’s emotional highlights.

Ferrera’s performance not only garnered immense praise but also led to an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her impactful speech about the need for relatable representations of women in society cemented her role in Barbie as paramount, demonstrating her unparalleled talent through the various facets of her character. Of all the incredible movies and shows featuring America Ferrera, none encapsulate her capability quite like Barbie.

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