Jenna Ortega Movies and TV Shows: Her Best Performances So Far

If you have watched Wednesday on Netflix, you probably recognize Jenna Ortega. Her performance as Wednesday Addams made her a familiar face to viewers around the world. But there is much more to her acting career than one popular series.

From horror movies like Scream to emotional dramas such as The Fallout, Ortega has taken on a wide range of roles. She started acting when she was young and gradually worked her way into bigger projects. Some of her performances are dark and intense, while others show her lighter, more playful side.

In this guide to Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows, we will look at her most memorable roles, the stories behind them, and a few titles worth watching if you are new to her work.

Jenna Ortega Movies and TV Shows Worth Watching

Ortega has appeared in films and television series across several genres. Horror has become an important part of her career, but her earlier work shows that she can do much more than play characters in frightening situations.

1. Wednesday (2022–present)

For many fans, Wednesday is the first title that comes to mind when they hear Jenna Ortega’s name. She plays Wednesday Addams, a teenager who attends Nevermore Academy and becomes involved in a series of strange mysteries.

Wednesday is intelligent, independent, and rarely interested in following the crowd. Ortega brings these qualities to life without making the character feel like a copy of other fictional detectives.

The show’s mix of mystery, dark humor, and supernatural elements makes it an enjoyable choice for fans of unusual stories. Ortega’s performance is a major reason the series became such a talking point.

2. Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023)

If you prefer horror, the Scream movies are worth adding to your watchlist. Ortega plays Tara Carpenter, a young woman who becomes a target of the masked killer known as Ghostface.

The films combine suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. Tara is not simply a character waiting to be rescued; she has her own fears, relationships, and reasons to keep fighting.

Ortega’s performance helped introduce her to a wider horror audience. Scream VI continues Tara’s story as she and the other survivors face another dangerous chapter.

3. The Fallout (2021)

Not every memorable Jenna Ortega performance involves a supernatural mystery or a masked killer. In The Fallout, she plays Vada Cavell, a teenager dealing with the emotional aftermath of a school shooting.

The film focuses on grief, friendship, and the different ways people respond to trauma. Its story is quieter than her horror projects, but that is exactly what makes it powerful.

Ortega gives Vada a believable mix of confusion, sadness, and vulnerability. Anyone interested in seeing her dramatic acting beyond mainstream horror should consider watching this film.

4. X (2022)

In the horror film X, Ortega plays Lorraine, a young woman involved in a film crew’s unsettling trip to a remote property in Texas.

The movie builds tension gradually before moving into more disturbing territory. It draws on classic slasher films while creating its own uncomfortable atmosphere.

This is a darker choice than Wednesday and contains graphic violence and adult themes. Still, it offers another example of Ortega’s experience with challenging horror roles.

5. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Ortega reunited with director Tim Burton for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, playing Astrid Deetz, the daughter of Lydia Deetz.

Astrid becomes involved in a supernatural adventure that brings the strange world of the afterlife into her life. The movie combines dark comedy, fantasy, and the unusual visual style associated with Burton’s work.

It is a good option for viewers who enjoy quirky supernatural stories but want something different from a traditional horror movie.

Jenna Ortega’s Most Popular TV Shows

Her film roles receive plenty of attention, but television played an important part in building Ortega’s career.

Stuck in the Middle (2016–2018)

In this Disney Channel comedy, Ortega plays Harley Diaz, an inventive middle child growing up in a large family.

Harley often uses her creativity to solve everyday problems, although her plans do not always work out as expected. The show has a lighter tone than Ortega’s later projects and is a good choice for family viewing.

You (2019)

Ortega appears in the second season of You as Ellie Alves, a smart teenager living in Los Angeles. She becomes connected to Joe Goldberg, whose friendly appearance hides a dangerous personality.

Ellie is independent and quick-thinking, and her storyline adds another layer of tension to the series. Fans who enjoy psychological thrillers may find this role especially interesting.

Jane the Virgin (2014–2019)

Before becoming a leading star, Ortega played young Jane Villanueva in Jane the Virgin. The series follows Jane’s life as she deals with family relationships, romance, and unexpected changes.

Although this was a supporting role, it was an important part of her early television career.

Other Television and Voice Roles

Ortega has also worked on projects that younger audiences may remember. She played Darcy in Richie Rich and voiced Princess Isabel in Disney’s animated series Elena of Avalor.

She later voiced Brooklynn in Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, an animated adventure about young people facing dangerous dinosaurs.

These projects show that her career extends beyond live-action dramas and horror films.

Which Jenna Ortega Movie or Show Should You Watch First?

The best place to start depends on what you enjoy watching.

• For mystery and supernatural drama: Start with Wednesday.
• For horror: Watch Scream and then Scream VI.
• For a serious, emotional story: Choose The Fallout.
• For dark comedy and fantasy: Try Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
• For family entertainment: Give Stuck in the Middle a try.
• For psychological suspense: Watch her storyline in You.

You do not have to watch everything in release order. Pick a genre you enjoy and explore her other performances from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jenna Ortega most famous for?

She is widely recognized for playing Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday. Her roles in the Scream films have also helped establish her as a popular horror actress.

What was Jenna Ortega’s first major television role?

One of her early notable roles was young Jane Villanueva in Jane the Virgin. She later gained wider recognition through Stuck in the Middle.

Is Jenna Ortega only a horror actress?

No. Although she is well known for horror, she has also appeared in family comedies, animated series, supernatural adventures, and serious dramas.

Final Thoughts

Jenna Ortega has built an interesting career by taking on characters that are very different from one another. Wednesday Addams may be her most recognizable role, but films like The Fallout and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice show other sides of her acting.

If you are exploring Jenna Ortega movies and TV shows for the first time, start with the project that best matches your taste. You may discover that her most memorable performance is not necessarily the one you expected.