Anna Kendrick has been acting since she was a child. She got her start on Broadway and had her first big role in 1988's High Society, for which she won a Theater World Award and was nominated for a Tony Award. Her big break in film came in 2008 when she was cast as Jessica Stanley, a friend of Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise. The series went on to be an enormous success at the box office and put Kendrick on the radar of Hollywood casting agents.

From there, Kendrick's career took off. She appeared in Up in the Air opposite George Clooney. She was nominated for the Oscar, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award, and BAFTA as Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Jason Reitman film. From there she starred in the cult favorite Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, 50/50, and the following installments of the Twilight saga. Kendrick's next big breakthrough role was in the musical comedy Pitch Perfect.

Let's take a look at Anna Kendrick's best movies, ranked.

Update November 18, 2023: Anna Kendrick is having a big weekend, as her latest film, Trolls Band Together, was released in theaters on the same day that Scott Pilgrim Takes Off aired on Netflix, so this article has been updated with even more great Anna Kendrick movies and where you can stream each title.

10 Stowaway (2021)

So far, Kendrick's only venture into the world of sci-fi is 2021's Stowaway. The movie sees the actress portraying a doctor called Zoe aboard a spacecraft on a mission to Mars. Along with her two fellow crew members (played by Toni Collette and Daniel Dae Kim), Zoe is shocked to discover a stowaway in the form of Shamier Anderson's Michael has snuck aboard the vessel. With only enough resources aboard to sustain three people, the inclusion of an unplanned fourth person puts the entire crew in danger.

What Makes it Great

Stowaway is science fiction at its most basic and intimate. It's claustrophobic, tense, and thought-provoking, with the story revolving around a well-conceived moral dilemma. While the science seen in the film may be questionable, there's enough suspense and well-acted drama by a talented cast, to make Stowaway an entertaining watch. What matters here is the emotion and moral quandary at hand, rather than the scientific details.

Stream on Netflix

9 Into the Woods (2014)

An adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim musical of the same name, Disney's Into the Woods tells the fantastical story of a baker and his wife (played by James Corden and Emily Blunt) who, unable to have children, follow the demands of a vengeful witch (Meryl Streep) in the hope of reversing the curse put upon their family. Kendrick plays Cinderella, whose golden slipper the couple needs for their potion. The film's ensemble cast also includes Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Tracey Ullman, and Christine Baranski, among others.

What Makes It Great

Like the Broadway musical it's based on, Into the Woods is a delightful mishmash of everyone's favorite fairytales. With an excellent score, beautiful production design, and committed performances from the cast, the film is reminiscent of classic musicals from the middle of the last century. As its final act might not live up to what came before it, Into the Woods ranks lower on the list. However, it is, nevertheless, a delightfully fun watch with a charming turn by Kendrick, who is perfectly cast as everyone's favorite fairytale princess.

Stream on Disney+

8 Drinking Buddies (2013)

In 2013, Anna Kendrick starred opposite Olivia Wilde, Ron Livingston, and Jake Johnson in the comedy-drama Drinking Buddies. The film is set in Chicago and revolves around two coworkers, Kate and Luke (Wilde and Johnson), who work at a craft brewery. Despite clearly having chemistry, both are in committed relationships with Chris and Jill (Livingston and Kendrick), respectively. The couples go on a weekend trip that highlights who should really be together.

What Makes It Great

A light-hearted romp from the indie film king, director Joe Swanberg, Drinking Buddies is smarter, classier, and more well-observed than your average American comedy film. While its focus might be romantic relationships, this is no rom-com, with Swanberg opting to tell a more nuanced tale about relationship dynamics and the role alcohol plays in allowing people to be honest about their feelings. The cast is on fine form, including Kendrick who manages to make an impression, despite playing a secondary character. What makes her performance even more impressive is that the majority of the movie's dialogue is improvised.

Stream on Prime Video

7 50/50 (2011)

2011 comedy-drama, 50/50, sees Kendrick playing a Ph.D. candidate called Katharine who becomes romantically involved with Joseph Gordon-Levit's Adam, a patient who she is treating. Set in Seattle, Adam is experiencing a rare form of cancer that is upending his life. Over the course of their sessions, Katherine helps Adam deal with his illness. The film, which was directed by Jonathan Levine, also stars Seth Rogen, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Anjelica Huston.

What Makes It Great

Based, in part, on screenwriter Will Reiser's own cancer story, 50/50 is an honest depiction of what living with the disease is like which, among other things, is a good basis for humor here. With a great script, and magnificent performances from the cast, particularly Gordon Levitt, Kendrick, and Rogen, the film manages to find the right tonal balance between comedy and tragedy and, in doing so, tells a beautiful story about a dark yet very human experience. Furthermore, the chemistry between the two romantic leads is simply winning.

Stream on Prime Video

6 Happy Christmas (2014)

Happy Christmas reunites Kendrick with frequent collaborator Joe Swanbeg for a surprisingly good holiday film that deserves more attention. Kendrick plays Jenny, an irresponsible 20-something who arrives in Chicago to move in with her brother Jeff (Swanberg himself) and his wife Kelly (Melanie Lynskey). Her boisterous personality disrupts the couple's previously cozy and quiet home. Jenny and her friend Carson (Lena Dunham) plot to makeover Kelly's life — with or without her approval.

What Makes it Great?

It's hard to make a Christmas movie that stands out, but with Swanberg's magic touch, Happy Christmas is a smart, funny, and original holiday film that makes good use of its talented stars. Yet again, the cast improvised most of their dialogue, which gives a very authentic and honest touch to the drama. While each player is great, it's Kendrick who ultimately steals the show with a hilarious and enigmatic performance as a truly dysfunctional character. Undoubtedly, Happy Christmas won't be everyone's idea of a good Christmas film, but it's hard to deny its accuracy.

Stream on Paramount+

5 A Simple Favor (2018)

A Simple Favor is a 2018 film based on the novel of the same name by Darcey Bell. Anna Kendrick plays Stephanie, a mom and small-town vlogger who becomes friends with the glamorous Emily, played by Blake Lively. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie tries to solve the case and gets into a world of mystery and crime that is way over her head or journalistic skills. When Emily's drowned body is uncovered, Stephanie dives further into the history of Emily and her life. Directed by Paul Fieg, the film also stars Henry Golding, Linda Cardellini, Andrew Rannells, Jean Smart, and Rupert Friend.

What Makes It Great

With an intriguing premise, flashes of dark comedy, and a healthy dose of suspense, A Simple Favor remains a stylish and delightfully effective thriller. Criminally underrated, it features one of Kendrick's best performances to date as a sweet, naive, yet determined woman who finds herself at the center of a dark mystery. Moreover, the chemistry between the two leads will make you forgive the film's slightly underwhelming third act. With a sequel apparently in the works, it'll be interesting to see if Kendrick and Lively can repeat their success.

Stream on Prime Video

4 ParaNorman (2012)

In 2012, Anna Kendrick voiced the character of Courtney Babcock, the 17-year-old sister of the title character in the animated family horror film, ParaNorman, Courtney is a cheerleader and the bright and bouncy nature of her personality is at odds with the darker nature of 11-year-old Norman's world. Norman speaks with the dead, including family members who've passed away, and several ghosts around his town. Almost no one believes this though, which isolates him from his family and peers, and ultimately leads to him trying to save his town from an evil curse all by himself. The film co-stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Casey Affleck, Leslie Mann, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, among others.

What Makes It Great

ParaNorman is a children's comedy-horror that delivers on both the humor and the scares. It's a gloriously entertaining watch, with well-drawn characters, a high gag count, and a solid plot. Moreover, that's all held together by some truly stunning stop-motion animation. With a committed cast and a kooky tone, ParaNorman is an intelligent and unique family film that deserves more love.

Stream on Starz

3 Pitch Perfect (2012)

Possibly the film Kendrick is most associated with, 2012's Pitch Perfect was both a critical and commercial hit that led to two equally successful sequels and a TV spin-off. Kendrick leads an ensemble cast that includes Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Adam DeVine, and Elizabeth Banks, in a film about an all-girl university a cappella group called the Bellas who work hard to compete with their all-male revivals. Kendrick plays a rebellious and reluctant college student, Bec, who'd rather be developing her career as a DJ rather than attending classes. After being urged by her father to join the group, she finds her spunky nature is at direct odds with the traditional values and style of the group's leader.

What Makes It Great

Though there might be more intelligent or more sophisticated films out there, few are as infectiously joyous as Pitch Perfect. From beginning to end, it's a wild and charming musical extravaganza, filled with catchy tunes, hilarious moments, and a warm tone that leaves you wanting more. Kendrick holds the piece together, giving the film its emotional backbone with a sweet and rounded central performance. She would continue to shine in the film's two follow-ups, but the original is not only still the best, but the film that catapulted the actress to stardom.

Stream on Netflix

2 Up in the Air (2009)

An early entry in Kendrick's filmography, 2009's Up in the Air is a comedy-drama based on the novel of the same name by Walter Kirn. Directed by Jason Reitman, it stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a human resources executive who specializes in helping companies terminate employees. Kendrick plays Natalie, an ambitious young employee at Bingham's firm who argues that terminations can happen via videoconferencing and therefore save the cost of Bingham flying all over the country. The two challenge each other on their respective viewpoints on life and their jobs, while the film subtly explores the ramifications of the 2008 economic crisis in human terms.

What Makes It Great

Up in the Air's subject matter could've easily made it a boring film, but with Reitman's assured direction and an excellent script by Reitman and Sheldon Turner, the comedy-drama manages to be charmingly engaging from start to finish. Furthermore, the performances of the cast, especially those of Clooney, Kendrick, and Vera Farmiga, bring pathos and vulnerability to a story about one man's loneliness. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards at the 82nd annual ceremony, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress for Kendrick.

Stream on Fubo

1 Alice, Darling (2023)

The best entry in Kendrick's lengthy filmography is 2022's Alice, Darling. The psychological thriller follows the titular character (Kendrick), a woman in an emotionally abusive relationship, who goes on a vacation with her two friends, only to discover that the trip is actually a staged intervention organized with the aim of helping Alice to see her relationship for what it really is. However, things don't go as planned, particularly when Alice's boyfriend, Simon (Charlie Carrick), unexpectedly shows up.

What Makes It The Best

Alice, Darling is a grounded and harrowing portrait of what it's like to be in a psychologically abusive relationship and how an abuser's grip can be so tight that it's difficult to leave. The film's honesty makes it more terrifying than many horror films, with director Mary Nighy doing an excellent job of building up tension to create some edge-of-your-seat moments. It's dark, twisted, and uncomfortable to watch at times, but Alice, Darling is a story that feels urgent. Kendrick delivers a career-best performance here as a woman in denial about her boyfriend's abusive nature. Alice is tortured, wounded, and confused, and Kendrick expertly conveys all the character's conflicting emotions in a psychological thriller that really does thrill.

Stream on Starz