Already known by pretty much anyone who has a Netflix account, Natasha Lyonne has graced the screens of film and television lovers and critics alike. Primarily recognized for playing Nicky Nichols on Netflix's hit comedy-drama series Orange Is the New Black, Lyonne has actively worked in the business as a director, writer, and producer. Back in 1986, she was also signed by the Ford Modeling Agency and cast as Opal on Pee-wee's Playhouse.
Lyonne's undeniable talent is backed up by her nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014, in addition to her two-time Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. While her directorial debut began in 2017, creating the short film Cabiria, Charity, Charlotte, it opened up doors for her series Russian Doll to become acquired by Netflix, ordering eight episodes of the series' first season. This led to her and Maya Rudolph co-founding their production company Animal Pictures in 2018.
With a number of upcoming projects slated to release soon, here's a layout of Natasha Lyonne's best performances.
Updated May 15th, 2023: If you enjoy watching the acting brilliance of Natasha Lyonne, you'll be happy to know this article has been updated with additional content by Darren Gigool.
10 Blade: Trinity
A grim and dark vampire story is presented in Blade: Trinity, which concluded Wesley Snipes' vampire-hunter journey under the direction of David S. Goyer. This film ventured into the murkier territory of the horror-action genre, introducing an ensemble cast that included Natasha Lyonne in the role of scientist Sommerfield.
Sommerfield, portrayed by Lyonne, was a sight-impaired biophysicist who collaborated with the Nightstalkers to develop a vampire-eradicating virus. Lyonne, in her supporting role, left a profound mark. The testosterone-heavy, grim setting was counterbalanced by her, bringing a touch of humanity to the vampire-slaying team.
Lyonne's performance was deep and layered, infusing Sommerfield's character with depth. The role of the visually impaired scientist was brought to life by Lyonne in a way that felt real, from the authentic 'non-seeing' gaze to the subtle changes in her actions. In the scene where the 'Daystar' virus was introduced by Lyonne's character, her performance stood out, highlighting her character's intelligence and determination.
9 Show Dogs
Show Dogs is a light-hearted comedy suited for families, directed by Raja Gosnell. The narrative unfolds in the glamorous universe of dog shows and focuses on Max, a police dog. Max teams up with Frank, a human FBI agent played by Will Arnett, to save a baby panda. The film's humor-centric premise is set around the antics in the world of canine pageantry, serving an audience seeking pure and harmless fun.
Natasha Lyonne brought her distinctive comedic timing and lively screen presence to the role of Mattie, a dog handler and groomer. Mattie is a key figure in the narrative, despite not being the main character. Her duties involve prepping Max for the show and ensuring his smooth integration among the more sophisticated competitors who are part of the show. Mattie's character is a mix of passion, determination, and humor, with her wit enhancing the film's light-hearted ambiance.
8 Antibirth
Antibirth is a horror film penned and directed by Danny Perez. The story paints a creepy picture encompassing substance abuse, alien abduction, and an unexpected pregnancy, all set in a desolate, grim Midwestern town. The film's unsettling tone comes from the blend of horror, dark humor, and social commentary, leaving an indelible mark on the viewers.
In Antibirth, Natasha Lyonne plays the lead role of Lou, a party-loving woman with a cynical view of life. Lyonne's raw portrayal makes Lou a character who's simultaneously carefree and tragic. Lou's vulnerability, hidden beneath her tough exterior, is artfully unveiled by Lyonne. As Lou's situation grows increasingly strange, Lyonne exhibits a wide range of emotions, ranging from defiant resilience to pure terror.
7 Orange Is the New Black
Lyonne plays Nicole (Nicky) Nichols, an inmate at a Maximum Security Prison who routinely interacts with the other female inmates on the series Orange Is the New Black, which arguably helped launch the Netflix brand alongside House of Cards. After becoming cellmates and great friends with the protagonist Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling), we learn that Nicky comes from a wealthy family and is currently struggling with drugs, combined with the fallout from her dysfunctional family. It's a street-smart, fun, and engaging performance that always steals the scenes she's in.
6 Sleeping With Other People
Sleeping With Other People is one of those films that makes running into an ex-lover awkward and fully uncomfortable. After participating in a one-night stand (12 years prior), Jake (Jason Sudeikis) and Lainey (Alison Brie) have an out-of-the-blue run-in, where they try to begin a platonic relationship with one another. Lyonne plays the character of Kara, the best friend of Lainey and the one who convinces her to sleep with a variety of people, in order to get over a past lover. Lyonne definitely excels in the always underrated best friend roles in romantic comedies.
5 Russian Doll
Starring in Russian Doll as Nadia Vulvokov, Natasha Lyonne is also doubled credited as a co-creator of the show, along with Amy Poehler, in addition to her standing as a writer and director for the Netflix original series. While caught in a mysterious time loop, in the midst of a New York City party, Nadia consecutively dies, as she repeats her final moments Nadia sets out to learn what is happening to her. It's a charming performance that reminded the world of Lyonne's brilliant comedic timing and leading lady potential.
4 American Pie
Focusing on five classmates who all attend East Great Falls High school, the teenage boys of American Pie create a pact to lose their virginity by prom night, before they all graduate. Lyonne portrays Jessica, Vicky's sexually experienced friend who helps Vicky and Kevin with their relationship. As Jessica teaches Vicky about sex, she also conveys to Kevin his role in the encounter (i.e orgasms). Although her role in the film is limited, she makes her presence know by the unapologetic, extremely sexually comfortable aura that she gives off.
3 The Slums of Beverly Hills
Curious about sexuality and crushes, a teenaged Vivian is growing into her adult body and begins to feel uncomfortable being around her family, due to fears that they will embarrass her around her neighbor (who's also her crush). As her cousin (Marisa Tomei) aids her uncle (Alan Arkin) in raising Vivian and her brothers, the family makes the move to a cheap Beverly Hills apartment, so that she and her brothers can attend the more respective schools that the town provides in the delightful film The Slums of Beverly Hills, a still underrated comedy with a wonderful early performance from Lyonne.
2 But I'm a Cheerleader
Overachieving in both school and cheerleading, Megan (Natasha Lyonne) is painted as the stereotypical American girl who has it all in the great offbeat comedy But I'm a Cheerleader. While she has a handsome, star football-playing boyfriend (who she's obviously not that into), her parents come to the conclusion that she must be gay. Because they're completely awful in punishing her, if she decided to come out to them over time or not, they send her to a conversion camp, meant to alter her sexual orientation. During her time at True Directions, she begins to have feelings for Graham (an excellent Clea DuVall), one of the girls there who is unapologetic about her sexuality.
1 Everyone Says I Love You
D.J. (Natasha Lyonne) has to deal with her problematic extended family after the divorce of her parents, wealthy Manhattanites Joe (Woody Allen) and Steffi (Goldie Hawn), in Everyone Says I Love You. As the family gears up for the wedding of her half-sister, Skylar (Drew Barrymore), and her fiancé, Holden (Edward Norton), things begin to take a turn for the worst once Charlie (Tim Roth), the man with an extensive criminal past, enters the circle. All while this family drama is front and center, a separated Joe finds love with Von (Julia Roberts) during a European trip. It's a wild, complicated comedy with surprising bursts of musical numbers, and Lyonne shines.