Kristen Wiig is an actress who was born in Canandaigua, New York, on August 22, 1973. After several small roles in TV and movies, Wiig joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2005. Her fun characters and excellent comedic timing on the sketch show brought her popularity and several acting opportunities. Since leaving the show, she has had a variety of movie and TV roles that show her wide range of talents in both comedy and drama. She has also shown her talents as a writer, co-writing the script for her major hit, Bridesmaids. Here’s a ranking of her best performances.

9 Whip It (2009)

Whip It, Drew Barrymore’s 2009 directorial debut, focuses on teenager Bliss (Elliot Page) who joins a roller derby team in this underrated women's sports movie. The movie is packed with a great cast, and Wiig manages to stand out with her small role as Maggie Mayhem, a member of the team. While funny and tough, she also shows her softer side in a sweet moment with Bliss, who is upset and staying at Maggie’s house when her parents want her off the team. Maggie talks openly with Bliss and gives her the perspective of a parent, which brings an emotional note to the movie.

8 Adventureland (2009)

Greg Mottola’s 2009 movie Adventureland follows college graduate James (Jesse Eisenberg) and his experiences working at the Adventureland theme park for the summer. Though Wiig’s role in the movie is a small one, she again shows just how much she can do with a little. As the co-owner of the theme park with frequent co-star and friend, Bill Hader, Wiig steals every scene she’s in, and creates the movie’s funniest moments.

7 Ghostbusters (2016)

Paul Feig directed this 2016 Ghostbusters reboot that saw four women, led by Kristen Wiig’s Erin, take on ghosts in New York. Though the film didn’t do well with critics or at the box office, it must be said that the performances, including Wiig’s, are the best part of the movie. As disgruntled academic Erin, Wiig brings to life the tension between her and former friend Abby (Melissa McCarthy), and the joy of their reunion. She’s a relatable woman turned into a hero, and she delivers humor with ease.

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6 Despicable Me (2013-Present)

Wiig first appeared as Lucy in Despicable Me 2, a 2013 film directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin. Her role as Gru’s (Steve Carell) love interest and eventual wife let her show off her talents as a voice actress. She is lively and fun as Lucy, making a joyful, loving character with just her voice. She brings life to action scenes and a gentle, emotional heart to family scenes, and makes a worthy addition to the series. Wiig is set to return for the upcoming fourth film, giving her another chance to shine.

5 The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)

A dramatic role in Marielle Heller’s 2015 The Diary of a Teenage Girl might seem like an odd choice for Wiig, but she demonstrates her talents as the mother of teenage Minnie (Bel Powley), who experiences her sexual awakening in the film. Wiig’s character Charlotte is a Bohemian librarian filled with anger and sadness, which Wiig balances well in her performance. She captures the complexity of the character, especially when she discovers that her daughter slept with her own boyfriend. Even with the film’s emphasis on Minnie, Wiig infuses her character with life and makes her stand out as much more than just a one-dimensional mother archetype.

4 Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar (2021)

Josh Greenbaum’s 2021 film, Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar focuses on two small-town Nebraska women who decide to go on a fancy vacation, where they become entangled in conflicts that are equally silly and outrageous. Wiig plays the role of Star so earnestly that even the ridiculous plot seems believable. At the same time, she also brings real humor to it. She also goes delightfully over the top in a dual role as the villainous Sharon. Wiig and co-star Annie Mumolo have perfect chemistry and incredible comic timing; the movie wouldn’t work without their performances. The movie slipped under the radar due to its streaming release, but it’s a fun, lighthearted watch that’s elevated by Wiig’s performance.

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3 The Skeleton Twins (2014)

The Skeleton Twins is a 2014 film directed by Craig Johnson that accurately portrays depression and gives Wiig the chance to show her talents in a serious role. She plays Maggie, who is going through a rough emotional time alongside her twin brother, Milo (Bill Hader), who recently attempted suicide. Back in their childhood hometown, Maggie must face her dishonest marriage and her own cheating. Wiig brings the character’s inner turmoil to life perfectly. Her performance was widely praised by critics and truly captures both Maggie’s own struggles and the struggles of her sibling relationship.

2 Saturday Night Live (2005-2012)

Wiig’s time as a cast member on the classic sketch show Saturday Night Live brought her huge fame and recognition. She was a major player during her seven years on the show, starring in countless sketches and stealing ones she had small parts in. Her work earned her four Emmy nominations from 2009 to 2012, and she is considered one of the show's best cast members. Her performances on the show are worthy of their own list, and some special ones are worth mentioning here: doll-handed Dooneese; eager Sue the Surprise Lady; and the chatty Target Lady that Wiig said was based on a real Target employee.

1 Bridesmaids (2011)

Paul Feig’s 2011 movie Bridesmaids, was a massive box office and critical hit. It proved that women could lead a comedy, and remains hilarious 10 years later. It also lets Wiig give her best performance as Annie, a woman who’s struggling in her life when she’s asked to be maid of honor at her best friend Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph) wedding. Food poisoning, fights, and airplane disasters ensue, along with plenty of laughs. Wiig brings laugh-out-loud funny moments and genuine emotional ones, as well, as she confronts her own insecurities and repairs her relationship with Lillian. It’s a perfect showcase of her comedic and serious talents in one excellent movie.