10 Underrated Films by Carrie Fisher You Must See

Carrie Fisher’s screen career stretches far beyond her most famous galaxy. Alongside iconic work in ‘Star Wars’, she built a wide filmography across comedy, thriller, horror, anthology projects, and even cameos that play with her public persona. She also created stories as an author and screenwriter, which shaped several productions that remain part of her legacy.

This roundup focuses on features where Fisher appears on screen in supporting, ensemble, or cameo roles. You will find plot context, credits, and the part she plays, plus production details that place each title within its creative team and franchise connections. It is a practical guide to ten screen appearances that show her range across multiple decades.

‘The Man with One Red Shoe’ (1985)

This spy comedy follows an ordinary violinist who is mistaken for a secret agent during a Washington intelligence feud. Carrie Fisher plays Paula, an operative assigned to get close to the innocent target as rival factions escalate surveillance, wiretaps, and misdirection. The story tracks how a single wardrobe choice triggers a chain of bureaucratic chaos around the unsuspecting musician.

The film is an American remake of the French hit ‘Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire’. It is directed by Stan Dragoti with Tom Hanks in the lead and a supporting cast that includes Dabney Coleman, Lori Singer, and Charles Durning. Fisher’s role connects directly to the central sting operation, which anchors several of the film’s set pieces.

‘Under the Rainbow’ (1981)

Set at a Los Angeles hotel during the casting period for ‘The Wizard of Oz’, this comedy brings together studio wranglers, visiting dignitaries, and a crowd of performers auditioning to play Munchkins. Carrie Fisher plays Annie Clark, a handler tasked with keeping order as multiple storylines collide inside the same location.

The film is directed by Steve Rash and stars Chevy Chase alongside Fisher, Billy Barty, and a large ensemble of comic players. Much of the action unfolds inside the historic Culver Hotel, and the production uses a mix of slapstick and farce to weave in period studio details and a Secret Service subplot.

‘Amazon Women on the Moon’ (1987)

This anthology spoof is structured like a late night broadcast that keeps switching channels between fake commercials and short sketches. Carrie Fisher appears in the segment titled ‘Reckless Youth’, which plays as a cautionary melodrama and references classic social guidance films while delivering a complete mini narrative.

The project features multiple directors, including John Landis, Joe Dante, and Carl Gottlieb. The cast spans dozens of performers who rotate through sketches that parody public service shorts, science fiction serials, and television sign offs. Fisher’s appearance is one of several star cameos that anchor the film’s channel surfing format.

‘The ‘Burbs’ (1989)

This suburban mystery follows a cul de sac that grows suspicious of a reclusive family that just moved in. Carrie Fisher plays Carol Peterson, the level headed spouse of the main neighbor whose curiosity about the newcomers spirals into stakeouts and backyard investigations.

Directed by Joe Dante, the film stars Tom Hanks with Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommun, and Corey Feldman in key roles. The production balances neighborhood satire with suspense elements and uses a single street set to stage most of the action. Fisher’s character grounds the domestic storyline and intersects with every major development on the block.

‘Soapdish’ (1991)

Set behind the scenes of a long running daytime series, this comedy follows producers, actors, and network staff as they navigate storyline twists and casting shakeups. Carrie Fisher plays Betsy Faye Sharon, a hard driving television executive who pushes decisions that affect the fates of the show’s stars.

The film is directed by Michael Hoffman and features an ensemble that includes Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Robert Downey Jr., Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Shue, and Cathy Moriarty. The production recreates a soap opera’s studio environment with control rooms, writers rooms, and set builds, and Fisher’s role places her at the center of ratings and scheduling strategy.

‘Drop Dead Fred’ (1991)

This dark comedy follows a woman whose chaotic imaginary friend reappears during a personal crisis. Carrie Fisher plays Janie, a practical friend who provides a reality check while the lead character confronts both childhood memories and present day challenges.

Directed by Ate de Jong, the film stars Phoebe Cates and Rik Mayall and blends physical comedy with psychological themes. The production combines on set effects and performance driven gags to visualize the imaginary friend’s antics. Fisher’s scenes anchor several turning points that move the story from disruption toward resolution.

‘Scream 3’ (2000)

This third entry in the ‘Scream’ series relocates the action to Hollywood during the filming of ‘Stab 3’. Carrie Fisher appears as Bianca Burnette, a studio archives staffer and former performer whose scene provides backstory about casting lore and industry rumor connected to the central mystery.

The film is directed by Wes Craven with Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette returning, and it situates the thriller inside soundstages, production offices, and backlots. Fisher’s cameo links franchise history to the meta setting and delivers information that guides the investigation through the studio system.

‘Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back’ (2001)

This road comedy follows two friends traveling to California to stop a film version of their comic book alter egos. Carrie Fisher has a cameo as a nun who gives the duo a ride, setting up a sequence that plays off hitchhiking conventions and mistaken expectations during the trip.

Written and directed by Kevin Smith, the film is part of the View Askewniverse and features guest appearances from many recurring collaborators. Production moves through multiple locations as the leads cross the country toward a studio lot. Fisher’s appearance is one of several celebrity cameos that intersect with the pair’s path to Hollywood.

‘Sorority Row’ (2009)

This slasher follows members of a college chapter who face the fallout of a prank that goes wrong. Carrie Fisher plays Mrs. Crenshaw, the house mother who oversees the residence and responds when the situation turns violent inside the property.

The film is a reimagining of ‘The House on Sorority Row’ and features an ensemble cast of young leads alongside veteran performers. It is set across party venues, chapter houses, and off campus hideouts, and it uses practical effects and tight interiors for several set pieces. Fisher’s role places her in direct contact with the central group as events escalate.

‘Maps to the Stars’ (2014)

This Hollywood satire follows an actor’s family, a personal assistant, and a troubled star as their lives intersect around a new project. Carrie Fisher appears as herself in scenes that reference industry relationships and the mechanics of getting roles and meetings inside the town.

Directed by David Cronenberg and written by Bruce Wagner, the film stars Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, John Cusack, and Robert Pattinson. It films in both Los Angeles and Canadian locations that double for local landmarks, and it uses real world references to ground its story of fame and recovery. Fisher’s self portrayal connects the fictional narrative to recognizable Hollywood circles.

‘The Blues Brothers’ (1980)

This musical comedy follows two brothers on a mission to put their band back together so they can raise money for an orphanage. Carrie Fisher appears throughout as the Mystery Woman who tracks the protagonists with military grade precision and a series of elaborate setups that intersect with the band’s gigs.

Directed by John Landis, the film features musical performances by Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and James Brown, and it stages chase sequences across city streets, malls, and highways. Fisher’s character weaves through these set pieces and ties into the brothers’ backstory with a direct connection to their past.

Share the films you would add to this list in the comments and tell everyone which appearances you discovered for the first time.