Underrated Films of Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis has built a career filled with iconic performances, but many of her best roles tend to get overshadowed by her most famous films. While everyone remembers her from horror classics and major comedies, she’s also delivered powerful and entertaining performances in movies that don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. These hidden gems show her range, charm, and ability to elevate any role she takes on.

From heartfelt dramas to quirky comedies and thrilling mysteries, Curtis has proven time and again that she can adapt to any genre. Whether she’s stealing scenes with sharp wit, adding emotional depth to a complex character, or anchoring an ensemble cast, these films are worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.

‘Blue Steel’ (1990)

In this intense crime thriller, Curtis plays a rookie cop whose first big case turns personal and deadly. The role gives her a chance to break away from her earlier horror image and step into a gritty, high-stakes story. She brings both vulnerability and strength to the character, making her performance unforgettable.

The film’s tense atmosphere and psychological edge keep you on your toes from start to finish. Curtis navigates the action and emotional turmoil with a grounded, believable presence that makes the film more than just a standard thriller.

‘My Girl’ (1991)

While the coming-of-age story centers on a young girl dealing with love and loss, Curtis shines in a warm, supporting role. She plays a makeup artist who becomes an important figure in the main character’s life, offering comfort and kindness without ever feeling forced.

Her easy charm and natural warmth make every scene she’s in feel more alive. Even in a smaller role, Curtis adds a depth and relatability that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

‘Forever Young’ (1992)

In this romantic drama, Curtis plays the supportive best friend of a woman whose life is changed by a man from the past. While the plot has a magical, time-bending twist, Curtis’s character keeps the story grounded with realistic emotion and sharp humor.

She balances the film’s sentimentality with a down-to-earth energy that keeps it from becoming too sweet. It’s the kind of role that could be easily overlooked, but her performance gives the movie an extra layer of heart.

‘House Arrest’ (1996)

This family comedy has Curtis as a mother whose kids lock her and her husband in the basement to save their marriage. The concept is lighthearted and silly, but Curtis commits fully, making the absurd situations genuinely funny.

Her comedic timing is spot-on, and she manages to give the character real emotional beats amidst the chaos. It’s an underrated gem for fans who enjoy her lighter side.

‘Fierce Creatures’ (1997)

A spiritual follow-up to ‘A Fish Called Wanda,’ this zany comedy reunites Curtis with several of her former co-stars. She plays a savvy businesswoman trying to keep a zoo afloat while dealing with eccentric staff and corporate chaos.

Curtis effortlessly blends into the comedic mayhem, delivering sharp one-liners and holding her own against some of Britain’s best comic actors. It’s a fun, underappreciated role that shows her comfort with ensemble comedy.

‘Drowning Mona’ (2000)

This dark comedy gives Curtis a meaty role as a tough-talking diner owner in a small town full of suspicious characters. The story revolves around the mysterious death of the unlikeable Mona, and Curtis’s character becomes central to the investigation.

Her performance is filled with dry wit and subtle menace, making her both entertaining and unpredictable. It’s one of her more offbeat roles, and she plays it to perfection.

‘The Tailor of Panama’ (2001)

In this espionage drama, Curtis plays the wife of a British spy caught in a web of deceit and danger. While the story focuses on the espionage plot, Curtis delivers a strong, understated performance that grounds the film’s more fantastical elements.

She brings quiet intensity and emotional weight to the role, ensuring her character feels like more than just a side note. It’s a slower, more restrained performance, but one that lingers in the mind.

‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004)

This holiday comedy didn’t make much noise when it was released, but Curtis brings an infectious energy to her role as a woman trying to bring back the joy of Christmas. Paired with Tim Allen, she gives the movie a warmhearted center.

Even in the more exaggerated comedic moments, Curtis plays her character with sincerity, making the holiday chaos feel relatable. It’s a fun seasonal watch that showcases her ability to shine in family-friendly fare.

‘You Again’ (2010)

This comedy about old high school rivalries has Curtis playing a mother whose own past comes back to haunt her when her son gets engaged. Her dynamic with co-star Sigourney Weaver is a highlight, filled with playful tension and quick banter.

Curtis’s knack for physical comedy and expressive reactions keeps the humor fresh. While the film flew under the radar, it’s a reminder of how much fun she can have with the right comedic partner.

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

Though part of a large ensemble cast, Curtis stands out in this modern whodunit as a sharp and self-assured member of a wealthy family under investigation for murder. She delivers every line with precision, blending sarcasm with emotional undercurrents.

Her character is both suspicious and sympathetic, which keeps you guessing throughout the mystery. It’s a more recent example of how Curtis can steal scenes even without being the lead.

Which of these underrated Jamie Lee Curtis films do you think deserves more love? Share your thoughts in the comments!