15 Best Catherine O’Hara Movies & TV Shows Ranked

Catherine O’Hara has established herself as one of the most versatile and talented performers in the entertainment industry over a career spanning several decades. She first gained prominence through her work in sketch comedy before transitioning into iconic film and television roles. Her ability to blend sharp wit with genuine emotional depth has earned her numerous accolades including Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Awards. This list explores her most significant contributions to cinema and television based on their critical reception and enduring popularity.

‘Orange County’ (2002)

Catherine O’Hara plays Cindy Beugler who is the high strung mother of a high school student trying to get into Stanford University. The plot follows the protagonist as he tries to overcome various obstacles caused by his eccentric family members. Cindy is portrayed as a woman struggling with her own personal issues and complicated family dynamics. This film is a coming of age comedy that explores the complexities of suburban life. O’Hara provides a performance that balances humor with the chaotic nature of her character’s household.

‘For Your Consideration’ (2006)

Catherine O’Hara plays Marilyn Hack who is an aging actress receiving unexpected awards buzz for an independent film. The story satirizes the Hollywood awards season and the desperation for professional validation. Marilyn undergoes drastic physical changes in hopes of securing a nomination which leads to comedic results. Her performance in this mockumentary received significant praise from film critics and industry professionals. This film stands as another successful collaboration between the actress and director Christopher Guest.

‘Wyatt Earp’ (1994)

In this biographical western Catherine O’Hara portrays Allie Earp who is the wife of Virgil Earp. The film chronicles the life of the famous lawman from his early years to the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. O’Hara provides a dramatic performance as she depicts the domestic life and struggles of the Earp family. This role stands out as a departure from her more frequent comedic work and showcases her range as a dramatic actress. The production features a large ensemble cast that brings the history of the American West to life.

‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2004)

Catherine O’Hara appears as Justice Strauss who is the kind and theatrical neighbor of the central Baudelaire orphans. She unknowingly provides assistance to Count Olaf as he attempts to steal the children’s inheritance. The film adapts the first three books of the popular children’s literary series into a single narrative. O’Hara brings a sense of warmth and naivety to the character in this visually stylized production. Her presence adds a lighter element to the otherwise dark and gothic atmosphere of the movie.

‘Frankenweenie’ (2012)

Catherine O’Hara voices multiple characters including Susan Frankenstein and the Weird Girl in this animated feature. The story follows a young boy who uses science to bring his beloved dog back to life after an accident. The film serves as a parody of and homage to classic horror movies from the early twentieth century. This project reunited O’Hara with director Tim Burton for a stop motion production that features a distinct black and white aesthetic. Her vocal performances help to establish the quirky and eerie tone of the suburban setting.

‘A Mighty Wind’ (2003)

Catherine O’Hara plays Mickey Crabbe who is a former folk singer reuniting with her musical partner for a memorial concert. The story follows three different folk acts as they prepare for a live television performance. Mickey and her partner must confront their past relationship while performing their signature hit song together. This role required O’Hara to demonstrate her vocal and musical abilities on screen alongside her comedic skills. The film captures the specific culture of the folk music revival through its mockumentary style.

‘Best in Show’ (2000)

In this improvisational mockumentary Catherine O’Hara plays Cookie Fleck who is a woman competing in a prestigious national dog show. She and her husband navigate the competitive world of canine exhibitions with their Terrier while dealing with personal mishaps. The character has a long list of former romantic partners who appear unexpectedly throughout the competition. This film satirizes the intense subculture of dog breeders and the lengths they go to for a blue ribbon. O’Hara’s chemistry with her costar Eugene Levy is a central highlight of the production.

‘Waiting for Guffman’ (1996)

Catherine O’Hara portrays Sheila Albertson who is a travel agent and aspiring stage performer in this mockumentary film. She participates in a community theater production intended to celebrate the sesquicentennial of a small town in Missouri. The cast awaits the arrival of a New York theater critic who could potentially change their professional lives. This film marked one of several collaborations between O’Hara and director Christopher Guest that utilized improv comedy. Her character represents the earnest but delusional nature of small town theater enthusiasts.

‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Catherine O’Hara plays Delia Deetz who is a sophisticated sculptor moving her family into a haunted house in the countryside. She attempts to renovate the home while remaining unaware of the supernatural entities residing there initially. The plot involves the ghosts of the previous owners hiring a bio exorcist to scare the new family away from the property. This collaboration with director Tim Burton is considered a cult classic of the horror comedy genre. O’Hara’s performance is remembered for the iconic dinner party scene involving a supernatural possession.

‘After Hours’ (1985)

This dark comedy directed by Martin Scorsese features Catherine O’Hara as Gail who is an eccentric ice cream truck driver. She encounters the main character during his increasingly bizarre and stressful night in New York City. The film depicts a series of unfortunate events that prevent a man from returning home to his apartment. O’Hara provides one of the many surreal interactions that define the protagonist’s journey through the city. Her character contributes to the frantic and paranoid energy that permeates the entire story.

‘Home Alone’ (1990)

Catherine O’Hara stars as Kate McCallister who is a mother who accidentally leaves her young son behind during a family Christmas vacation. She spends the majority of the film desperately trying to return to Chicago to reunite with her child. The story highlights the resourcefulness of her son as he defends their home from burglars while his family is away. This role became one of her most recognizable performances in a mainstream commercial success. The film explores themes of family connection and the chaos of holiday travel.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)

In this stop motion animated film Catherine O’Hara provides the voice for Sally who is a rag doll creation of a mad scientist. Sally is the love interest of Jack Skellington and possesses a unique ability to predict future events through her visions. She also voices the character of Shock who is one of the mischievous trick or treaters working for Oogie Boogie. The movie explores the collision of the worlds of Halloween and Christmas through a unique musical narrative. O’Hara’s performance of the character’s signature song is a highlight of the soundtrack.

‘Temple Grandin’ (2010)

Catherine O’Hara plays Aunt Ann in this biographical television film about the life of an autistic woman who revolutionizes the livestock industry. Ann provides critical emotional support and understanding to her niece during her formative developmental years. The film focuses on the challenges and triumphs associated with neurodiversity and animal science in the mid twentieth century. This performance earned O’Hara a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in the supporting actress category. Her role highlights the importance of family advocacy and acceptance for individuals with autism.

‘Second City Television’ (1976–1984)

This Canadian sketch comedy show features Catherine O’Hara as a primary cast member alongside several future comedy legends. She portrays a variety of original characters and celebrity impressions throughout the long running series. The show operates as a parody of a small television station and its eclectic programming schedule. Her work on this program established her as a major comedic talent in North America during the late seventies. The series remains influential for its writing and the performance styles of its ensemble cast.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

Catherine O’Hara portrays Moira Rose who is a former soap opera star whose wealthy family loses their fortune. She relocates to a small town with her husband and two adult children to start over in a run down motel. The series follows the family’s growth and their deepening interactions with the local residents over six seasons. O’Hara won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the final season of this critically acclaimed sitcom. Her unique vocal delivery and eccentric wardrobe choices made the character a global cultural phenomenon.

Tell us which of these Catherine O’Hara performances is your personal favorite in the comments.