Jenna Ortega’s Best Roles

Jenna Ortega began her career as a child actor, appearing in a number of popular television shows and films from a very young age. Her early work demonstrated a natural talent and charisma that set her apart, allowing her to build a solid foundation in the entertainment industry. She steadily transitioned from smaller parts to leading roles, growing up on screen and taking on increasingly complex and demanding projects.

In recent years, Ortega has experienced a meteoric rise to global stardom, becoming a prominent figure in popular culture. She has earned a reputation as a modern “scream queen” for her compelling performances in the horror genre, though her dramatic work has also received significant praise. Her ability to portray intelligent, defiant, and multifaceted young women has made her one of the most exciting and influential actors of her generation.

‘Yes Day’ (2021)

In this family comedy, Jenna Ortega plays Katie Torres, the teenage daughter of two parents who feel they say “no” too often. To reconnect with their children, the parents agree to a “Yes Day,” a 24-hour period where they must say yes to every one of their kids’ requests, with a few ground rules.

Katie, who is dealing with typical teenage desires for more freedom and independence, sees the day as an opportunity to get permission to attend a music festival without parental supervision. Her storyline focuses on her strained relationship with her mother and the misadventures that occur as she tries to prove she is responsible enough to handle things on her own.

‘The Babysitter: Killer Queen’ (2020)

Ortega portrays Phoebe Atwell in this horror-comedy sequel. The story follows the protagonist from the first film, Cole, who is now in high school and still haunted by the traumatic events he survived. He is an outcast at school, and no one believes his story about his former babysitter’s demonic cult.

Phoebe is a new student at the school who is also an outcast, and she quickly befriends Cole due to their shared non-conformist attitudes. When the satanic cult from the first film is resurrected, Phoebe gets drawn into Cole’s fight for survival. She is revealed to be a resourceful and tough character who plays a crucial role in the night’s chaotic events.

‘Finestkind’ (2023)

This crime thriller is set in the world of commercial fishing in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Ortega plays a character named Mabel, a young woman who finds herself entangled in the dangerous dealings of two half-brothers. The brothers, who were raised in different worlds, are forced to make a deal with a violent Boston crime syndicate.

Mabel’s life becomes complicated as the brothers descend deeper into the criminal underworld. She is caught in the middle of their desperate attempts to pay off a significant debt, a situation that puts everyone’s lives at risk. Her character navigates a gritty environment where loyalty and survival are constantly tested.

‘Stuck in the Middle’ (2016–2018)

In this family sitcom, Jenna Ortega had her first leading role as Harley Diaz, the middle child in a family with seven kids. Harley is a gifted young inventor and engineering prodigy who uses her creativity to navigate the chaos of living in a large household. The show is told from her perspective, with Harley often breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.

As the central hub of the family, Harley often comes up with ingenious inventions to solve everyday problems, from getting everyone out the door on time to deciding who gets the best seat in the car. The series focuses on the importance of family and highlights how Harley’s unique position allows her to be the glue that holds her eccentric family together.

‘Scream’ (2022)

Ortega stars as Tara Carpenter in this revival of the iconic slasher franchise. Her character is the focus of the film’s opening sequence, where she is attacked in her home by a new killer wearing the Ghostface mask. Unlike many of the characters in previous opening scenes, Tara survives the brutal assault.

Her attack brings her estranged older sister, Sam, back to their hometown of Woodsboro. Tara spends much of the film recovering in the hospital, but she and her group of friends become the new targets of Ghostface. She is shown to be a resilient and knowledgeable horror fan who uses her wits to fight back against the killer.

‘Scream VI’ (2023)

In this direct sequel, Jenna Ortega reprises her role as Tara Carpenter. She and her sister Sam, along with the other survivors of the last Woodsboro massacre, have moved to New York City to try and start a new life away from their traumatic past. Tara is attending college and trying to have a normal experience.

Despite their attempts to move on, a new and even more ruthless Ghostface killer emerges in the city. Tara is frustrated by her sister’s overprotective nature and wants to stop living in constant fear. The film explores the dynamic between the two sisters as they are once again forced to fight for their lives in a brand new, and much larger, environment.

‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ (2013)

In one of her early film roles, Ortega played a small but memorable part as Annie. This supernatural horror sequel continues the story of the Lambert family as they seek to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world.

The character of Annie appears in a flashback sequence that is viewed through the eyes of a psychic investigator. Annie is a young girl who is seen in a hospital, providing a clue that helps the investigators understand the origins of the evil entity that is haunting the family. Her brief appearance contributes a creepy and important detail to the film’s lore.

‘X’ (2022)

In this slasher film, Ortega plays Lorraine Day, the quiet and reserved girlfriend of a student filmmaker. She joins a small group of adult filmmakers in 1979 as they travel to a secluded farm in rural Texas to shoot a movie. Lorraine is hired to be the sound operator for the production.

Initially, Lorraine is judgmental of the film’s content and its uninhibited actors, but she is gradually drawn into their world and decides to participate in the movie herself. This decision coincides with the group discovering that the elderly owners of the farm are not what they seem. Lorraine’s character undergoes a significant transformation just as the night turns violent.

‘The Fallout’ (2021)

Jenna Ortega stars as Vada Cavell, a high school student whose life is irrevocably changed after she survives a school shooting. The film explores the emotional aftermath of the tragedy, focusing not on the event itself but on the different ways Vada and her peers cope with their trauma.

Vada’s relationships with her family and friends become strained as she navigates her grief, fear, and confusion. She forms an intense and unexpected bond with another student she hid with during the attack. The role is a raw and nuanced portrayal of a teenager processing an unimaginable experience and searching for a new sense of normalcy.

‘Iron Man 3’ (2013)

In one of her earliest roles in a major blockbuster film, Ortega had a small part as the Vice President’s daughter. The film follows Tony Stark as he deals with the aftermath of the alien invasion in New York and faces a formidable new terrorist threat known as the Mandarin.

The Vice President is a key political figure in the story’s conspiracy plot, which involves a dangerous biotechnology that can grant superhuman abilities. Ortega’s character is shown with a disability that is later revealed to be connected to this central plot point, making her a crucial piece of the narrative’s puzzle, even with limited screen time.

‘Elena of Avalor’ (2016–2020)

In this animated fantasy series, Ortega voices Princess Isabel, the younger sister of Crown Princess Elena. Isabel is a brilliant and inventive young girl who is passionate about science and engineering. She often helps her older sister solve problems using her clever inventions and logical thinking.

Isabel’s character serves as a strong role model, emphasizing the importance of education, creativity, and STEM fields. She is a supportive sister to Elena, who is learning how to rule the magical kingdom of Avalor. Isabel often provides a practical and scientific counterpoint to the more magical elements of their world.

‘Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous’ (2020–2022)

Ortega lends her voice to the character of Brooklynn in this animated science fiction series. Brooklynn is a popular social media influencer and one of six teenagers who are chosen to attend an exclusive adventure camp on Isla Nublar. She is initially more focused on her online followers than the experience itself.

When the dinosaurs escape and wreak havoc on the island, Brooklynn and the other campers are left stranded and must rely on each other to survive. Her character evolves from a self-absorbed internet personality into a brave and resourceful member of the group, using her tech-savviness to help them navigate the dangerous island.

‘You’ (2018–)

In the second season of this psychological thriller series, Ortega plays Ellie Alves, a sharp-witted and precocious teenager who lives in the same apartment complex as the main character, Joe Goldberg. Ellie is fiercely independent and protective of her older sister, Delilah.

Ellie is a budding filmmaker who quickly develops a neighborly, almost mentor-like relationship with Joe, who is living under a new identity. She is unaware that her new friend is a dangerous stalker and killer. Ellie’s intelligence and observant nature put her on a collision course with Joe’s dark secrets, placing her in immense danger.

‘Jane the Virgin’ (2014–2019)

Throughout this critically acclaimed romantic comedy-drama series, Ortega plays the younger version of the main character, Jane Villanueva, in numerous flashback sequences. These flashbacks are a signature element of the show’s storytelling, providing context for Jane’s present-day decisions and beliefs.

As Young Jane, Ortega portrayed the character at various stages of her childhood, most notably around the age of ten. She perfectly captured the personality and mannerisms of the adult character, showing how Jane’s strong moral compass and romantic idealism were shaped by her close-knit family, especially her grandmother’s advice.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–)

Jenna Ortega took on the iconic role of Wednesday Addams in this supernatural comedy horror series. The show follows the macabre and brilliant teenager as she is sent to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts, freaks, and monsters. There, she attempts to master her emerging psychic abilities.

While at Nevermore, Wednesday finds herself investigating a monstrous killing spree that is terrorizing the local town. She must also navigate the complex social dynamics of the school and uncover a supernatural mystery that involved her parents many years ago. The role became a global phenomenon, defined by her deadpan delivery and unique character choices.

Let us know which Jenna Ortega role is your favorite in the comments below.