Explore Kristin Chenoweth’s greatest movie performances, ranked by fans and critics alike in 2025. Find out which roles truly stole the show!
Kristin Chenoweth is essentially a ball of talent—an incredibly petite powerhouse, with a larger-than-life personality, on-stage and on-screen, in Broadway and Hollywood. Known for her infectious charisma, astounding vocal acrobatics, and unbelievably clever comedic timing, Chenoweth has left an indelible mark on cinema, both big and small.
In 2025, as excitement mounts over her many projects and streams, fans and critics alike have rediscovered Chenoweth’s career possibly because of a new or renewed appreciation for her legacy on social media and streaming channels. As a result of all the talked-about titles and wonderful work she has done over the years, fans and critics of Chenoweth’s films are revisiting her biggest roles in film.
Below is a definitive ranking of Kristin Chenoweth’s best movie performances—ranked accordingly by critical acclaim, audience impact, and relevance in pop culture, from a rollicking good laugh representing absurdity to just heartfelt drama and whimsical musicals.
“RV” (2006) – The Scene-Stealing Queen of Quirky Comedy
Role: Mary Jo Gornicke
Why It’s Iconic:
Her performance as Mary Jo in RV (with Robin Williams) is a truly brilliant comedic side-character performance. She was quirky, overly peppy, and completely processed Mary Jo just as an ultra-conservative, singing-RV mom would be. The clip of Chenoweth singing gospel and grilling hot dogs while wearing matching family outfits became completely meme-worthy before meme culture was mainstream. Her ability to shine in a supporting role, literally stealing nearly every scene, is what made this performance so iconic.
“Bewitched”(2005) – A camp classic that has achieved cult status
Role: Maria Kelly
Why it’s iconic:
While the initial reviews for the film did not light the world on fire, Bewitched has since garnered a cult fan base especially among queer fans and lovers of whimsical movies.
Chenoweth plays the nosy neighbor to Nicole Kidman’s character with a bubbly and sparkling appeal, coupled with impeccable comic timing. She brought energy and style to a film that by all accounts needed it, and earned her own recognition in [“Underrated Movie Performances”](https://thefilmstage.com/the-underrated-movie-performances-of-2021/) lists that came after.
“The Witches” (2020 HBO Max Reboot) – Villainous Perfection
Role: Miss Irvine
Why it’s iconic:
Even though HBO Max’s coverage of Anne Hathaway and her Grand High Witch made the rounds on social media, Chenoweth’s voice performance as Miss Irvine—the witch turned ally—remains indelibly stuck in the minds of moviegoers. Even in an abbreviated screen time, Chenoweth’s dramatic flair and spooky commitment were a hit with younger audiences. Her voice acting also provided more character and more fun than anticipated.
“Four Christmases” (2008) – A Holiday Staple
Role: Courtney
Why it’s iconic:
Every holiday season Four Christmases resurfaces on cable television and streaming services. Kristin Chenoweth’s memorable performance as Reese Witherspoon’s comedic, overbearing sister—an ultra-competitive MMA-fulfilled alpha mom—was unforgettable. From her dynamic and aggressive physical comedy to her impeccable timing, she was the perfect chaotic relative.
The “Descendants” Franchise (2015-2019) – Ultimate Disney Diva
Role: Maleficent (TV Movie Series)
Why It’s Iconic:
Although not released in theaters, Disney’s Descendants films were high-budget productions and became a whirlwind phenomena among Generation Z. Chenoweth’s Maleficent in the first film was both terrifying and fabulous (those Broadway vocals in “Evil Like Me”) and she channeled “villain energy” without losing her signature sass.
“You Again” (2010) – Mean Girls, But for Grown-Ups
Role: Georgia King
Why It’s Iconic:
In this all-female comedy about high school drama rearing its ugly head into adulthood, Chenoweth played the wedding planner with a killer punch and perfectly coiffed hair. It was a character that was just a little too extra and Chenoweth milked every moment she had.
OoRole: Lorna Buchanan
Why it’s Iconic:
In “Hard Sell”, Kristin wandered a significant distance from her trademark likeable and bubbly personality and delivered a much more grounded and vulnerable performance. As a struggling woman who flirts with dysfunction while navigating purpose, Chenoweth also convincingly proved that she can deliver on subtlety and pathos just as easily as showtunes and slapstick.
“Hard Sell” (2016) – Breaking Typecast in Indie Dramas
Role: Lorna Buchanan
Why It’s Iconic:
Going against type (the bubbly persona), Kristin performed in a much more grounded and vulnerable performance in this indie dramedy, playing a woman who flirts with dysfunction while trying to find meaning in her life. Chenoweth demonstrated she could give subtlety and pathos just as good as she could give show tunes and slapstick.
“The Boy Next Door” (2015) – Best Friend Goals
Role: Vicky Lansing
Why It’s Iconic:
This steamy thriller with Jennifer Lopez became a guilty pleasure sleeper hit, and Chenoweth played the no-guff best friend and high school principal who tries to bring rational thinking to the forefront, in a romance gone mad. Chenoweth kept her performance warm, sarcastic, and mostly had a moral compass—even as the plot became ridiculous.
Kristin Chenoweth in 2025: What next?
Kristin Chenoweth is not slowing down. As of mid 2025, she is said to be developing a musical biopic, voicing a principal character in a new animated series, and guest-judging on Drag Race All Stars.
Her continued appeal on streaming feeds and social media (particularly Tik Tok where #ChenowethTok has over 200M views) shows that she is not losing cultural cachet, she is evolving.
Kristin Chenoweth In 2025: What Lies Ahead?
Kristin Chenoweth continues to define what “fully loaded” means. As of mid-2025, Kristin is involved as a writer in the development of a musical biopic, voicing a lead character in an upcoming animated series, and guest-judging on Drag Race All-Stars.
Kristin’s performance history is still in a popularity uptick on streaming services and social media (particularly TikTok, where you can find #ChenowethTok shows over 200M views) suggesting that her cultural relevance is growing, not diminishing.
Kristin is also a fashion trendsetter and vocal advocate for mental health issues, LGBTQ+ rights, and animal rights – making her a multi-faceted celebrity with a timeless quality.
Final Thoughts
Kristin Chenoweth’s film appearances present a whirlwind of big laughs, glamorous badasses, touching drama, and musical perfection. In 2025, with fans that cut across generations, and her film roles come alive online, it is clear that being a Broadway legend and a Hollywood star are not exclusive.
Whether you fell in love with her in RV, Descendants, or an unpredictable little indie, one thing is consistent: Kristin Chenoweth brings a bit of sparkle to every role.
FAQs
Q: What is Kristin Chenoweth’s greatest movie role?
A: The majority of fans cite RV and Descendants as her most memorable – one for comedy and one for her villain role.
Q: Is Kristin Chenoweth starring in any new movies in 2025?
A: She is! Rumors are that she is voicing one of the leads in an upcoming Pixar movie and has a contract for a new Netflix holiday movie musical.
Q: Did Kristin Chenoweth ever win an Oscar?
A: No, she has won a Tony and an Emmy. Many fans believe an Oscar event is going to happen for her down the road.