Melissa McCarthy has quickly become one of the most popular actors working in comedy today. Though she seemed to come out of nowhere with her meteoric rise to fame, she has had a long and varied career. And while she’s had success on television with the series Mike & Molly, she has been especially successful in the movie business.
McCarthy has certainly proven that she can get big laughs, but she also knows how to choose good projects. She has been in big comedies as well as smaller independent films which have impressed critics. Here are Melissa McCarthy’s best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
The Heat (64%)
As we’ll see throughout this list, one of McCarthy’s most significant collaborators has been Paul Feig. The two have worked together several times on their biggest projects, including The Heat. This buddy-cop comedy teamed Sandra Bullock’s by-the-book FBI agent with McCarthy’s rough-around-the-edges street cop.
As the premise indicates, The Heat follows a pretty familiar formula that some pundits found dull. However, the performances from the two leads saved the film for most critics with McCarthy giving a reliably funny performance and Bullock holding her own in the comedy.
The Nines (65%)
Though mostly known for her work in comedy, McCarthy has also stretched her dramatic muscles in different films. The Nines is a complex and mind-bending mystery film that stars Ryan Reynolds in multiple roles as people who begin to think they are connected in unsettling ways. McCarthy plays a woman who may be involved with the mystery.
The overall film didn’t impress too many critics, who largely thought it was too ambitious for its own good. However, the smaller aspects of the film were praised, especially Reynolds’ challenging performance.
White Oleander (68%)
Though she is now a superstar and award-winning actor, McCarthy had to spend many years taking bit parts in movies like White Oleander. The drama chronicles the tumultuous young life of a girl living in various foster homes while her mother is in prison. McCarthy has a very small role as a paramedic.
Critics admitted the film was rather melodramatic, but that worked better for some than it did for others. However, it was the strong cast of female actors such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Renée Zellweger and Robin Wright that received much of the praise.
Charlie’s Angeles (68%)
The latest Charlie’s Angels big-screen adventure seems to have fallen short of expectations, but there are plenty of fans of the 2000 version starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu. The action film followed the three detectives as they searched for a kidnapped billionaire.
The movie didn’t break any new ground in the genre, but critics admitted it was an entertaining ride. The leads had solid chemistry and they were backed by an impressive supporting cast including Bill Murray and Sam Rockwell. Mixed with fun humor and exciting action, it was a winner.
Ghostbusters (74%)
It is a daunting task to remake a classic, as the filmmakers behind the Ghostbusters reboot found out. Fans of the original were immediately against the project, despite director Paul Feig and a talented cast of Kirsten Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon and McCarthy taking over as the titular team in this new adventure.
Critics were far more forgiving than the angry fanboys, and found a lot to like in the updated version. Though they acknowledged that it falls short of the original, they were pleased with the new film’s ability to make its own path thanks to a likable cast.
St. Vincent (77%)
McCarthy reteamed with the great Bill Murray for this overlooked comedy-drama. Murray stars as a grumpy and withdrawn war veteran who forms an unexpected bond with a young boy who lives next door. McCarthy plays the boy’s mother who is dealing with raising her son following a divorce.
Critics praised Murray’s performance, happy to see him return to the kind of cynical role he was known for earlier in his career. They also pointed to the charm of the film as a winning aspect despite overly sentimental moments.
Bridesmaids (90%)
McCarthy’s hard work and long career finally led to a breakout role and her first Oscar nomination in the raunchy comedy, Bridesmaids. The film stars Kristen Wiig as a struggling woman who tries to hold her life together while also serving as the maid of honor for her best friend. McCarthy plays Megan, the brash and in-your-face fellow bridesmaid.
Critics praised the movie as a female-driven comedy that refused to be boxed into the genre’s expectations. The cast was also lauded for bringing their colorful characters to life, while Wiig’s smart script co-written with Annie Mumolo impressed many critics.
Go (91%)
Go marks McCarthy’s film debut and the start of her impressive career. The high-energy crime comedy chronicles a drug deal gone wrong from various perspectives. McCarthy has a small role as an eager fan of a couple of television actors.
The movie has become a cult classic and impressed many critics with its fun energy and break-neck pace. The sharp and witty dialogue also earn good reviews while the film served as a solid platform for up-and-coming actors who gave compelling performances.
Spy (95%)
McCarthy might not strike many people as the action hero type but she got to embrace that side of her talents in this action-comedy. McCarthy plays an intelligent but ignored desk worker at a spy agency who must go into the field when her partner goes missing.
The film marked another successful collaboration with Paul Feig and proved he and McCarthy bring out the best in each other. McCarthy impressed with her handling of action and laughs while the strong supporting cast, including Rose Byrne and Jason Statham, were great additions to the fun adventure.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (98%)
McCarthy doesn’t always get to show off her dramatic side, but it’s usually impressive when she does. Can You Ever Forgive Me? is based on a fascinating true story and has McCarthy playing a bitter writer who begins forging rare documents to make money. McCarthy received another Oscar nomination for the role.
Along with the praise given to McCarthy for her role, her co-star Richard E. Grant was also singled out. The film itself was called a smart and engrossing drama with complex characters and strong dialogue.
