Let’s get real: Rachel McAdams is one of the lucky few actors who can kill in every genre. She’s the queen bee dictator one day, the heartbreaker in a weeper the next, and then wham, she’s a stand-up-comedian natural. She doesn’t always have the biggest name in Hollywood, but her filmography shows she’s one of its best-kept secrets. Below is a reverse countdown of Rachel McAdams’ 10 most memorable performances.
10. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga – Glittery, charming, and utterly ridiculous
In her portrayal of Sigrit, McAdams dives headfirst into the absurdity of Eurovision without ever losing the character’s heart. Even when she didn’t perform much of the singing herself, her combination of wide-eyed innocence and comedic skills makes the entire Icelandic fantasy plausible. She gets the perfect balance between absurd humor and sincerity just right, making camp believably sweet.
9. Game Night – A reminder that she’s comedy gold
Working alongside Jason Bateman as Annie in Game Night, McAdams flaunts wickedly sharp comedic timing. Whether waving a loaded firearm around like a prop or quoting Pulp Fiction in gleeful tones, she makes mayhem look easy. It’s the kind of performance that leaves you wishing she did more straight-up comedies.
8. Disobedience – Quiet, aching brilliance
In Sebastián Lelio’s Disobedience, McAdams delivers one of her most emotionally complex performances. Portraying Esti, she conveys the tug and pull between religious obligation and illicit love. Her fragility and nudity are poignant, demonstrating that she’s every bit as persuasive at intimate dramas as she is in summertime blockbusters.
7. Spotlight – Understated power
As reporter Sacha Pfeiffer, McAdams dials back, relying on empathy and restraint to propel her performance. She’s measured, calm, and very human, one of the emotional bearings in a movie packed with powerhouse scenes. Her performance earned her an Oscar nomination, and rightly so; it’s a masterclass in understatement.
6. About Time – Irresistibly lovable
Rom-coms are so prone to going all saccharine, yet McAdams keeps About Time down-to-earth and unmissable. Mary is lovely, witty, and utterly credible as the one to break the rules of time itself for. Her rapport with Domhnall Gleeson makes this one of the most endearing performances in her repertoire.
5. Morning Glory – Overlooked and charming
If you see this one, add it to your list. McAdams stars as Becky Fuller, a spirited producer attempting to revive an ailing morning show. Amid wrangling cranky vets (Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton) and maintaining her own hope, McAdams holds her own. It’s a lighthearted, feel-good movie that allows her to bear an entire story on her shoulders.
4. Wedding Crashers – Stealing the spotlight in a comedy giant
In a film packed with off-the-wall characters, McAdams provides the heart. Claire is warm, genuine, and the ideal foil for Owen Wilson. She can shine in a group of comedians, showing that she can keep up regardless of who is on screen with her.
3. Red Eye – From rom-com ambiance to thriller queen
Bonded with Cillian Murphy in 30,000 feet, McAdams goes from being a demure hotel manager to a savvy fighter. Red Eye turns genres on their head, and McAdams markets both sides, romantic interest and action heroine. She’s why the movie is as tense and thrilling as it is.
2. Mean Girls – Bow down to Regina George
No explanation necessary, Regina George is iconic. McAdams serves up each line with a deadly combination of charm and poison, resulting in one of the most memorable “mean girl” characters ever to make it to the screen. It’s quoted endlessly, watched endlessly, and remains the role that solidifies teen comedy royalty.
1. The Notebook – The romance that started a thousand swoons
As Allie Hamilton, McAdams became a cultural touchstone for romance films. Her chemistry with Ryan Gosling is the stuff of legend, both on and off screen, and those memorable scenes (yes, that rain kiss) remain swoon-worthy to this day. Love it or eye-roll it, The Notebook secured her place in film history.
Rachel McAdams doesn’t simply fill a role; she reinvents it. From wicked satire to gentle dramas, she demonstrates time and again that she’s one of Hollywood’s most versatile and underdog talents.