From heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, there are plenty of great movies featuring the talentedGilmore Girlscast. The show is known for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and the charm of small-town life in Stars Hollow. Even now, close to 20 years after the series ended, Gilmore Girls remains a positively-reviewed, beloved show that's stood the test of time.
Beyond their roles in the show, the main Gilmore Girls cast members have each starred in movies that range from feel-good blockbusters to indie favorites, each offering a chance to showcase the actors in fresh, diverse settings. Whether a die-hard fan of Lorelai and Rory or intrigued by the show’s supporting characters, these films are a must-watch for a deeper appreciation of the cast’s wide-ranging skills.
10
Lauren Graham - Bad Santa (2003)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff
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Bad Santa revolves around Willie T. Stokes and Marcus Skidmore, professional thieves who disguise themselves as a mall Santa Claus and his elf during the holiday season with the plan to rob them at the end of the shopping season. Their latest job becomes complicated when Willie, already struggling from alcoholism, sex addiction and frequently swearing, begins forming an odd friendship with dimwitted Thurman Merman, dating local bartender Sue and coming under the watchful eye of the latest target mall's head of security, Gin Slagel.
Release Date
November 26, 2003
Runtime
1h32m
Director
Terry Zwigoff
Writers
Glenn Ficarra
, John Requa
Distributor(s)
Miramax Films
Lauren Graham's Lorelai Gilmore is a responsible, quick-witted mother, but in Bad Santa, she flips the script entirely. This dark comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as Willie, a conman who poses as a shopping mall Santa to execute heists. Graham plays Sue, a bartender with a Santa fetish who develops a hilariously awkward romance with Willie.
Her character steps far out of Lorelai’s wholesome mold, bringing humor and surprising depth. Graham’s chemistry with Thornton adds an extra layer to this unconventional holiday film, making it a fan favorite for those who enjoy edgy humor. Meanwhile, despite its crude nature and wild antics, Bad Santa carries an undeniable thread of humanity. Willie's reluctant transformation from a selfish thief to someone capable of small acts of kindness offers a genuine emotional payoff. This arc, though unconventional, resonates with a level of realism that many sanitized holiday movies fail to capture.
9
Melissa McCarthy - Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)
Directed by Marielle Heller
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Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a biographical film directed by Marielle Heller and stars Melissa McCarthy as Lee Israel, a biographer who turns to literary forgery when her career hits a decline. The narrative follows her fraudulent schemes and her partnership with Jack Hock, played by Richard E. Grant. The film explores themes of desperation, deception, and the quest for redemption.
Release Date
October 19, 2018
Runtime
107 minutes
CastMelissa McCarthy
, Richard E. Grant
, Dolly Wells
, Ben Falcone
, Gregory Korostishevsky
, Jane Curtin
Director
Marielle Heller
Writers
Nicole Holofcener
, Jeff Whitty
Superstar Melissa McCarthy, who played the lovable and clumsy Sookie St. James during her climb to fame, took a sharp dramatic turn in Can You Ever Forgive Me? This biographical drama tells the true story of Lee Israel, a biographer who turns to literary forgery to make ends meet, earning McCarthy an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
One of the film's most poignant scenes features McCarthy delivering a heart-wrenching monologue about desperation and loneliness, a far cry from Sookie’s kitchen antics that showcasesMcCarthy’s immense versatility as an actress. Her ability to embody both comedic and dramatic roles with equal finesse makes this performance one of her career highlights. Her chemistry with co-star Richard E. Grant is also electric, as they form a partnership that’s equal parts heartwarming and tragically dysfunctional. Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a love letter to the misfits and outcasts, offering a character study that’s as tender as it is unflinching.
8
Alexis Bledel - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Directed by Ken Kwapis
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a 2005 film about four teenage friends—Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen—who share a pair of jeans that fits each of them perfectly despite their different body types. As they embark on separate summer adventures, the pants become a symbol of their enduring friendship and support. Starring Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, and Alexis Bledel, the film explores themes of growing up and personal discovery.
Release Date
June 1, 2005
Runtime
113 minutes
Director
Ken Kwapis
Alexis Bledel brings all the old Rory Gilmore charm to her role as Lena Kaligaris in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, a coming-of-age film following four close friends who stay connected over a summer apart by sharing a pair of “magical” jeans. Bledel’s storyline focuses on Lena’s trip to Greece, where she experiences a life-changing romance. From the picturesque Greek landscapes to Lena’s subtle emotional arc, this film is a strong stage for Bledel’s ability to play introspective and empathetic roles.
Lena's connection with the other women in the film mirrors the strong female friendships celebrated in Gilmore Girls, making it a familiar watch for those who enjoy Bledel's other work. What strengthens The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is its ability to give each character her own meaningful arc while maintaining the strength of their bond. Whether it’s Lena navigating love, Bridget struggling with loss, or Tibby learning to open her heart, the movie showcases universal themes of loss, love, and growth that still resonate.
7
Scott Patterson - Saw IV (2007)
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
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Saw IV continues the horror franchise with FBI Agents Strahm and Perez joining Detective Hoffman to investigate after the deaths of Jigsaw and apprentice Amanda. When SWAT Commander Rigg is abducted, he must navigate Jigsaw's lethal traps within ninety minutes to save an old friend, amidst escalating tension and fear.
Release Date
October 25, 2007
Runtime
93 minutes
Cast
Tobin Bell
, Costas Mandylor
, Scott Patterson
, Betsy Russell
, Lyriq Bent
, Athena Karkanis
Character(s)
Mark Hoffman
, John Kramer / Jigsaw
, Agent Strahm
, Jill Tuck
, Rigg
, Agent Perez
, Art
, Lamanna
, Eric Matthews
, Jeff Denlon
, Amanda Young
, Lynn Denlon
, Detective Allison Kerry
, Fisk
, Ivan
, Brenda
, Cecill
, Dr. Heffner / Coroner
, Pathologist
, Trevor
, Vagrant
, SWAT Pete
, Tracy Rigg
, Corbett Denlon
, Morgan
Director
darren lynn bousman
Writers
Patrick Melton
, Marcus Dunstan
, Thomas H. Fenton
Known as Luke Danes, the grumpy but lovable diner owner, Scott Patterson surprised fans with his role in the horror-thriller Saw IV. Patterson plays FBI agent Peter Strahm, who investigates the twisted puzzles left by the infamous Jigsaw killer. Watching Patterson in such a high-stakes, fear-inducing environment is a stark contrast to Luke pouring coffee at the diner.
When discussing the Saw franchise, the usual highlights are the first film for its groundbreaking concept or Saw VI for its tight plotting and social commentary. However, Saw IV often gets unfairly overlooked, despite being a standout entry in the series. Saw IV provides a deeper layer of storytelling, strong editing, and a compelling emotional core that elevates it beyond the label of "just another horror sequel." There's also the reveal that the events of Saw IV are running parallel to those of Saw III, a neat twist that flips the viewer’s understanding of the entire franchise timeline.
6
Kelly Bishop - Dirty Dancing (1987)
Directed by Emile Ardolino
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Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing follows Frances "Baby" Houseman, a young woman on vacation at a summer resort with her family who becomes the unwitting competition partner of one of the resort's dance instructors, Johnny. As Baby and Johnny's relationship deepens over the course of the summer, the disapproval of Baby's family, especially her father, threatens to tear them apart.
Release Date
August 21, 1987
Runtime
100 minutes
Director
Emile Ardolino
Writers
Eleanor Bergstein
Budget
$6 million
Studio(s)
Vestron Pictures
Distributor(s)
Vestron Pictures
Kelly Bishop is possibly Gilmore Girls’ stealth MVP as Emily Gilmore, Rory’s refined and sharp-tongued grandmother. However, in Dirty Dancing, Bishop brings a more complex warmth to her role as Marjorie Houseman, the mother of Jennifer Grey’s Baby Houseman. This iconic film captures a romantic summer in the 1960s, filled with dancing, passion, and family dynamics while combining universal themes, iconic performances, and a deep social subtext that elevates it beyond the sum of its parts.
As in Gilmore Girls, Bishop’s portrayal of Marjorie centers on her ability to embody nuanced maternal figures. Bishop’s background in Broadway shines through, enhancing her role in one of the '80’s most rewatchable crowd-pleasers. Add to this the electric chemistry between Grey and Patrick Swayze and unforgettable moments like “the lift” during the final dance sequence, and it’s easy to understand why Dirty Dancing remains a gold standard in romantic dramas.
5
Sean Gunn - Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Directed by James Gunn
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Egotistic loner and "legendary" space pirate Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) falls foul of bounty hunters and his former allies after he steals an orb containing the Power Stone. Chased by Ronan the Accuser, a powerful Kree villain and thrown into an uneasy alliance with a group of similar misfits, he must adapt to his new dynamic or risk everything. He's joined by gun-toting Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), treelike-alien Groot (Vin Diesel), Thanos' daughter Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and the vengeful Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). Can the galaxy's most infamous a-holes really save the day?
WritersJames Gunn
, Nicole Perlman
, Dan Abnett
, Andy Lanning
Sean Gunn, affectionately remembered as quirky Kirk Gleason, showed a completely different side in Guardians of the Galaxy. In this Marvel blockbuster, he plays Kraglin, the loyal second-in-command to Yondu. Most fans don’t realize that Gunn also provided the motion capture for fan-favorite Rocket Raccoon, demonstrating his physicality and versatility as an actor. While it never hurts to have your brother in your corner as director of a tentpole franchise film, Sean Gunn delivers in his own right in two key roles.
While Kraglin’s loyalty and eventual redemption arc are both fun and engaging, his real-life contributions to Rocket showcase his dedication to his brother’s vision behind the scenes. For Gilmore Girls fans, seeing Gunn in the vibrant and action-packed Marvel Cinematic Universe blending irreverent comedy and character-driven storytelling with the high stakes of a space adventure is a definite treat.
4
Edward Herrmann - The Lost Boys (1987)
Directed by Joel Schumacher
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The Lost Boys follows Michael Emerson (Jason Patric) and his younger brother Sam (Corey Haim) after they move to the small California beach town of Santa Carla only to discover that it is overrun with teenage vampires. When Michael falls victim to the titular gang and joins their ranks, Sam enlists the help of young vampire hunters the Frog brothers (Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander) in order to save his brother from head vampire David (Kiefer Sutherland).
Release Date
July 31, 1987
Runtime
97 minutes
Cast
Corey Feldman
, Kiefer Sutherland
, Jason Patric
, Jami Gertz
, Corey Haim
Director
Joel Schumacher
Writers
James Jeremias
, Jan Fischer
, Jeffrey Boam
Sequel(s)
Lost Boys 2
Budget
$8.5 million
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Edward Herrmann, known for his role as patriarch Richard Gilmore, delivers a chilling performance in The Lost Boys, as Max, a seemingly kind video store proprietor who hides a sinister secret in this cult classic about teenage vampires. His warm yet mysterious demeanor keeps viewers guessing until the film’s climax, where Max’s true nature is revealed. Herrmann’s commanding presence in The Lost Boys shows off the darker, more complex side to his acting, a stark contrast with his endearing Gilmore Girls grandfatherly role.
Herrman’s presence is just one of the elements that makes The Lost Boys a quintessential piece of '80s cinema, oozing with style. The leather jackets, wild hairstyles, and a killer soundtrack perfectly encapsulate the era’s vibe. Additionally, the visuals, especially the atmospheric nighttime scenes, enhance the sense of danger and allure associated with the vampire gang, led by the charismatic Kiefer Sutherland as David.
3
Liza Weil - Year of the Dog (2007)
Directed by Mike White
Year of the Dog
Release Date
April 13, 2007
Runtime
97 minutes
Cast
Molly Shannon
, Laura Dern
, Regina King
, Tom McCarthy
, Josh Pais
, John C. Reilly
Director
Mike White
Liza Weil, who played the fiercely ambitious Paris Geller, steps into the world of quirky indie drama with Year of the Dog. The film follows Peggy (Molly Shannon), a woman grappling with grief after the loss of her dog. Weil plays one of Peggy’s family members, delivering a supporting performance that adds surprising depth to the film’s simple story.
Of the many love stories on Gilmore Girls, Rory and Lorelai's are often center stage, but Paris and Doyle have a moving and sweet romance as well.
In fact, for film lovers who appreciate subtlety, character-driven narratives, and thought-provoking themes, Year of the Dog is an often-overlooked gem that deserves a closer look. Featuring the debut of Mike White (White Lotus) as a director, this 2007 dramedy strikes a self-assured balance between humor and heartbreak, offering a poignant reflection on identity, purpose, and human connection. White’s subtle direction paired with Shannon’s remarkable performance brings the viewer deeply and effectively into Peggy’s inner world. Fans of indie cinema and Weil’s sharp approach to characters will appreciate this thoughtful film.
2
Milo Ventimiglia - Rocky Balboa (2006)
Directed by Sylvester Stallone
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Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa comes back for one final exhibition match to prove his worth as a boxing legend 30 years after the events of the first movie. In training to fight the young and ambitious Mason Dixon, Rocky is faced with the possibility of reconciling with his son Robert and overcoming his grief over the death of his wife, Adrian.
Release Date
December 20, 2006
Runtime
102 Minutes
Budget
$24 million
Studio(s)
20th Century
Distributor(s)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
, 20th Century
, Columbia Pictures
Best remembered as Rory’s bad-boy boyfriend Jess Mariano, Milo Ventimiglia shines alongside Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa as Rocky Jr., the estranged son of the famous boxer. Their evolving father-son relationship is one of the film’s emotional cores as Ventimiglia brings vulnerability to the role, particularly in a heartfelt scene where he confronts Rocky about living in his shadow.
When Rocky Balboa hit theaters in 2006, many questioned the need for yet another installment in the beloved boxing franchise. Yet, against all odds — fitting for its title character — the sixth film in the series manages to deliver anemotionally resonant, grounded, and inspiring story that earns its place as one of the most memorable entries in the Rocky saga. The movie continues to hold up today, even with the more recent addition of the Creed films in the franchise.
1
Keiko Agena - Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Directed by Michael Bay
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The third installment in the Transformers franchise, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, sees Shia LaBeouf reprise his role as Sam Witwicky. When technology powerful enough to recreate their home planet of Cybertron on Earth is discovered abandoned on the Moon, the Decepticons and the Autobots fight to gain control of it. With humanity caught in the middle of the machines' ancient war, Sam must do whatever he can to stop the Decepticons.
Release Date
June 30, 2011
Runtime
154 Minutes
Cast
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
, Megan Fox
, Patrick Dempsey
, Shia LaBeouf
, Tyrese Gibson
, Josh Duhamel
, Kevin Dunn
, John Malkovich
, Frances McDormand
Prequel(s)
Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Budget
$195 million
Studio(s)
Hasbro
, Di Bonaventura Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
Keiko Agena, known as Lane Kim — Rory’s music-loving best friend — has a small role in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Agena plays the assistant of Frances McDormand's Charlotte Mearing, the Director of National Intelligence in the movie. In addition to McDormand, Agena stars alongside heavyweights like Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
While Transformers: Dark of the Moon received largely mixed reviews, it was a box office success, becoming the second highest-grossing movie of 2011, as well as the second highest-grossing Transformersmovie. It's also very fun to see Agena in a franchise film of this nature, considering how far away its story is from the simple small-town life portrayed in Gilmore Girls. For many who enjoy the Transformers saga, Dark of the Moon more than holds up today, and Agena deserves credit for her role in that.
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In the fictional town of Star's Hollow, single mother Lorelai Gilmore raises her high-achieving teenage daughter Rory. Mother and daughter rely on each other throughout their own life changes, romantic entanglements, and friendships.
English (US) ·