10 Best Catherine O’Hara Movies and Shows to See Before Watching Beetlejuice Beetlejuice; From Penelope to Schitt’s Creek

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In my humble opinion, Catherine O’Hara has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with her exceptional talent and versatility. From her early days in improvisational comedy to her iconic roles in cult-classic movies, she has consistently shown us that she can handle any character thrown her way.

For almost five decades, Catherine O’Hara, a cherished actress in both films and TV shows, has kept audiences engaged with her charm. Ranging from her iconic red locks to her animated vocal delivery, O’Hara exudes power on the silver and small screens alike.

Now, it’s time to dive into her best movies and shows before Beetlejuice 2 premieres:

10. A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017-2019)

The Netflix adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s famous book series is brought to you by creators Daniel Handler, Barry Sonnenfeld, and Mark Hudis.

In both television and movie adaptations, O’Hara skillfully portrayed her characters flawlessly. The primary plot revolves around the three Baudelaire siblings, left as orphans, attempting to elude the clutches of Count Olaf, who covets their inheritance.

In the Netflix version based on the book, an actress portrayed Dr. Georgina Orwell. In the sequence of books, her character is introduced in the fourth novel titled “The Miserable Mill.”

While her fans have loved her in both adaptations, her portrayal of Orwell is better loved. It’s all because the character is more engaging. 

In essence, just like Neil Patrick Harris’ character Olaf in the Netflix adaptation, Orwell finds himself drawn to the inheritance as strongly as he did to O’Hara during their past relationship. The chemistry between them on the show is undeniably one of its most endearing aspects.

9. Schitt’s Creek (2015-2020)

In this critically acclaimed television series created by Dan Levy, Catherine O’Hara shone as Moira Rose, a role that earned her numerous awards, including several wins for Best Lead Actress at the Canadian Screen Awards.

So, this show rejuvenated the star’s popularity and led to a resurgence in her career as well!

The show is about a rich couple called Johnny and Moira Rose, who lost everything in a fraud. Well, not everything. They still had the Schitt’s Creek, a small town they bought just a joke. 

Currently, they must adapt to living without their income, a challenge compounded by encountering peculiar individuals who enter their lives.

8. Six Feet Under (2001-2005)

In the series crafted by Alan Ball, we follow the story of the Fisher family, who manage a funeral home. However, upon returning home for Christmas, Nate Jr. discovers his father has passed away, making him the unexpected proprietor of the funeral business.

In the show, O’Hara portrayed Carol Ward, a character known for her nervous and self-centered nature who served as Lisa Kimmel’s boss. It’s worth noting that her screen time in the series is limited, but the quality of the show is such that it merits attention!

7. Penelope (2006)

In a different phrasing, director Mark Palanski crafted a story that combined elements of a classic fairy tale and romantic comedy. The character central to this narrative was portrayed by Christina Ricci, while Catherine O’Hara took on the role of her mother, Jessica.

Penelope is subject to a spell – she possesses a small pig’s snout and ears. But don’t let that fool you; it’s just as adorable as the Instagram filters might lead you to believe.

Daily existence for her is nightmarish, filled with mockery and torment. Yet, this curse can be lifted solely by authentic love. However, there’s an additional requirement – someone like her must acknowledge and accept her.

This film about love and self-acceptance is highly underrated and a great watch. 

6. A Mighty Wind (2003)

In this movie centered around folk music, it was Christopher Guest who took the helm, and Catherine O’Hara brought the character Mickey Crabbe to life. One of the standout aspects of the film is the captivating dynamic between O’Hara’s performance as Mickey and Eugene Levy’s portrayal of Mitch.

In the comedic documentary-style production, Mickey becomes a member of The Folksmen, a humorous folk band. Their aim is to pay tribute to their late manager by organizing a reunion performance. Not surprisingly, O’Hara lends her vocal talent to this movie.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I can confidently say that the music played wasn’t just any ordinary performance; it was a live act that resonated deeply with the crowd. The two tracks, “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” and “When You’re Next to Me”, were undeniably popular favorites back then, striking a chord with listeners that still echoes today.

5. Waiting for Guffman (1996)

This movie on the list, like others by Christopher Guest, also falls into the category of a mockumentary. However, unlike previous ones, it focuses on stage plays taking place in quaint, rural towns.

In the production, Catherine O’Hara portrayed Sheila Albertson, who was both a real estate agent and an aspiring actress, with Corky St. Clair, played by Christopher Guest, being the director of the play she was in.

1. Title of the play: Red, White, and Blaine; Ambitious Director Believes It Could Be His Pathway to Broadway

After all, the shoot was only for 29 days and there was no script!

4. Beetlejuice (1988)

No list of Catherine O’Hara’s films is complete without Beetlejuice! In the film, Adam and Barbara are a dead couple chilling in their home. The problem begins when a brash family stomps into their peaceful (afterlife) existence. 

Instead of seeking help, the couple turns to Betelgeuse, a human exorcist, in an attempt to reclaim their lives. However, events take an unexpected turn, leaving Adam and Barbara in a position where they must protect humanity instead!

In a different rendition, O’Hara portrayed Delia Deetz, an unconventional and creative stepmother to Lydia, brilliantly played by Winona Ryder. To this very day, people continue to cherish her tune Day-O.

Beetlejuice 2 is ready and will be released in theaters on September 6, 2024. 

3. Best in Show (2000)

Another film in this list by Christopher Guest and this one too is a mockumentary. In this film, O’Hara played the role of a neurotic dog owner called Cookie Fleck. 

As a devoted follower, I found myself immersed in a cinematic journey revolving around a group of documentarians, who were present at the grand Mayflower Dog Show with the intention of recording all the excitement. However, what started as friendly competition among dog owners took an unusual turn rather swiftly!

2. After Hours (1985)

Director Martin Scorsese’s underrated film- After Hours, is about one evening in the life of Paul Hackett, played by Griffin Dunne. He wants to return after visiting Marcy, played by Rosanna Arquette. 

However, navigating his path towards uptown appears to be no easy feat. Along the way, he encounters Gail, portrayed by O’Hara. Gail, an ice cream truck proprietor, mistakenly assumes Paul is a burglar and summons the locals to pursue him.

Indeed, while O’Hara’s role in the movie might have been somewhat restrained, her comedic delivery was flawless and she was highly valued for her performance back then.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

In an animated musical fantasy directed by Tim Burton, Catherine O’Hara portrayed Sally, a plush doll character. Her enchantingly melancholic acting greatly enhances the movie.

In this movie, the central storyline focuses on Jack Skellington, the ruler of Halloween Town who happens to be the Pumpkin King. Feeling uninspired due to his boredom, he yearns for a new experience, believing that life offers more than just playing pranks with ghosts and delivering spooky surprises during Halloween.

In the end, he finds himself in a vibrant Christmas Town, quite unlike his usual drab surroundings. Overwhelmed yet invigorated, he goes back to his hometown and shares with them ideas on how to reintroduce excitement into their lives.

Conversely, ghosts, ghouls, and goblins find it challenging to organize a Christmas celebration. In the movie, Sally is the romantic interest of Jack.

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2024-08-30 14:55