15 Best Catherine O’Hara Movies & TV Shows Ranked

Catherine O’Hara is a remarkably talented and adaptable performer with a career that’s lasted for decades. She started out making a name for herself in sketch comedy and then became beloved for her memorable roles in movies and TV. Known for combining clever humor with heartfelt emotion, she’s won awards like Emmys and Screen Actors Guild Awards. This list highlights her most important work in film and television, chosen for how well it was received by critics and how popular it remains today.

‘Orange County’ (2002)

Catherine O’Hara stars as Cindy Beugler, the anxious mother of a teenager determined to get into Stanford. The movie centers on the student’s journey as he deals with the challenges created by his quirky family. Cindy is depicted as a woman facing her own problems and difficult family relationships. This coming-of-age comedy offers a humorous look at the ups and downs of suburban life, with O’Hara delivering a performance that’s both funny and captures the wild energy of her home.

‘For Your Consideration’ (2006)

Catherine O’Hara stars as Marilyn Hack, a veteran actress suddenly gaining attention for her role in a small, independent film. The movie playfully pokes fun at the often-frenzied Hollywood awards season and the intense desire for recognition. Marilyn goes to extreme lengths to try and earn a nomination, leading to hilarious situations. Critics and those in the film industry highly praised O’Hara’s performance in this mockumentary, which is another successful project from her and director Christopher Guest.

‘Wyatt Earp’ (1994)

I just finished watching a really interesting biographical western, and I have to say, Catherine O’Hara completely surprised me. She plays Allie Earp, Virgil Earp’s wife, and delivers a powerfully dramatic performance. We follow Virgil’s life, from his beginnings right through to the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and O’Hara beautifully portrays the challenges and everyday life of the Earp family. It’s a real departure from her usual comedic roles, and truly shows off her acting range. The movie itself is packed with a huge cast, and they all do a great job of bringing the Old West to life.

‘Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2004)

Catherine O’Hara plays Justice Strauss, a warm and dramatic neighbor who helps the orphaned Baudelaire children. Unknowingly, she also offers assistance to their villainous guardian, Count Olaf, as he tries to steal their fortune. The film combines the stories from the first three books of the beloved children’s series. O’Hara’s performance brings a gentle and innocent quality to the visually striking movie, offering a bit of brightness amidst its otherwise gloomy and gothic tone.

‘Frankenweenie’ (2012)

I recently watched this animated film, and it’s a delightful treat for fans of classic horror. The story centers around a boy who, through a bit of scientific tinkering, manages to bring his dog back to life. What really struck me was how cleverly it both spoofs and pays tribute to those early twentieth-century horror flicks. Catherine O’Hara is fantastic, voicing several characters – including a wonderfully eccentric Susan Frankenstein and the memorably strange Weird Girl. It’s a reunion with director Tim Burton, and they’ve created a visually striking world with a beautiful, classic black and white stop-motion style. O’Hara’s voice work, in particular, really sets the quirky, slightly spooky tone of the film’s suburban setting.

‘A Mighty Wind’ (2003)

Catherine O’Hara stars as Mickey Crabbe, a once-popular folk singer who teams up with her former musical partner for a memorial concert. The movie follows three folk acts as they get ready to perform on live television. As Mickey and her partner prepare to sing their most famous song together, they’re forced to deal with their complicated history. O’Hara’s role allowed her to showcase not only her comedic talent but also her singing and musical skills. The film uses a mockumentary format to realistically portray the world of the folk music revival.

‘Best in Show’ (2000)

This funny, made-up documentary stars Catherine O’Hara as Cookie Fleck, a woman competing in a big national dog show. The movie follows Cookie and her husband as they try to win with their Terrier, all while dealing with some personal problems. Things get even more complicated when Cookie’s many ex-boyfriends keep showing up! The film playfully pokes fun at the dedicated world of competitive dog breeding and how far people will go to win. A major highlight is the great chemistry between O’Hara and her co-star, Eugene Levy.

‘Waiting for Guffman’ (1996)

In this funny, documentary-style movie, Catherine O’Hara plays Sheila Albertson, a travel agent who dreams of being a star. She’s part of a local theater group putting on a play to celebrate the 150th anniversary of a small Missouri town. Everyone is hoping a theater critic from New York will come and give them some much-needed recognition. The film is one of several projects where O’Hara worked with director Christopher Guest, and it relies heavily on actors making things up as they go along. O’Hara’s character perfectly captures the enthusiastic, but sometimes unrealistic, spirit of people involved in community theater.

‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

In the movie, Catherine O’Hara stars as Delia Deetz, an elegant sculptor who moves her family into a haunted house. She tries to remodel the home, but at first doesn’t realize it’s filled with ghosts. The story centers around the ghosts of the former owners, who try to frighten the new family away by hiring a special effects expert to pose as a ghost hunter. The film, directed by Tim Burton, has become a beloved classic of the horror comedy genre, and O’Hara’s performance, particularly a memorable dinner party scene with a supernatural twist, is often highlighted.

‘After Hours’ (1985)

Martin Scorsese’s darkly funny film stars Catherine O’Hara as Gail, a quirky ice cream truck driver. She crosses paths with the main character during a wild and stressful night in New York City. The movie follows a man’s increasingly frustrating attempts to get home, and O’Hara delivers one of many strange encounters along the way. Her character adds to the film’s overall sense of frantic energy and paranoia.

‘Home Alone’ (1990)

Catherine O’Hara plays Kate McCallister, a mom who mistakenly leaves her young son behind when her family goes on Christmas vacation. The movie mainly follows her frantic efforts to get back to Chicago and be with him. Meanwhile, her son bravely protects their house from robbers while they’re away, showcasing his cleverness. This role is one of O’Hara’s most famous and helped make the film a huge hit. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the importance of family and the often-stressful experience of holiday travel.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)

Catherine O’Hara voices Sally in this stop-motion animated film. Sally is a rag doll created by a mad scientist and serves as Jack Skellington’s love interest. She has the special ability to foresee the future. O’Hara also provides the voice for Shock, one of Oogie Boogie’s playful trick-or-treaters. The film tells a musical story about what happens when Halloween and Christmas worlds collide, and O’Hara’s performance of Sally’s main song is a standout moment in the soundtrack.

‘Temple Grandin’ (2010)

I was so moved by the TV movie about this incredible woman who changed the world of livestock! Catherine O’Hara plays her Aunt Ann, and she’s just amazing as the supportive and understanding aunt who really helped her niece grow up. The film beautifully shows the struggles and successes of someone navigating life with autism, alongside her passion for animal science back in the mid-1900s. O’Hara’s performance was so powerful, she even got an Emmy nomination! It really emphasized how vital family support and acceptance are for anyone on the autism spectrum.

‘Second City Television’ (1976–1984)

Catherine O’Hara gained early recognition in this popular Canadian comedy show, alongside other performers who would later become comedy stars. Throughout the series, she played both original characters and spot-on celebrity impressions. The show itself was a funny take on what a small, local TV station might be like, with a quirky mix of programs. Her work on the show helped establish her as a major comedic force in North America in the late 1970s, and it continues to be known for its clever writing and the talented performances of its cast.

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

Catherine O’Hara plays Moira Rose, a former soap opera actress who loses her family’s fortune. Along with her husband and two adult children, she moves to a small town and starts a new life in a modest motel. Over six seasons, the show tracks the family’s adjustment and their growing relationships with the townspeople. O’Hara’s performance, particularly her distinctive voice and unusual fashion sense, made Moira Rose a beloved and iconic character, earning O’Hara a Primetime Emmy Award in the show’s final season. The series itself is widely praised by critics.

Tell us which of these Catherine O’Hara performances is your personal favorite in the comments.

2026-01-31 03:16