5 best movies of Kristen Bell

American actress Kristen Bell, born July 18, 1980, is known for her fascinating performances in various genres. In over two decades, Bell has left an indelible mark on television and film. Her stage and Broadway roles preceded her stardom, but her role as Veronica Mars in the 2004, cult classic propelled her to fame. Bell's effortless blend of drama and comedy has made her a Hollywood favorite.

Her career soared with hit movies and TV shows. Bell moved into independent and blockbuster films after Veronica Mars. In Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), she showed her comedic talent, and in Frozen (2013), she voiced Princess Anna and became famous worldwide.

As a versatile actor, Kristen Bell has starred in comedies, dramas, thrillers, and animated films. Her Golden Globe nomination for The Good Place (2016–2020) and success in family-friendly films make her one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. Here's the list of Kristen Bell's top five films.

Disclaimer: The article contains the writer's opinion.

Kristen Bell’s remarkable movies to explore

1) Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

A still from Forgetting Sarah Marshal (Image via Prime Video)

In his feature directorial debut, Nicholas Stoller directed Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), a romantic comedy. Universal Pictures released the Jason Segel-written, Judd Apatow-produced film. The film was shot at Hawaii's Turtle Bay Resort and released in North America on April 18, 2008, and in the UK on April 25, 2008.

The story follows TV composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) who is heartbroken after his five-year relationship with Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) ends abruptly. Peter goes to Hawaii to recover, but Sarah is there with her new boyfriend, British rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand).

Peter befriends hotel concierge Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis) and develops feelings for her as he struggles with his emotions. Sarah's relationship with Aldous goes sour, and Peter realizes his relationship with Sarah isn't perfect.

Kristen Bell plays Sarah Marshall, the famous actress who breaks Peter's heart and hinders his recovery. Bill Hader as Peter's stepbrother Brian, Jonah Hill as an Aldous fan, and Paul Rudd as Kunu, a quirky surfing instructor, are also notable. This movie is currently available to stream on Prime Video.

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2) Veronica Mars (2014)

The 2014 movie Veronica Mars is a neo-noir mystery comedy-drama based on Rob Thomas's popular TV show of the same name. The movie picked up the story of Veronica Mars nine years after the end of the TV show. It had its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 8, 2014, and came out on March 14, 2014.

Kristen Bell plays the title character, Veronica. Her character used to be a teenage detective but has since moved to New York City to live a quiet life. With Stosh "Piz" Piznarski (Chris Lowell) and a good job offer, she is pulled back into her old life when her ex-boyfriend Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring) is charged with killing his girlfriend, pop star Carrie Bishop.

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Veronica goes back to Neptune to look into the case and finds a web of lies, corruption, and favoritism based on class. As she looks into the case more, she learns that the murder is connected to a cold case from years ago involving Susan Knight's disappearance.

Veronica fights for justice for both Carrie and Susan with the help of her father Keith Mars (Enrico Colantoni) and old friends Wallace (Percy Daggs III) and Mac (Tina Majorino). Veronica Mars is available to stream on Hulu.

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3) Spartan (2004)

A still from Spartan (Image via Waner Bros)

A political thriller directed and written by David Mamet, Spartan (2004) is one of the notable works of Kristen Bell. Robert Scott (Val Kilmer), a former Marine Corps Force Recon master gunnery sergeant, is recruited to rescue Laura Newton, the President's kidnapped daughter. Scott must navigate deception and danger to find Laura, who was kidnapped by a s*x trafficking ring.

Scott and his protégé Curtis discover a complex Dubai-based international operation. As they investigate, they meet dangerous criminals and corrupt officials. Scott encounters betrayal and challenges, including an explosive encounter with former ally Sergeant Jacqueline Black (Tia Texada), who later plays a major role in the story.

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Kristen Bell plays Laura Newton, the President's daughter, whose kidnapping starts the high-stakes rescue. Scott discovers that the President's extramarital affairs and secrets have made Laura vulnerable, leading to a shocking ending.

The film features William H. Macy, Ed O'Neill, and Saïd Taghmaoui. Spartan explores loyalty, power, and corruption with Mamet's sharp dialogue and suspenseful pacing, with Kilmer playing the determined hero. The film's tense atmosphere and complex characters keep viewers on edge until the end.

4) Gracie's Choice (2004)

Kristen Bell in American drama film Gracie's Choice: A Story of Love (2004) (Image via Prime Video)

The American drama film Gracie's Choice: A Story of Love (2004) had its premiere on Lifetime. It was directed by Peter Werner and written by Joyce Eliason. The movie is about a young woman named Gracie Thompson and stars Kristen Bell, Anne Heche, Diane Ladd, and Kristin Fairlie. Gracie's Choice is available to stream on Prime Video.

Gracie's life is turned upside down when her mother, Rowena Lawson (Anne Heche), is arrested for drug abuse. At the age of 17, the police put Gracie and her younger brothers in different rooms, but Gracie is determined to keep her family together. Gracie takes care of her brothers while going to school and working part-time, even though her mother acts up sometimes.

In the movie, Anne Heche plays Rowena, Gracie's troubled mother, and Diane Ladd plays Louela Lawson, a helpful person. Kristen Bell gives an amazing performance as a young woman who is determined to protect her family in Gracie's Choice, a touching story about strength, love, and the power of family.

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5) Like Father (2018)

A scene from Like Father (Image via Netflix)

Like Father is an American dramedy film written and directed by Lauren Miller. The film was released on Netflix on August 3, 2018.

The story centers on Rachel Hamilton (Kristen Bell), a New York workaholic executive whose life veers unexpectedly when her fiancé leaves her at the altar. Her estranged father Harry Hamilton (Kelsey Grammer), who she hasn't seen since she was five, witnesses the wedding and contacts her.

Driving in a drunken haze, they choose to go on the pre-booked honeymoon cruise together, intended for Rachel's now-called-off wedding.

Rachel and Harry are strangers at first. Over their Caribbean cruise, they grow close over adventures, soul-searching, and heart-to-heart talks. Rachel starts to consider her own life and workaholic tendencies as she interacts with other guests, including different couples seated at their table.

For both, the journey marks a turning point as Harry seeks atonement for past transgressions and Rachel gains greater value of life and family.

Apart from Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer, the movie stars Seth Rogen as Jeff, a divorced man Rachel has a one-night stand with, along with Paul W. Downs, Zach Appelman, and Amber Hodgkiss in a supporting cast.

In other news, Kristen Bell will host the 31st annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, set to stream live on Netflix on February 23, 2025 at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT.

Edited by Tiasha