Natasha Lyonne’s Best Roles (According to Rotten Tomatoes)

Natasha Lyonne is many things. She’s been an indie darling, she’s starred in massive teen comedy blockbusters, and even LGBTQ classics as well. At one point, it even seemed her career (and possibly life) was at an end. Lyonne went missing in 2005, only to be found on the verge of death, suffering from heroin addiction, Hepatitis, and a collapsed lung.

While many assumed Lyonne would drift into oblivion, in reality, her career only got stronger after her recovery. Now, Lyonne is a bonafide Hollywood powerhouse who can easily play the lead or supporting character, drama or comedy, film or television.

10 America Brown (2004) – 80%

America Brown focuses on the life of Ricky Brown, a sheltered kid from West Texas, who moves to New York City to live with his former mentor. While in the city, Ricky discovers that life on the east coast is very different from his home in Texas. Ricky also meets two women that he must choose between – Rosie, a seductive Frenchwoman, and Vera, a free-spirited waitress (Natasha Lyonne).

9 GBF (2013) – 80%

GBF (Gay Best Friend) follows closeted high schooler Tanner Daniels. After he’s outed, the three most popular girls at school fight over him, because having the GBF is now the coolest and trendiest thing in their school. The movie is an LGBTQ+ twist on classic teen comedies and has a stellar cast, including numerous Hollywood pros playing the school’s teachers, including Natasha Lyonne, Rebecca Gayheart, Megan Mullally, and Horatio Sanz.

8 Slums of Beverly Hills (1998) – 81%

1998’s Slums of Beverly Hills was one of Natasha Lyonne’s first leading roles, and it proved that she was bound to be one of Hollywood’s greatest talents. The film centers around her family, led by her single father, as they move around to various crappy apartments in Beverly Hills’ cheaper, lesser-known neighborhoods in order for the kids to be able to go to the upscale public schools.

While Lyonne was fantastic in the film, comedy legend Jessica Walter stole the show as the conniving new girlfriend of Lyonne’s father.

7 Hello, My Name is Doris (2016) – 85%

Acting legend Sally Field returned from a hiatus to play Doris, a woman in her 60’s who is grieving the loss of her mother. However, after buying a series of self-help tapes, and chatting with her young coworkers (like Natasha Lyonne), Doris feels empowered to chase after the younger men she’s always wanted. The movie is hilarious, somewhat creepy, but ultimately, uplifting. It’s like a coming-of-age movie for an older generation.

6 The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle (2009) – 89%

After Dory loses his job as an IT professional, he’s forced to work as a janitor for a product research company. One day, Dory begins finding cookies around the office. Once he starts eating them, he can’t stop. Soon, he and his colleagues learn that they’re being used as living incubators for a new lifeform that’s growing inside them…and being nourished by the cookies. The movie was an official selection of the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals.

5 Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019) – 90%

Based on Piper Kerman’s memoir of the same name, Orange Is the New Black follows the life of white-collar criminal Piper as she is admitted to a women’s prison. The series featured many famous faces, like Jason Biggs, Laura Prepon, and Taryn Manning. It also launched the careers of actresses like Laverne Cox.

But one of the show’s most beloved characters was Lyonne’s Nicky Nichols, a drug addict from a privileged, yet dysfunctional family. In fact, the character’s chest scar is actually real, from when Lyonne had to have heart surgery due to her addiction-related illnesses.

4 Portlandia (2011-2018) – 94%

Hipster’s favorite sketch comedy show, Portlandia, had many famous guest stars, but some, like Natasha Lyonne and Jeff Goldblum, were consistent crowd-pleasers and had numerous appearances on the show. Lyonne was also dating Portlandia star Fred Armisen, which probably helped. Her most notable skits include the one where she and Carrie Brownstein visit a music festival, and another where Lyonne plays a mother looking for a new doll, “Germy”, for her daughter.

3 Honey Boy (2019) – 94%

Honey Boy is allegedly a loose retelling of Shia LeBeouf’s past. It follows a child actor and his relationship with his father (played by Shia LeBeouf). Lyonne plays Honey Boy’s mom in the heartwrenching film, which sees Honey Boy experience abuse, drugs, and alcohol.

Although it’s been widely praised, many question if the film is true to real life, or if LeBeouf was retelling his story in a more exaggerated and sympathetic light towards himself.

2 John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch (2019) – 96%

John Mulaney’s Netflix special spoofed retro kid variety shows like Captain Kangaroo and Barney and Friends. The show was lauded for its hysterical parody of the shows that every child used to love. The special was filled with guest skits from celebs like David Byrne, Richard Kind, Natasha Lyonne, and more. It was recently revealed that the Sack Lunch Bunch has been renewed and will return for more episodes, this time on Comedy Central.

1 Russian Doll (2019) – 97%

Natasha Lyonne not only starred in Russian Doll, but she also created it, co-produced it, and co-directed it. When the series aired, it was a surprise smash hit, gaining a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and getting nominated for a whopping 12 Emmys, winning three. Due to the audience and critical success of the show’s dark humor, Russian Doll was renewed for a season 2. Unfortunately, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, production on the show was halted back in March, so fans may have to wait an additional year before seeing the new season.

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Keith Langston
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Keith Langston is a writer for ScreenRant, as well as Travel Channel and Passport Magazine. He holds a deep passion for film, travel, and adventure. He fully believes that ‘The Faculty’ is the greatest movie ever made.

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