The 50 Best Joan Cusack Movies

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Updated April 18, 2024 50 items
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Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 50 Best Joan Cusack Movies

When it comes to the goddess of quirky characters and unforgettable performances, Joan Cusack has served us some serious cinema realness. This actress doesn't just steal scenes; she downright makes them her own. So, let's dive into the best Joan Cusack movies of all time, celebrating a career that has given us joy, laughter, and a touch of the eccentric. Remember her as the delightfully wicked Debbie Jellinsky in Addams Family Values? Iconic. Or how about as the voice of Jessie in Toy Story 2, bringing depth to a character that could have easily just been another animated face in the crowd? 

Each role showcases her talent for blending humor with heart, proving Joan Cusack is a force to be reckoned with on the screen. So buckle up; we're going on a ride through Joan Cusack's most memorable cinematic moments.

  • Grandview, U.S.A.
    31
    Jamie Lee Curtis, John Cusack, Jennifer Jason Leigh
    4 votes

    In Randal Kleiser's slice-of-life drama set in small-town America during the early '80s, Joan Cusack expertly portrays Mary Maine – best friend to Jamie Lee Curtis's character Michelle "Mike" Cody – whom she supports throughout various personal struggles and romantic entanglements with hotel heir Tim Pearson (C. Thomas Howell). The authentic chemistry between co-stars adds depth to their respective characters and contributes significantly to the film's emotional resonance.

  • Chicken Little
    32
    Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, Don Knotts
    14 votes

    In Disney's delightful animated adventure Chicken Little, Joan Cusack lends her unique voice talent to Abby Mallard – an eccentric duck who assists titular hero Chicken Little (Zach Braff) in saving their town from an alien invasion. Her signature wit and sincerity come through beautifully in this family-friendly film that is sure to capture the hearts of viewers of all ages.

  • Looney Tunes: Back in Action
    33
    Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, Steve Martin
    10 votes

    Joan Cusack makes a memorable appearance as Mother, an eccentric scientist working for the villainous Mr. Chairman (Steve Martin), who seeks to control the world using a powerful blue monkey diamond. In true Cusack fashion, her performance is infused with humor, quirkiness, and panache – further providing testament to her versatile acting abilities.

  • Martian Child
    34
    John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt
    7 votes

    In this heartwarming sci-fi drama about a recently widowed science-fiction writer (John Cusack) who adopts a young boy claiming to be from Mars, Joan Cusack plays Liz Gordon – the protagonist's empathetic sister who provides unwavering support during his unconventional journey into parenthood. Her emotional depth and genuine warmth add resonance and poignancy to this touching story about love, acceptance, and self-discovery.

  • Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil
    35
    Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Patrick Warburton
    11 votes

    Joan Cusack once again showcases her remarkable voice acting talents in this animated sequel to the 2005 hit Hoodwinked!. As Verushka Van Vine – an embittered former member of the Happily Ever After Agency turned villain – she injects her character with deliciously sinister humor that enlivens every scene she inhabits while offering audiences a wildly entertaining experience.

  • Two Much
    36
    Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas, Daryl Hannah
    8 votes

    In Fernando Trueba's caper comedy Two Much, Joan Cusack delivers an electrifying performance as Gloria - one half of a pair of scheming twin sisters engaged in matrimonial shenanigans with Antonio Banderas's hapless artist Art Dodge. With impeccable comedic timing and undeniable charm, her portrayal provides abundant laughs and contributes significantly to the film's overall appeal.

  • War, Inc.
    37
    John Cusack, Hilary Duff, Marisa Tomei
    5 votes

    Teaming up with brother John Cusack once more in this satirical dark comedy about a fictional war-torn nation, Joan Cusack plays Marsha Dillon - an enigmatic character who finds herself embroiled in a web of intrigue and political machinations. Her magnetic presence and exceptional skills as a comedic actress elevate every scene she graces, making War, Inc. an intriguing and entertaining cinematic experience.

  • Hero
    38
    Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, Andy Garcia
    5 votes

    In Stephen Frears' gripping drama Hero, Joan Cusack stars alongside Dustin Hoffman and Geena Davis as Evelyn Laplante – wife to Hoffman's unassuming protagonist Bernard. As she navigates loyalty and deception within her troubled marriage, her emotional vulnerability adds depth to this complex tale that challenges conventional notions of heroism.

  • Friends with Money
    39
    Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack, Catherine Keener
    5 votes

    Joan Cusack tackles themes of wealth, friendship, and personal fulfillment in Nicole Holofcener's insightful ensemble dramedy Friends with Money. As Franny – a wealthy woman grappling with the complexities of maintaining old friendships amid changing circumstances – Cusack delivers an authentic performance that resonates deeply with audiences seeking thoughtful explorations of contemporary social dynamics.

  • Mr. Wrong
    40
    Ellen DeGeneres, Bill Pullman, Joan Cusack
    6 votes

    In this offbeat romantic comedy starring Ellen DeGeneres as Martha Alston – a woman searching for love while navigating the pitfalls of dating – Joan Cusack portrays Inga Gunther, Martha's quirky co-worker who aids her on her quest for romance. With her trademark wit and charm, she injects humor and vitality into every scene she inhabits; reminding viewers why she is considered one of Hollywood's most versatile actresses.

  • A Smile Like Yours
    41
    Greg Kinnear, Lauren Holly, Joan Cusack
    3 votes

    As Nancy Tellen in this heartfelt romantic dramedy about a couple struggling to conceive their first child (played by Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly), Joan Cusack provides invaluable support with her trademark blend of humor and warmth. Her empathetic portrayal resonates with viewers, further demonstrating her talent for creating memorable characters that leave lasting impressions.

  • Mars Needs Moms
    42
    Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Elisabeth Harnois
    5 votes

    This thrilling animated adventure features Joan Cusack as Milo's Mom – a loving parent abducted by Martians who plan to use her "momness" to raise their own offspring. As she traverses an alien landscape with courage and determination, her heartfelt portrayal adds emotional depth to this family-friendly tale that examines themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

  • Small Fry
    43

    Small Fry

    Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton, Jane Lynch
    3 votes

    In this delightful Pixar short film set in the Toy Story universe, Joan Cusack once again lends her unique voice to the beloved character of Jessie – a cowgirl doll who must save the day when Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is kidnapped by a group of discarded fast-food meal toys. Her jubilant performance will undoubtedly delight fans of all ages.

  • Hawaiian Vacation
    44

    Hawaiian Vacation

    Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Michael Keaton
    5 votes

    This charming animated short film features Joan Cusack reprising her role as Jessie in the Toy Story series, as she and other familiar characters help Barbie (Jodi Benson) and Ken (Michael Keaton) recreate an idyllic Hawaiian vacation within Bonnie's bedroom. With her signature wit and enthusiasm, Cusack adds life to this heartwarming tale that captures the essence of Pixar storytelling.

  • The Last Shot
    45
    Matthew Broderick, Alec Baldwin, Toni Collette
    3 votes

    In Jeff Nathanson's crime-comedy centering on a bumbling FBI agent-turned-filmmaker (Matthew Broderick), Joan Cusack delivers yet another stellar comedic performance as Fanny Nash – a quirky waitress who becomes entrenched in the film's central caper alongside Alec Baldwin's ambitious undercover operative Joe Devine.

  • The Allnighter
    46
    Pam Grier, Joan Cusack, Susanna Hoffs
    3 votes

    In this 1987 coming-of-age comedy directed by Tamar Simon Hoffs, Joan Cusack plays Gina – one-third of a trio of college roommates venturing out for an unforgettable night before graduation day dawns upon them. With her effortless charm and undeniable talent for infusing humor into every scene she inhabits, Cusack contributes to this nostalgic ode to youthful escapades.

  • Peep and the Big Wide World: Peep Finds
    47

    Peep and the Big Wide World: Peep Finds

    Joan Cusack, Scott Beaudin, Melanie Tonello
    3 votes

    Lending her vocal prowess to this engaging animated educational television series aimed at preschoolers, Joan Cusack brings life to Narrator – a character responsible for guiding young viewers through the charming tales of Peep (a curious chicken), Chirp (an intelligent robin), and Quack (a quirky duck) as they explore the big wide world around them.

  • Acceptance
    48

    Acceptance

    Joan Cusack, Mae Whitman, Brigid Brannagh
    4 votes

    In this dramatic TV movie adaptation of Susan Coll's novel, Joan Cusack portrays Nina Finkel – a determined mother navigating the competitive world of college admissions alongside her high-achieving daughter Maya (Mae Whitman). Her powerful performance expertly conveys the emotional complexity of a woman striving to balance personal aspirations and parental responsibilities.

  • The Last Guy on Earth
    49
    Elizabeth Hurley, Whoopi Goldberg, Yasmine Bleeth
    4 votes

    In this thought-provoking dark comedy about the last man on Earth surrounded by women who are all drawn to him for mysterious reasons, Joan Cusack delivers yet another standout performance as Alice Mundy – one of many characters whose lives become intertwined in this compelling exploration of human nature and self-preservation.

  • Klaus
    50
    Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
    1 votes

    This beautifully animated Netflix original film reimagines the origins of Santa Claus through the eyes of Jesper Johansson (Jason Schwartzman) - a postman assigned to a remote Arctic island where he befriends reclusive toy maker Klaus (J.K. Simmons). As Mrs. Krum - one of several colorful inhabitants encountered during his journey - Joan Cusack provides vivacity and charm to this enchanting holiday tale that is sure to delight audiences young and old alike.