Melissa McCarthy has carved out a singular place in Hollywood with her fearless humor, undeniable charm, and rare ability to move seamlessly between slapstick comedy and deeply emotional roles. Rising to prominence with her scene-stealing turn as Megan in Bridesmaids (2011), McCarthy quickly became one of the most bankable and beloved comedic actresses of her generation. But her journey didn’t start there—after years of television work, including her standout role as Sookie St. James in Gilmore Girls and a lead turn in Mike & Molly, she broke through to global fame with a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination.
What sets McCarthy apart isn’t just her impeccable timing or physical comedy—it’s the heart she brings to her characters. Whether she’s playing a foul-mouthed identity thief, a down-on-her-luck writer, or a mismatched spy, there’s always a layer of emotional truth underneath the laughs. Her ability to humanize even the most outrageous characters has made her a consistent box office draw and a critical favorite.
This list of the 10 best Melissa McCarthy movies is more than just a highlight reel of her greatest hits. It’s a curated selection that balances commercial success with critical acclaim, explores the range of her filmography, and showcases how she’s evolved as both a performer and producer. From Oscar-nominated dramas to cult comedies, these films reveal the full spectrum of McCarthy’s talent.
Along the way, she’s earned major accolades—including two Academy Award nominations, multiple Emmy wins, and Golden Globe nods—and her films have grossed hundreds of millions worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her work, this guide offers a definitive starting point for appreciating everything Melissa McCarthy brings to the screen.
1. Bridesmaids (2011)
Description: A comedy about a group of bridesmaids navigating the chaos of wedding preparations.
Overview and Features
Directed by Paul Feig, "Bridesmaids" is a raunchy yet heartfelt comedy that follows Annie (Kristen Wiig) as she struggles to fulfill her duties as a maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding. Melissa McCarthy plays Megan, a tough and eccentric bridesmaid who steals the show with her bold personality and hilarious antics. Megan’s unfiltered honesty and wild energy provide some of the film’s most memorable moments.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Bridesmaids" is the film that made Melissa McCarthy a household name, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Her role as Megan is a masterclass in physical comedy, delivering both laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected warmth. McCarthy’s fearless performance elevates the film, making it one of the best comedies of the 2010s.
Unique Description: McCarthy’s breakout role in this iconic wedding comedy.
IMDb Score: 6.8
2. Spy (2015)
Description: A desk-bound CIA analyst goes undercover to thwart a global arms dealer.
Overview and Features
Directed by Paul Feig, "Spy" stars Melissa McCarthy as Susan Cooper, a CIA analyst who has spent her career working behind a desk, assisting field agents. When her partner (Jude Law) is compromised, Susan volunteers to go undercover and take on a dangerous mission. The film blends action and comedy as Susan navigates high-stakes situations with her signature charm and wit.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Spy" is a perfect showcase of Melissa McCarthy’s ability to balance physical comedy with genuine emotion. Her transformation from a timid analyst to a confident spy is both hilarious and empowering. McCarthy’s chemistry with the rest of the cast, including Jason Statham’s deadpan humor, makes Spy a standout action-comedy that’s as thrilling as it is funny.
Unique Description: McCarthy shines as a secret agent in this action-comedy.
IMDb Score: 7.0
3. The Heat (2013)
Description: Two mismatched law enforcement officers team up to take down a drug lord.
Overview and Features
Directed by Paul Feig, "The Heat" pairs Melissa McCarthy with Sandra Bullock in a buddy cop comedy. McCarthy plays Shannon Mullins, a tough and unorthodox Boston detective, while Bullock plays Sarah Ashburn, an uptight FBI agent. The duo’s clashing personalities create a hilarious dynamic as they work together to bring down a ruthless drug dealer.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"The Heat" allows Melissa McCarthy to fully embrace her brash, no-nonsense comedic style. Her chemistry with Sandra Bullock is electric, and their contrasting approaches to law enforcement make for plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. McCarthy’s ability to deliver sharp one-liners and physical gags makes The Heat a must-watch for fans of buddy cop comedies.
Unique Description: McCarthy teams up with Bullock in this hilarious buddy cop comedy.
IMDb Score: 6.6
4. Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)
Description: A true story about a biographer who turns to forgery to make ends meet.
Overview and Features
Directed by Marielle Heller, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" is a dramatic departure from Melissa McCarthy’s usual comedic roles. She plays Lee Israel, a struggling author who starts forging literary letters to make a living. The film explores themes of loneliness, desperation, and redemption, with McCarthy delivering a deeply nuanced performance that showcases her dramatic range.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Can You Ever Forgive Me?" earned Melissa McCarthy her second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actress. Her portrayal of Lee Israel is raw and empathetic, capturing the character’s vulnerability and desperation. McCarthy’s chemistry with Richard E. Grant, who plays her equally flawed friend, adds emotional depth to this true-crime drama, making it one of her most critically acclaimed performances.
Unique Description: McCarthy’s Oscar-nominated dramatic turn in a true-crime story.
IMDb Score: 7.1
5. Identity Thief (2013)
Description: A mild-mannered businessman tracks down the woman who stole his identity.
Overview and Features
Directed by Seth Gordon, "Identity Thief" pairs Melissa McCarthy with Jason Bateman in a road-trip comedy. Bateman plays Sandy Patterson, a man whose life is turned upside down when his identity is stolen by Diana (McCarthy). In a desperate attempt to clear his name, Sandy tracks Diana across the country, leading to a series of chaotic and comedic encounters.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Identity Thief" is a fun ride that showcases Melissa McCarthy’s ability to make even morally ambiguous characters likable. Her chemistry with Jason Bateman adds to the film’s humor, with their constant back-and-forth providing plenty of laughs. McCarthy’s over-the-top antics, combined with moments of vulnerability, make Identity Thief an entertaining watch.
Unique Description: McCarthy’s hilarious road-trip adventure as a lovable scam artist.
IMDb Score: 5.7
6. Life of the Party (2018)
Description: A middle-aged mom returns to college after her husband leaves her.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ben Falcone, "Life of the Party" stars Melissa McCarthy as Deanna, a newly divorced woman who decides to finish her college degree alongside her daughter. The film follows Deanna as she embraces campus life, forms new friendships, and navigates the challenges of being a student again. The comedy is lighthearted, filled with McCarthy’s signature humor and a heartwarming message about self-discovery.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Life of the Party" is a feel-good film that highlights Melissa McCarthy’s ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments. Her portrayal of Deanna is endearing, making the character’s journey of self-reinvention relatable and inspiring. While the film is packed with comedic scenes, it also has a positive message about embracing new beginnings.
Unique Description: McCarthy’s heartwarming and hilarious return to college life.
IMDb Score: 5.6
7. Tammy (2014)
Description: A down-on-her-luck woman embarks on a road trip with her grandmother.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ben Falcone, "Tammy" follows Melissa McCarthy’s character Tammy, who loses her job and discovers her husband’s infidelity on the same day. Desperate for a change, she hits the road with her hard-drinking grandmother Pearl (Susan Sarandon) for a journey filled with misadventures and self-discovery. The film blends raunchy comedy with moments of heartfelt connection between the two leads.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Tammy" showcases Melissa McCarthy’s talent for blending comedy with genuine emotion. Her on-screen chemistry with Susan Sarandon adds depth to the film, making their relationship feel authentic and engaging. McCarthy’s willingness to embrace the absurdity of the character makes Tammy a unique and entertaining road-trip comedy.
Unique Description: McCarthy’s comedic road trip with Susan Sarandon.
IMDb Score: 4.9
8. Ghostbusters (2016)
Description: A team of scientists unite to save New York from a ghostly invasion.
Overview and Features
Directed by Paul Feig, "Ghostbusters" is a reboot of the classic 1984 film, starring Melissa McCarthy alongside Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. The story follows a group of scientists who team up to investigate paranormal activity and save New York City from a supernatural threat. McCarthy plays Abby Yates, a passionate scientist dedicated to proving the existence of ghosts.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
While Ghostbusters stirred up controversy upon its release, Melissa McCarthy’s performance is a highlight, bringing her trademark humor and enthusiasm to the role. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast creates a fun dynamic, and the film’s mix of sci-fi action and comedy makes it an entertaining addition to the franchise.
Unique Description: McCarthy leads the charge in this supernatural comedy reboot.
IMDb Score: 6.5
9. St. Vincent (2014)
Description: A young boy finds an unlikely mentor in his misanthropic neighbor.
Overview and Features
Directed by Theodore Melfi, "St. Vincent" stars Bill Murray as Vincent, a grumpy war veteran who forms an unexpected friendship with the son of his new neighbor, played by Melissa McCarthy. McCarthy plays Maggie, a single mother trying to balance work and parenting. The film explores the unlikely bond between Vincent and the young boy, offering a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"St. Vincent" showcases a more subdued side of Melissa McCarthy, focusing on her dramatic acting chops rather than her usual comedic persona. Her portrayal of a struggling mother is touching and relatable, adding depth to the film’s emotional core. McCarthy’s ability to switch gears and deliver a nuanced performance makes St. Vincent a standout in her filmography.
Unique Description: McCarthy’s heartfelt role as a single mother in this dramedy.
IMDb Score: 7.2
10. The Boss (2016)
Description: A disgraced business mogul attempts a comeback by starting a brownie empire.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ben Falcone, "The Boss" stars Melissa McCarthy as Michelle Darnell, a wealthy CEO who is sent to prison for insider trading. After serving her time, Michelle is left penniless and moves in with her former assistant, Claire (Kristen Bell). Determined to regain her status, she starts a brownie business with Claire, leading to plenty of comedic mishaps along the way.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"The Boss" is a fun, over-the-top comedy that allows Melissa McCarthy to fully embrace her larger-than-life comedic style. Her portrayal of Michelle is brash, unapologetic, and hilarious, creating a character that is both frustrating and endearing. The film’s mix of slapstick humor and outrageous scenarios makes it a wild ride.
Unique Description: McCarthy’s over-the-top performance in this outrageous comedy.
IMDb Score: 5.4
4. Honorable Mentions
While the top ten list covers Melissa McCarthy’s most impactful and well-rounded performances, there are a few titles that deserve special recognition for their uniqueness or cult appeal.
- This Is 40 (2012): Though her role is brief, McCarthy makes an unforgettable impression in Judd Apatow’s comedy about midlife crises and relationships. Her improvised, over-the-top meltdown in a parent-teacher conference scene became an audience favorite and showcased her ability to steal a scene in seconds.
- The Kitchen (2019): A rare dramatic turn in a gritty crime thriller, this film gave McCarthy the opportunity to play against type as a 1970s mob wife forced to take control of her family’s criminal operation. Despite a lukewarm box office performance and mixed reviews, McCarthy’s commanding presence added a compelling layer to an ambitious narrative.
- Thunder Force (2021): Teaming up with Octavia Spencer in a superhero spoof, McCarthy leaned into her signature style of awkward humor and relatable vulnerability. While the film received a mixed critical reception, it gained a dedicated following on Netflix and highlighted McCarthy’s commitment to creating inclusive, female-led comedies.
These films may not have made the top 10, but they represent McCarthy’s willingness to take creative risks and stretch her talents in unexpected directions.
5. Melissa McCarthy’s Impact on Modern Comedy
Melissa McCarthy has reshaped what a leading comedic actress looks like in Hollywood. At a time when few women were headlining studio comedies, McCarthy broke the mold by taking on characters that were unapologetically loud, flawed, messy, and entirely human. She brought a level of physicality, fearlessness, and nuance that challenged industry norms and broadened representation on screen.
Her characters often blend outrageous humor with surprising vulnerability, making them feel real even in the most absurd scenarios. Whether she’s falling off a counter in Bridesmaids or delivering biting monologues in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, McCarthy finds the emotional core beneath the comedy.
Collaborations with director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Spy, The Heat, Ghostbusters) have defined some of her most successful projects, pairing her with scripts that amplify her strengths. Additionally, her ongoing creative partnership with her husband, Ben Falcone, through their production company, has allowed her to take control of her narrative—producing stories that foreground women and unconventional protagonists.
In doing so, she’s opened doors for future generations of comedic actresses and proved that women-led comedies can dominate both box offices and awards seasons.
6. What’s Next for Melissa McCarthy?
Melissa McCarthy continues to evolve as an actress and producer. Following her critically acclaimed dramatic role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? and her more recent appearance in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023) as Ursula, she appears to be embracing a broader spectrum of storytelling.
She is reportedly attached to several upcoming projects, including both comedies and dramas, and continues to collaborate behind the scenes through her production company, On the Day Productions. Her recent choices indicate a deeper dive into complex roles that allow her to blend pathos with performance, signaling a shift from pure comedic hijinks to multifaceted, genre-defying characters.
As one of the few actresses to find lasting success across TV, film, and streaming, Melissa McCarthy’s career trajectory is a testament to reinvention, resilience, and risk-taking. Whether she’s making audiences laugh or cry, one thing is clear: her best work may still be ahead of her.
7. Conclusion
Melissa McCarthy’s filmography is a vibrant mix of laugh-out-loud comedies, heartfelt dramas, and genre-defying performances. The ten films featured in this list represent not just her talent, but her journey—from breakthrough roles to award-nominated performances. Each movie reveals a different side of her—sometimes wild and uninhibited, sometimes subtle and emotionally resonant.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her work, these films offer the perfect entry point into one of Hollywood’s most versatile and fearless performers. So queue them up, revisit the highlights, and let her remind you why she’s become a mainstay in modern entertainment.
FAQs
1. What are the best Melissa McCarthy movies?
Some of the best Melissa McCarthy movies include Bridesmaids, Spy, The Heat, and Can You Ever Forgive Me?.
2. Has Melissa McCarthy won an Oscar?
While Melissa McCarthy hasn’t won an Oscar, she has been nominated twice, for Bridesmaids (Best Supporting Actress) and Can You Ever Forgive Me? (Best Actress).
3. What movie made Melissa McCarthy famous?
Melissa McCarthy gained widespread recognition with her role in Bridesmaids (2011).
4. Is Melissa McCarthy known for drama or comedy?
Melissa McCarthy is primarily known for her comedic roles but has also delivered strong performances in dramas like Can You Ever Forgive Me?.
5. Has Melissa McCarthy worked with Paul Feig?
Yes, Melissa McCarthy has worked with Paul Feig on several films, including Bridesmaids, Spy, The Heat, and Ghostbusters.
Melissa McCarthy’s filmography is filled with a range of performances that highlight her incredible comedic timing and ability to take on more serious roles. From her scene-stealing turn in Bridesmaids to her Oscar-nominated dramatic role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, the 10 best Melissa McCarthy movies listed here showcase her versatility and charm. Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy or a heartfelt drama, McCarthy’s films offer something for every movie lover.
