All of Tina Fey's movies, ranked from worst to best
Meghan Cook
- Tina Fey is an actress best known for roles in comedies like "Mean Girls" (2004) and "Sisters" (2015).
- Insider took a look back on Fey's filmography and ranked her films from worst to best based on critic scores from Rotten Tomatoes.
- Fey's highest-rated films are the documentaries "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me" (2014) and "Monkey Kingdom" (2015).
- Her lowest-rated films are "Man of the Year" (2006) and "Beer League" (2006).
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.
After getting her start on the comedy scene as a performer on "Saturday Night Live," Tina Fey transitioned to film in the mid-2000s and has since made a name for herself in the movie industry.
Insider took a look back on Fey's career and ranked her filmography according to critical ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Films without critical scores were not included.
Read the original article on InsiderHer highest-rated film is the documentary "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me" (2014).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%
Summary: In the biographical documentary "Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me," late Broadway legend Elaine Stritch invites viewers to delve into her life on stage and off through interviews and archival footage.
Fey appears in the film in an interview, speaking on her relationship with Elaine as both a fan and a friend.
Critics praised the documentary for providing an intimate and authentic portrait in a portrayal that spans decades.
"'Elaine Stritch' is filled with bluster and memories, blunt outbursts and funny moments," Tom Long wrote for the Detroit News. "But more importantly, it is filled with honesty."
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She narrated the documentary "Monkey Kingdom" (2015).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
Summary: In the Disneynature documentary "Monkey Kingdom," Fey narrates the true story of a young macaque monkey as she raises her baby alone in the dense forests of Southern Asia.
Bursting with heart and warmth, "Monkey Kingdom" had a surprising amount of depth for a nature documentary.
"This may be an unabashed, Disneyfied version of nature," Bilge Ebiri wrote in their review for New York Magazine. "But it's also fun, touching, and expertly assembled."
Fey voiced Lisa in the English-language version of "Ponyo" (2009).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
Summary: In the Hayao Miyazaki film "Ponyo," a 5-year-old boy named Sosuke (voiced by Frankie Jonas) befriends a goldfish princess named Ponyo (voiced by Noah Cyrus) who longs to become human.
In the English-language version of the animated picture, Fey voiced Sosuke's mother Lisa.
With its dazzling color and painterly touches, "Ponyo" was praised for its art and touching story.
"It is a stunning and joyful experience that I highly recommend for families to watch together," Rachel Wagner wrote for Rotoscopers.
The actress played Ms. Norbury in "Mean Girls" (2004).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%
Summary: After her family moves from Africa to the United States, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is plunged into the deep end of high school social hierarchy when she attempts to make friends with the most popular girls in school.
In addition to playing teacher Ms. Norbury, Fey also wrote the screenplay for "Mean Girls."
Written with razor-sharp wit and carefully executed, "Mean Girls" was applauded as a new classic in the coming-of-age comedy genre.
"Happily, Fey and [director] Mark Waters gently tweak the studios' usual high-gloss caricature of adolescence and aim for acutely hilarious and surprisingly empathic sociology," Jessica Winter wrote for Time Out.
She was Nadya in "Muppets Most Wanted" (2014).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 80%
Summary: In "Muppet Most Wanted," the muppets take the show on the road as they embark on a global tour, but a mishap overseas places them in the middle of a European conspiracy when Kermit the Frog is mistaken for a criminal named Constantine.
In "Muppets Most Wanted," Fey had a supporting role as Nadya, a prison guard.
Critics wrote that even though "Muppets Most Wanted" is not the best Muppets movie of all time, it is still a cute romp.
"This may be the best Muppet film since - well - the last one," Nigel Andrews wrote in his review for the Financial Times. "That's praise enough."
She made a cameo appearance in "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%
Summary: In the sequel to "Anchorman," reporter Ron Burgundy (Ferrell) and his co-workers Brick (Carell), Brian (Rudd), and Champ (David Koechner) return to run the nation's first 24-hour news channel.
Fey had a brief appearance in the film as a reporter.
Critics found the comedy sequel to be funny and entertaining, even though some questioned why this movie was made in the first place.
"Worth a watch despite occasional laugh-free stretches," Dana Stevens put simply for Slate.
In "Megamind" (2010) she voiced Roxanne Ritchi.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%
Summary: In the animated comedy "Megamind," Metro City villain Megamind (voiced by Ferrell) sets out to defeat superhero Metro Man (voiced by Brad Pitt) by kidnapping ace reporter Roxanne Rtichi (voiced by Fey).
Filled with jokes and memorable animated sequences, "Megamind" was praised as a refreshing animated adventure.
"A full-bodied, busy-as-heck, funny-as-heck comedy adventure from Dreamworks that merrily riffs -- in its own fractured way -- on the Superman legend," Jim Schembri wrote for The Age.
Fey starred as Kim Barker in "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (2016).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 68%
Summary: Based on a memoir, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" depicts the travels of journalist Kim Barker after she's sent to provide war coverage in Pakistan and Afghanistan during the early 2000s.
Critics felt like"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," which swung between drama and comedy, would have benefited from sticking to one genre but others felt like it pulled off the delicate balancing act.
"Fey's character, who has the convincing cynicism of a career journalist, grows in experience as the conflict deepens, and Carlock's deft debut screenplay ensures that death and absurdity hover on either side of a knife edge," Alice Vincent observed for Daily Telegraph.
The actress played Claire Foster in "Date Night" (2010).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 66%
Summary: In the action-comedy "Date Night," Phil (Steve Carell) and Claire Foster (Fey) get more than they bargained for when they pretend to be a different couple to get a seat in a fancy restaurant. In a series of escalating events, the pair end up targeted by the mafia due to their mistaken identity.
In general, some critics found fault with the hit-or-miss comedy, but most relented that the film was buoyed by the welcome presence of Fey and Carell.
"'Date Night' is only ever moderately funny; partially entertaining; quite exciting," wrote film critic Ali Gray. "It bears the mark of a cinematic no-mark; a bland director whose cast members deserve way better than him."
She was Tammy in "Wine Country" (2019).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 66%
Summary: When Rebecca (Rachel Dratch) turns 50, her best friends — Abby (Poehler), Catherine (Ana Gasteyer), Val (Paula Pell), Jenny (Emily Spivey), and Naomi (Maya Rudolph) take to the Napa Valley for a weekend celebration.
Fey had a supporting role in "Wine Country" as Tammy, the local owner of the house that the women stay in.
Overall, critics enjoyed the film as a formulaic but fun ensemble comedy.
"But while this isn't the most original project that any of these women have ever done, it is as warm and comfortable as a cashmere blanket draped around one's shoulders by a considerate friend," Katie Rife wrote for the AV Club.
In "Baby Mama" (2008) she played Kate Holbrook.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 63%
Summary: In the comedy "Baby Mama," hardworking businesswoman Kate Holbrook (Fey) decides to start a family and turns to Angie Ostrowski (Poehler) as her surrogate.
But when Angie unexpectedly shows up at her doorstep looking for a place to stay, the two women have to learn to survive under one roof as the due date approaches.
Although the movie's plot felt overly familiar to many, critics largely praised Fey and Poehler for helping unique moments of humor shine through.
"Baby Mama adheres fairly closely to the conventions of the studio comedy, although it's never actually predictable, probably because the characters and subject matter are so novel," Carina Chocano wrote for the Los Angeles Times.
Fey was Kate Ellis in "Sisters" (2015).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%
Summary: When two sisters — Kate (Fey) and Maura Ellis (Poehler) — realize that their parents are putting their childhood home on the market, they decide to throw a wild rager so that they can give their house a proper send-off.
Many critics praised Fey and Poehler's undeniable talent but felt that "Sisters" was far from perfect. Others felt that its failings contributed to its charm.
"It may not be perfect, but what sibling relationship ever is?!" Courtney Howard asked in her review for Fresh Fiction.
The actress played Shelley in "The Invention of Lying" (2009).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 56%
Summary: In a world where everybody compulsively tells the truth, writer Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais) is met with harsh criticism from his neighbors, dates, and coworkers. But everything changes when Mark tells the world's first lie and realizes that everyone will accept his word as reality.
Fey had a supporting role in the film as Mark's callous secretary Shelley.
Despite the movie's promising premise, critics were split on "The Invention of Lying" — with some calling it original and others feeling like it wore out its welcome halfway through.
"There are cycles of inspiration and rebirth, but the barbed promise of the early going loses its way in choices aimed at sentimentality rather than, as Harvey Kurtzman memorably put it, humor in a jugular vein," wrote film critic Jonathan F. Richards.
She appeared as herself in the documentary "Live From New York!" (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 52%
Summary: The retrospective documentary "Live From New York!" explores the history behind the hit sketch-comedy show across four decades, from its starting days to its current position as a touchstone in pop culture.
Fey was interviewed for the documentary alongside fellow "Saturday Night Live" alumni such as Will Ferrell, Alec Baldwin, and Leslie Jones.
Because so many books and documentaries have covered the same material at length, "Live from New York!" wasn't praised across the board, but those who enjoyed it called it funny and insightful.
"It's refreshing to see a retrospective of the show that's not bogged down by overly detailed timelines and the desire to wax nostalgic," Aisha Harris wrote for Slate.
In "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters" (2007), she voiced a burrito.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%
Summary: Based on the Adult Swim television series, "Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters" expands on the show as Meatwad (voiced by Dave Willis), Master Shake (voiced by Dana Snyder), and Frylock (voiced by Carey Means) defend the universe against two opposing threats.
In the animated film, Fey voiced Nine-Layer Bean Burrito, a maternal figure for the Aqua Teens.
The movie earned mixed praise from critics, who were split down the middle on the film's nonsensical plot and bizarre sense of humor.
"Its absurdist scenarios serve as little more than a ramshackle frame for bizarre non sequiturs, stoned pop-culture riffing, and some of the weirdest gags ever to make it into a studio-released film," Nathan Rabin wrote for AV Club.
Fey briefly appeared in "Martin and Orloff" (2002).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 47%
Summary: In the offbeat comedy "Martin and Orloff," Martin Flam (Ian Roberts), a depressed costume designer, seeks help from a new therapist named Dr. Eric Orloff (Matt Walsh). Insisting that his unconventional methods will help, Orloff drags Martin around town, meeting oddball characters along the way.
Fey had a small appearance in the film, starring alongside other comedians like Janeane Garofalo, David Cross, and H. Jon Benjamin.
Even though it featured many comedians, this film was dubbed quite humorless by critics.
"You'll chuckle at least once during the proceedings -- but probably not much more than that," Ellen Fox wrote in her review for the Chicago Tribune.
The actress played Wendy Altman in "This Is Where I Leave You" (2014).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 43%
Summary: "This Is Where I Leave You" is a dramatic comedy about a dysfunctional family — Judd (Jason Bateman), Wendy (Fey), Hilary (Jane Fonda), Paul (Corey Stoll), and Phillip Altman (Adam Driver) — as they come together under one roof after their father dies unexpectedly.
Delving out largely mixed reviews, critics felt like "This Is Where I Leave You" buckled under the weight of its ensemble cast.
Ion Cinema critic Nicholas Bell wrote that the movie "puts too many well-known personalities against one another, thus making the film feel like a competition for who can grab either the most laughs or teary pathos."
She starred as Portia Nathan in "Admission" (2013).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 38%
Summary: In the comedy "Admission," straight-laced admissions officer Portia Nathan (Fey) is blindsided when her former college classmate John Pressman (Paul Rudd) reaches out to her under the suspicion that a local prodigy may be the son she put up for adoption years prior.
Critics felt that, despite the inherent charm and star power of Fey and Rudd, the film lacked drive and suffered from an unrealistic plot.
"At the heart of the problem with this movie are matters of logic and cogency," Wesley Morris wrote for Grantland.
In "Beer League," (2006) she appeared as a secretary.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 27%
Summary: In the sports comedy "Beer League," Artie De Vanzo (Artie Lange) realizes he'll have to step up his game if he and his best friend Maz (Ralph Macchio) hope to keep their boozy, loud-mouthed softball team in the local league.
Fey had a small appearance in the movie as a secretary at the local gym.
Brimming with raunchy comedy and an aimless plot, this film wasn't for everyone, per critics.
"The sort of lowbrow sports comedy best enjoyed on a 50-inch screen with a six-pack, a bucket of wings and a fast-forward button," Lou Lumenick wrote in his review for the New York Post.
Fey's lowest-rated movie is "Man of the Year" (2006).
Rotten Tomatoes score: 22%
Summary: In the comedy "Man of the Year," Robin Williams stars as Tom Dobbs, a late-night talk show host who runs for president as a joke and heads a surprisingly successful campaign.
Fey had a cameo appearance in the comedy as herself, appearing alongside Amy Poehler in a fictional segment from "Saturday Night Live."
Overall, "Man of the Year" was panned by critics who felt that the film suffered from odd tonal shifts and an indecisive direction.
"Political comedy morphs into attempted thriller in this confused, fitfully entertaining film," Anna Smith wrote in her review for the BBC.
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