Malin Akerman's 10 Best Movies & TV Shows, Ranked (2024)

Malin Akerman is an actress who's made a larger mark on Hollywood than her own name, with dozens of great roles under her belt. Since 1997, Malin Akerman has appeared in more than 75 roles on TV and in movies. The Swedish American actress has had a colorful career in Hollywood with several leading roles in blockbuster films, but she has yet to gain the wider recognition she deserves for her talents.

In addition to her acting career, Akerman was the frontman for an alternative rock band, she has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024 in her native Sweden, and she has stepped up to the role of producer on several different projects. Akerman has also appeared in some of the most popular films of the 2000s in a variety of roles and genres. Considering all of this, Akerman deserves more recognition for her incredible contributions while she continues to make new movies and shows that will be widely enjoyed.

10 The Proposal (2009)

Malin Akerman as Gertrude

The Proposal

pg-13

Romance

Comedy

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

Not available

Not available

Director

Anne Fletcher

Release Date

June 19, 2009

Studio(s)

Disney

Distributor(s)

Disney

Writers

Anne Fletcher

Cast

Sandra Bullock , Ryan Reynolds , Betty White

Runtime

108minutes

Budget

$40 million

The Proposal was released in 2009, when Akerman had been steadily establishing her career and proving her strength as a comedy actor. The film features Akerman in a minor role as the ex-girlfriend of Ryan Reynold's character, Andrew, but for the brief time she appears on-screen, she does an incredible job. Gert was Andrew's first love, and they dated for years, which she proudly proclaimed to his new "fake" fiancée, Margaret.

However, while the character seems to be playing with Andrew and Margaret initially, Gert is the one who pushes Andrew to pursue her when she suspects he has genuine feelings for her and is well and truly over her. The role may be small, but it's an important part in the story, and Akerman does a great job playing the jealous, but ambivalent ex.

9 The Final Girls (2015)

Malin Akerman as Nancy/Amanda Cartwright

The Final Girls (2015)

PG-13

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Director

Todd Strauss-Schulson

Release Date

October 9, 2015

Distributor(s)

Stage 6 Films

Writers

M.A. Fortin , Joshua John Miller

Cast

Taissa Farmiga , Alexander Ludwig , Malin Akerman , Adam Levine , Thomas MIddleditch , Alia Shawkat , Nina Dobrev

Runtime

91 Mins

The Final Girls is a comedy slasher movie with a meta narrative throughout. In the film, Akerman plays a mother who dies while her teenage daughter is still trying to figure life out. Decades earlier, the mother starred in a successful horror franchise, and the daughter attends a special screening of the movie with some friends.

However, things take a turn when the girl and her friends wind up inside the movie, fighting alongside her mother's character in the movie. Akerman does an incredible job balancing comedy with emotion, in a role that demands a lot. Not only is she playing a mother briefly, but she also plays a younger version of the character within the context of a horror movie. The film earned Akerman a Fangoria Chainsaw Award nomination.

8 Rock Of Ages (2012)

Malin Akerman as Constance Sack

Changing gears, in 2012, Akerman drew on her experience as a former rock star, and played a supporting role in the jukebox musical comedy Rock of Ages. Akerman plays a reporter for The Rolling Stones, Constance Sack, who interviews Stacee Jaxx, a huge rock star played by Tom Cruise. The role saw Akerman initially have a contentious relationship with Jaxx, before their mutual attraction turned up the heat to 11.

Akerman did an incredible job as a reporter and once again shines in a comedic role. Her ability to turn face and go from seething rage to burning hot passion is also incredible. While the role was not a huge part of the movie, it was an effective showcase of some of Akerman's skills and her ability to play in diverse roles.

7 Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004)

Malin Akerman as Liane

pg-13

Adventure

Comedy

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

Director

Danny Leiner

Release Date

May 30, 2004

Studio(s)

New Line Cinema

Distributor(s)

New Line Cinema

Writers

Jon Hurwitz , Hayden Schlossberg

Cast

John Cho , Ethan Embry , Robert Tinkler , Fred Willard , Kal Penn , Steve Braun

Runtime

88minutes

Budget

$9 million

One of Akerman's first big opportunities in film arrived in 2004 when she was cast in a minor role in the cult comedy classic, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. Akerman has a small but important role in the movie as Liane, the wife of a car mechanic commonly known as Freakshow. When the boys arrive at Freakshow's home, where he has his equipment, Liane approaches the boys with an interesting proposition.

Liane suggests a foursome to Harold and Kumar, but they choose to quickly get as far away from the situation as possible. While Akerman's early career highlighted her good looks and her charisma, Akerman did a great job making the scenes her own. Her character takes control of the scene, rather than fading into the background as can be the case with similar scenes in other movies.

6 The Heartbreak Kid (2007)

Malin Akerman as Lila

The Heartbreak Kid

Where to Watch

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The Heartbreak Kid was released a few years later in 2007 and saw Akerman tackle a leading role opposite comedy star, Ben Stiller. Initially, Akerman's character, Lila, meets Eddie (Stiller), who believes she is the woman of his dreams. Through twists of fate, the pair choose to rush into marriage as it would help Lila out of a difficult situation at work.

As would be expected from this kind of reckless decision, Eddie begins to learn that Lila is not who he thought she was. Once again, Akerman's ability to play a character who goes through a range of emotions and even significant changes in her personality is extremely impressive. Akerman stands out in the role, despite being cast next to a comedy legend, and she is frequently a highlight of the film.

5 Couples Retreat (2009)

Malin Akerman as Ronnie

Couples Retreat (2009)

PG-13

Comedy

Romance

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Director

Peter Billingsley

Release Date

September 19, 2009

Writers

Jon Favreau , Vince Vaughn , Dana Fox

Cast

Vince Vaughn , Jason Bateman , Faizon Love , Jon Favreau , Malin Akerman , Kristen Bell

Runtime

107 minutes

Couples Retreat came out in 2009 and again sees Akerman in a leading role in this vacation rom-com. This time, the cast is full to the brim with incredible comedy talent, including Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, and Jon Favreau in an impressive ensemble. Akerman plays Ronnie, who is married to Dave (Vaughn). Along with three other couples, Ronnie and Dave go on a couples retreat to attempt to improve their relationship.

Once again, Akerman proves her talents as a comedy actor and delivers a wonderful performance with emotion, heartache, belly laughs, and more. While the film revolves around four couples, Ronnie and Dave are at the center of it all, and it makes sense why Akerman was cast in the role over more popular performers, considering the incredible delivery, playing a young mother with marital problems.

4 Dollface (2019-2022)

Malin Akerman as Celeste

Dollface

Comedy

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

Not available

Cast

Esther Povitsky , Brenda Song , Shay Mitchell , Kat Dennings

Release Date

November 15, 2019

Seasons

2

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu , Disney+ , Prime Video

Writers

Kat Dennings

Directors

Kat Dennings

In more recent years, Akerman has found her niche appearing in TV shows on streaming platforms where she is able to expand a character beyond the barrier of a single movie. She continues to excel in comedy-based roles, but thanks to her range and flexibility, she is as comfortable settling into a role as an aimless party girl, or a high-powered CEO. In Dollface, Akerman embodies the latter as Celeste.

The show follows Kat Dennings' character who recently broke up with her boyfriend and hopes to reconnect with her friends whom she lost contact with. Through their new-found friendship, they embark on various adventures and pursue dreams together. One goal for the group is to set up a business together, and Dennings' character goes to a successful female entrepreneur for guidance. Celeste is the CEO of Woöm, a female-focused wellness and lifestyle brand. Akerman builds the character over the two-season run with layers and complexity that make this one of her best roles.

3 Trophy Wife (2013-2014)

Malin Akerman as Kate Harrison

In 2013, Akerman landed a leading role in another TV series where she played the party-loving trophy wife of a middle-aged lawyer, appropriately named, Trophy Wife. The show is a sitcom which was ultimately canceled after just one season on ABC, but Akerman's portrayal of Kate Harrison, a frustrated housewife struggling to find purpose, is excellent. Between caring for children from previous relationships, dealing with two ex-wives, and trying to spend her husband's money, the series was packed with potential.

The series explores many different aspects of modern family life, while also exploring deeper topics in each episode. The series received a largely positive response, but due to a challenging time slot on the network, it faded into obscurity quickly. This is a tragic shame as it is absolutely one of Akerman's strongest performances to date with a nuanced and entertaining character. Akerman's chance to lead a show of her own and make waves was not dashed when the show was canceled, however, and new opportunities would come along.

2 Billions (2016–2023)

Malin Akerman as Lara Axelrod

Billions

Drama

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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Not available

Cast

Maggie Siff , Toby Leonard Moore , Frank Harts , Malin Akerman , Paul Giamatti , Melissa Joyce , David Costabile , Damian Lewis , Daniel K. Isaac

Release Date

January 17, 2016

Seasons

6

Network

Showtime

Streaming Service(s)

Apple TV+ , Amazon Prime Video

Writers

David Levien

Directors

David Levien

Showrunner

David Levien

Switching tonally from comedy to drama, Akerman excelled in her role as Lara Axelrod in the hit Showtime series, Billions. For the first three seasons of the show, Lara was one of the leading cast, before divorcing Bobby Axelrod and fading out of the series. However, in this period, Akerman was able to create an outstanding character with a colorful personality and intense stubbornness.

Lara grew up in a blue collar family, surrounded by lower class workers and instilling a strong sense of pride in making something of oneself. However, when she is able to leave her old life behind and trade up to billionaire status with a ludicrously wealthy partner, she runs toward it. The character is compelling, entertaining, and full of secrets. All of which, Akerman brings to life with effortless ease.

1 Watchmen (2009)

Malin Akerman as Laurie Jupiter/Silk Spectre II

Watchmen (2009)

R

Action

Mystery

Science Fiction

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

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• rent
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Director

Zack Snyder

Release Date

March 4, 2009

Studio(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures , Paramount , Legendary Pictures , DC Comics , Lawrence Gordon Productions , Lloyd Levin Productions

Writers

Alex Tse , David Hayter

Cast

Malin Akerman , Patrick Wilson , Billy Crudup , Matthew Goode , Jackie Earle Haley

Runtime

163 Minutes

Budget

130000000.0

Main Genre

Action

And finally, in the top spot, Akerman's best role is not a comedy film, but the acclaimed 2009 Zack Snyder hit, Watchmen. Akerman was cast as Laurie Jupiter, the daughter of the former Silk Spectre, and her replacement. The movie is a dark superhero story based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, and the film manages to bring the story straight off the page and into the real world. Akerman is the beating heart of the movie, and joins several other talented actors to make this superhero story one that continues to stand out today, even in a saturated market.

As Laurie, Malin Akerman creates a character who is driven by liberal and feminist motives to change the status quo and make a real difference by both fighting crime, and inciting change on a systemic level. Her character is incredibly bright, a skilled fighter, and explores complex emotions with her mother, a former love interest, and her old friends, which makes this easily her best, and most notable role of her career so far.