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Jenny Slate is one of those rare talents who effortlessly moves between comedy, drama, and animation. With her distinctive voice, sharp wit, and emotional depth, Slate has carved out a unique space in Hollywood as both a comedic powerhouse and a serious performer. Whether she’s lending her voice to an animated shell or breaking hearts in indie dramas, Jenny Slate’s performances are always memorable. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 Jenny Slate movies you absolutely need to watch.
List of the Top 10 Jenny Slate movies You Absolutely Need to Watch
1. Obvious Child (2014)
Arguably the role that put Jenny Slate on the cinematic map, Obvious Child is a standout indie rom-com that deals with love, career uncertainty, and unplanned pregnancy. Slate plays Donna, a struggling comedian whose life takes a turn after a one-night stand. The film is raw, real, and refreshingly honest—earning Slate critical acclaim and solidifying her status as a leading lady.
2. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)
In this heartwarming stop-motion animated film, Jenny Slate returns to voice Marcel, the adorable shell character she co-created. This feature-length adaptation of the viral short films expands Marcel’s world while keeping its charm and whimsy intact. Slate brings soul and vulnerability to the tiny character, making it one of her most beloved roles to date.
3. Gifted (2017)
Slate steps into a more serious role in Gifted, where she stars alongside Chris Evans. She plays Bonnie, a caring schoolteacher who takes a special interest in a mathematically gifted young girl. While her role is more understated, Slate’s performance adds warmth and nuance to a film that explores family, intellect, and belonging.
4. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Jenny Slate shines in the voice role of Gidget, a white Pomeranian with a big personality, in this animated comedy hit. Her high-energy, comedic timing, and heartfelt moments made Gidget a fan favorite, and Slate reprised the role in the sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019).
5. Landline (2017)
Set in 1990s New York, Landline explores familial dysfunction, infidelity, and sisterhood. Slate plays Dana, a woman dealing with her own relationship struggles while uncovering her father’s affair. The film is funny, poignant, and features some of Slate’s best dramatic work, showcasing her ability to handle complex emotional material.
6. Zootopia (2016)
In Disney’s Oscar-winning Zootopia, Slate voices Assistant Mayor Bellwether, a seemingly mild-mannered sheep with a surprising agenda. While her screen time is limited, her performance is crucial to the film’s twist ending. Slate’s voice acting here is subtly brilliant—balancing sweetness with a hint of slyness.
7. Hotel Artemis (2018)
In this dystopian thriller, Slate plays Morgan, a nurse with a personal mission. The film is set in a secret hospital for criminals and features a stellar ensemble cast including Jodie Foster, Sterling K. Brown, and Jeff Goldblum. Slate brings emotional depth to a gritty, action-packed world, reminding audiences of her dramatic range.
8. I Want You Back (2022)
A return to her rom-com roots, I Want You Back sees Slate as Emma, a heartbroken woman who teams up with a fellow dumpee (played by Charlie Day) to sabotage their exes’ new relationships. The film is funny, heartfelt, and gives Slate plenty of room to show off her impeccable comedic instincts.
9. Venom (2018)
Jenny Slate takes a surprising turn in the Marvel universe with Venom, where she plays Dr. Dora Skirth, a scientist caught in a dangerous corporate conspiracy. While not a major role, her presence in a blockbuster franchise highlights her growing versatility as an actress who can easily transition into big-budget territory.
10. My Blind Brother (2016)
This offbeat romantic comedy-drama stars Slate opposite Nick Kroll and Adam Scott. She plays Rose, a woman caught in a love triangle involving two brothers—one of whom is blind and a local hero. The film mixes awkward humor with genuine emotion, and Slate’s character is refreshingly complex and human.
Final Thoughts
Jenny Slate is a multi-faceted talent who brings sincerity, humor, and emotional intelligence to every role she takes on. Whether she’s starring in an indie darling like Obvious Child or voicing a talking shell in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Slate has a way of making characters feel deeply real and remarkably relatable.
If you haven’t yet explored her filmography, now is the perfect time. These top 10 Jenny Slate movies offer a little bit of everything—laughs, tears, and lots of heart.
Which Jenny Slate movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re new to her work, start with “Obvious Child”—you won’t be disappointed.