Elisha Cuthbert is a Canadian actress whose career has spanned the last three decades, beginning with her TV debut onAre You Afraid of the Dark?Cuthbert received a great deal of recognition for her performance in theteen comedyThe Girl Next Door, which gained her more regular work as an actress. From there, Cuthbert starred in a string of comedy, romance, and horror hits.
While Cuthbert began her career as a young actor, her career has not slowed down over the years. From her wrap-up onThe Ranchin 2020, she has moved on to new works likeThe Cellar(premiering at the upcoming SXSW Festival),Bandit,andFriday Afternoon in the Universe— all set to be released in 2022. With all these films to anticipate this year, it’s only right that we look back on some of Cuthbert’s past work. These are Elisha Cuthbert’s best performances, ranked.
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8House of Wax
House of Waxis a modern remake of the original 1933Mystery of the Wax Museum. The film follows a group of college students who wind up stranded after getting a flat tire. The group searches for help and soon find that their only hope is in the only building open: the wax museum. Upon discovering that the museum is not what it appears, they realize they are being hunted by the twin brothers who run the museum. Elisha Cuthbert plays the role of Carly, the main character who nearly falls victim to the owners of the museum. WhileHouse of Waxwas subject to a great deal of criticism, it is an overall fun thriller that is worth the watch.
7Old School
When Mitch (Luke Wilson) discovers his girlfriend has been cheating on him with a number of people, at the same time, he moves to a new location where his best friends Frank (Will Ferrell) and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) begin to hang out. Thanks to Mitch’s new pad being so near the local college, the trio decides to start their own fraternity. Elisha Cuthbert plays the small but unforgettable role of Darcie Goldberg, Mitch’s one-night stand who helps Mitch begin the process of forgetting his ex.Old Schoolwas well-received in the box-office and while a potential sequel was written by Scot Armstrong, co-writer of the original film,it was turned down by Will Ferrelland Vince Vaughn.
6The Quiet
This disturbing thriller follows the story of the newly orphaned deaf girl Dot who is brought into the Deer family. While the Deer family may look perfect on the outside, they are the definition of dysfunction, from matriarch Olivia’s drug abuse to Nina’s open abuse of Dot. There is one thing that Nina and Dot have in common and that is that they both carry huge secrets. Playing the role of the snooty cheerleader Nina, Elisha Cuthbert shows her mean side inThe Quiet. The Quietwas criticized for oversimplifying the plot and for not utilizing both Camilla Belle and Cuthbert’s talents.
5Happy Endings
Wrapping up its final season in 2013,Happy Endingswas a comedy series that follows the lives of six young adults as they navigate adulthood and their relationships with each other. Elisha Cuthbert plays the role of Alex, the youngest of the group, who leaves her fiancé Dave at the altar on their wedding day. Alex is not the brightest bulb in the tanning booth and is often confused at many of the group’s jokes.Happy Endingswas subject to critical acclaim, nominated for a number of awards, including the Online Film and Television Association Award for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
4He Was A Quiet Man
He Was A Quiet Manfollows Bob who, tormented by his mundane work life, decides to carry out his fantasies and go on a murderous rampage at his workplace only to discover that his colleague Ralf has beat him to it. In the heat of the moment, Bob shoots Ralf dead, saving Vanessa’s life, despite her become quadriplegic. This wonderfully dark comedy stars Christian Slater as Bob and Elisha Cuthbert as Vanessa. The film won a number of awards, including Best Feature at Seattle’s True Independent Film Festival. Needless to say there is no other film on the market quite like this one and is definitely worth the watch if you’re in the mood for some dark humor.
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3Are You Afraid of the Dark?
This one may come as a surprise to some, but Elisha Cuthbert was indeed inAre You Afraid of the Dark?as Megan, a member of the Midnight Society from 1999 to 2000.Are You Afraid of the Dark?follows the group of young members of the Midnight Society as they take turns telling ghost stories. The show aired for 11 years and became a staple in many children’s lives. The series’ popularity and legacy led to a revival of the series in 2019, which received such successful ratings that it was renewed for a second season entitledAre You Afraid of the Dark?: Curse of the Shadowswhich premiered February 2021.
2The Girl Next Door
Probably one of Elisha Cuthbert’s most known roles is her role as Danielle inThe Girl Next Door, a story about 18-year-old Matthew whose new neighbor Danielle turns out to be an ex-porn star. The two spark an unusual friendship, and Danielle helps Matthew realize there is more to life than getting good grades. Cuthbert’s performance earned her a nomination at the MTV Movie Awards for Best Breakthrough Performance. The film received mixed reviews, but it became beloved by many, especially for Cuthbert’s steamy performance that proves women can be both sexy and endearing.
1The Ranch
Playing the role as Colt’s high school fling, wife and mother of his child Abby, Elisha Cuthbuert shines in her role onThe Ranch.The Ranchfollows the life of Colt who returns home after failing at becoming a pro NFL player and learns the ropes of how to work the ins and outs of his father Beau’s Ranch. While the two struggle to bond after 15 years apart, Colt reunites with his mother Maggie, his brother Rooster and his high school sweetheart Abby. This Netflix Original Series began in 2016 and reached its conclusion in 2020, with four seasons split into eight parts.
