A Simple Favor star Anna Kendrick is on everyone’s mind in the lead-up to the release of the sequel, Another Simple Favor.
Kendrick has been a delightful presence on movie screens since she debuted in the 2003 indie comedy Camp. She’s also prolific, having appeared in over 40 movies since then, including three Pitch Perfect movies and the action movie The Accountant with Ben Affleck.
So, which movies are the most fun for Kendrick fans to stream?
Check out Watch With Us’ recommendations below.
5. ‘A Simple Favor’ (2018)
This campy, glamorous thriller became a sleeper hit due to the excellent performances from Kendrick and co-star Blake Lively. In A Simple Favor, neighbors Emily (Lively) and Stephanie (Kendrick) form a friendship that quickly goes off the rails after Emily disappears while supposedly on a business trip. Stephanie, a widowed single mom and vlogger, gains fame and notoriety while sharing her quest to track Emily down on her vlog.
The twists in this film are like something out of a soap opera — and we mean that in the best way. Complete with evil twins and faked deaths, there’s nothing too shocking for A Simple Favor, so expect the unexpected. The chemistry between Lively and Kendrick is totally worth the hype.
Watch A Simple Favor on Netflix.
4. ‘Pitch Perfect’ (2012)
One could argue that Kendrick truly became a household name in this aca-mazing musical comedy film. She stars as Beca, a cynical music producer who gets roped into joining an a cappella singing group at college. Much to her surprise, she soon forms deep friendships with the “awesome nerds” in the group. With catchy songs and a fantastic supporting cast, it’s no wonder Pitch Perfect became a three-movie franchise.
Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow, Skylar Astin and Ben Platt all sparkle in this hilarious musical coming-of-age story, but none as much as Kendrick herself. It’s the perfect vehicle for her impressive singing voice, comedic timing and emotional awareness.
Rent Pitch Perfect on Amazon Prime Video.
3. ‘Up In The Air’ (2009)
Kendrick was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her work in this Jason Reitman comedy-drama. Up In The Air stars George Clooney as corporate “downsizer” Ryan Bingham, who travels around the country to (gently) fire people. He leads a nomadic existence, never putting down roots or forming any real connections with anyone. Kendrick’s character, Natalie, is an ambitious mentee of Ryan’s, who is convinced that the company could save money by having all those firing meetings via video conferencing.
Ryan teaches Natalie to be more empathetic to the people she’s firing, while Natalie forces Ryan to reconsider his unattached lifestyle. Vera Farmiga is equally magnetic as another professional traveler with whom Ryan has an affair. Despite its title, Up In The Air is a grounded film with characters who feel real and lived-in.
Watch Up In The Air on Paramount+.
2. ‘The Last Five Years’ (2015)
This underrated musical film stars Kendrick and Broadway’s Jeremy Jordan in an in-depth exploration of a doomed marriage from two different perspectives. Kendrick shows off her fantastic vocal chops yet again as Cathy, an aspiring actress mourning the end of the relationship. Jordan plays Jamie, a writer thrilled to be falling in love with a new woman.
Told in a non-linear narrative, The Last Five Years alternates between two perspectives. Jamie’s story starts when he and Cathy first meet and proceeds through their crumbling marriage, while Cathy’s story begins at their divorce and moves backward as she remembers their initial courtship.
Kendrick and Jordan make a flawed, believable pair in this slightly unusual musical. Anyone who’s ever had a bad breakup will relate.
Watch The Last Five Years on Peacock.
1. ‘Woman of The Hour’ (2024)
Kendrick’s directorial debut is a powerful thriller based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who is also known as “The Dating Game Killer.” Alcala actually did appear on and win the popular game show The Dating Game in 1978. Kendrick’s character Sheryl is based on the real-life bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw, who unwittingly went on a date with the serial killer.
Woman of the Hour is a searing look at the inherent sexism in the entertainment industry. Sheryl, an aspiring actress, finds The Dating Game vapid and creepy. She puts aside her discomfort, hoping that it will jump-start her career, and ends up in serious danger because of it. Alcala’s misogyny is brushed off as nothing more than “macho” behavior. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the casual danger women can face from angry men. Kendrick’s skill as both a director and a performer is apparent in every frame of the tense, intelligent thriller. A must-see for true crime fans and Kendrick fans alike, Woman of the Hour is her best work yet.
Watch Woman of the Hour on Netflix.
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