The Ultimate Guide to Jenna Coleman's Most Captivating Movies & TV Shows

Summary

Jenna Coleman is a diverse and talented actress who has showcased her skills in dramatic and comedic performances on film and television, as well as in theater.

Coleman remains highly sought after in the industry, even after her acclaimed tenure on Doctor Who. She has also made a mark in noteworthy projects such as Netflix's The Sandman. Coleman has delivered exceptional performances in Waterloo Road, Titanic, The Serpent, Klokkenluider, The Cry, Death Comes to Pemberley, Me Before You, The Sandman, Doctor Who, and Victoria.

Jenna Coleman's selective role choices guarantee that any movie or show she appears in will be worth watching. As a versatile actress, she has an impressive repertoire. Despite starting her career at the age of 19, she has proven herself with compelling dramatic and comedic performances on both the big and small screens, as well as remarkable voice work and aspirations in theater. It is evident that Coleman has accomplished a lot and shows no signs of stopping in captivating audiences with her acting.

Although her Doctor Who days are behind her, Coleman remains highly sought after in the industry. At 37 years old, the English star is currently enjoying the pinnacle of her career. Notably, she recently portrayed the occult detective Johanna Constantine in Netflix's The Sandman. Coleman's dedication to her craft and her impressive resume filled with successful roles are undeniable proof of her acting talent. While all of her performances are noteworthy, there are a few that particularly stand out. Here, we rank Jenna Coleman's top 10 performances.

10 Waterloo Road

Following her breakout role on the British soap opera Emmerdale, Jenna Coleman secured her second gig in a teen drama series back in 2009. Portraying Lindsay James, a dedicated student turned troubled teenager who had to resort to extreme measures by killing her abusive father to protect her younger sister Emily (Shannon Flynn), Coleman impressed viewers with her exceptional acting skills on Waterloo Road. This intense role allowed her to tap into her own personal struggles, bringing a genuine authenticity to the character. Despite playing a teenager, it's worth noting that Coleman was actually 23 years old at the time, a fairly common practice in the entertainment industry, although she found the whole experience rather "surreal."

9 Titanic

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the disaster, two high-budget shows were created, one of them being this miniseries. Actress Coleman portrays the character of Annie Desmond, a second-class stewardess on the Titanic, in all four episodes of the show. In contrast to James Cameron's grand cinematic depiction, this series delves into the personal narratives of various characters, presenting them through the lens of social inequality. Coleman's character evokes empathy, and her forbidden romance with first-class steward Paolo, portrayed by Glen Blackhall, is both heartwarming and tragic, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the societal norms prevalent during the early 20th century.

8 The Serpent

7 Klokkenluider

This gripping drama delves into the chilling life of Charles Sobhraj, famously known as the Serpent, shedding light on his horrifying crimes while maintaining utmost respect for the real-life victims. In a mesmerizing portrayal, Jenna Coleman encapsulates Marie-Andrée Leclerc, the Serpent's girlfriend who turns a blind eye to his criminal actions, initially unaware of his murderous tendencies. Her impeccable performance, coupled with her flawless French-Canadian accent, adds an undeniable authenticity to the character of Marie-Andrée.

With a preference for television roles over film appearances, Coleman's presence in Klokkenluider, a word of Dutch origin meaning "whistleblower," offers a rare opportunity to witness the star in a cinematic production. This dark comedy revolves around Ewan, an individual who exposes government wrongdoing, effortlessly portrayed by Amit Shah, and his wife Silke, convincingly brought to life by Sura Dohnke. Forced to seek refuge in an isolated Belgian residence, the couple, accompanied by two assigned protection officers, await the arrival of Jenna Coleman's Flo, a British journalist conducting an interview. Despite its simple premise, the film captivates through the engaging and humorous dynamics between the characters.

6 The Cry

This gripping psychological thriller, adapted from the novel by Helen FitzGerald, centers around a couple whose infant mysteriously vanishes during their journey to Australia. Starring Coleman as Joanna Lindsay, a devoted primary school teacher, and Leslie as Alistair Robertson, her fiancé, The Cry takes audiences on a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster. The unpredictable ending leaves everyone wondering how it will all unfold. With her long-standing career in dramatic roles, Coleman's performance in this series underscores her exceptional talent and showcases the growth of her acting abilities over time.

5 Death Comes to Pemberley

P.D. James, the author of an unofficial sequel to Pride and Prejudice, had her book adapted into a miniseries in 2011. The story takes place six years after the marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, focusing on Elizabeth's sister Lydia, played by Jenna Coleman, and her husband George Wickham, portrayed by Matthew Goode. While attending the Darcys' ball, Lydia and George unexpectedly become entangled in a murder mystery. In this dark drama, Lydia's character brings a much-needed sense of lightheartedness as she is vivacious, playful, and does not take things too seriously. Although this role may seem unconventional for Coleman, she truly excels in portraying Lydia.

4 Me Before You

In 2016, the book-based romantic drama featuring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin took the world by storm. Jenna Coleman portrayed the role of Katrina Clark, Lou's sister, adding a delightful touch to the cast as a memorable side character. The story revolves around Will, a former banker who is now tetraplegic and struggling to accept his new life, and Lou, his dedicated caregiver who is determined to show him the beauty and possibilities that still exist. Although Me Before You may not be considered a cinematic masterpiece, it is the perfect choice for a heartfelt night of tearful emotions.

3 The Sandman

After years of development, Neil Gaiman's The Sandman live-action adaptation finally premiered in 2022 to overwhelming success. Staying true to the original comic book, the series follows the story of Dream / Morpheus, who endures over a century of captivity before finally escaping and embarking on a quest to restore order in his realm. Coleman's exceptional performance in the show sees her taking on the roles of two characters – the present-day occult detective Johanna Constantine, a female interpretation of The Sandman's John Constantine, and her identical ancestor from the 18th century. With her remarkable portrayal, Coleman has added new depths to both characters, and fans can look forward to her return as Johanna Constantine in the upcoming second season.

2 Doctor Who

1 Victoria

Clara Oswald has become one of the most widely recognized roles for the esteemed actress, Jenna Coleman, during her time on the enduring sci-fi series, Doctor Who. Throughout her tenure on the show, Coleman portrayed various incarnations of her character alongside the Eleventh Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith, and the Twelfth Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi. Notably, she had the opportunity to interact with previous versions of the iconic Time Lord in the show's 50th-anniversary episode, "The Day of the Doctor." Coleman's vibrant portrayal of Clara has endeared her to fans as one of the most beloved companions in the New Who era. It is possible that she may make a return to the Doctor Who set to commemorate the show's upcoming 60th anniversary.

Jenna Coleman took on the leading role in 2016's historical drama series centered around Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The show, which ran for three seasons, unfortunately came to an abrupt end in 2019. While not entirely historically accurate, Victoria provides an array of entertaining storylines and a diverse cast of characters, resembling Netflix's popular series Bridgerton to some extent. Coleman delivers a captivating performance as Queen Victoria, and her chemistry-driven forbidden romance with Rufus Sewell's Lord Melbourne adds to the show's appeal.