The Unforgettable Career of Melanie Lynskey: Discover Her Top 10 Movies & TV Shows, Ranked

Summary

Melanie Lynskey's career has been filled with diverse and memorable characters in both movies and TV shows.

Some standout projects from her filmography include

But I'm a Cheerleader

,

Hello I Must Be Going

, and

I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore

.

Currently, Lynskey is delivering a fantastic performance in the drama thriller series

Yellowjackets

, where she plays the adult version of one of the survivors of a plane crash.

Although she has recently distanced herself from the term, New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey is a remarkably talented performer known for her numerous outstanding movie and TV roles. Lynskey made her screen debut at the age of 17 in Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures, alongside future Hollywood star Kate Winslet. Since then, she has consistently delivered remarkable performances, capturing the essence of a diverse range of characters and leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Her current project, Yellowjackets, has been a resounding success.

From eccentric and lovable to commanding and intimidating, Lynskey has excelled in portraying an array of captivating characters. Her television repertoire includes both comedic roles in shows like Two and a Half Men and intense roles in post-apocalyptic dramas such as The Last of Us. In the realm of cinema, she has showcased her talent in a wide range of genres, starting from her debut in Jackson's psychological drama and extending to the beloved teen romantic comedy But I'm a Cheerleader. Lynskey's performances are consistently brilliant, but there are 10 projects in particular that stand out as the best in her illustrious filmography.

10 But I'm A Cheerleader (1999)

9 Two And A Half Men (2003-2015)

Addressing the controversial theme of a high school cheerleader being sent to a conversion camp to "cure" her lesbianism entails the potential risk of offending numerous individuals. Nevertheless, But I'm a Cheerleader, an satirical film from the '90s, exemplifies exceptional handling of this topic by infusing it with humor, emotional depth, and sensitivity. Impressively, this movie has withstood the test of time and has received increasingly positive evaluations in recent years as one of the most underrated LGBTQ+ films. Natasha Lyonne delivers a brilliant performance as the protagonist, Megan Bloomfield, while Melanie Lynskey shines in her portrayal of Hilary Vandermueller, Megan's campmate who attributes her lesbianism to attending an all-female boarding school.

Melanie Lynskey's portrayal of Rose in Two and a Half Men remains her most iconic role. During the show's 12-season span, she featured in 63 episodes. The series revolved around the hedonistic jingle writer Charlie Harper, played by Charlie Sheen, until his demise in season 8, after which Ashton Kutcher stepped in as internet tycoon Walden Schmidt. Rose, the affluent neighbor of Charlie and Walden, obsessively stalks both of them. Though she appears pleasant on the surface, it's evident that she possesses a touch of madness, a role that Lynskey flawlessly embodies. While Two and a Half Men faced criticism for its misogynistic undertones, the undeniable talent of its cast, including the brilliant Jon Cryer, undeniably contributed to its success.

8 Hello I Must Be Going (2012)

7 Rose Red (2002)

was a significant milestone in Melanie Lynskey's career, propelling her to new heights. While the actress had been a presence for many years prior to this captivating comedy-drama, it truly served as a litmus test for her acting abilities, as she flawlessly took on the challenge of a demanding lead role. Lynskey portrays Amy Minsky, an unemployed and disheartened 35-year-old who finds herself moving back in with her parents amidst a divorce. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she engages in a brief affair with a charming 19-year-old, reigniting her spirits. With an abundance of humor and emotion, Lynskey delivers a remarkable performance. Alongside exceptional writing and a talented supporting cast,

7 Rose Red (2002)

guarantees a thoroughly gratifying viewing experience.

Stephen King's horror miniseries Rose Red takes viewers on a chilling journey through the infamous haunted house in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Joyce Reardon, played by Nancy Travis, leads a team of psychics in an intense investigation of this supernatural phenomenon. While Travis received criticism for her portrayal, Rose Red remains an entertaining watch with impressive visual effects and thought-provoking scenes. Making her television debut, Melanie Lynskey delivers a remarkable performance as Rachel "Sissy" Wheaton, the devoted sister and caregiver to Annie Wheaton. Annie, who possesses both autism and telekinetic powers, adds an intriguing layer to the story. Lynskey's exceptional talent shines through in all three episodes of this captivating miniseries.

6 I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore (2017)

5 Castle Rock (2018-2019)

Netflix's I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore may have a lengthy title, but it is certainly not a burden to watch. This stylish comedic thriller, inspired by an early 20th-century gospel song, follows the journey of a despondent woman who discovers a newfound drive when she joins forces with her disagreeable neighbor to track down the perilous thieves who ransacked her home. Melanie Lynskey brilliantly portrays Ruth Kimke, the victimized protagonist, while Elijah Wood complements her performance as the irritating neighbor, Tony. Together, they create a remarkable duo with remarkable on-screen chemistry. This film skillfully delves into somber societal issues while offering clever insights, making it a highly recommended viewing experience.

Castle Rock, a psychological horror series, draws inspiration from the characters and concepts found within Stephen King's captivating stories. Spanning across two seasons, consisting of a total of 20 gripping episodes, each installment showcases a distinct cast. In the first season, the talented Melanie Lynskey takes on the role of Molly Strand, a telepathic real estate tycoon driven by the well-being of the town. With its meticulous attention to detail, Castle Rock effortlessly satisfies even the most discerning fans of King's work. Delving into the depths of darkness, this thrilling series remains highly focused on its compelling characters. Lynskey's superb performance consistently anchors the show, lending it a sense of credibility amidst its inherently outlandish nature.

4 Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Melanie Lynskey's first foray into acting came with her portrayal of Pauline in the psychological true-crime drama Heavenly Creatures. This film delves into the real-life Parker-Hulme murder case of 1954, set in Christchurch, New Zealand. Focusing on the intricate friendship between teenagers Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme, the story culminates in the chilling murder of the former's mother. Lynskey delivers a powerful performance alongside Kate Winslet, who plays Juliet. The remarkable chemistry between these two talented young actors is evident, as they skillfully bring depth and maturity to their roles in this captivating and tragic masterpiece. Directed by Peter Jackson, Heavenly Creatures stands as a testament to his remarkable skill and was even recognized with a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

3 Togetherness (2015-2016)

The comedy-drama series Togetherness revolves around the unique dynamics of two couples living together as a foursome and the challenges they face in maintaining vibrant relationships. Spanning two seasons and 16 episodes, the show showcases the remarkable performances of its cast. Melanie Lynskey shines as Michelle Pierson, while Mark Duplass, the show's co-creator, delivers a stellar performance as her husband Brett. Amanda Peet and Steve Zissis portray Tina Morris and Alex Pappas, respectively, adding depth and charm to the ensemble. Together, they form a perfectly balanced quartet of intriguing characters. Lynskey and Duplass masterfully bring to life the struggles of Michelle and Brett, often creating moments of awkwardness and discomfort, which serve as the driving force behind Togetherness' humor and relatability.

2 The Last Of Us (2023-Present)

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The critically acclaimed television series The Last of Us takes inspiration from the immensely popular video game of the same name. It unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world, twenty years after a fungal pandemic has transformed its victims into ravenous zombies. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey brilliantly portray the jaded survivor Joel Miller and his young partner, Ellie. In a standout performance, Melanie Lynskey shines as Kathleen Coghlan, the fearless leader of a revolutionary movement based in Kansas City. The Last of Us captivates with its raw intensity, stunning visuals, and its addictive nature, making it one of the most exceptional adaptations of a video game into live-action format. Regrettably, Lynskey's portrayal of Coghlan comes to an end as her character meets a tragic demise in the second episode.

1 Yellowjackets (2021-Present)

Melanie Lynskey's most remarkable appearance to date is in the enthralling drama thriller series, Yellowjackets. The show centers around a group of female high school soccer players who endure a plane crash in the untamed Canadian wilderness. The narrative seamlessly shifts between the harrowing crash in 1996 and the present day, illustrating the characters both as teenagers and adults. Lynskey takes on the lead role as Shauna Shipman, an adult survivor. With a star-studded cast that includes Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell, Christina Ricci, and Juliette Lewis, Lynskey's performance shines brilliantly. Yellowjackets is a captivating and dark series that serves as a splendid platform for the immensely talented Melanie Lynskey.