Christine Baranski’s 8 Best Movies & TV Shows, Ranked

Christine Baranski is an exceptionally versatile actress, comfortable in any type of role. She’s one of the select few performers to receive Emmy nominations for both comedic and dramatic work in the same year.

Christine Baranski has starred in all sorts of projects, from beloved holiday movies to critically acclaimed dramas and fun musicals. But she truly shines on television, where she’s been a consistent presence for nearly five decades. If you enjoy her performance in The Gilded Age, you’ll likely appreciate her in a lesser-known, but excellent, legal drama.

Christine Baranski consistently makes every film or show better, no matter how big or small her part. Here’s a list of her 8 best performances.

8. Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 (2025)

Victoria

Christine Baranski joins the cast of Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 as Victoria, a successful CEO hoping to find balance after facing difficulties in both her personal life and career. The show, similar to Hulu’s The White Lotus, follows wealthy individuals looking for change while staying at a luxurious but unsettling retreat.

While season 2 of Nine Perfect Strangers wasn’t as strong as the first, Christine Baranski’s performance stood out. She portrays Victoria as someone who initially views the retreat as just another business to manage, but as the guests’ emotional struggles deepen and the group dynamic falls apart, her carefully constructed composure begins to crumble.

The show blends suspenseful psychological drama with dark humor, allowing Baranski to skillfully switch between biting wit and heartfelt emotion – a talent she possesses uniquely.

7. The Big Bang Theory (2009-2019)

Dr. Beverly Hofstader

Mayim Bialik frequently appears on The Big Bang Theory as Dr. Beverly Hofstader, Leonard’s mother. She’s a highly respected neuroscientist, known as much for her intelligence as for being emotionally distant. Dr. Hofstader is a fan favorite and a memorable supporting character on the show.

As a fan, I always loved the dynamic between Sheldon and Beverly! They just got each other – her cool, logical approach totally appealed to him, which was hilarious. But it was tough to watch Leonard struggle with her, since she didn’t really understand him. Honestly, when Leonard and Beverly finally started to connect again, it was one of the most genuinely moving moments in the whole series, The Big Bang Theory.

Glenn Close is usually known for dramatic roles, making it wonderful to see her comedic talent. She’s hilarious with her dry delivery, stiff body language, and perfect timing, demonstrating that she’s just as skilled at comedy as she is at serious acting.

6. Cruel Intentions (1999)

Bunny Caldwell

Cruel Intentions is unique because it blends several different styles. It’s much more daring and provocative than typical teen movies, but it’s actually based on a classic, centuries-old French novel about scandalous behavior among the wealthy. This combination – a scandalous story set in a modern, late-’90s high school world – creates a strangely captivating energy.

While the young stars of Cruel Intentions – including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Selma Blair, and Reese Witherspoon – are remembered for their captivating performances, the film also benefited from the presence of experienced actors who provided a solid foundation. Christine Baranski’s portrayal of Bunny Caldwell was particularly important in this regard.

Christine Baranski brilliantly portrays the cold and status-conscious mother from Manhattan, delivering a performance filled with sharp wit. She perfectly captures the pretentious world the story explores, and her powerful presence makes the teenagers’ drama feel more impactful, humorous, and connected to the novel’s commentary on social class.

5. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Martha May Whovier

Ron Howard’s film version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas quickly became a beloved holiday classic. It captured the playful imagination of Dr. Seuss’s original story while also adding enough relatable emotion to feel like a genuine Christmas movie.

Jim Carrey was completely dedicated to his role. He spent a significant amount of time each day getting into the Grinch’s elaborate makeup, and his performance was both incredibly expressive and surprisingly touching.

However, the film’s supporting actors prevent it from being dominated by a single performance. Jeffrey Tambor perfectly embodies the arrogant and dishonest Augustus MayWho, while Christine Baranski provides a solid foundation for the romantic complications as Martha May Whovier.

What makes Baranski’s performance so good is her sincerity. She plays the role without any exaggerated gestures or self-awareness, offering genuine warmth and elegance even in the most ridiculous scenes. This seriousness, paired with the film’s heartfelt moments, makes the comedy truly work and gives the story lasting appeal.

4. Chicago (2002)

Mary Sunshine

Over 20 years have passed since a musical last won the Best Picture Oscar, and that was Chicago. The movie keeps the stage version’s gritty look at corruption, fame, and decaying morals, but benefits from the high production quality you can only achieve in film.

The film is expertly edited, features spectacular musical numbers, and has a dreamlike quality reminiscent of the Jazz Age. Christine Baranski shines as Mary Sunshine, a reporter who’s both sensational and easily fooled, and who inadvertently helps criminals become famous.

While this role is smaller than her stage performances, Baranski delivers a memorable performance with her usual attention to detail. It’s difficult to picture her landing the role in Mamma Mia! without her work in Chicago, and her ability to embody a character in historical clothing likely played a part in her getting cast in The Gilded Age.

3. Mamma Mia! (2008)

Tanya Chesham-Leigh

Mamma Mia! is a feel-good movie best enjoyed when you don’t overthink it. The story isn’t very important—it’s more about having fun with the beautiful Greek scenery, the classic ABBA songs, and the charming cast. Like a pointillist painting, it’s more effective when you appreciate the overall experience rather than focusing on the details.

Though the love stories are important, the heart of the movie lies in Meryl Streep’s connection with her longtime friends, Tanya and Rosie. It’s rare to see older female friendships portrayed so beautifully on screen, and the scene where they comfort Donna while singing “Chiquitita” is particularly touching.

Christine Baranski as Tanya is a scene-stealer. Playing a glamorous, thrice-divorced woman, she delivers her lines with a perfectly dry wit. Her rendition of “Does Your Mother Know?” is a highlight of Mamma Mia! and really captures the movie’s fun and lighthearted energy.

2. The Gilded Age (2022-Present)

Agnes van Rhijn

HBO’s The Gilded Age has quietly become a hit, delivering the lavish sets and complex social interactions that fans of historical dramas enjoy. The show is set in 1880s New York, a period of rapid wealth creation and major changes in social class, and it expertly explores the conflict between established families and newly rich individuals.

The show combines the glamour of ballroom dancing with insightful observations on themes like power, giving back to the community, and getting by. Baranski brilliantly portrays Agnes van Rhijin, a formidable and wealthy widow who embodies traditional values, delivering her lines with wit and intelligence – often as both a clever jab and a genuinely funny moment.

Baranski plays a strong, proud character who doesn’t easily accept change, but she avoids making her simply unlikeable. She skillfully reveals the character’s hidden fears and insecurities beneath a proud exterior. It’s a role that perfectly showcases her abilities, and she received an Emmy nomination for it in 2024.

1. The Good Fight (2017-2022)

Diane Lockhart

Following the events of The Good Wife, The Good Fight centers on Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) as she navigates a fresh start. After a major financial scandal wipes out her savings and harms her goddaughter Maia’s (Rose Leslie) reputation, Diane joins a prominent Chicago law firm with Maia to rebuild their lives and careers.

The series follows clever and funny characters as they handle difficult legal cases and workplace drama, all while grappling with important ethical questions. It stands out by directly addressing current events like the #MeToo movement and the spread of misinformation, but never loses its focus on compelling legal storylines.

Diane, played by Christine Baranski, is arguably one of television’s strongest and most compelling female lawyers. She’s the emotional core of the show, bringing both wisdom and a practical outlook, while still managing to surprise viewers with moments of vulnerability and humor. Baranski’s powerful performance anchors the entire cast and allows the series to tackle serious issues with both intelligence and a lively spirit, making this her most memorable role.

2026-01-11 20:05