10 Overrated Jennifer Love Hewitt Movies You Might Want to Skip

Jennifer Love Hewitt has appeared in a wide mix of projects that range from teen thrillers to romantic dramas and family friendly comedies. Her film work sits alongside well known television roles, which means there is a lot to sift through if you are choosing what to watch next.

This list gathers ten films from her big screen career and gives you quick facts about each one. You will find roles, plots, key collaborators, and notable release details so you can decide what fits your queue and what can wait.

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997)

This slasher follows four friends who cover up a hit and run and then receive a message that someone knows what they did, which pulls them into a series of attacks by a rain slicker wearing figure with a hook. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Julie James alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Freddie Prinze Jr., with the story drawn from a novel by Lois Duncan and a screenplay by Kevin Williamson.

The film was directed by Jim Gillespie and filmed largely in coastal North Carolina locations that doubled for a small seaside town. It opened at number one at the box office and led to a franchise that kept Hewitt’s character in the center of the story.

‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1998)

The sequel moves Julie James to a Caribbean resort where a new round of ominous messages and attacks ties back to the events of the first film. Brandy joins the cast along with Mekhi Phifer while Freddie Prinze Jr. and Muse Watson return to continue the story.

Directed by Danny Cannon, the production sets much of its action around hotel corridors, stormy docks, and isolated service areas that build on the series formula. The soundtrack leans into late 90s pop and R and B and the release arrived the year after the original to capitalize on audience recognition.

‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ (1998)

This ensemble teen comedy takes place over one long graduation night party where intersecting storylines follow crushes, friendships, and last chances before college. Hewitt plays Amanda Beckett, the most admired senior, opposite Ethan Embry’s lovelorn lead and a supporting cast that includes Lauren Ambrose and Seth Green.

Directors Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan keep the action in a single suburban house and nearby streets while weaving in dozens of small character beats. The film became a time capsule for late 90s music and fashion and it gave several young actors early exposure that helped launch later careers.

‘Heartbreakers’ (2001)

This crime comedy pairs Hewitt with Sigourney Weaver as a daughter and mother team who target wealthy men through elaborate cons. The plot focuses on a plan involving a chain smoking billionaire and a small town bar owner who complicates the operation.

David Mirkin directs a cast that also features Ray Liotta, Gene Hackman, and Jason Lee with settings that include upscale Florida locales and hotel interiors. The release performed solidly and highlighted Hewitt’s shift from teen roles to adult leads in caper driven stories.

‘The Tuxedo’ (2002)

Jackie Chan stars as a chauffeur who ends up wearing a cutting edge tuxedo that turns him into a makeshift secret agent. Hewitt plays Del Blaine, a rookie partner who works with him to uncover a plot tied to a powerful corporation.

Directed by Kevin Donovan, the movie blends martial arts set pieces with gadget driven comedy and was produced under the DreamWorks banner. The production used a mix of practical stunts and visual effects to sell the suit’s abilities and it introduced Hewitt to action oriented material opposite a global star.

‘Garfield’ (2004)

Based on the comic strip by Jim Davis, this live action and animation hybrid follows the lazy orange cat as he navigates life with owner Jon and veterinarian Liz. Bill Murray voices Garfield while Hewitt plays Liz Wilson, the vet who becomes Jon’s love interest.

Directed by Peter Hewitt and released by a major studio, the film uses computer generated animation to bring Garfield into real world settings with actors. It reached a wide family audience in theaters and later on home video and it set up the continuation of the franchise.

‘If Only’ (2004)

This romantic drama centers on a grieving composer who relives the day before a tragic loss and tries to change what happens when he gets a second chance. Hewitt stars opposite Paul Nicholls and appears with Tom Wilkinson in a supporting role.

Directed by Gil Junger, the movie was shot primarily in London and features songs performed by Hewitt that tie into the story’s emotional beats. The film found much of its audience through television airings and home release where its time loop premise attracted a devoted following.

‘Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties’ (2006)

The sequel sends Garfield and Jon to the United Kingdom where a case of mistaken identity results in Garfield swapping places with a pampered castle cat. Bill Murray again provides the voice of Garfield and Hewitt returns as Liz with new cast additions playing British aristocrats and staff.

The production expands the use of visual effects for animal characters while shifting the setting to country estates and London landmarks. The story leans on fish out of water humor and doubles down on slapstick that appeals to younger viewers who enjoyed the first film.

‘Delgo’ (2008)

This animated fantasy adventure follows a divided world where two races struggle for control and a young hero tries to unite them. Hewitt voices Princess Kyla and shares the call sheet with Freddie Prinze Jr., Anne Bancroft, Val Kilmer, and Chris Kattan among others.

The film spent years in production with independent financing and used computer animation created outside the usual big studio pipeline. Its theatrical rollout was wide but brief and it later found most of its viewers through ancillary markets after the initial release.

‘The Truth About Love’ (2005)

Set in England, this romantic comedy revolves around a married woman who sends herself an anonymous valentine as a harmless test that spirals into a web of misunderstandings. Hewitt plays the lead opposite Dougray Scott with Jimi Mistry in a key supporting role.

Directed by John Hay and filmed around Bristol and nearby locations, the movie arrived first in the United Kingdom and then reached additional territories through home distribution. The premise focuses on letters and mistaken identity which gives Hewitt a vehicle for light comedy and farce.

Share your own keep or skip picks from her filmography in the comments.