Rachel Brosnahan’s 10 Best Roles

Rachel Brosnahan has become a household name, thanks to her ability to bring depth and charm to every role she takes on. From sharp-witted comedians to complex dramatic characters, her range is impressive, and her career is packed with standout moments across film and television. 

I’ve put together a list of her 10 best roles, focusing on the characters that show her versatility and talent. Whether she’s stealing scenes in gritty thrillers or leading with humor, these performances highlight why she’s one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. 

10. Wendy in ‘Spies in Disguise’ (2019)

Brosnahan lends her voice to Wendy, a cop and the late mother of a young scientist, in the animated film ‘Spies in Disguise’. Though her role is small, her warm delivery adds emotional weight to the story of a spy turned pigeon teaming up to stop a terrorist. 

The movie’s lighthearted plot and vibrant animation make it a fun family watch, and Brosnahan’s voice work grounds the heart of the story. Her ability to convey depth in a brief role shows her skill even in animated projects. 

9. Lisa in ‘The Unborn’ (2009)

In her film debut, Brosnahan plays Lisa in the horror flick ‘The Unborn’, a creepy tale about a young woman haunted by a demonic spirit. At just 18, she held her own alongside stars like Odette Annable, delivering a performance that hinted at her future potential. 

While the movie leans on jump scares and supernatural chills, Brosnahan’s early work as Lisa stands out for its confidence. It’s a small but memorable start to her career, showing she could tackle intense genres from the get-go. 

8. Bea Hansen in ‘The Finest Hours’ (2016)

As Bea Hansen in ‘The Finest Hours’, Brosnahan portrays the widow of a Guardsman in a gripping disaster drama based on a real-life Coast Guard rescue. Her role adds a poignant emotional layer to the stormy, high-stakes narrative. 

Brosnahan’s performance brings quiet strength to Bea, making her scenes resonate in a film packed with action. Her ability to convey grief while staying composed elevates this historical tale of bravery. 

7. Jessica Kensky in ‘Patriots Day’ (2016)

Brosnahan shines as Jessica Kensky, a real-life survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, in ‘Patriots Day’. Her portrayal captures the resilience and pain of someone caught in a tragic event, adding heart to the intense thriller. 

Her scenes are brief but powerful, stealing attention in a star-studded cast that includes Mark Wahlberg. Brosnahan’s ability to embody a real person’s strength makes this role unforgettable. 

6. Osman’s Friend in ‘Burn Country’ (2016)

In the crime drama ‘Burn Country’, Brosnahan plays a friend to an exiled Afghan journalist caught in a dangerous California underworld. Alongside James Franco and Melissa Leo, her performance brings warmth and grounding to a tense neo-noir story. 

The film’s moody atmosphere and complex characters give Brosnahan room to show her dramatic chops. She holds her own in a talented ensemble, making her supporting role a standout. 

5. Jolene Parker in ‘The Blacklist’ (2014-2015)

Brosnahan takes on the role of Jolene Parker, a mysterious ‘substitute teacher’ spying on a key character in the crime thriller ‘The Blacklist’. Her cunning performance adds intrigue to the show’s web of deception and action. 

Her work opposite James Spader is electric, showing she can match veteran actors in intensity. Jolene’s layered motives let Brosnahan flex her ability to play smart, secretive characters. 

4. Abby Isaacs in ‘Manhattan’ (2014-2015)

As Abby Isaacs in ‘Manhattan’, a drama about the Manhattan Project, Brosnahan plays the wife of a scientist in the secretive Los Alamos community. Her role brings a personal lens to the historic creation of the atomic bomb. 

Brosnahan’s performance captures the tension of a woman navigating a high-stakes world. Her chemistry with the ensemble and emotional depth make Abby a compelling part of this underrated series. 

3. Jean in ‘I’m Your Woman’ (2020)

In the neo-noir thriller ‘I’m Your Woman’, Brosnahan stars as Jean, a 1970s housewife forced to flee after her criminal husband vanishes. Her bold, layered performance drives this stylish story of survival and reinvention. 

Brosnahan also produced the film, showcasing her storytelling instincts. Her ability to blend vulnerability and strength makes Jean a captivating lead in this fresh take on crime drama. 

2. Rachel Posner in ‘House of Cards’ (2013-2015)

Brosnahan’s role as Rachel Posner in ‘House of Cards’ started as a small part but grew into a fan favorite, earning her an Emmy nomination. Playing a call girl tangled in political schemes, she brings raw intensity to a dark, gripping arc. 

Her scenes with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright crackle with tension, showing her ability to hold her own in a powerhouse cast. Rachel’s tragic journey is one of Brosnahan’s most haunting performances. 

1. Midge Maisel in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ (2017-2023)

Brosnahan’s portrayal of Midge Maisel, a 1950s housewife turned stand-up comedian, in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ is her defining role, earning her a Primetime Emmy and two Golden Globes. Her vibrant, witty performance as Midge brings humor and heart to a woman chasing her dreams in a male-dominated world. 

The show’s sharp writing and period setting are elevated by Brosnahan’s magnetic energy. She captures Midge’s growth from heartbreak to triumph, making this role a modern classic and her finest work. 

Which of Rachel Brosnahan’s roles is your favorite, or is there another performance I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!