As one of the many popular streaming shows on Peacock, Parks & Recreation has constantly been a comfort show fans have gone back to, mostly because this series has a lot of heart and humorous characters.
Mostly all of the show's actors have gone on to star in some of the most memorable films and television series. They may have risen to stardom because of their comical roles in Parks & Rec but, these actors have proven to have the range and appeal with their other roles as well. What is each of the main players' best film?
Amy Poehler - Mean Girls (2004)
Amy Poehler has portrayed some hilarious and well-liked characters in her career, but before she was the optimistic Leslie Knope, fans knew her as Regina's mom from Mean Girls.
Amy Poehler's character in this teen film didn't get much screen time, but she managed to make her appearance memorable and fun. The role of June George couldn't have been played by anyone else. Amy embodied the perfect "cool mom" and it is why fans of the film quote her all the time.
Aubrey Plaza - Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Aubrey Plaza has played many dynamic and humorous characters, fans loved her appearance in The Happiest Season.
However, in this sci-fi comedy, Aubrey plays Darius Britt an intern on a quest with a man who wants to go back in time. All of the characters in this film are offbeat and funny, but it's no secret that her character shines. Aubrey's character captures the heartfelt side to understanding the main character and his journey to the past. Safety Not Guaranteed is one of Aubrey's best films according to Letterboxd.
Rashida Jones - The Social Network (2010)
Rashida Jones has a minor role in this award-winning film but her performance is worth noting based on her expressions and emotions alone. She plays Marylin Deply, an associate for the law firm defending Mark Zuckerberg.
She was able to portray a more serious character, unlike the upbeat and positive Anne Perkins. She keeps control of the situation in each of her scenes, which is why, even among an all-star cast performing some award-winning material, she is the one to watch in The Social Network.
Nick Offerman - We're The Millers (2013)
During his time starring in Parks & Rec as Ron Swanson, Nick Offerman managed to continue his funny streak. In We're The Millers, Offerman plays Don Fitzgerald, a fellow RV owner and DEA agent who happens to come across the Miller clan and befriends them.
This character is very different than Ron Swanson but still stole the show with this comical role. Given Ron's perpetually stoic and angry demeanor, it was fantastic to see Offerman step out of the characterization he's most known for into something completely unique but still uproariously funny.
Retta - Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life (2016)
After Parks & Recreation, Retta starred in the hit series Good Boys. However, she was able to have more of a spotlight in the role of Ida Stricker, the vice-principal of Hills Village Middle School.
She's very strict and stern but brings a lot of genuine humor to this film, and she gets to have more of a dynamic and lighthearted role within it. Her character may seem all too relatable for fans who might their middle school days, but fans will always her Parks & Rec character, as Donna had some of the most amazing quotes of the series.
Aziz Ansari - Funny People (2009)
In another comedic role, Aziz Ansari plays Randy Springs in the 2009 comedy Funny People. He is a stand-up comedian with wild and crazy stories that capture the audience. The film features an ensemble of hilarious actors and comedians and also features another Parks & Rec alum, Aubrey Plaza.
This role is slightly different than what fans find familiar about Tom Haverford. Although they do share a love of materialistic things and wild stories, Tom had some of the best ideas and some of the worst on the show.
Chris Pratt - Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)
One of the most well-known films that put Chris Pratt in the spotlight was Guardians of The Galaxy, one of the best MCU movies of all time. It had every making of an action/sci-fi classic with an all-star cast. This Marvel film separated Chris Pratt from being the lovable goofball to an action hero, and his performance was so successful that he's now more well-known as a superhero than a comic actor.
However, his role as Andy Dwyer will still be beloved by fans, and the comedic chops he displayed on Parks & Rec clearly serve him well in his big-screen career.
Rob Lowe - The Outsiders (1983)
Rob Lowe has had a long and successful acting career that spans over 30 years. He played many heartthrobs and of course, stole the hearts of fans when he played the overly joyous Chris Traeger. But back in 1983, he played the middle brother Soda Pop in the film, The Outsiders.
This was one of Rob Lowe's top roles in both movies and television. He perfectly embodied the novel's depiction of Ponyboy's reasonable brother, Soda Pop. He is the one with the heart of gold and the one that's there to comfort Ponyboy when things start going wrong.
Jim O'Heir - Middle Man (2016)
In Parks & Rec, Jim O'Heir is the overlooked and under-appreciated Jerry Gergich. He gets forgotten throughout the whole series and still manages to be wholesome and polite to his co-workers. Jim O'Heir's portrayal of Jerry is one of the most underrated, as the audience can't help but feel for him.
But in a completely different world, O'Heir stars as Lenny, an aspiring comedian who finds himself in an unfortunate circumstance when he picks up a murderous hitchhiker. It is his best role both because this character is self-aware enough to understand how chaotic his situation is and he tries to do something about it.
Adam Scott - Friends With Kids (2011)
In this romantic comedy, Adam Scott stars as Jason Fryman. He makes an agreement with his best friend to have a child together without actually being romantically involved. The film centers around a group of friends that try to be ive while the two characters begin to grow feelings for one another.
Fans of Parks & Rec know just how charmingly Adam Scott portrays the nerdy Ben Wyatt. However, he radiates as another romantic leading man in this movie as well.