The best Sarah Jessica Parker movies and TV shows highlight her ability to balance comedy, drama, and romance with ease - and proves she’s known for much more than Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Born in 1965, Sarah Jessica Parker began her career as a child actor before gaining recognition in the 1980s. It was Sex and the City that introduced her to mainstream success, however, as playing the iconic Carrie Bradshaw, earned her four Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy wins.

However, despite being known for her sitcom success, Sarah Jessica Parker’s movie and TV show roles span across multiple genres, from romantic comedies to dark satire and even fantasy. Whether she’s portraying a charming journalist, a struggling wife, or a supernatural villain, her talent shines through. Over the years, she has worked with renowned directors like Tim Burton, David Mamet, and Nancy Meyers. From cult classics to award-winning series, every single one of the best Sarah Jessica Parker movies and TV shows highlights a different element of her incredible multi-genre talent.

10 Ed Wood (1994)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Dolores Fuller

Tim Burton’s Ed Wood is a quirky and affectionate biopic about the titular filmmaker, considered one of Hollywood’s worst directors (played in the movie by Johnny Depp). The 1994 biopic blends comedy with drama, following Wood’s ion for cinema despite his lack of talent and highlighting his eccentric relationships with his cast and crew. Known for its stylized black-and-white aesthetic, Ed Wood earned critical acclaim and won two Academy Awards.

Sarah Jessica Parker plays Dolores Fuller in the Ed Wood cast, Wood’s long-suffering girlfriend, who grows frustrated with his bizarre antics and, eventually, leaves him. Sarah Jessica Parker delivers a sharp and humorous performance, standing out in a cast that includes not only Johnny Depp but also the likes of Martin Landau, Bill Murray, and Vincent D’Onofrio. Parker’s role may have been as a ing character, but her presence adds significant depth to Ed Wood, especially when it comes to the more dramatic side of the movie’s comedy-drama balance.

9 Girls Just Want To Have Fun (1985)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Janey Glenn

A cult classic 1980s rom-com, Girls Just Want To Have Fun is a lighthearted teen comedy about friendship, dancing, and breaking the rules. The movie follows Sarah Jessica Parker as Janey Glenn, a high school student who dreams of competing on a televised dance show, despite her strict father’s objections. With the help of her best friend, she sneaks into auditions, setting the stage for a fun and rebellious adventure.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Janey Gleen is an endearing mix of innocence and determination, and was a perfect early-career role for the future Sex and the City star. Parker’s natural charisma makes her character relatable, and her chemistry with co-star Helen Hunt adds to the film’s charm. While the movie didn’t make a significant impact upon release, it has since gained a nostalgic following thanks to its fun, energetic tone. Today, Girls Just Want To Have Fun stands as a showcase of Parker’s early star power, and makes it easy to see why she eventually found mainstream success.

8 The Family Stone (2005)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Meredith Morton

A holiday dramedy directed by Thomas Bezucha, 2005’s The Family Stone explores the chaos of bringing a new romantic partner into an eccentric family. The mid-2000s dramedy includes Sarah Jessica Parker as Meredith in the ensemble cast, and her character arc sees her meet her boyfriend’s liberal, free-spirited family for Christmas - with less-than-stellar results. Tensions rise as she struggles to fit in, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments.

Sarah Jessica Parker delivers one of her most layered performances as Meredith, a character who initially seems uptight but gradually reveals vulnerability. At the time, this was a different kind of character for Parker, and her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy. The stellar ensemble cast of The Family Stone also includes Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Luke Wilson. With its blend of comedy and emotional depth, The Family Stone remains a standout in Sarah Jessica Parker’s career.

7 The First Wives Club (1996)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Shelly Stewart

A sharp and empowering comedy, The First Wives Club follows three women who band together to seek revenge on their cheating ex-husbands. Directed by Hugh Wilson, this Sarah Jessica Parker movie was a box-office hit and became a defining feminist comedy of the ‘90s. The story celebrates female solidarity and second chances, making it both funny and inspiring.

Sarah Jessica Parker plays Shelly Stewart, a young, materialistic woman who becomes involved with Morty (Dan Hedaya), the ex-husband of Bette Midler’s Brenda. While not a cast lead, Parker brings a comedic edge to The First Wives Club, portraying Shelly as delightfully shallow. Sharing the screen with Bette Midler, Maggie Smith, Diane Keaton, and Goldie Hawn, she holds her own in an ensemble filled with powerhouse performances - and, in of legacy, The First Wives Club remains a favorite for its witty dialogue and timeless themes.

6 L.A. Story (1991)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays SanDeE*

A surreal and satirical romantic comedy, L.A. Story is both a love letter and a critique of Los Angeles culture. Written by and starring Steve Martin with directing duties handled by Mick Jackson, LA Story follows a quirky weatherman (Steve Martin’s Harris K. Telemacher) navigating love, career changes, and bizarre magical happenings. LA Story masterfully blends romance with sharp social commentary like many of Steve Martin’s best movies, making it a cult classic.

While she didn’t lead the cast of L.A. Story, it still ranks among the best Sarah Jessica Parker Movies and TV shows thanks to the scene-stealing hilarity and strength of her performance. Sarah Jessica Parker plays SanDeE*, an eccentric and free-spirited woman who briefly dates Martin’s character. Her performance is delightfully over-the-top, fully embracing the absurdity of her role. She adds an infectious energy to the film, making SanDeE* one of her most memorable comedic characters. With its witty script and unique charm, L.A. Story remains a standout in Parker’s early career.

5 Mars Attacks! (1996)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Nathalie Lake

There are no movies or TV shows starring Sarah Jessica Parker quite like Mars Attacks!, though this is exactly why it stands out as one of her best. Released in 1996, Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! is a zany sci-fi comedy that parodies classic alien invasion films. The B-movie spoof features an all-star cast, including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, and Pierce Brosnan. It follows the chaos that ensues when a group of Martians arrive on Earth with destructive intentions, leading to hilariously bizarre scenarios.

Sarah Jessica Parker plays Nathalie Lake in Mars Attacks!, a vapid talk-show host whose obsession with fame lands her in a bizarre predicament when she’s abducted by the Martians. Her comedic timing and exaggerated performance fit perfectly within Burton’s over-the-top style. While Mars Attacks! divided critics upon release, it has since gained a cult following, and Parker’s role remains one of the movie’s comedic highlights.

4 Hocus Pocus (1993)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Sarah Sanderson

A Halloween staple, Hocus Pocus follows three resurrected witches who wreak havoc on modern-day Salem after being accidentally summoned by a group of teenagers. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the Disney fantasy-comedy blends humor, adventure, and supernatural elements, making it a cult favorite despite its lukewarm initial reception. Over the years, its popularity has skyrocketed, with annual television broadcasts and a devoted fanbase. Sarah Jessica Parker gave a career-defining performance in Hocus Pocus as Sarah Sanderson, the delightfully dimwitted yet alluring member of the Sanderson trio.

Unlike her more calculated sister Winifred (Bette Midler), Sarah is playful and whimsical, often breaking into song to lure children to their doom. Parker fully embraces the film’s over-the-top tone, bringing a mix of comedic timing and charm to the role. Her song, “Come Little Children,” has become one of the film’s most iconic moments. Hocus Pocus remains one of the best Sarah Jessica Parker movies and TV shows, proving its enduring popularity nearly three decades after its release. In 2022, she reprized her role in Hocus Pocus 2, further solidifying the franchise’s lasting legacy.

3 Divorce (2016-2019)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays s Dufresne

HBO’s Divorce offered a more serious and introspective side of Sarah Jessica Parker’s acting range. Created by Sharon Horgan, the dark dramedy follows s Dufresne, a woman in the midst of a crumbling marriage who ultimately decides to leave her husband, played by Thomas Haden Church. The series examines the emotional turmoil, financial struggles, and family complications that come with divorce, painting a raw and often humorous portrait of a relationship’s breakdown.

Sarah Jessica Parker delivers one of her most nuanced performances, portraying s as both vulnerable and resilient. Unlike her more lighthearted roles, Parker plays a deeply flawed yet relatable character struggling to rebuild her life. Her performance was met with critical praise, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy. The show also featured strong performances from Molly Shannon and Tracy Letts, further enriching its exploration of love and loss. While Divorce didn’t achieve mainstream success like Sex and the City, it remains one of the best Sarah Jessica Parker TV shows for its bold storytelling and mature themes.

2 State And Main (2000)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Claire Wellesley

A biting Hollywood satire, 2000’s State and Main is a comedic look at the chaos behind the scenes of a film production gone wrong. Written and directed by David Mamet, State and Main follows a struggling production team attempting to finish a movie in a small town, only to be met with scandal, egos, and logistical nightmares. The sharp script and ensemble cast, which includes Alec Baldwin, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and William H. Macy, make for a clever and engaging satire of the entertainment industry.

Sarah Jessica Parker gives a standout performance in State and Main as Claire Wellesley, the lead actress in the film-within-the-film. Her character is a diva who refuses to film a crucial nude scene unless she is given extra compensation - causing a major headache for the production team. Parker fully commits to the role, delivering a hilariously self-absorbed performance that highlights the absurdities of Hollywood contracts and star demands. State and Main remains one of the best Sarah Jessica Parker movies due to her comedic talent shining even when in a cast of seasoned genre veterans, proving her ability to take on more satirical and sophisticated humor.

1 Sex And The City (1998-2004)

Sarah Jessica Parker Plays Carrie Bradshaw

No list of the best Sarah Jessica Parker movies and TV shows would be complete without Sex and the City. Premiering on HBO in 1998, the groundbreaking series redefined television’s portrayal of single women, relationships, and city life. Created by Darren Star and based on Candace Bushnell’s columns, the show follows Carrie Bradshaw and her three best friends - Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Samantha (Kim Cattrall)—as they navigate love, careers, and personal growth in New York City. With its candid discussions of dating, sex, and female empowerment, Sex and the City became a cultural phenomenon, winning seven Emmys and eight Golden Globes.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw cemented her as a television icon. Carrie, a sex columnist with an addiction to designer shoes, is witty, flawed, and endlessly relatable. Parker brought depth and charisma to the role, making Carrie both aspirational and down-to-earth. Her performance earned her four Golden Globe wins and an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Beyond its fashion and romance, the show’s themes of friendship and self-discovery resonated with audiences, making it one of the most influential TV series of all time. Parker reprised her role in two Sex and the City movies and the 2021 revival And Just Like That…, proving Sarah Jessica Parker’s lasting impact on pop culture.