Summary
- Rashida Jones shines in both comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing her versatility and talent on-screen.
- From Parks and Recreation to #BlackAF, Jones delivers standout performances, bringing depth and humor to her characters.
- Jones’ documentary on her father Quincy Jones is a heartfelt and insightful portrayal of the music legend’s life and career.
Actress Rashida Jones is a fantastic performer, writer, and director who has been in many amazing movies and TV shows. Since the late ‘90s, Jones has continued to make a name for herself on both the big and small screen, appearing in projects from all manner of genres. However, she is primarily a comical actress and has starred in some of the best sitcoms of all time, like Parks and Recreation and The Office.
Despite being so prominent in the world of comedy, Rashida Jones’ new Apple TV+ show has allowed her to explore sci-fi. Sunny demonstrates that her skills from TV and film are transferable, regardless of the story or character she takes on. Jones is also fantastic in several movies, too, especially rom-coms, and she’s fortunate enough to both write and appear in some of her best titles. While there are many TV shows and movies from Rashida Jones, some stand out more than others.
Rashida Jones has won several awards, including a Grammy Award in 2019, a Hollywood Film Award in 2010, and a Gracie Award in 2024.
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10 Parks And Recreation
Role: Ann Perkins
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Parks and Recreation SitcomComedyMockumentary Where to Watch
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Release Date April 9, 2009 Seasons 7 Directors Michael Schur Network NBC Streaming Service(s) fuboTV , Peacock Showrunner Michael Schur Expand
Jones’ most memorable role on television is easily in Parks and Recreation. While many believe that Parks and Recreation’s writers fail Ann Perkins, there is no denying that Jones’ character has some of the best character development in sitcom history. Ann’s friendship with Leslie is a fantastic part of the show, and their wholesome bond carries on off-screen, as Amy Poehler and Jones are good friends in real life, too.
Ann starts the show as a mild-mannered nurse who simply wants the lot behind her house filled in, but by the Parks and Recreation finale, she is a strong-willed woman with a thriving life. Even though Jones isn’t the leading comedic talent in the Parks and Recreation cast, her subtle use of humor and hilarious facial expressions ensure the other characters don’t overshadow her. Jones’ performance as Ann is stellar, and this is the reason she is an NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
9 I Love You, Man (2009)
Role: Zooey Rice
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I Love You, Man RComedy Where to Watch
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Director John Hamburg Release Date March 20, 2009 Runtime 105 Minutes
Jones features opposite titan comedy actors Paul Rudd and Jason Segel in I Love You, Man as Zooey Rice. Zooey is the fiancée of Rudd’s Peter, who encourages him to become friends with Segel’s Sydney because of his lack of male companionship. However, their new friendship causes some conflict in Zooey and Peter’s relationship. Jones’ portrayal of the frustrated yet supportive Zooey highlights the actress’ incredible comedic talents despite appearing alongside several famous actors in I Love You, Man.
Even though the focus of the film is on Rudd and Segel’s characters, Jones holds her own and is a notable addition to the cast.
Even though the focus of the film is on Rudd and Segel’s characters, Jones holds her own and is a notable addition to the cast. She takes the trope of a monotonous and flat love interest, the type of character who is used as a plot device or to fill a gap in the story, and completely flips it. Even in moments when it seems that Zooey is about to become an obstacle or be antagonistic, like when Sydney makes Peter doubt himself, she is unexpectedly still understanding the situation, which makes her a unique and interesting character for Jones.
Related I Love You, Man: 9 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About The Paul Rudd Movie
I Love You, Man is a celebrated feel-good comedy. Viewers might not know it caused a lawsuit and reused Paul Rudd’s Rolling Stone photos.
8 On The Rocks (2020)
Role: Laura Keane
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on the rocks
Director Sofia Coppola Release Date October 2, 2020 Cast Bill Murray , Rashida Jones , Marlon Wayans Runtime 1h 36m
Jones stars in the 2020 movie On the Rocks with Bill Murray, and the pair make a fantastic father-daughter duo. Jones’ Laura Keane and her quest to discover if her husband is cheating or not is even funnier with Murray’s character, Felix, assisting her in her investigation. Their chemistry throughout the film is brilliant, especially in moments when the two are at their funniest, such as during the car chase scene. However, Laura is so much more than just a paranoid wife, and one of the best parts of the film is when the character fights with her father.
Jones conveys Laura’s frustrations with Felix beautifully. She adds depth to the character in a fascinating way, and in the moments in which Laura highlights Felix’s misogynistic views, it’s impossible to ignore that Jones is just as strong a dramatic actress as she is comedic. Even though On the Rocks is often considered to be one of Bill Murray’s best movies, Rashida Jones is the film’s true talent.
7 The Office
Role: Karen Filippelli
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The Office ComedyDramaSitcom Where to Watch
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Release Date March 24, 2005 Seasons 9 Directors Greg Daniels , Paul Lieberstein , Paul Feig , Randall Einhorn , Ken Kwapis Network NBC Franchise(s) The Office Showrunner Greg Daniels Expand
Although Rashida Jones leaves The Office in season 3, she still provides a memorable performance as Karen Filipelli, which has kept audiences discussing the character for years after its end. Karen is a sitcom character who isn’t really a villain, but The Office’s viewers often dislike her because she is an obstacle in Pam and Jim’s eventual relationship. However, this doesn’t make her a bad character, and despite the backlash, Jones serves up a notable portrayal as Karen in The Office .
Karen is one of the few characters who is actually a voice of reason in The Office. Her use of humor is subtle but intelligent, which is a fascinating contrast in comparison to over-the-top and loud characters like Andy Bernard and Michael Scott. Jones has a tough job when she becomes a member of The Office cast, especially as it’s always hard for an actor to join a show mid-way through its run, but she amazingly blossoms into a prominent character rather quickly.
6 Angie Tribeca
Role: Detective Angela Tribeca
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Angie Tribeca TV-14CrimeComedyAction
Release Date January 17, 2016 Seasons 4 Creator(s) Nancy Carell , Steve Carell Main Genre Crime
Jones plays the titular character in Angie Tribeca, a creation of husband-and-wife team Steve and Nancy Carell. Angie is Jones’ most significant leading role, and while she is the most memorable factor of Angie Tribeca, it is also known for hilariously parodying many tropes from the best crime procedural TV shows. Jones presents some amazing absurdist comedy throughout the show, which is an interesting change of pace in comparison to some of her other sitcom characters.
The actress fabulously keeps up with Angie Tribeca’s non-stop use of ridiculous one-liner jokes, visual gags, and ironic commentary. Angie’s dedication to her job at the Really Heinous Crimes Unit is hysterical, but Jones’ enthusiasm in playing the role makes her character even funnier. Jones is celebrated for her comedic timing and overall charm in Angie Tribeca, and her performance in the show proves that she deserves to be cast as a protagonist more often.
5 #BlackAF
Role: Joya Barris
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#BlackAF is a rather different project for Jones, but one that she thrives in. Jones plays Joya Barris, the fictionalized interpretation of Black-ish writer Kenya Barris’ wife. It’s great to see Jones in #BlackAF, especially as she’s already a part of the Black-ish universe, starring as Santamonica Johnson. #BlackAF is based on events from Kenya Barris’ actual life, set during the peak of his success writing Black-ish. Jones’ astonishing performance of Joya is funny but also heartbreaking at times.
She takes the sensitive source material and translates it to screens in a way that is both dramatized and truthful. Jones’ ability to convey the struggles of Joya and Kenya’s marriage is perfection, but she never fails to hit the mark when it comes to being witty, either. It’s a shame that #BlackAF season 2 has been canceled, as it is one of Jones’ best TV shows and is an overall enjoyable watch.
4 The Social Network (2010)
Role: Marylin Delpy
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The Social Network PG-13BiographyDrama Where to Watch
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Director David Fincher Release Date October 1, 2010 Runtime 120 minutes Distributor(s) Sony Pictures Releasing
Even though Jones only plays a small role in The Social Network, she is still a captivating addition to the film. Jones plays Marylin Delpy, a junior lawyer for the defense. The character only appears at the very end of The Social Network, but despite this, Jones is at the heart of one of the best moments in the film. The Social Network is one of the most inaccurate movie biopics, but Marylin has an interaction with Jesse Eisenberg’s Mark Zuckerberg that fantastically encapsulates audiences’ thoughts.
Marylin abruptly tells Zuckerberg that he needs to settle with Eduardo Saverin because the Facebook founder’s attitude is atrocious, and she doesn’t believe he’ll get any sympathy in the proceedings. This straightforward and honest discussion between Zuckerberg and the law associate is a powerful and massively impactful moment in The Social Network. Jones’ minimal appearance encapsulates the message of the film, and despite her limited screen time, her last-minute arrival makes the actress unforgettable.
Related The Social Network True Story: 5 Biggest Things The Facebook Movie Got Wrong
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3 Celeste And Jesse Forever (2012)
Role: Celeste Martin
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Celeste and Jesse Forever RComedyDocumentaryDramaRomance Where to Watch
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Director Lee Toland Krieger Release Date August 3, 2012 Runtime 91 minutes
In Celeste and Jesse Forever, Jones and Andy Samberg serve as the titular couple in a story about the pair navigating a complicated divorce. Despite their split, the two attempt to stay friends. Her performance as Celeste is solid, but Jones is also the co-writer of Celeste and Jesse Forever , which makes it easier for her to slip into the character’s shoes and understand her motivations and feelings. Celeste’s transformation throughout the film is remarkable, and Jones’ chemistry with Samberg is outstanding.
Celeste and Jesse Forever offers Jones an opportunity to showcase her dramatic talents once again. Playing Celeste is a nice alternative for Jones, considering many of her characters are comedy-based. While Jones and Samberg are undoubtedly funny in the film, they both successfully switch up their typical acting styles. Celeste and Jesse Forever’s soundtrackmakes Jones’ performance even more impactful, especially in the opening scenes, which invites audiences to understand why the characters’ marriage falls apart.
2 The Muppets (2011)
Role: Veronica Martin
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The Muppets PGComedy Where to Watch
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Director Randall Einhorn Release Date November 23, 2011 Runtime 103 Minutes Franchise(s) The Muppets
2011’s The Muppets sees Jones as CDE Network’s high-ranking executive, Veronica Martin.Every Muppets movie includes a star-studded cast, and Jones appears alongside many massive names in this film, such as Ken Jeong, Jim Parsons, Amy Adams, and Jack Black. Despite only appearing for a short while, Veronica plays a big part in The Muppets’ story. The top-notch businesswoman gives the Muppet group the time slot they need to try and save the Muppet Theater, which is the primary storyline of the film.
Despite only appearing for a short while, Veronica plays a big part in
The Muppets
’ story.
Jones’ strict and stern demeanor when it comes to communicating with the Muppets is brilliant, and her interactions with them help set up the events of the second half of the movie. In an interview with MovieWeb, Jones confirms that she also briefly appears as one of the Muppet extras, Trumpet Girl, in a musical performance scene (via MovieWeb). Even though Veronica is a rather small-scale character for Jones to play, she’s still a fabulous addition to one of the best movie franchises of all time.
Related The Muppets: 10 Best Songs From The Movies
Each of the Muppet movies has a number of beloved songs that have been adored by fans across a number of generations. Which songs are the best?
1 Quincy (2018)
Role: Herself
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Quincy (2018) Where to Watch
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Director Alan Hicks , Rashida Jones Release Date September 21, 2018 Cast Quincy Jones Runtime 124 Minutes
One of the best music documentaries ever is Quincy, in which Jones recounts the details of her father’s life and career. Her interpretation of Quincy Jones’ incredible experiences as one of the most critically acclaimed record producers of all time is both entertaining and educational. Jones’ point of view is completely unique compared to other documentary hosts because she brilliantly encapsulates the truth about her father, but she also ensures that all of the information she provides is factual and unbiased.
Quincy is a Grammy winner, receiving the award for Best Music Film in 2019, which is no surprise, especially considering how influential and moving the piece is. Jones’ role as Quincy’s co-director proves that her talents behind the camera are just as strong as when she is in front of it. Rashida Jones’ framing of topics like Quincy’s health issues and personal battles in the industry is profound and stunning to watch, and she depicts just how complex life is for one of the biggest music moguls of all time.