Okay, let's talk about Zoey Deutch! This woman is like a ray of sunshine mixed with a shot of pure, unadulterated charisma. Seriously, have you ever seen her on screen and not immediately fallen a little bit in love? She’s got this way of making you feel like you’re her best friend, even when she’s navigating the wildest, most hilarious, or most heart-wrenching situations. From teen comedies that defined a generation to rom-coms that make you believe in soulmates (or at least a really good meet-cute), Zoey has delivered some absolute gems. It’s tough to narrow it down, because honestly, she’s pretty much fantastic in everything she touches. But if we had to pick, if we were forced at gunpoint (okay, maybe just a very enthusiastic suggestion), these five movies would be the cream of the crop. Get ready to feel good, laugh a lot, and maybe shed a happy tear or two!
1. Set It Up (2018)
Oh. My. Gosh. If you haven’t seen Set It Up, you are missing out on one of the most delightful rom-coms of the last decade. It’s basically the ultimate “enemies to lovers” story, but with a twist. Zoey plays Harper Moore, a stressed-out, overworked assistant to a fashion editor who’s basically a walking, talking nightmare. And her counterpart, Charlie Young (played by the equally charming Glen Powell), is dealing with an equally demanding, impossible boss. Their brilliant, albeit slightly bonkers, plan? To set up their bosses with each other to get them off their backs. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, of course! But in the most adorable, hilarious, and swoon-worthy ways. The chemistry between Zoey and Glen is like, chef’s kiss. They’re so natural, so funny, and their little glances and awkward moments feel so real. You’ll be rooting for them from the first minute, desperately hoping their own “set up” actually happens. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to curl up on the couch with popcorn and forget all your worries. Plus, the fashion is everything.
2. Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
Zombies! And Zoey Deutch! What’s not to love? In Zombieland: Double Tap, Zoey joins the ragtag group of survivors as Madison, a super-perky, slightly ditzy, but surprisingly resilient young woman who has managed to survive the zombie apocalypse by… well, being a bit oblivious. And it’s brilliant. She’s the perfect comedic foil to the already established characters, bringing a fresh wave of hilarious chaos and unexpected moments of bravery. Think of her as the glitter bomb in a world of gore and survival. She’s got these perfectly timed one-liners that will have you snorting with laughter, and her sheer, unadulterated enthusiasm for even the most mundane things in a post-apocalyptic world is just infectious. It’s a movie that balances the scares with genuinely laugh-out-loud humor, and Zoey is a huge part of why it works so well. You’ll be cheering for her to survive, not just because she’s part of the team, but because she’s just so darn entertaining.
3. The Politician (2019-2020)
Okay, so this is a series, but it’s so good and Zoey is such a standout that it has to be on this list. In The Politician, she plays Infinity Jackson, a young woman with a heartbreaking backstory who gets swept up in the ambitious, cutthroat world of high school politics. And wow, does she shine. Zoey brings such depth and vulnerability to Infinity, making you feel every single ounce of her pain, her hope, and her fight for survival in this ridiculously dramatic and stylish world. She’s got this quiet strength that is so captivating, and her interactions with the wildly eccentric characters around her are pure gold. You’ll find yourself completely invested in her journey, wanting her to find peace and happiness amidst all the manipulation and backstabbing. It’s a show that’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant, and Zoey’s performance is absolutely central to its success. She proves she’s not just a comedy queen, but a force to be reckoned with in dramatic roles too.
4. Before I Fall (2017)
This one is a bit heavier, but it’s a testament to Zoey’s range and talent. In Before I Fall, she plays Samantha Kingston, a popular high school senior who is stuck reliving the last day of her life over and over again. It’s a “Groundhog Day” scenario, but with much higher stakes and a lot more introspection. Zoey carries this film with such grace and intensity. You see her grapple with the consequences of her actions, her relationships, and her own identity. It’s a movie that makes you think about life, death, and the choices we make, and Zoey’s performance is the anchor that keeps you grounded through it all. She’s brilliant at portraying the confusion, the frustration, and eventually, the dawning realization of what truly matters. It’s a powerful and emotional watch, and Zoey’s portrayal of Sam is utterly unforgettable.
5. Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)
Get ready to party! Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!! is a coming-of-age masterpiece, and Zoey is an absolute delight as Beverly. The film follows a group of college baseball players in the days leading up to the start of the school year, and it’s all about freedom, fun, and figuring things out. Zoey’s character, Beverly, is the kind of girl who brings a sense of calm and sweetness to the wild, testosterone-fueled world of the team. She’s smart, she’s cool, and she has this effortless charm that makes you understand why everyone is so drawn to her. Her scenes are some of the most memorable in the film, offering a different perspective and a beautiful counterpoint to the guys’ antics. It’s a movie that captures the feeling of youthful exuberance and the bittersweet transition into adulthood, and Zoey’s presence adds so much warmth and genuine emotion to it all. She’s like the perfect soundtrack to a summer night.
So there you have it! Five movies that showcase the incredible talent and undeniable charm of Zoey Deutch. Honestly, this list could be ten movies long and we’d still be scratching the surface. She’s a star, plain and simple, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
