The First Movie You Never Knew Anna Kendrick Was In—And Why It’s Getting So Much Attention Now

Anna Kendrick’s rise to fame might seem like it started with Twilight or exploded with Pitch Perfect, but longtime fans know her star-making moment came much earlier — and in recent months, more people are finally putting the pieces together. Thanks to renewed media attention in early 2025, many are now realizing they first saw Kendrick in the 2003 cult musical film Camp.

Kendrick’s journey to Hollywood royalty began even earlier, with a Tony-nominated performance on Broadway’s High Society at just 12 years old. But it was Camp — her film debut at 17 — where Kendrick’s raw talent first lit up the screen. Directed by Todd Graff and based on his experiences at a theater camp, Camp told the story of ambitious young performers chasing their Broadway dreams. Kendrick’s standout moment came with her electrifying rendition of “Ladies Who Lunch,” showcasing the powerhouse vocals and fierce stage presence that would later define her career.

At the time, Camp wasn’t a mainstream hit. It quietly earned a loyal cult following, especially among theater lovers, but never broke into the broader public consciousness. That changed in early 2025 when The Washington Post named it the top movie musical of the 21st century, praising its “winning love letter to the joys and mortifications of growing up.” The New York Times soon followed, highlighting Camp among “The Movies We’ve Loved Since 2000.” These glowing tributes sparked a wave of rediscovery — and with it, the collective realization that Kendrick’s first film role was hiding in plain sight.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Streaming services like Pluto TV, AMC+, and Amazon Prime Video made Camp readily accessible, inviting new audiences to experience Kendrick’s teenage brilliance. Social media buzz and fan discussions pointed to a common reaction: amazement that the Oscar-nominated actress had already been so captivating at such a young age.

While Kendrick herself has occasionally reflected on Camp as a formative experience, noting in a 2016 interview that “people have either never heard of it, or they want to tell me that it changed their life,” the film’s new spotlight is offering a fresh generation the same discovery.

In a career filled with musical triumphs, sharp comedies, and dramatic turns, Camp remains a special footnote — the scrappy, heartfelt project where it all began. And for many fans, it’s a thrilling reminder that even the brightest stars have humble, unforgettable first steps.