Anna Kendrick’s Decade of Quiet Dominance — 10 Performances That Prove She Can Do It All

Over the last ten years, Anna Kendrick has built one of the most eclectic and quietly impressive résumés in Hollywood. From the candy-colored joy of animated musicals to the claustrophobic tension of psychological thrillers, she’s taken on roles that push her range, sharpen her instincts, and keep audiences guessing. Drawing on Rotten Tomatoes scores and critical praise, here’s a look at Kendrick’s top ten performances of the past decade — plus a few that might have flown under your radar.

1. A Simple Favor (2018) — 84%

As Stephanie, the cheerful mommy vlogger whose life is upended by Blake Lively’s magnetic and mysterious Emily, Kendrick juggles awkward humor, creeping suspicion, and unexpected grit. It’s a masterclass in tonal balance — sweet on the outside, steel underneath.

2. Alice, Darling (2022) — 84%

Kendrick’s most vulnerable performance to date. As Alice, a woman trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship, she strips away her trademark sparkle for a raw, quietly devastating portrayal of anxiety and self-doubt. Critics hailed it as a career milestone.

3. The Hollars (2016) — 83%

In this tender family dramedy, Kendrick’s Rebecca radiates warmth and authenticity. Her grounded presence provides emotional ballast for a story about love, loss, and coming home.

4. The Day Shall Come (2019) — 83%

A sharp turn into biting satire, Kendrick plays a federal agent in an absurd counterterrorism sting. Her dry wit and razor-sharp timing give the film its sly edge.

5. Trolls (2016) — 76%

Kendrick’s boundless energy and sparkling vocals as Princess Poppy helped turn Trolls into a family favorite and a billion-dollar franchise starter.

6. Stowaway (2021) — 76%

As Zoe Levenson, a scientist faced with an impossible ethical decision in deep space, Kendrick anchors the sci-fi drama with a subdued but powerful performance that lingers long after the credits roll.

7. Trolls World Tour (2020) — 75%

Returning as Poppy, Kendrick doubles down on charm, proving her voice work is as magnetic as her on-screen presence.

8. Self Reliance (2023) — 73%

In this quirky survival-game comedy, Kendrick’s Abby blends levity and emotional depth, adding heart to the high-concept premise.

9. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016) — 70%

Kendrick embraces pure chaos as Alice, a disaster-prone wedding date with a fearless streak. It’s unhinged comedy done with total commitment.

10. Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) — 66%

While not as universally loved as the first, Kendrick’s Beca Mitchell kept the a cappella sequel’s pulse alive with her vocals, comedic beats, and easy charisma.

Honorable Mentions

While Pitch Perfect 3 and Table 19 fell short critically, and TV roles like Love Life and Dummy aren’t on the Tomatometer leaderboard, they still reflect Kendrick’s willingness to experiment and explore.

A Decade of Fearless Choices

Taken together, these roles reveal an actress unwilling to be boxed in. Anna Kendrick has made comedy sharper, thrillers more unsettling, dramas more human, and animated musicals more joyous — often in the same year. Her past decade proves that quiet consistency can be just as career-defining as splashy blockbusters, and with her range, wit, and instinct, her next ten years look just as unpredictable — and just as irresistible.

If you’d like, I can also prepare a quick side column of “3 Hidden Gems” from Kendrick’s career that didn’t make the top ten but are worth discovering — perfect for a lifestyle or entertainment feature spread.