From off-kilter roles to scene-stealing moments, Parker Posey has spent her entire career making bold choices. Dubbed ‘Queen of the Indies’ in the ‘90s, her blend of wit, eccentricity, and emotional nuance has made her a standout in every project she’s touched. Whether she’s playing unhinged, hilarious, or heartbreakingly human, the actress brings her signature kooky charm.
Posey is a true multi-hyphenate with creative pursuits that stretch beyond acting. A talented musician, she learned the mandolin for her role in A Mighty Wind, where she displayed her vocal chops as well. Also, Posey’s love of the stage has taken her to both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. In 2018, she added author to her résumé with You’re on an Airplane: A Self-Mythologizing Memoir.
Now, the actress conquers television as Victoria Ratliff in The White Lotus season three. Here, Posey reminds viewers why she’s an enduring icon. As the obliviously wealthy matriarch, she delivers deadpan humour with an exaggerated Southern accent that’s a little too realistic for American audiences. (Yes, the Thailand-Taiwan mix-up lives rent-free in our heads too!)
If you’re new to her eclectic filmography or just want to relive the highlights, here are 10 of the best Parker Posey movies to watch now.
Top 10 of Parker Posey’s Best Films
Dazed and Confused (1993)
In Richard Linklater’s ode to ‘70s adolescence, Posey appears as Darla, a nasty high school senior with a flair for tormenting incoming freshmen. She’s mean, manic, and magnetic, turning what could have been a one-note bully into a weirdly funny and compelling presence. Even in a stacked ensemble cast, she pops off the screen—proof that no one delivers a dramatic eye-roll quite like Posey. It’s a small role, but an early sign of her knack for creating memorable characters.
Watch the trailer here.
Party Girl (1995)
Posey shines in this cult classic as Mary, an NYC it-girl who trades clubbing for cataloguing when she stumbles into a job at the library. Few could make the Dewey Decimal System seem glamorous or fun. Her outfits? Legendary. Her quotable one-liners? Even better. It’s a fish-out-of-water story with a lot of heart, and Posey plays it with sharp comedic timing and an underlying sweetness. It remains a defining role and one of her most beloved as a ‘90s indie queen.
Watch the trailer here.
The House of Yes (1997)
Looking for something dark, twisted, and deliciously weird? Enter Jackie-O, a mentally unstable woman obsessed with Jackie Kennedy—and her own twin brother. The incestual family drama enables Posey to deliver the extremes of madness. It’s campy, chilling, and completely unsettling in the best way. Her portrayal of mental illness, repression, and delusion is intense and tragic. It’s a sharp turn from Posey’s usual quirky roles, but only she could lean into the psychosis with theatrical glee.
Watch the trailer here.
Clockwatchers (1997)
If you’ve ever felt invisible at your 9-to-5, this one hits hard. Posey stars alongside Toni Collette and Lisa Kudrow in this dramedy about female temps, exploring friendship, invisibility, and agency with a dry tone. A deeply underrated gem, it features one of Posey’s most subtle performances as the sarcastic, tough, but vulnerable Iris. She captures the dull ache of office life, navigating monotony and microaggressions. Posey grounds her character with emotion and a simmering sense of injustice.
Watch the trailer here.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Yes, it’s a Nora Ephron rom-com. Yes, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are adorable. But it’s Posey’s chaotic, Type-A girlfriend-from-hell that gives this film its extra spice. Her ability to elevate the side character is on full display, turning what could’ve been a thankless part into a comedic delight. Posey breezes through scenes like a hurricane in heels with a fast-talking, neurotic energy that stands in perfect contrast to the film’s slow-burn romance. It’s a brief appearance, but one that’s hard to forget.
Watch the trailer here.
Scream 3 (2000)
Only Posey could bring madcap comedy to the meta-slasher genre and Scream trilogy. As Jennifer Jolie, a self-obsessed actress playing Gale Weathers in a film-within-a-film, she parodies Hollywood vanity with excess and scene-stealing brilliance. Despite the high body count, it’s a rare case where the scream queen is also the comic relief. She performs fear, frustration, and insecurity with clever, over-the-top flair. Plus Posey’s chemistry with Courteney Cox adds an extra layer of fun.
Watch the trailer here.
Best in Show (2000)
Posey reunites with Christopher Guest for this dog show mockumentary, and naturally, she’s hilarious as Meg Swan. In an ensemble cast, she depicts a neurotic yuppie who is more obsessed with her dog than most people are with their kids. Nervous breakdowns, passive-aggressive meltdowns, and a braces-induced lisp? All in a day’s work for Posey. Along with Michael Hitchcock, she makes fun of the absurdly ridiculous world of competitive dog shows.
Watch the trailer here.
Josie & The Pussycats (2001)
This satirical pop-music comedy deserved more love when it first came out—and Posey’s character is one of the main reasons to watch it. As Fiona, the secretive CEO of a record label, she goes full-on camp: glam, outrageous, and serving cartoon villain energy in the best way. Camp, but make it couture. With wild outfits, she nails the heightened tone of the movie with a comedic instinct that’s razor-sharp. Posey is the perfect evil foil to the band’s earnest charm.
Watch the trailer here.
Superman Returns (2006)
Even in a big-budget superhero revival, Posey finds a way to stand out as Lex Luthor’s sassy, sardonic sidekick Kitty Kowalski. Here, she brings old Hollywood glamour, channelling Eve Arden with a twist of noir. While the film leans serious, Posey injects moments of levity and humanity with Kitty’s loyalty. But it’s not without doubts, and those layers are what make her so memorable. Even amid the CGI spectacle, Posey carves out a space for character—a great reminder of how she can elevate the mainstream genre too.
Watch the trailer here.
Beau is Afraid (2023)
Parker Posey in an A24 Ari Aster horror fantasy? Yes, please. Midway through this surreal epic, she shows up briefly and completely shifts the tone—her character is funny, terrifying, and absolutely electric. Posey portrays the deranged past flame of Joaquin Phoenix’s anxious protagonist. She turns a seemingly sweet reunion into an explosive mix of lust, longing, and threat. Posey thrives in this dreamlike, disturbing world, proving that she’s still taking risks decades into her career… and they’re paying off.
Watch the trailer here.
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