Last updated on: October 30, 2025
Consider the late ’90s and early 2000s for a moment. Pop culture was filled with glamorous teen dramas, high-budget action films, and crazy thrillers everyone was talking about. And sitting right in the midst of it all was Denise Richards.
To some of us, she was the audacious pilot in Starship Troopers. To others, she was Kelly Van Ryan of Wild Things, a memory that will not be easily forgotten. And let’s not even mention—she even played the role of a James Bond girl, securing her place among film history.
Denise Richards’ career is a fascinating mix of blockbusters, cult classics, and quirky comedies. And if you’ve ever wondered which films really showcase her range, charm, and star power, this list is for you. Grab a coffee, because we’re diving into the seven best Denise Richards movies that prove she’s far more than just Hollywood’s “it girl” of the late ’90s.
The Journey: Why Denise Richards Became a Hollywood Icon
So before we dive into the list, let’s get the stage set. Richards didn’t end up in Hollywood by chance. She began as a model, which quite frankly isn’t so surprising—her face was ideal for glossy magazine covers. But the cool thing is that she was able to transition so quickly into acting, doing guest appearances in series such as Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Her breakout role? Starship Troopers (1997). Now she was no longer “that pretty face” but a woman commanding an epic sci-fi franchise still adored to this day. Why her career shines is because she’s not afraid to take risks. She transitioned from camp comedies to mind games thrillers to the über-glam Bond franchise without losing a step.
And that’s why we’re here. To revisit those roles that made us laugh, gasp, or lean forward in our seats, wondering what twist was coming next.
The 7 Best Denise Richards Movies
1. Love Actually (2003)
Alright, let’s begin with a good one. If you’ve seen Love Actually, you know it’s star-studded—Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson—the list is endless. So, you’d be forgiven if you forgot Denise Richards appeared in it. But when she appears at the end? Total scene-stealer.
She’s a glamorous American girl who appears out of nowhere in the movie and, in true rom-com style, sweeps one of the men right off his feet. It’s brief. It’s sweet. And it’s memorable.
Here’s the thing—sometimes screen time isn’t everything but about effect. Richards’ cameo is the sprinkles on top of an already tasty holiday sundae. You may not see it coming, but when it does, it puts you in a good mood. Every December that I rewatch Love Actually (because let’s face it, it’s pretty much mandatory viewing), I always smile when Denise appears. It’s that little holiday surprise.
2. Starship Troopers (1997)
Now we’re talking about the big one. Starship Troopers wasn’t just Denise Richards’ breakout role—it was a cultural moment. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this sci-fi flick about humans battling giant alien bugs seemed like pure popcorn fun at first glance. But dig deeper, and it’s actually a clever satire about war, propaganda, and blind patriotism.
Richards portrays Carmen Ibanez, a big dreamer pilot in her youth who will not be deterred. What I adore about her character is that she’s not a love interest or a sidekick—she’s ambitious, independent, and will do tough things. Yes, the love triangle plot does add drama, but Carmen stands on her own throughout the entire film.
And let’s face it, if you were a kid in the late ’90s, Starship Troopers was all around—posters plastered on the walls, action figures sitting on the shelf, constant talks about those crazy battle scenes. Richards’ performance solidified her as an up-and-coming star, and the film has since attained cult classic status.
3. Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999)
This one’s a gem. Drop Dead Gorgeous is a mockumentary on a small-town beauty pageant, and it’s as dark-comedy funny as it sounds. Richards stars as Becky Leeman, the spoiled, ambitious pageant contestant who will do literally anything to win. And when I say anything, I mean anything.
What’s good about this is that Richards commits to the satire. She’s perfect with her over-the-top pageant queen personality yet keeps Becky grounded enough to be believable. One moment you’re laughing at her crazy behavior, the next you’re thinking, “Oh no, I actually know a person like this.”
In its day, the movie didn’t receive all the love it deserved. Today? Complete cult classic. Scroll through social media, and you’ll see fans referencing Richards’ side-splitting talent show routine or sharing GIFs of her pageant speeches.
4. Wild Things (1998)
Okay, strap in. Wild Things is one of the most notorious thrillers of the late ’90s, and Denise Richards was right in the middle of it. She stars as Kelly Van Ryan, a privileged high school girl embroiled in a web of lies, betrayal, and seduction. It’s packed with turns that have you constantly questioning who’s playing whom.
This was a risk for Richards, no question. The film was scandalous in its day—outrageous scenes, shocking twists, and a plot that kept reversing on its head. Yet Richards was equal to the task, giving a performance that was both bold and unforgettable.
Even now, Wild Things ignites dialogue. Whether folks are watching it again for the twists (or, come on, the pool scene), it’s a film that solidified Richards’ risk-taking attitude. Love it, hate it, you can’t help but remember it.
5. The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Being a Bond girl is akin to joining Hollywood royalty, and Richards joined the ranks in The World Is Not Enough. She was Dr. Christmas Jones (yes, the name afforded her lots of jokes), a nuclear physicist working with Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond.
Okay, let’s get real—this part received mixed reviews. Some fans adored the glamour and poise Richards injected into the role. Others felt the casting was a stretch. But here’s the thing: you remember her. Even in a series full of unforgettable women, Richards’ Bond girl stands out.
And don’t underestimate how much of a big deal this was. To be cast in a James Bond movie in the late ’90s meant your face was plastered on posters all over the world, your name tied to one of the largest franchises of all time.
6. Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)
Let’s go back to one of her earliest film roles: Loaded Weapon 1. This action movie spoof of films such as Lethal Weapon was goofy, exaggerated, and brimming with slapstick comedy. Richards had a minor part but one that would prove to be a valuable stepping stone.
Think of it this way: everyone starts somewhere, right? For Richards, this was one of those early projects that got her on set, in front of cameras, and noticed by casting directors. And while it’s not the film most people think of first when they hear her name, it’s still a fun watch if you’re curious about her early work.
7. Undercover Brother (2002)
And then there’s something entirely different—comedy gold. In Undercover Brother, Richards acted as White She Devil, an undercover agent with a comedic twist.
What’s great about this one is seeing her play outside of type. Rather than the glamorous, serious parts she was usually cast for, she was able to be goofy, exaggerated, and self-aware. And she nailed it.
Whenever someone mentions her funniest performances, this one is always included.
Other Roles Worth Mentioning
Of course, Denise Richards didn’t limit her appearances to just those movies. She appeared on TV shows such as Friends and Two and a Half Men, and more recently, built an entire new fanbase around The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
She’s one of those actresses that are always popping up in unexpected places, reminding you of the sheer amount of things she’s done.
Why These Movies Still Matter
So, why revisit these movies now? Because they show a Hollywood moment in which films were daring, campy, and at times a bit over the top—and Denise Richards was smack in the middle of it.
Her acting is a time capsule of late ’90s and early 2000s pop culture. Whether she was making us laugh in a black comedy, astonishing us in a thriller, or wowing us as a Bond girl, she brought something special to the screen.
Final Thoughts
Denise Richards has had a career complete with iconic roles, and these seven films demonstrate how versatile she actually is. She was not afraid to roll the dice, whether that was playing the lead in a satirical sci-fi, a risk-taking thriller, or a campy comedy.
Ultimately, that’s what makes her memorable. She gave us characters that lingered—characters we still discuss today.
So the next time you’re in the mood for a night at the movies, choose one of these Denise Richards pictures. You’ll be laughing, gasping, maybe even rolling your eyes over a few cheesy lines—but one thing is certain:
You won’t be bored. Because Denise Richards? She’s never boring.
