Last updated on: October 30, 2025
If you’ve ever caught yourself watching one of Zoey Deutch‘s performances, you’re likely familiar with the experience: “Wait, who is this? She’s stealing the entire scene.” She’s that kind of actor — one who can appear in a film — whether she’s a bimbo of a survivor in a zombie movie or an intelligently spunky assistant in a crime drama — and make you forget everybody else is in the scene. That’s Zoey for you. Effortlessly comedic. Surprisingly emotional. Always memorable.
So let’s take a walk through her career together. Not in a stiff “resume-style” way, but more like flipping through a scrapbook of her roles. These are the 7 best Zoey Deutch movies — the ones that define her journey so far and the ones you’ll want to queue up for your next movie night.
Who is Zoey Deutch, Really?
Before we get into the list, let’s take a step back. Zoey Francis Thompson Deutch was pretty much born with Hollywood in her blood. Her mom is Lea Thompson — a.k.a., Back to the Future’s Lorraine — and her dad, Howard Deutch, is a director. Rather than fight show business, Zoey leaned into it.
She began with bit parts on TV (The Suite Life on Deck, anyone?) before breaking into film. You could tell early on that she wasn’t going to be doing the same kind of character in every film. Some performers become mired in one track; Zoey shifts gears with ease. She’s playing you for laughs so hard in Zombieland: Double Tap, then drawing you into a suspenseful thriller like The Outfit.
And perhaps that’s why fans adore her — she is both unpredictable and relatable. To watch her career play out is to live vicariously through a friend’s crazy escapades; you never quite know what’s next, but you know it will be great.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Zoey Deutch
Hollywood loves to use the term “rising star.” Sometimes it catches on, sometimes not. With Zoey? It’s a perfect fit.
Here’s the thing: she’s not great at one thing. In Zombieland: Double Tap, she presents to us Madison, the consummate comic relief — goofy, clueless, and totally side-splitting. And then a few years later in The Outfit, she presents a knife-sharp performance that has you waiting with bated breath on every word. That’s range.
She’s also got a rep for being scene-stealing. You know those actors you absolutely can’t look away from, even if they’re not the star? That’s Zoey. Directors adore her for it. Critics reward her for it. And fans? We just can’t get enough.
So let’s dissect the seven movies that reveal why Zoey Deutch is one of Hollywood’s most fascinating — and underappreciated — talents.
The 7 Best Zoey Deutch Movies
1. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Okay, let’s be honest — Zoey wasn’t front and center in The Amazing Spider-Man. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role. But it’s worth mentioning because it marks one of her first steps into blockbuster territory. Imagine being fresh into your career and suddenly sharing screen credit with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. That’s no small thing.
When you watch it again now that you know where Zoey’s career went, it feels like seeing an Easter egg. “Oh, that’s Zoey Deutch before she was Zoey Deutch.” Sometimes little beginnings lead to great breakthroughs.
2. The Disaster Artist (2017)
Ah, The Disaster Artist. If you’ve ever heard of The Room — the so-bad-it’s-good cult movie — this film tells the hilarious, almost unbelievable story of how it got made. James Franco takes the lead as the eccentric Tommy Wiseau, and Zoey steps in as Amber, the girlfriend of Greg Sestero (played by Dave Franco).
Now, against all the craziness and strangeness of Wiseau’s universe, Zoey plays it straight. She’s warm, down-to-earth, and credible — just what the story requires. Without characters such as Amber, The Disaster Artist would drift off into farce. Zoey keeps it grounded just enough for us to care.
It’s also a testament to her versatility. Even in an A-list, Oscar-nominated movie, she leaves her stamp.
3. Juror No. 2
Here’s where the excitement picks up. Zoey has a part in Juror No. 2, which is directed by no less than Clint Eastwood. That’s right, that Clint Eastwood.
The project? A court drama in which a jury member discovers he might be involved with the case he’s presiding over. Dark, twisty, and morally complex — just the kind of material that challenges an actor’s abilities. Although information about Zoey’s role remains secret, her ability to work with Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette is a coup.
Consider this: she’s already demonstrated that she can carry drama and comedy. This film may be the one that makes her a dramatic heavyweight. And let’s be honest — the minute the trailer comes out, Zoey fanatics will be at the front of the line.
4. Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
If you only know Zoey Deutch from one film, it’s likely this one. Madison in Zombieland: Double Tap is not forgettable. She’s the sort of character you anticipate being annoying after five minutes — and somehow, Zoey makes you want her there for the entire duration.
Imagine this: a zombie apocalypse, destruction all over the place, and in walks Madison — a bright pink, bubblegum-gumming optimist who somehow made it out of surviving in a mall freezer. She’s stupid but sweet, and every joke out of her mouth hits. You don’t only laugh; you laugh even harder because of her timing.
She made what could’ve been a one-dimensional stereotype into the central comedic force of the movie. It’s no hyperbole to say she stole scenes from Woody Harrelson and Emma Stone. That is power.
5. Why Him? (2016)
If you’ve ever feared meeting your parents with your significant other, you’ll understand Why Him? Zoey stars as Stephanie, whose sweet but overbearing father (Bryan Cranston) encounters her offbeat boyfriend (James Franco). Mayhem ensues, predictably.
Zoey is the emotional glue that holds the film together. Without her earthy, heartfelt performance, it would simply be Cranston vs. Franco in a comedy version of a boxing match. But since she’s so convincing as the daughter stuck in the middle, you find yourself really caring about who will win.
It’s also a reminder that she can play the “straight man” part in a comedy and still be a star — something not all actors can accomplish.
6. Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)
Richard Linklater is a virtuoso of portraying life’s minute moments, and in Everybody Wants Some!!, Zoey finally gets her first real opportunity to demonstrate what she can do. She performs as Beverly, an arts student who bonds with Jake, a freshman baseball player.
What is special about Beverly is that she is real. Not simply “the love interest,” but a snarky, independent, charming character. Zoey’s chemistry with Blake Jenner gives their scenes sizzle, and you can catch a glimpse of the star in the making.
It feels as if you are watching someone discover their rhythm by watching this film. If you want to see the beginning of Zoey’s ascent, look here.
7. The Outfit (2022)
Finally, we arrive at one of the most memorable performances from Zoey: The Outfit. Based in 1950s Chicago, it follows a tailor (played by Mark Rylance) who becomes entangled with ruthless mobsters. Zoey is Mable, his assistant, and let me tell you — she’s no sidekick.
Mable is cagey, perceptive, and complex. Zoey adds a clever edge to her work that keeps one guessing. Is she faithful? Is she plotting? You’re never quite sure, which is just the way it should be. Her chemistry with Rylance adds richness to the tale, making it far more than mere crime drama.
Critics adored the movie, and Zoey’s performance was a major part of the reason for it. It’s the sort of part where you sit up and think, “Okay, she’s not only funny — she’s the real deal.”
Other Zoey Deutch Gems You Can’t Miss
Of course, it doesn’t include everything, narrowing it down to seven movies. If you’re in the midst of a Zoey kick, don’t miss these:
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Set It Up (2018): A Netflix rom-com that went viral online, with Zoey and Glen Powell conspiring to set up their bosses. Charming, witty, and the ideal weekend viewing.
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Before I Fall (2017): Imagine Groundhog Day meets teen drama. Zoey stars as Samantha, living through the same day with the ability to alter her destiny. Unexpectedly emotional.
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Buffaloed (2019): A biting comedy-drama where Zoey stars as a hustler trying to make it big in the debt collection industry. Quirky, intelligent, and very different from her previous roles.
All of them reveal another facet of her talent.
Where to Stream Zoey Deutch Movies
Need to catch up? There are options available. Set It Up remains on Netflix, The Outfit is available on Amazon Prime, and Zombieland: Double Tap appears on Hulu and other rental platforms. A Prime Video or Apple TV search will fill in most of her filmography.
The good news? Her movies are spread across the big streaming platforms, so chances are you’ve already got access to a few.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the takeaway: Zoey Deutch is one of those actors you’ll be bragging about later — “I was a fan before everyone else caught on.” From her tiny role in The Amazing Spider-Man to carrying entire movies like The Outfit, she’s proven she can do it all.
Her career is a story still being penned, and in all honesty? That’s the best part. Every new gig could be the one that drives her further into the spotlight.
So the next time you’re scrolling through streaming services, pause. Play one of her movies. And let Zoey herself reveal to you exactly why she’s Hollywood’s best-kept secret.
Because believe me — she won’t be a secret for long.
