Melissa Fumero may be best known for her sharp comedic timing and lovable role as Amy Santiago on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but her film career showcases a broader range of talent that often flies under the radar. From indie dramas to dark comedies, Fumero has quietly built a resume filled with surprising, offbeat, and emotionally resonant performances. Whether she’s taking on twisted thrillers or lighthearted romps, her presence adds a unique charm and depth to the screen. Here’s a look at Melissa Fumero’s top 5 movies that highlight her versatility beyond the sitcom spotlight.
1. I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (2009)
IMdb Rating: 5.2/10
In I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell , Melissa Fumero plays a woman named Leslie. Her part isn’t the biggest, but it gives her room to show what she can do in a rough-and-rowdy kind of comedy.
The film comes from a book by Tucker Max. He wrote it too. The story is wild—full of drinking, parties, and stories that push the line. It follows Tucker on a wild ride with his friends before his wedding.
This movie is loud. It’s messy. And it’s not for kids. But if you like your laughs raw and real, this one might just stick with you. Melissa stands out as the calm in all the noise. She brings something soft to a world that’s mostly loud and crazy.
It didn’t make much money when it came out. Some folks liked it, others didn’t. But still, it found its people. People who dig humor that doesn’t play it safe.
Oh, and here’s a cool bit: Tucker plays himself in the movie. That’s him up there, living out the mess he once wrote.
If you want to watch it, check Amazon Prime or Apple TV. You can rent or buy it there.
Want to see Melissa in a role that’s way off the beaten path? One where things get weird and wild? Then give this one a shot. Just make sure you’re ready for a comedy that speaks its mind—no filter at all.
2. The House That Jack Built (2013)
IMdb Rating: 6.0/10
In The House That Jack Built , Melissa Fumero plays Lily. She’s loving, strong, and part of a big Puerto Rican family in the Bronx. This one hits different—it’s not like the other movies we’ve talked about. It’s more about heart than laughs or wild scenes.
Jack is the main guy here. He buys a building so his whole family can live together. Sounds nice, right? But life doesn’t go smooth. Old fights come back. Feelings get stirred up. People struggle. Melissa’s character, Lily, tries to hold things together. She uses love and truth to keep the family from falling apart. In this role, you see a deeper side of Melissa—more serious, more real.
This movie matters because it feels true. It shows how hard family can be—and how good it can feel too. It didn’t make big money, but folks who saw it said it moved them. Some even gave it awards at film festivals.
It was made with not much money, but still found a way to reach people. You might find it on Amazon Prime or Tubi if you look around.
If you only know Melissa from funny parts, this will surprise you. She brings real feeling into every scene. Her work here is one of the best parts of the movie. If you like stories that dig deep into life and love, give this one a try. No flash, no noise—just real folks trying their best.
3. DriverX (2017)
IMdb Rating: 6.0/10
In DriverX , Melissa Fumero plays Dawn. She’s smart, caring, and married to Leonard, the main guy in the story. Dawn’s a mom with a job. She’s trying to hold things together while Leonard tries to figure out his new life. He used to own a record store. Now he drives for a rideshare app to pay the bills.
Melissa makes you feel for her character. She’s not just a wife or a mom on screen—she’s real. You see her worry, laugh, and push through hard times with love and grit.
The movie follows Leonard as he drives around L.A. at night. He picks up all kinds of folks—some strange, some funny, some that make him think. Each ride shows a little piece of life. The film isn’t just about driving—it’s about trying to find your way when life changes on you.
DriverX is worth watching because it feels true. It talks about what it’s like to struggle, to keep going, and to try and stay close to the people you love. Critics liked it too. They said it was honest, even if it didn’t do big numbers in theaters.
It played at a few film festivals. People there liked the acting, the story, and how real everything felt.
Here’s a cool thing: The director, Henry Barrial, lived parts of this story himself. He drove for Uber and Lyft. That’s where he got the idea for the film.
You can stream DriverX on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Tubi. Not too hard to find if you’re looking.
If you enjoy stories about everyday folks dealing with real stuff—and don’t mind a little humor mixed in—this one’s for you. And if you want to see Melissa Fumero play someone deep, grounded, and full of heart, well… this might just surprise you.
4. A Stone in the Water (2019)
IMdb Rating: 3.9/10
In A Stone in the Water , Melissa Fumero plays Alex. She’s a quiet, mysterious young woman who shows up out of nowhere in the lives of two older friends. Her role is heavy with feeling and secrets. It’s not like her usual funny parts. Here, she’s deep, serious, and full of questions.
The story happens in a small town. Two older women live there. Their days are calm, simple. Then Alex appears—hurt, hiding, and needing help. What starts as an act of kindness turns into something bigger, darker, and more dangerous than they ever expected.
This movie grabs you slowly. It doesn’t rush. But once it gets hold, you won’t want to look away. There are twists. There is fear. And there are choices that change everything. Melissa gives Alex layers—you never know what she’s thinking, but you feel every bit of what she’s going through.
It’s worth watching because it tells a story that sticks with you. It mixes trust, danger, and mystery in a way that feels real. Critics liked it too. They said it was smart and well-acted, even though it didn’t play in many theaters.
It’s one of those films most folks haven’t heard of. But if you find it? You might just be surprised by how much it moves you.
Here’s something cool: They filmed it in a remote place. Quiet. Empty. That setting makes the whole thing feel lonelier, scarier, and more real.
You can find A Stone in the Water on Amazon Prime or rent it on Apple TV. Not always easy to spot, but worth the search.
If you like thrillers that take their time—if you enjoy stories that make you think and feel—then this one’s for you. And if you want to see Melissa Fumero in a role that’s soft, strong, and full of secrets? Well, this might just be your kind of film.
5. Bar Fight! (2022)
IMdb Rating: 4.8/10
In Bar Fight! , Melissa Fumero plays Nina. She’s bold, quick with a joke, and not afraid to throw down—literally. Her and her boyfriend Allen just broke up. But instead of splitting dishes or the dog, they go to war over their favorite place: the local bar.
Melissa makes Nina someone you root for. She’s got sass, she’s got fire, and she’s not backing down. You can’t help but smile when she’s on screen.
The story? It’s different. After the breakup, Nina and Allen split the bar like it’s property in a divorce. He gets some nights. She gets others. But that peace doesn’t last. Soon, they’re in an all-out battle—silly games, wild bets, and every kind of chaos you can imagine. It’s goofy. It’s loud. And it’s a whole lot of fun.
This movie is perfect if you want to laugh and not think too hard. It’s light, fast, and full of moments that’ll make you snort your drink. Melissa shines here. She brings that same energy she had in Brooklyn Nine-Nine —sharp, funny, and totally in control.
It didn’t set the box office on fire, but folks who watched it liked what they saw. They called it fresh, weird, and oddly sweet.
Here’s something cool: The bar itself feels like a character. It’s packed with oddballs, weird events, and lines you won’t forget. That bar? It’s the heart of the mess.
You can catch Bar Fight! on AMC+ or Hulu. If you don’t have those, try renting it on Amazon Prime or Apple TV. Not the easiest to find, but worth the hunt.
If you want a movie that’s easygoing, silly, and full of heart—led by a fierce Melissa Fumero—then give this one a shot. It’s the kind of film that reminds you: sometimes love fades, but your seat at the bar? That’s worth fighting for.
Melissa Fumero’s film roles may not always get the spotlight, but they show just how talented and versatile she really is. From heartfelt dramas to quirky comedies, she brings something special to every character she plays. If you’ve only seen her on TV, these movies are a great way to see a different side of her work. Have you seen any of these films? Or do you have a favorite Fumero moment we didn’t mention? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what you think!
