Last updated on: July 29, 2025
Maybe you didn’t realize it. Maybe she was the fierce voice behind a glowing skeleton matriarch in Coco. Or the unfiltered waitress screaming through the chaos in Waiting…. Or maybe she cracked you up as a Delta Nu sister in Legally Blonde.
She’s been everywhere, slipping into roles with that rare kind of effortlessness that makes you forget she’s acting at all.
And that’s the thing about Alanna Ubach—she’s a shapeshifter. She disappears into her roles, whether they’re funny, loud, heartbreaking, or quietly powerful. And I genuinely think it’s time we started appreciating the why behind her brilliance—not just the what.
So, grab a coffee (or tequila, if that’s your thing), and let’s walk through the 7 movies that show just how ridiculously good she is. You might end this article with a few new favorites—or at least a renewed respect for a woman who’s been killing it for decades without the fuss.
Before the Spotlight: Who Is Alanna Ubach, Really?
Quick side story—years ago, I saw Freeway, a twisted little indie thriller. There was this scene-stealing character, loud and messy and magnetic. I didn’t know her name at the time, but I remember thinking, That girl’s got fire.
Turns out, that was Alanna Ubach.
Born in California to a Mexican father and Puerto Rican mother, she didn’t have Hollywood handed to her. She started young, took the weird roles, the small parts, the risky projects. And she always showed up—100% in character, 100% herself.
She’s jumped from TV (Euphoria, The Flight Attendant) to film (Bombshell, Legally Blonde) to voice acting (Coco), like it’s no big deal. But it is. That kind of versatility? That’s rare.
1. Coco (2017)
Let’s start with the big one. Coco is one of those movies that hits you in the soul—especially if you come from a family that celebrates Día de los Muertos or you’ve lost someone you love.
Ubach voices Mamá Imelda, the no-nonsense matriarch from the Land of the Dead. And I swear, she doesn’t just voice her—she becomes her. The strength, the stubbornness, the hidden pain… it’s all there. And when she sings “La Llorona”? Goosebumps.
People talk about how Coco made them cry because of the story or animation. But what often gets overlooked is how much the voice acting makes those emotions land. Without Ubach’s raw intensity, Imelda wouldn’t feel real—and the entire movie wouldn’t hit as hard.
2. Legally Blonde (2001)
Remember Serena? No? She’s one of Elle Woods’ sparkly sorority sisters. The one with the pigtails and constant high-energy commentary. That was Ubach.
Elle was the star, but without Serena and Margot hyping her up, cheering her on, and squealing in the background, Legally Blonde wouldn’t have had the same soul.
Ubach’s comedic timing is razor-sharp. But it’s also joyful. Watching her in this film feels like hanging out with your ride-or-die best friend—the one who’ll show up at your law school interview just to scream “You go girl!”
3. Bombshell (2019)
This one’s different. Darker. Quieter.
Ubach plays Judge Jeanine Pirro in Bombshell, the ripped-from-the-headlines drama about the Fox News sexual harassment scandal. It’s a heavy film with a powerhouse cast—Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie.
In the middle of all that, there’s Ubach, nailing every line with this icy precision that makes you sit up and listen.
She walks into the scene, and boom—you feel the temperature drop.
4. Waiting… (2005)
If you’ve ever worked in food service, Waiting… might feel too real. And Ubach’s character, Naomi, is the reason why.
She’s not bubbly. She’s angry. Her outbursts are legendary. Her rants? Therapy.
And yet, underneath the yelling, there’s something sad. You’ve been her. That emotional burnout? That “if one more person asks for ranch dressing I’m gonna scream” feeling? Yeah. That’s Naomi.
This role is comedy with teeth. And Ubach doesn’t hold back.
5. Clockwatchers (1997)
Clockwatchers is an indie gem. Four temp workers stuck in a soul-sucking office, slowly rebelling—emotionally, spiritually, even a little illegally.
Ubach plays Jane, the cheerful one. The friend who keeps things light when everything feels heavy.
Jane brings balance to the film’s heavier moments. Sometimes, a little chaos is necessary to feel alive.
It’s one of Ubach’s most layered performances—a reminder that big dialogue isn’t required to leave a big impression.
6. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
This was baby Ubach—teenaged, fresh-faced, full of energy. She played Maria, one of the students in the choir Whoopi Goldberg is trying to whip into shape.
While Lauryn Hill stole the spotlight, Ubach’s spark was undeniable.
It’s like watching a star before the light fully explodes. This film made us believe in second chances and hidden talent—and Ubach is proof of both.
7. Us in the U.S. (2013)
This one’s not famous. But it deserves a moment.
Ubach plays a woman navigating complicated relationships and cultural identity in a changing America. It’s slow, thoughtful, emotional.
There’s no flashy plot—just raw human emotion. And Ubach holds it all together with grace and grit.
Watching this is like sitting across from someone during a hard conversation. Uncomfortable, but necessary.
Where to Watch These Films
MovieStreaming AvailabilityCocoDisney+Legally BlondeNetflix / Prime VideoBombshellHulu / Prime VideoWaiting…Freevee / Tubi / Prime VideoClockwatchersCriterion Channel / Apple TVSister Act 2Disney+Us in the U.S.Indie platforms / Vimeo (searchable)
Why It All Matters
Here’s the truth: Alanna Ubach doesn’t get the credit she deserves.
Not because she isn’t talented. Clearly, she is. But because she’s the kind of actor who disappears into her roles. She doesn’t demand attention—she earns it.
So maybe next time you watch Coco or Legally Blonde, pause. Appreciate the woman behind the character.
She’s been here all along—quietly being brilliant.
The Final Takeaway
Alanna Ubach is the definition of a hidden gem.
She doesn’t need the spotlight. She is the light in every scene she touches.
So go watch her movies. Or rewatch them with new eyes. You’ll see what I mean.
And when someone asks, “Who’s Alanna Ubach?”—you’ll smile and say, “Only one of the best actors working today. Let me show you.”
