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Look, we all know Ariana Grande as the vocal powerhouse who hits whistle notes that shouldn’t be humanly possible. But before she was selling out stadiums, she was a total TV icon. Whether you grew up watching her as a quirky teen or you’re currently obsessed with her recent big-screen glow-up, her filmography is actually wild. Grab your iced coffee, because we’re going through every major role that made us fall in love with her.
1. The Start of it All: 13: The Musical
Before she was an international pop star, Ari was literally just a kid on Broadway. She played Charlotte in the 2008 production of 13. Honestly, seeing her so young is giving me major ‘where did the time go’ vibes. She was already showing off that massive voice, and no cap, she was the standout of the whole cast. It’s the origin story we didn’t know we needed until now.
2. Cat Valentine: The Era That Changed Everything
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If you don’t remember Victorious, did you even have a childhood? Cat Valentine was the chaotic, red-headed energy we all needed. She was sweet, she was spacey, and she was iconic. The show ran from 2010 to 2013, and let’s be real, she carried the comedy on her back. We are still not over those random ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ moments. Total mood.
3. Sam & Cat: The Crossover We Didn’t Deserve
Sam & Cat took the best of both worlds and mashed them together. It was short-lived, but it gave us so much content. Ari and Jennette McCurdy were a comedic duo that honestly deserves more credit. It’s pure nostalgia fuel. Watching this today? It feels like a fever dream, but in the best way possible. I’m literally living for the slapstick humor all over again.
4. The Scream Queens Moment
Chanel #2 in Scream Queens? Iconic. She didn’t have much screen time, but she made every second count. It was campy, it was hilarious, and it proved she could do more than just the teen sitcom thing. Plus, watching her interact with Emma Roberts was the high-key drama I didn’t know I wanted. We need more horror-comedy Ari in our lives, ASAP.
5. Hairspray Live! Was a Vibe
When she played Penny Pingleton in Hairspray Live! back in 2016, my jaw was on the floor. She wasn’t trying to be the pop star; she was playing the character perfectly. Her vocals were obviously flawless, but her comedic timing? Chef’s kiss. It’s hard to stand out in an ensemble cast, but she absolutely crushed it. I still go back and watch her scenes when I need a pick-me-up.
6. Don’t Look Up: The Surprise Cameo
Remember when she showed up in Don’t Look Up on Netflix? I was shook. Playing Riley Bina was basically a meta-version of herself, but she leaned into the absurdity so well. With a 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was controversial, but Ari’s performance was definitely a highlight. It was cool to see her in a big-budget flick holding her own against Leo and J-Law.
7. Glinda: The Role of a Lifetime
Okay, so we have to talk about Wicked. This is the moment she went full-on movie star. Playing Glinda is a massive undertaking, and she brought such a specific, bubbly, and layered energy to the role. It’s currently sitting pretty at the box office and fans are losing it. If you haven’t seen her sparkle on the big screen yet, what are you doing? It’s truly her best work yet.
8. The Voice Coach Era
Okay, not a movie, but her stint on The Voice? We were all living for her fashion choices and her genuine advice to contestants. She brought a level of ‘pop star mentor’ energy that was so refreshing. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about the personality. Seeing her interact with the other coaches was honestly so wholesome. I miss her in that big red chair, no cap.
9. Zoolander 2 Cameo
This was such a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, but it was hilarious. It’s one of those ‘wait, was that Ariana?’ moments that always makes me smile. It’s not a major role, but it shows she’s always been down to play along with the industry. It’s a total cult classic moment that only true fans remember. We love a queen who doesn’t take herself too seriously.
10. Excuse Me, I Love You
This Netflix documentary is basically a love letter to her fans. If you want to see the behind-the-scenes of the Sweetener World Tour, this is it. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and the visuals are stunning. It’s the closest most of us get to a private concert. If you’re ever feeling low, just put this on and try not to cry during the performances. It’s impossible.
11. Family Guy Guest Spot
Did you know she voiced herself on Family Guy? Because I totally forgot until I re-watched it recently. It’s such a random, funny cameo that fits perfectly into the show’s weird humor. It’s the little things like this that make her career so interesting. She’s literally popped up everywhere, from teen shows to adult animation. It’s honestly iconic behavior.
12. The SNL Sketches
Ariana on SNL is a different breed of talent. Her impressions? Spot on. Her comedic timing? Impeccable. She’s one of the few musical guests who can actually act in the sketches and make them work. Every time she hosts or performs, the internet breaks, and for good reason. She’s a total natural. We need her to host again ASAP because the world needs more of her sketch comedy.
FAQs
What is Ariana Grande’s most famous movie role?
As of 2026, her role as Glinda in the Wicked film adaptation is definitely her biggest and most critically discussed performance. It’s the role that solidified her status as a major movie star.
Is Ariana Grande still acting?
Yes! She has been balancing her massive music career with film roles. After the success of Wicked, she is clearly leaning into more cinematic projects while still keeping her fans fed with music.
What was Ariana Grande’s first TV show?
Her first major TV role was as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon show Victorious, which premiered in 2010. That show effectively launched her into the stratosphere of teen stardom and pop culture history.
Ariana Grande has come such a long way from the halls of Hollywood Arts. Whether she’s singing or acting, she always brings that extra sparkle. Which role is your absolute favorite? Are you still obsessed with Cat Valentine or are you fully Team Glinda? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share this with your bestie who loves Ari as much as we do!
