Top 5 Catherine O’Hara Movies to Celebrate Her Legacy

Catherine O’Hara’s passing at the age of 71 has left the film world reflecting on just how much brilliance, originality and heart she brought to every role. As we look back on her career, these five films stand as essential reminders of why she became — and will remain — an icon of comedy, character work and cinematic charm. These are the top Catherine O’Hara movies you need to know, each showcasing her range, wit and unforgettable screen presence.

#1 — “For Your Consideration” (2006)

In what may be her most self‑aware and finely tuned turn in the Christopher Guest universe, “For Your Consideration” follows O’Hara as Marilyn Hack, a veteran character actress whose life is thrown off balance by a whisper of Oscar buzz tied to her role in the hilariously awful film‑within‑a‑film “Home for Purim.” Her performance becomes a study in comedic unraveling and quiet heartbreak, charting a woman’s painful transformation as she reaches for a dream she never imagined wanting. It’s sharp, funny and surprisingly poignant — O’Hara is its beating heart.

Why It Stands Out:

This role feels like the culmination of O’Hara’s mockumentary work. She captures the blend of vanity and vulnerability that defines so many performers, earning critics’ nominations that blurred the line between satire and reality.

Best For:

Fans of behind-the-scenes satires, industry in-jokes and performances that make you laugh and wince in the same breath.

#2 — “Best in Show” (2000)

O’Hara re-teams with Eugene Levy to create one of the most memorable couples in modern comedy: Cookie and Gerry Fleck. As they travel to the Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show with their Norwich terrier, Winky, Cookie’s past as a serial flirt resurfaces in a series of painfully funny encounters. O’Hara’s bright, blissfully unaware energy lands every beat, highlighting the effortless chemistry with Levy that would eventually become a hallmark of “Schitt’s Creek.”

Key Features:

A prime example of Christopher Guest’s improvised mockumentary style, with O’Hara building a fully formed, eccentric character on the fly.

Best For:

Dog lovers, mockumentary fans and anyone who wants to see O’Hara and Levy’s comedic lightning-in-a-bottle dynamic.

#3 — “A Mighty Wind” (2003)

O’Hara taps into both her musical skill and emotional depth as Mickey Crabbe, one half of the folk duo “Mitch & Mickey.” Reuniting with Eugene Levy’s Mitch for a tribute concert after their rocky breakup, she brings a mix of warmth and fragility that gives the film’s satire real emotional weight. Her performance of “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” plays as gently funny, deeply tender and unexpectedly heartbreaking.

Why It’s Worth Considering:

O’Hara proves she’s more than a comedic powerhouse — she’s a layered performer capable of anchoring a film with emotional depth and musical grace.

Best For:

Music lovers, fans of heartwarming comedies and anyone who appreciates satire with soul.

#4 — “Beetlejuice” (1988)

O’Hara’s turn as Delia Deetz — the flamboyant, self-important artist and exasperated stepmother — stands as one of the most memorable performances in Tim Burton’s supernatural classic. Her dramatic flair, bizarre sculptures and self-absorbed energy make her the perfect foil to the ghostly Maitlands and her goth stepdaughter, Lydia. And of course, the “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” dinner party scene remains one of cinema’s great comedic moments.

Key Features:

Her first collaboration with Tim Burton was a pitch-perfect match for his quirky, gothic aesthetic. Delia is monstrous, hilarious and impossible to ignore.

Best For:

Fans of ’80s classics, supernatural comedies and scene-chewing performances done with absolute precision.

#5 — “Home Alone” (1990)

As Kate McCallister, the frazzled mother who accidentally leaves her son behind during a Christmas trip to Paris, O’Hara became an instantly recognizable face of holiday cinema. O’Hara’s panicked cry of “KEVIN!” may be the moment everyone remembers, but it’s her mix of fear, guilt and fierce maternal resolve that gives the film’s over-the-top antics real emotional weight.

Why It Stands Out:

This performance firmly established O’Hara as a familiar face in pop culture. She blended sharp comedy with real emotional urgency, turning her race to reunite with Kevin into a storyline every bit as gripping as his showdown with the Wet Bandits.

Best For:

Holiday movie fans, family-friendly comedy lovers and anyone who’s ever felt the panic of misplacing something — or someone — important.

A Tribute to Catherine O’Hara’s Unforgettable Career

These selections reflect a blend of critical praise, cultural influence and the many ways they spotlight Catherine O’Hara’s singular gifts — her razor-sharp comedic instincts, her emotional nuance and her extraordinary ability to create characters that linger long after the credits roll. With her passing at 71, revisiting these films becomes more than a curated list; it becomes a tribute to everything she brought to the screen.

Whether she was playing a pretentious artist, an overwhelmed mother or a heartbreakingly earnest folk singer, O’Hara brought wit, warmth and a touch of eccentric brilliance to every character she touched. These five films showcase the core of a performer who helped define modern comedy and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to charm, influence and resonate with audiences for years to come.