Marisa Tomei is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile actresses, known for infusing her roles with intelligence, humor, and emotional depth. Though she won an Oscar early in her career, many of her most compelling performances have flown under the radar or been overshadowed by larger productions. With a filmography that spans romantic comedies, gritty dramas, indie darlings, and superhero blockbusters, Tomei consistently delivers performances that captivate, even in smaller roles.
Despite her undeniable talent and charisma, Tomei’s name isn’t always front and center when discussing the great actresses of her generation. This list highlights twenty of her most essential films—some beloved classics, others underrated gems that deserve more attention. Whether she’s playing a street-smart Brooklynite, a resilient single mother, or a complex love interest, Tomei brings a distinct and memorable presence to every project.
These selections offer a panoramic view of her range and evolution as a performer. From her breakout roles in the early ’90s to recent turns in high-profile franchises, Tomei continues to surprise and delight. If you’ve only seen her in a handful of popular titles, this list is your invitation to dig deeper and appreciate the full scope of her remarkable career.
1. My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Stepping into the role of Mona Lisa Vito, Marisa Tomei crafted one of the most unforgettable comedic performances of the 1990s. The film centers on two New Yorkers mistakenly charged with murder in the Deep South, with Tomei’s character stealing nearly every scene she’s in. Her quick wit, heavy accent, and encyclopedic knowledge of automobiles all contribute to a show-stealing performance. Not only did she hold her own alongside Joe Pesci, she elevated the film’s humor and heart. The Academy recognized her brilliance with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Tomei’s timing and presence made Mona Lisa Vito a pop culture staple. Even decades later, her courtroom monologue remains one of the film’s most quoted and celebrated moments.
2. The Wrestler (2008)
Portraying Cassidy, a weary yet resilient stripper, Tomei brought raw vulnerability to Darren Aronofsky’s somber drama. The character serves as a mirror to Mickey Rourke’s aging wrestler, both clinging to lives built around fading performances. Tomei’s work was fearless, layered with emotional and physical exposure. She grounded her scenes in realism, never allowing the character to become a caricature. Critics lauded her brave performance, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. While Rourke carried much of the spotlight, Tomei’s role was integral in making the film resonate emotionally. It stands as one of her most honest and affecting portrayals.
3. In the Bedroom (2001)
Tomei took a darker, more dramatic turn in this critically acclaimed domestic thriller. As a single mother whose son becomes involved in a doomed romance, she delivered an emotionally charged and nuanced performance. Her character’s decisions become a catalyst for the film’s devastating events. She captured grief, guilt, and loneliness with haunting precision. The understated nature of her acting earned her another Oscar nod. Working alongside Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek, Tomei proved she could go toe-to-toe with dramatic heavyweights. Her portrayal lingers long after the credits roll, anchored in quiet devastation.
4. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007)
Diving into a morally complex world, Tomei played Gina, a woman entangled in betrayal and tragedy. She found herself between two brothers whose crime spirals out of control, resulting in deadly consequences. Her performance added a potent emotional layer to an already intense story. With a mix of sensuality and sorrow, she navigated the film’s shifts in time and tone with finesse. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this thriller gave Tomei a platform to explore darker emotional territory. Though often overshadowed by the male leads, her presence deepened the emotional stakes. This role reminded audiences that she could deliver gut-wrenching performances in the most challenging of narratives.
5. The Big Short (2015)
Amid a star-studded cast, Tomei’s portrayal of a financial journalist added wit and sharpness to Adam McKay’s high-octane exposé. She shared key scenes with Steve Carell, injecting humanity into the cynical world of finance. Her character acted as a skeptical observer to the impending economic collapse. Though her screen time was brief, her performance was impactful and memorable. Tomei’s presence added texture to the film’s fast-paced storytelling. She balanced charm with pointed insight, contributing to the film’s satirical edge. It was a small but effective example of how she can elevate even minor roles.
6. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Switching gears to romantic comedy, Tomei played Kate, a hilariously vengeful schoolteacher with romantic history tied to Steve Carell’s character. The film benefited from her fiery comedic energy and perfectly timed delivery. She managed to steal scenes in a film packed with big names and ensemble antics. Tomei brought a level of grounded emotional honesty to a character that could have been purely comedic. She turned a potentially one-note role into something multidimensional and amusing. Her chemistry with Carell added both tension and hilarity. It’s a perfect example of her ability to enhance romantic comedies with both intelligence and spark.
7. The Ides of March (2011)
Set during a high-stakes political campaign, Tomei portrayed Ida Horowicz, a journalist navigating the line between truth and manipulation. The film’s script gave her a meaty opportunity to portray intelligence, skepticism, and cunning. Working alongside Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, Tomei held her own with steely precision. Her dialogue-driven scenes were taut with tension and subtext. She brought a jaded, world-weary sensibility that enriched the political drama. Even with limited screen time, she made her character memorable and sharply defined. The film highlighted her ability to infuse gravitas into sleek, modern storytelling.
8. Cyrus (2010)
In this offbeat dramedy, Tomei played a woman torn between a budding relationship and her unusually close bond with her adult son. The film explored awkward familial boundaries with both humor and poignancy. Tomei managed to make her character sympathetic without glossing over her flaws. Her chemistry with both John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill added layers to the film’s emotional complexity. She struck a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. Rather than making her role outrageous or broad, she leaned into subtlety and sincerity. The result was a performance that quietly anchored the film.
9. What Women Want (2000)
Tomei lit up the screen as Lola, a quirky coffee shop worker who becomes entangled with Mel Gibson’s character. Her portrayal brought warmth and eccentric charm to the romantic subplot. Even in a relatively minor role, she left a lasting impression with her effervescence. Tomei balanced humor and sincerity in her interactions, making Lola both funny and endearing. Her presence injected levity into the otherwise male-centered narrative. It’s a testament to her screen magnetism that she stood out in a film dominated by a big-name lead. Audiences couldn’t help but root for her.
10. Only You (1994)
Embodying Faith, a woman on a spontaneous quest for love in Italy, Tomei carried this romantic fantasy with grace and charm. The story unfolded with a fairytale quality, and her performance matched it with exuberance. Tomei displayed comedic timing and emotional openness, making the character feel relatable despite the dreamy setting. Her onscreen chemistry with Robert Downey Jr. elevated the film’s romantic core. Visually sumptuous and emotionally satisfying, it remains a favorite among her romantic comedies. Tomei captured both the humor and yearning embedded in the story. Her infectious spirit drove the film from start to finish.
11. Untamed Heart (1993)
In this tender romance, Tomei played a waitress who falls in love with a quiet, mysterious man played by Christian Slater. Her performance exuded warmth and emotional vulnerability. She conveyed the cautious optimism of someone who has been hurt but still believes in love. The role allowed her to explore a more innocent and introspective character. Tomei’s chemistry with Slater created an atmosphere of gentle intensity. Their unlikely relationship felt heartfelt and unforced, largely due to her sincere portrayal. It’s a deeply emotional film that reveals her capacity for subtle, empathetic storytelling.
12. Love Is Strange (2014)
Taking on a supporting role, Tomei played the niece of a man facing eviction after marrying his longtime partner. The film offered a quiet meditation on love, aging, and family. Tomei’s scenes were laced with frustration and compassion, showing her ability to capture internal conflict. She portrayed a modern woman juggling empathy and boundaries. Her performance felt lived-in and authentic, never overtaking the film but enriching it. Her restrained presence complemented the tender mood of the film. She proved that subtlety can be just as powerful as drama.
13. The Paper (1994)
Set in the hectic world of newspaper journalism, Tomei played Martha, a pregnant reporter navigating personal and professional chaos. Her role was grounded in a whirlwind of newsroom politics and moral dilemmas. Tomei injected urgency and authenticity into her character’s struggles. The film balanced comedy and drama, and her performance matched that tone perfectly. She depicted a woman juggling work and life without cliché or melodrama. Tomei’s energy helped anchor the film’s rapid pace. It remains one of her most dynamic roles of the ’90s.
14. Chaplin (1992)
Playing silent film star Mabel Normand, Tomei stepped into the world of old Hollywood with flair. Her presence added glamour and complexity to the biopic. Though she didn’t have the central role, she brought a spark to every scene. Her chemistry with Robert Downey Jr.’s Chaplin was undeniable. Tomei managed to humanize a figure from cinema history often treated as myth. With just a few scenes, she contributed to the film’s emotional resonance. It showed her capacity to shine in ensemble pieces.
15. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
As Aunt May in the rebooted Spider-Man series, Tomei offered a refreshing, modern take on a familiar character. She brought wit, empathy, and a grounded presence to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her interactions with Tom Holland’s Peter Parker were full of warmth and humor. Instead of playing the traditional elderly guardian, she embodied a more relatable maternal figure. Tomei’s May became a beloved part of the new Spider-Man films. Her performance added emotional weight to a story driven by action and spectacle. She made a classic role entirely her own.
16. Parental Guidance (2012)
Tomei took on the role of a protective, neurotic mother navigating her parents’ chaotic visit. The film relied on her to balance slapstick family comedy with heartfelt emotion. She portrayed the tension between modern parenting and traditional values with authenticity. Her comedic timing helped carry the film through its broader moments. The emotional climax was more believable because of her grounded performance. Tomei ensured the character felt real and sympathetic amid the family hijinks. It’s a reminder of her skill in delivering humor with heart.
17. The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
As Maggie McPherson, a prosecutor and the ex-wife of Matthew McConaughey’s character, Tomei brought intelligence and emotional complexity to the legal thriller. She held her own in scenes charged with conflict and chemistry. The role required sharpness and subtlety, both of which she delivered. Her character added tension without being antagonistic. Tomei’s grounded portrayal enriched the film’s emotional undercurrent. She made her mark in a film largely driven by plot and legal intrigue. It’s an example of her ability to enrich genre pieces with nuance.
18. She Said, She Said (1991)
Though part of a short film, Tomei’s appearance in this feminist anthology is notable for its boldness. The story explored differing perspectives of a breakup, and her performance captured shifting emotions with agility. She embraced the stylized format while grounding it in emotional truth. Even in this early work, her talent was evident. Tomei showed comfort with experimental material and nontraditional storytelling. Her willingness to take risks was already clear. It hinted at the dynamic career she would go on to build.
19. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Tomei’s final outing as Aunt May in the MCU culminated in a heart-wrenching moment of sacrifice. Her performance brought depth to a character often relegated to the background. She embodied strength and moral clarity in the face of chaos. Her death scene added emotional gravitas to the film’s climax. Tomei handled the moment with restraint and dignity. Her presence gave the multiverse spectacle a human core. It was a powerful farewell that cemented her impact on the franchise.
20. Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)
Playing a troubled cousin living on society’s fringe, Tomei gave a funny and tragic performance. The film followed a dysfunctional family, and her character added chaotic energy and vulnerability. She brought a sense of lived experience to the role. Her scenes crackled with unpredictability and humor. Tomei avoided caricature, instead creating a fully fleshed-out figure. Her work complemented the film’s offbeat tone. It’s a cult classic made more memorable by her presence.
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