Elizabeth Banks has had a successful film career, first taking on roles in the late ‘90, before later gaining recognition in The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect series, and most recently directing, producing, and writing a 2019 remake of Charlie’s Angels. Because of this, we thought we’d look at how all of her movies stack up. But rather than sharing our personal favorites, we’re turning to the fans at IMDb for answers.
The popular movie and TV show website has assigned every Banks movie a star rating. This score is based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10, and it’s what we’ll be using to count down to the best.
With that said, it’s time to head to the theater and let Banks’ films begin.
The Hunger Games (2012) - 84%
The first Hunger Games film came to the big screen in 2012. With a stellar cast, emotional story, and layered plot based on the popular novel by Suzanne Collins, the movie had a lot going for it.
The opening film installment tells of a dystopian future where every year, kids from across the nation of Panem are selected to compete in an annual televised fight-to-the-death known as the Hunger Games. When Prim is chosen, her sister Katniss volunteers in her place. In addition to fighting, however, Katniss is required to present a good image to viewers alongside a boy who once helped feed her family, Peeta.
Banks took on the role of Effie, a wealthy Capitol woman who helps to prepare the pair for the Games. Her effervescent personality shone throughout.
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) - 85%
Banks hasn’t limited herself to live-action films. In 2014, she voiced a character in The LEGO Movie, and in 2019, she reprised her role.
The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part has the town of Bricksburg transforming into a post-apocalyptic wasteland after the Duplo bricks arrive on scene. Though most of the Master Builders believe that the mysterious Queen Watevra Wa’Nabi is trying to unite the Duplo and LEGO bricks together through marriage, Wyldstyle isn’t so sure.
The fierce and feisty Wyldstyle is played by none other than Banks. The colorful fun of the film left viewers impressed, even if it wasn’t quite as fresh as the original.
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005) - 85%
This 2005 comedy tells of a middle-aged electronics store worker who has yet to fall in love and lose his virginity. Though his friends hope to change his status, he isn’t as sure of their pursuits.
While Steve Carell plays the main character, Andy, Banks plays Beth, a bookstore clerk who becomes interested in him.
Critics found that the 40 Year Old Virgin’s funny and surprisingly sweet story was comedy gold.
Slither (2006) - 86%
This 2006 sci-fi horror comedy tells of the small town of Wheelsy where nothing big ever happens — well, nothing except for the arrival of an alien who hopes to wipe out humanity. It’s up to Sheriff Bill Pardy to track him down.
Banks plays Starla, the wife of a wealthy resident who gets infected by the extraterrestrial creature.
Though Slither flopped at the box office, audiences loved the blend of creepy and comical. The cast helped elevate this vibe.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) - 89%
Banks reprised her role as Effie for the 2013 sequel to The Hunger Games.
In the series’ second installment, Katniss and Peeta attempt to enjoy their lives as victors of the games. However, as the two continue to become a symbol of rebellion, it’s only a matter of time before President Snow puts them in their place by pulling them back into the arena.
The gorgeous visuals and genuine performances had fans eager for the third film.
Spider-Man (2002) - 90%
Though Spider-Man has had many film reboots over the years, this could have never happened without a kick-off, which came in the form of the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man films in the early 2000s.
This first film has teen Peter Parker gaining superpowers after being bitten by a genetically-engineered spider. This leads him to attempt balancing high school life with his city-saving efforts.
Banks takes on the role of Daily Bugle secretary, Betty Brant. The action and charisma of the film had it easily earning a second.
Love & Mercy (2014) - 90%
This 2014 biographical drama retells the story of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and his attempt to push through mental illness. To best display this narrative, the film jumps between two time periods, one in the 1960s while he creates the iconic Pet Sounds album, and another in the 1980s during his therapy treatment.
Banks plays Melinda Ledbetter in the ’80s, a woman who falls for Brian but is also threatened by the controlling dynamic between him and Dr. Eugene Landy.
Fans felt that the film expertly honored Wilson’s legacy and that the unconventional structure served its purpose.
Spider-Man 2 (2004) - 93%
Yes, you guessed right. Banks reprised her role as Betty Brant in the 2004 Spider-Man sequel.
This time around, Dr. Otto Octopus seeks to get revenge on the world after accidentally killing his wife in a nuclear explosion and becoming a metal tentacled cyborg. It’s up to Peter to overcome his doubts, figure out his love life, and save the city yet again.
Fans were pleasantly surprised to see this installment hold to the feel of the original while upping the story and the special effects.
The LEGO Movie (2014) - 96%
The original LEGO Movie recounts the story of a Minifigure construction worker named Emmet, who is content with his ordinary life. However, after accidentally being deemed the prophesied “Special,” Emmet must summon the courage to save his kind from the evil Lord Business.
The humor-packed script, stylized animations, and thought-out story easily earned The LEGO Movie a sequel. As mentioned, Banks played Wyldstyle, who first meets Emmet during this adventure.
Catch Me If You Can (2002) - 96%
The number one spot on this list of Elizabeth Bank’s best movies is Catch Me If You Can.
Based on the real life of Frank Abagnale, this crime movie follows a young man who cons his way into an interesting life and millions of dollars before his 19th birthday.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Abagnale while Tom Hanks portrays the man who tries to track him down. Banks shows up in a supporting role, playing a bank teller who flirts with Abagnale.
