One of the brightest stars of Hollywood today, Selena Gomez has built an incredible career spanning more than two decades, all before the age of 31. Her journey began at age seven when she earned her first television job on Barney and Friends. Since then, she has grown into an international music sensation, accomplished actor, successful cosmetic entrepreneur, and much more. Today we’re taking a closer look at some of the best movies and TV shows that have showcased Selena Gomez’s talent and versatility.
Despite going through seasons of change, dealing with health issues, and experiencing widely publicised relationship difficulties as well as media scrutiny, Gomez has emerged stronger than ever. She is now close to billionaire status and currently holds the accolade of being the most-followed woman on Instagram. Additionally, Gomez also seems very happy in her new relationship with music producer Benny Blanco, and she is currently focused on her successful cosmetics company, Rare Beauty, as well as her upcoming album and interesting acting prospects.
Most notably, fans were ecstatic to learn that Gomez is set to return for the pilot episode of the Wizards of Waverly Place revival, the Disney show that catapulted her to fame. At the same time, Gomez will also return for Season 4 of her popular whodunit comedy-drama series, Only Murders in the Building, which is currently in the works and premieres on August 27.
So, if you’re a passionate Selenator, an ardent fan of Miss Gomez who wants to dig deeper into the Selena Gomez universe, check out some of her best movies and TV shows.
The best Selena Gomez movies and TV shows to watch
Barney & Friends (2002-04)
Selena Gomez’s role in Barney & Friends marked the start of her career in the entertainment industry. From 2002-2004, Gomez, then seven years old, played the role of Gianna on the popular preschool children’s television series that follows the adventures of Barney, America’s favourite purple dinosaur, and his young friends.
Gomez’s portrayal of Gianna brought youthful sweetness and innocence on television. Her job entailed taking part in various activities, singing songs, and engaging in imaginative play with Barney and the other characters. While Gomez’s screen time on the show was limited, it served as a springboard, giving her crucial experience in front of the camera and laying the groundwork for her future success in the entertainment world. Moreover, the show was also where Selena Gomez met her future BFF and fellow Disney Channel star Demi Lovato, with the duo working on the episodes together.
Spy Kids 3: Game Over (2003)
In Spy Kids 3: Game Over, Selena portrayed a little girl who is seen having a great time at a waterpark while unintentionally becoming part of a larger game simulation within the narrative of the film. In a brief but unforgettable moment, Gomez is seen swimming around in the waterpark with other children. Little do they know, their relaxing day at the waterpark is laying the groundwork for the action-packed adventure that unfolds when the plot shifts into the virtual reality gaming world. While her involvement in the movie was minor at best, it was one of Gomez’s first forays into the film industry.
Hannah Montana (2006-2011)
After her appearance on Spy Kids 3: Game Over, Selena secured a recurring guest role as Mikayla Skeech in the famous Disney TV show Hannah Montana. Mikayla is introduced as a rival to Hannah Montana, the series’ protagonist who is portrayed by Miley Cyrus. As a popular pop diva, Mikayla frequently engages in humorous disputes and competitions with Hannah Montana, bringing a layer of fun and rivalry to the show’s plot. Her presence added a lot of flavour to the story, sparking fascinating conflicts and interactions among the key characters.
Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2012)
The breakout role of Selena Gomez’s early career was definitely that of Alex Russo, the smart and headstrong young wizard from the popular Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place. As the series’ key character and protagonist, Alex was noted for her mischievous antics, wittiness, and occasional use of magic to negotiate the difficulties of adolescence.
The show’s comic and emotional plotlines focus on Alex’s adventures as she navigates the use of her magical skills alongside the ups and downs of family dynamics and youth. Despite her rebellious character, Alex displays loyalty, protection, and maturity throughout the series. Gomez’s portrayal of Alex Russo left an indelible impression on audiences, solidifying her place as one of Disney Channel’s most iconic talents. Even now, the show remains popular with audiences, as seen by the recent announcement of a sequel series in which the actors will return for the pilot episode. Gomez’s performance of Alex Russo will always be recognised as a watershed point in her career, showcasing her talent and range as an actress.
Besides episodes for the TV show, Selena Gomez also appeared in TV movies based on the plot of the sitcom — Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009), and The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex (2013).
Another Cinderella Story (2008)
In Another Cinderella Story, Selena Gomez played Mary Santiago, a brilliant dancer whose life mirrors the protagonist of the original Cinderella story. Following the death of her mother, Mary is thrown into a difficult situation, working for the demanding pop diva Dominique Blatt while suffering maltreatment from her daughters.
Despite the difficulties she confronts, Mary’s spirit remains unbroken, and her love of dance feeds her hopes for a better future. Mary’s journey takes an incredible turn when she attends a high school masquerade dance and ends up dancing with her pop idol, Joey Parker (Drew Seeley). Their charming encounter ignites a relationship, but as the clock strikes midnight, Mary rushes away, leaving behind a clue in the form of her dropped Zune, which replaces the role of the original’s iconic glass slipper.
Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana (2009)
Disney Channel’s tendency for massive crossovers peaked with Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana in 2009, a triple crossover event that brought together the casts of three viewer-favourite shows: Wizards of Waverly Place, The Suite Life on Deck, and Hannah Montana. This major crossover had storylines that converged upon the SS Tipton cruise liner, resulting in a frenzy of adventure, comedy, and unforgettable experiences for fans.
The crossover event begins with the Russo siblings — Alex, Justin, and Max — winning a free cruise essay contest which paves the way for mischief and magic on the ship. Meanwhile, Zack and Cody (Dylan and Cole Sprouse), along with their classmates, are already on the cruise for a school vacation, bringing their trademark antics to the mix. To cap it all off, Miley and her closest friend Lilly agree to play a performance in Hawaii, bringing a touch of star power and musical magic to the festivities.
Each segment of the crossover aired as an episode of its show, beginning with Wizards of Waverly Place, then The Suite Life on Deck, and ending with Hannah Montana. Wizards on Deck with Hannah Montana holds a particular place of love in Disney Channel history, and fans have praised its vast scope, amusing moments, and emotional exchanges amongst beloved characters across all three shows.
Princess Protection Program (2010)
Childhood friends Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato reunited for this Disney Channel original movie. In the Princess Protection Program (2009), Gomez stepped into the role of Carter Mason, a spirited and athletic girl who lives under the rigorous supervision of her CIA agent father, Major Joe Mason. Carter’s world changes when her family is invited to join the Princess Protection Program (PPP). Demi Lovato stars as Princess Rosalinda Maria Montoya Fiore, also known as Rosie. As threats loom on the horizon, Rosie, who is a kind-hearted but sheltered princess, must disguise herself as Carter’s “cousin” to maintain her safety.
Princess Protection Program was a huge success for Disney Channel, captivating audiences with its beautiful storyline of friendship and self-discovery. Selena Gomez’s portrayal of Carter Mason further cemented her emerging celebrity status.
Ramona and Beezus (2010)
Ramona and Beezus, which was released in 2010, is an adorable comedy-drama adaptation of Beverly Cleary’s popular children’s book series. The narrative revolves around the Quimby sisters, Ramona and Beatrice “Beezus,” who are portrayed by Joey King and Selena Gomez, respectively.
Ramona, the younger of the two, is a ball of energy and imagination who is constantly getting into mischief both at school and at home. Her inquisitive attitude frequently results in amusing escapades, much to the dismay of her family and professors. Meanwhile, Beezus faces the typical problems of teenagers, including high school dramas and the ups and downs of first crushes. As if the drama of sibling dynamics weren’t enough, the Quimbys also encounter financial difficulties after Ramona’s father loses his job. In the face of adversity, Ramona’s unwavering attitude serves as a source of inspiration. Determined to help save her family’s home, she embarks on a series of inventive and often funny schemes.
Monte Carlo (2011)
Selena Gomez displayed her versatility in the 2011 comedy film Monte Carlo by rising to the challenge of playing a double role. The plot revolves around three high school best friends, Grace (played by Gomez), her step-sister (played by Leighton Meester), and her friend Emma (played by Katie Cassidy), who set out on a trip to Paris following graduation. However, the trio’s journey takes an unexpected turn when Grace realises she shares a striking resemblance to Cordelia Winthrop Scott, a French royal. Egged on by her friends, Grace seizes the opportunity to experience the high life by adopting Cordelia’s identity while the royal is on leave.
As she immerses herself in Monte Carlo’s world of opulence and privilege, Gomez expertly navigates the complications of playing two unique identities. Her portrayal of Grace captures the down-to-earth spirit of a small-town girl, adding warmth and relatability to the character. Meanwhile, in her role as Cordelia, Gomez exudes sophistication and confidence, perfectly conveying the essence of a rich socialite. Despite Cordelia’s pompous demeanour, Gomez’s innate charisma shone through, making both characters entertaining and captivating to watch.
Hotel Transylvania film series (2012-22)
Selena Gomez provided the voice of Mavis Dracula, a lovable character in the popular Hotel Transylvania animated film series. Mavis is not an ordinary vampire daughter; she is energetic, adventurous, and fiercely devoted to her family and friends. As Dracula’s daughter, she exudes a modern, self-sufficient personality while simultaneously embracing the fun-loving peculiarities of her otherworldly heritage.
In the first film in the series, Mavis’s biggest goal is to escape her father’s highly-secured Hotel Transylvania and discover the world beyond. Much of the plot revolves around her quest for independence and her desire to experience human life firsthand. As the film series progresses, Mavis grows into a wife and mother while maintaining her independence. She confronts challenges head-on with a sense of humour and an open mind, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and grow.
Selena Gomez played Mavis with a lovely energy, radiating warmth through her voice work and bringing the character to life in a way that appealed to people of all ages. Gomez’s stellar performance perfectly reflected Mavis’s enthusiasm, playful attitude, and steadfast love for her family.
Spring Breakers (2012)
Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine in Spring Breakers. (Image Credit: IMDb)
Selena Gomez’s performance in the 2013 film Spring Breakers marked a distinct departure from her typical Disney Channel and family-friendly films. Gomez starred in the film as Faith, a college student who travels to Florida for spring break with three friends. Faith is first portrayed as the most grounded and responsible member of the gang, with strong religious views and a sense of morality. However, as the story progresses, Faith is dragged into the allure of partying and reckless behaviour, yielding to peer pressure and renouncing her former convictions.
As one of the earliest movies for renowned studio A24, Spring Breakers allowed Selena Gomez and fellow teenage stars Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Benson to strike out and break away from their Disney TV show personas. Their portrayals subsequently proved to the world that they were ready for more mature and nuanced roles. In particular, Gomez’s depiction of Faith highlighted her development as an actress, showcasing her capacity to play darker and more complex characters.
Behaving Badly (2014)
In the 2014 film Behaving Badly, Selena Gomez played Nina Pennington, the prettiest and most popular girl in high school who falls for Nat Wolff’s character Rick Stevens. However, Rick’s foolish attempts to win Nina’s heart lead him down a path of dubious decisions and encounters with unusual personalities.
Unfortunately, Behaving Badly failed to impress both reviewers and audiences, earning a dismal 0% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer and a low audience score of 29%. The film received criticism for its exploitative portrayal of female characters and its treatment of issues involving minors, once again shedding light on the debates that had surrounded Spring Breakers.
Rudderless (2014)
In the indie thriller Rudderless, Selena Gomez portrayed Kate Ann Lucas, a young woman who must deal with the death of her boyfriend and with her own past. Gomez’s moving performance adds depth to the film as she follows her character’s emotional journey alongside Billy Crudup, who portrays her boyfriend’s grieving father, Sam. Directed by William H. Macy, Rudderless showcased Gomez’s darker and more contemplative side, allowing her, along with the late Anton Yelchin to shine bright.
The Big Short (2015)
Selena Gomez’s guest appearance in The Big Short may not be a typical acting role, but it is undeniably meaningful and unforgettable. Amongside a star-studded cast that included Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, Gomez shone as herself, providing a unique viewpoint on the film’s complex financial expositions. In the show, she critically translates complex financial concepts like mortgage-backed securities and collateralised debt obligations (CDOs), and expresses them in easily-understandable words.
Gomez presented her explanations with humour and charm, engaging spectators and assisting them in understanding the key principles, thus pushing the film’s plot forward. Gomez was not alone in her role; other celebrities, such as Margot Robbie and chef Anthony Bourdain also made similar appearances, breaking the fourth wall to explain financial jargon.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)
Selena Gomez made a noteworthy cameo in Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising (2016) as the Phi Lambda sorority’s harsh and rule-obsessed president. Her role serves as a catalyst for the film’s chaotic plot, alerting protagonist Shelby (Chloe Grace Moretz) that sororities cannot hold parties. Gomez gives her Disney image a humorous twist by enthusiastically taking on the character of the bad girl. Along with a stellar cast that included Moretz, Kiersey Clemons, Beanie Feldstein, and Awkwafina, Gomez’s appearance was a fun contribution to the film’s many highlights.
The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
In the Netflix original series The Fundamentals of Caring, Selena Gomez further impressed audiences in her portrayal of Dot, a smart and sarcastic hitchhiker who brings depth and humour to the film’s emotional journey. Alongside co-stars Paul Rudd and Craig Roberts, Gomez’s depiction of Dot proved her effortless ability to deliver both humour and sincerity. The film follows Ben (Rudd), a retired writer-turned-carer who builds an odd friendship with Trevor (Roberts), an adolescent suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The duo embark on a journey to tour unusual places, meeting Dot along the way. As the three work through their emotional baggage and inner demons, they learn the true meaning of friendship, pain, and personal growth.
The Fundamentals of Caring explored themes of friendship and resilience, emphasising the transformative impact of confronting one’s inner challenges. Gomez’s acting, alongside Rudd and Roberts, enhanced the film’s charm and sincerity, and it ultimately gained excellent reviews, showcasing her incredible range.
In Dubious Battle (2016)
In the 2016 film In Dubious Battle, Selena Gomez reunited with her Spring Breakers co-star James Franco and Behaving Badly castmate Nat Wolff, playing a part unlike any of her prior roles. Based on John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name, the film follows James Franco’s character, Jim Nolan, as he joins a migrant workers’ protest against landowners in central California during the 1930s apple growing season.
Gomez played Lisa London, a pregnant lady and the stepdaughter of one of the striking workers. As tensions between the labourers and the landlords rise, Lisa finds herself in the centre of the conflict. The movie, which was also directed by James Franco, explored topics of social injustice and labour rights, drawing inspiration from Steinbeck’s moving storytelling. Gomez’s portrayal of Lisa demonstrated her flexibility as an actress, giving viewers a glimpse into the mind of a woman known for her fortitude and tenacity in the face of adversity.
The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
In the 2019 absurd horror-comedy zombie movie The Dead Don’t Die, Selena Gomez made a brief but memorable appearance as Zoe, a free-spirited traveller trapped amid a zombie apocalypse in the little town of Centerville. The movie, directed by famed filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, featured an ensemble cast including Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevigny, and Tilda Swinton.
Gomez’s portrayal of Zoe brought a youthful zest to the film, made all the more evident in her navigation of pandemonium alongside the town’s citizens. Despite her minimal screen time, Gomez’s presence stood out, adding more star power to the film.
A Rainy Day in New York (2019)
In Woody Allen’s A Rainy Day in New York, Selena Gomez played Chan Tyrell, a young actress who becomes involved in the lives of the primary leads, Gatsby Welles (played by Timothée Chalamet) and Ashleigh Enright (played by Elle Fanning). The film recounts Gatsby and Ashleigh’s weekend travels in New York City, with Ashleigh interviewing a director for her college paper and Gatsby exploring the city.
Gomez’s brief involvement as Chan Tyrell, the younger sister of Gatsby’s ex-girlfriend, was brief but essential, adding an interesting aspect to the duo’s encounters. Despite the controversy surrounding the picture owing to allegations against Woody Allen, Gomez’s performance shone through, adding a touch of charm to the entire story.
Dolittle (2020)
In the recent cinematic adaptation of the Doctor Dolittle books, Selena Gomez voiced Betsey, a loving Masai giraffe. Although Betsey does not make much conversation, she is a supporting and helpful figure among the film’s greater animal cast.
Betsey, who is one of the many animals capable of conversing with Dr Dolittle (played by Robert Downey Jr.) brings warmth to the story, with Gomez’s superior voice acting skills bringing the giraffe to life by reflecting her kind and supportive persona. While Betsey is not a central character in the movie, Gomez’s performance added depth and charm to the animal cast, contributing to Dolittle’s overall whimsical ambience.
Selena + Chef (2020-)
(Image: IMDb)
Featuring the numerous talents of Selena Gomez, Selena + Chef, which debuted on HBO Max in August 2020, is a delightful and entertaining cooking show. Known for her comedic timing and infectious charm, Gomez took on the challenge of improving her cooking skills in her own home kitchen.
In each episode, Gomez teams up with a different master chef to explore and experiment with a new cuisine. From Italian and Mexican to Asian dishes, the show covers a diverse range of cuisines. It is filmed in a casual and intimate setting, allowing watchers an unimpeded view of Gomez’s journey as she navigates through recipes and techniques under the guidance of her expert guests.
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me (2022)
Despite not being a traditional movie or a TV show, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, a 2022 American documentary about the singer and actress, was one of Selena Gomez’s best on-screen appearances. The documentary takes an intimate look at Selena Gomez’s life across six years, focusing on her problems with physical and mental health issues. The film explores her struggles with Lupus, an autoimmune disease, as well as anxiety and sadness. It does not hide the challenges she encountered, such as emotional breakdowns and seeking treatment at mental health facilities. The documentary also delves into her experiences as a singer and actress, balancing the demands of stardom with her well-being. Its goal is to spark conversation about mental health issues and motivate viewers who may be suffering from similar challenges.
Only Murders in the Building (2021-)
Most recently, Selena Gomez starred in the crime comedy-drama series Only Murders in the Building as Mabel Mora, a young artist living in New York City’s luxury Arconia apartment complex. Mabel bonds with her neighbours, Charles-Haden Savage (played by Steve Martin) and Oliver Putnam (played by Martin Short), over their mutual love of true crime podcasts. The trio become novice investigators, immersing themselves in a real-life mystery when a horrific tragedy happens in their building.
As the group seeks to uncover the truth about the unexplained death, Gomez’s character, Mabel, emerges as a key figure in the inquiry. With each episode, viewers explore further into Mabel’s past, discovering layers of complexity and emotional problems that enrich her character. Despite her own troubles, Mabel proves to be a competent and determined investigator, motivated by a desire to discover the truth.
Gomez’s portrayal of Mabel showed her flexibility as an actress. As one of the series’ main characters, she commanded the screen with her mesmerising presence, transporting viewers into Mabel’s world of mystery and suspense. This also marked her most successful acting role since Wizards of the Waverly Place. Aside from her acting abilities, Gomez was also an executive producer on the Emmy-winning show, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with both on and off-screen.
