JuicyTalk
After finding breakout success as Sydney Adamu on The Bear, Ayo Edebiri‘s best movies and shows have displayed an incredible run of success that has cemented her as one of the most exciting new Hollywood talents. Edebiri seemingly came out of nowhere, parlaying her work as a writer on several shows into on-camera work that led to acclaim and recognition. She has received several awards in recent years, including Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe wins. Even with the fast success, Edebiri’s career is clearly just ramping up with plenty more exciting projects to come.
Among Edebiri’s upcoming works, she will star in James L. Brooks’ return to movies in Ella McCay, and she will appear opposite Julia Roberts in Luca Guadagnino’s new thriller After the Hunt. However, while fans are waiting to see what is next in this astonishing career, Edebiri has already delivered a lot of great projects that range from hugely animated hits to underrated comedies to the show that helped to put her on the map.
15
Mulligan (2023-2024)
As General Scarpaccio/Jayson Moody (voice)
Mulligan
- Release Date
-
May 12, 2023
- Showrunner
-
Robert Carlock, Sam Means
- Directors
-
Casey Crowe
- Writers
-
Robert Carlock, Sam Means
Mulligan is a Netflix original animated series that follows society after an alien attack destroys most of Earth’s cities. The remaining survivors must work together to rebuild while not repeating past mistakes. Sam Means and Robert Carlock (The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) created the series with a voice cast that includes Tina Fey, Dana Carvey, Phil LaMarr, Daniel Radcliffe, Nat Faxon, Weird Al Yankovic, Andy Samberg, and more. Ayo Edebiri is a recurring cast member named Jayson Moody (aka General Scarpaccio).
Jayson is an aimless teenage boy who wears a Marine general’s uniform (that he looted from the dead general’s corpse) and now heads the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He basically has the job because he likes shooting guns, and Matty (Nat Faxon) is convinced he is a war hero, which Matty believes because he is not the brightest. Edebiri voices a great character, but this isn’t one of her best roles, and she’s lost amongst her more veteran voice cast members.
14
Dickinson (2021)
As Hattie
Dickinson is a comedy-drama that premiered in 2019 and is about American poet Emily Dickinson and her relationships with family, friends, and society in the 1800s. Airing on Apple TV+, the series stars Hailee Steinfeld (Hawkeye) as Dickinson and focuses heavily on gender roles, sexual identity, and artistic impression, with Dickinson fighting against all odds to get her writing out to the world. The show lasted for three seasons and 30 episodes, and Ayo Edebiri was only in the series for its second season, appearing in six episodes.
Edebiri starred in the series in a recurring role as Hattie, a Dickinson family maid and a spiritual medium. A fictional character created for the series, Hattie is another writer, but one who writes ghost stories for the paper while making extra money by putting on fake seances for rich white people. She also hints at a romance with Emily and remains an important part of the series’ second season.
13
Opus (2025)
As Ariel Ecton
Opus
7/10
- Release Date
-
March 14, 2025
- Runtime
-
103 minutes
- Director
-
Mark Anthony Green
- Writers
-
Mark Anthony Green
- Producers
-
Nile Rodgers, Charles D. King, Joshua Bachove, The-Dream, Brad Weston, Poppy Hanks
Opus is a 2025 release by A24. It is a thriller movie that stars John Malkovich as pop star turned cult leader Alfred Moretti. The film sees Alfred sit down with a young journalist named Ariel Ecton (Ayo Edebiri) and explain why he chose her as his “vessel.” This movie wants to explore the relationship between entertainment journalists, especially young ones trying to get their foot in the door, and the celebrities they are sent to cover, and how the celebrities can warp the journalists throughout the process.
Reviews do praise Edebiri’s performance as the young journalist
The reception for Opus has been mostly mixed thus far, with many early reviews calling it a disappointing film that has big ideas but isn’t taking a significant enough step at tackling them head-on. However, the reviews do praise Edebiri’s performance as the young journalist trying to make her way while everyone else seems more fame-obsessed. In our own review, Screen Rant critic Graeme Guttmann wrote, “Opus is a solid if familiar blend of horror and comedy supported by a spectacular turn from Ayo Edebiri that proves she should be in every movie ever made.“
12
The Sweet East (2023)
As Molly
The Sweet East
6/10
- Release Date
-
May 18, 2023
- Runtime
-
104 Minutes
- Director
-
Sean Price Williams
- Writers
-
Nick Pinkerton, Sean Price Williams
The Sweet East is a satirical road movie about a teenager from South Carolina named Lillian (Talia Ryder), who takes an adventurous trip along the East Coast of the United States after surviving an attack by an armed man who believes he is rescuing people from a pedophilia ring. The entire movie then takes a very surreal look at American culture as she crosses different people, including Nazi sympathizers, paparazzi, filmmakers, and more. Ayo Edebiri stars as Molly, the filmmaker who wants to cast Lillian in her movie.
The Sweet East received mostly positive reviews upon its release, with an 81% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics called the film a “consistently amusing satire of modern American life” that often loses its focus but always remains entertaining. Edebiri’s role as Molly is a smaller one, but she received praise for her performance, along with the rest of the crew, as everything seemed off-kilter in the film, and that fit her skill set perfectly.
11
Omni Loop (2024)
As Paula
Omni Loop
- Release Date
-
March 13, 2024
- Runtime
-
107 Minutes
- Director
-
Bernardo Britto
- Writers
-
Bernardo Britto
Released in 2024, Omni Loop is a science fiction drama film starring Mary-Louise Parker as Zoya Lowe, a quantum physics textbook author with only one week to live, thanks to a black hole growing in her chest. To survive, she takes a time travel pull that lets her go back five days in time. She had been taking these pills since childhood to improve her life, but had stopped until now, feeling she wanted more time to live. She then starts examining the pills to see if she can do more with them.
Ayo Edebiri stars as Paula, a young woman Zoya begins working with. This is fully Parker’s story, as Zoya has a lot to learn about life and living before she makes her ultimate decision on how she wants to end her life. Edebiri is a nice counterweight to that story, as a young woman with a full life ahead of her who receives the blessing to continue Zoya’s research. The film received mostly positive reviews, with an 83% fresh rating, with critics praising Parker and Adebiri’s “terrific chemistry.”
10
Clone High (2023-2024)
As Harriet Tubman
Clone High
- Release Date
-
2002 – 2002
- Network
-
HBO Max, MTV
- Showrunner
-
Christopher Miller, Phil Lord, Bill Lawrence, Erica Rivinoja
- Writers
-
Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Judah Miller, Murray Miller, Erica Rivinoja, Bill Lawrence
Ayo Edebiri has starred in a number of animated projects in her career thus far, and one of her most popular was in the cult favorite Clone High. The show was an early project by the inventive Phil Lord and Chris Miller, showcasing their clever storytelling and irreverent humor early on. The series is set in a high school that is populated by clones of famous historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, and Gandhi.
Following the show’s cancelation in 2003, Clone High‘s cult popularity led to a revival two decades later in 2023 with the anticipated second season. Edebiri joined the cast as one of the new generation of clones, voicing the preppy student Harriet Tubman. While the revived Clone High still didn’t find the mainstream success it was hoping for, it remains a funny and inventive reimagining of some of the most famous names in history, while Edebiri fits perfectly into the excellent voice cast that also includes Will Forte and Nicole Sullivan.
9
Black Mirror (2011–Present)
As Sandy (2023, 1 Episode)
Black Mirror
6/10
- Release Date
-
December 4, 2011
- Network
-
Channel 4, Netflix
- Showrunner
-
Charlie Brooker
- Directors
-
Owen Harris, Toby Haynes, James Hawes, David Slade, Carl Tibbetts, Ally Pankiw, Bryn Higgins, Dan Trachtenberg, Euros Lyn, Jodie Foster, Joe Wright, John Hillcoat, Sam Miller, Tim Van Patten, Uta Briesewitz, Colm McCarthy, Jakob Verbruggen, James Watkins, John Crowley, Otto Bathurst, Anne Sewitsky, Brian Welsh
- Writers
-
Evan Twohy, Jesse Armstrong
The anthology series Black Mirror has managed to attract some big-name talents with its gripping stories about the dark side of technology. Ayo Edebiri was one of many famous faces who popped up in the season 6 episode “Joan is Awful”, which is the most star-studded episode of the series. It stars Annie Murphy as Joan, a woman struggling with various obstacles in work and her professional life, only to find a new series on a streaming platform that features Salma Hayek playing Joan herself in the story of her life.
Along with cameos from the likes of Cate Blanchett, Ben Barnes, and Michael Cera, Edebiri appears in “Joan is Awful” as Sandy, one of Joan’s employees whom she reluctantly fires. Though it is a small role in the larger mayhem of the episode, Edebiri stands out with her grounded and powerful performance. “Joan is Awful” received a mixed response, though some claimed it is one of the best Black Mirror episodes of all time.
8
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
As Glory Grant
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
9/10
- Release Date
-
June 2, 2023
- Runtime
-
140 Minutes
- Director
-
Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
- Writers
-
Dave Callaham, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Ayo Edebiri reteamed with Phil Lord and Chris Miller for another animated project with the hugely successful Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The sequel picks up with Miles Morales’ adventures as Spider-Man in his own universe, having been exposed to the wide-ranging possibilities of the multiverse. However, when he reunites with Gwen Stacy and is introduced to more secrets of his story as Spider-Man, he finds himself becoming an enemy to every other Spider-Man out there.
The movie was praised as another inventive animation masterpiece with directors Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson and their team crafting a wild, vibrant, and wholly original-looking adventure. It is also a beautiful celebration of Spider-Man that any fan of the iconic character will surely appreciate. Edebiri has a small role in the large cast that includes plenty of cameos. However, with Edebiri voicing the role of Marvel character Glory Grant, she could appear in the upcoming Beyond the Spider-Verse.
7
Abbott Elementary (2021–Present)
As Ayesha Teagues (2 Episodes, 2023)
Abbott Elementary
9/10
- Release Date
-
December 7, 2021
- Showrunner
-
Quinta Brunson
- Writers
-
Quinta Brunson
-
Quinta Brunson
Janine Teagues
-
Tyler James Williams
Gregory Eddie
While Ayo Edebiri’s series The Bear is a huge awards favorite, that is not the only show she has been a part of that is winning plenty of awards. Edebiri has a recurring role on the acclaimed sitcom Abbott Elementary, appearing in two episodes so far in the series. Abbott Elementary is a workplace comedy that follows the dedicated and struggling staff of educators at a Philadelphia public school where they must use the limited tools they have to prepare the children for success.
The show mirrors other workplace sitcoms like The Office and Parks and Recreation in balancing comedy with touching storylines and a cast of colorful characters to create a winning combination. Edebiri was nominated for a NAACP Image Award for her guest star role as Ayesha, the sister of Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson).
6
Big Mouth (2017–Present)
As Missy Foreman-Greenwald (32 Episodes, 2020-2023)
Outside of acting, Ayo Edebiri also has a career as a writer on shows like What We Do in the Shadows and Dickinson. In a number of these cases, her writing has also led to her acting on the show, with her most substantial role coming from her time on Big Mouth. The adult animated series is a hilarious, absurd, and graphic look at the struggles young people face when going through puberty. This is exemplified in wild fantasy sequences as well as the inclusion of creatures such as the Hormone Monsters and Shame Wizard.
While Jenny Slate voiced the character Missy Foreman-Greenwald for the first three seasons of the show, she stepped down after deciding a Black actor should voice the part. Edebiri took over as the quirky, smart, and charming Missy, fitting right in with the cast that also includes John Mulaney, Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, and Jordan Peele.
5
Theater Camp (2023)
As Janet Walch
Theater Camp
7/10
- Release Date
-
January 21, 2023
- Runtime
-
94 minutes
- Writers
-
Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman, Ben Platt
Ayo Edebiri joined a strong ensemble of young comedic actors for this hilarious and underrated comedy. Theater Camp, as the title suggests, takes place at a summer camp for youngsters interested in musical theater. Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, and Edebiri are among the cast playing the overly passionate and eccentric camp counselors who want to inspire the young performers while also living out their own dreams on the stage. However, they have to contend with the owner’s financially-minded son (Jimmy Tatro) coming in to take over.
Edebiri fits in perfectly with the indie vibe of Theater Camp, appearing alongside her The Bear co-star Gordon, who also co-directed the movie with Nick Lieberman. Theater Camp comes off as a mix of Wet Hot American Summer paired with a Christopher Guest movie, making for a hilarious small-scale comedy. However, it is also a charming celebration of this community that is accepting and provides a safe space for a lot of these kids.
4
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2024)
As April O’Neil
Edebiri takes on a beloved pop culture role, voicing April O’Neil in the latest of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is one of the best theatrical takes on these classic heroes in a half-shelf, partially because of the inventive and clever way the movie actually depicts them as teenagers. The film focuses on the young turtles as they struggle with obeying their protective and loving adoptive father, Splinter (Jackie Chan), and seeking life outside the sewers.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem recreates the vibrant and energetic animation style of the Spider-Verse movies, which makes for some excellent and hugely entertaining action sequences. There is also a great sense of humor in the voice cast, including some very funny people, from Seth Rogen to Paul Rudd, to a standout villain performance by Ice Cube. Edebiri also brings her own comedic style to the role of April, giving the character more personality than she has had in other installments.
3
Bottoms (2023)
As Josie
Bottoms
7/10
- Release Date
-
August 25, 2023
- Runtime
-
92 Minutes
- Director
-
Emma Seligman
- Writers
-
Emma Seligman, Rachel Sennott
Just as Ayo Edebiri’s star was beginning to rise in Hollywood, she further cemented herself as a talent to watch with her role in one of the most acclaimed comedies of 2023. Bottoms stars Edebiri and Rachel Sennott (who co-wrote the movie) as two gay teens who are outcasts at their high school. Looking to get closer to the popular and attractive cheerleaders, they decide to star in a female fight club, which spirals into a bigger lie than they imagined.
Related
A soon-to-be cult classic, Bottoms is a queer teen comedy about a lesbian fight club with an appropriately poignant — and hyper-violent — ending.
The movie has an outrageous sense of humor, not concerned with operating within the bounds of reality, as seen in its over-the-top climax. It makes for some terrific laugh-out-loud moments, many coming from Edebiri, who steals the show as the frustrated Josie. However, Bottoms also crafts thoughtful and nuanced characters, helping the movie to quickly become seen as a new LGBTQ+ classic.
2
Inside Out 2 (2024)
As Envy
Inside Out 2
7/10
- Release Date
-
June 14, 2024
- Runtime
-
96 Minutes
- Director
-
Kelsey Mann
- Writers
-
Meg LeFauve, Dave Holstein, Kelsey Mann
Ayo Edebiri’s biggest movie appearance is already one of her best. However, that should come as no surprise as Inside Out 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to one of the best Pixar movies of all time. The sequel returns to the mind of the young child, Riley, and once again takes a look at the emotions inside her head that are directing her path in life, for better or worse. However, the ever-optimistic Joy now has to contend with Riley entering her teenage years and all the new emotions that come with that.
Edebiri is perfectly cast as one of these chaotic new emotions, Envy, adding her own high-strung comedic performance to the sequel. While Pixar sequels have been hit-or-miss over the years, Inside Out 2 is not just a cheap attempt to bank on the original. It builds on the strong story that was already established, finding new and profound ways to comment on the struggles of younger years and the anxiety kids can face. It is a movie that can speak to a lot of young people while also providing some terrific family-friendly entertainment.
1
The Bear (2022–Present)
As Sydney Adamu
The Bear
10/10
- Release Date
-
June 23, 2022
- Network
-
Hulu
- Showrunner
-
Christopher Storer
- Directors
-
Ramy Youssef
- Writers
-
Catherine Schetina, Alex Russell, Karen Joseph Adcock, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Stacy Osei-Kuffour
It makes sense that Ayo Edebiri’s best movie or show to date is the one that made her a star. The Bear is one of the most critically acclaimed series in recent memory, hailed for its writing, directing, and acting as well as being a gripping story with multiple layers. Jeremy Allen White stars as Carmy, a troubled young chef who learns he has inherited the family sandwich shop in Chicago following the death of his brother. As Carmy struggles with his own mental health, he seeks to rebuild the restaurant with the help of ambitious young chef Sydney (Edebiri).
The series is funny, harrowing, exciting, nerve-wracking, and creatively adventurous as it keeps trying bold new things. For three seasons, it has been one of the most talked-about shows on television, making stars out of its talented cast. Edebiri exemplifies the different aspects of the show as she can be hilarious, touching, heartbreaking, and frustrating in any given episode. Since the show began, Edebiri has won an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for her performance, adding to the many other accolades the show has picked up.
