Keri Russell is in a league of her own. There's no other way to put it when it comes to describing how brilliantly she delivers a wide range of emotions, ensuring that every role she embodies is memorable, breathtakingly complex, and genuinely indescribable. Whether you know her from Felicity (1998) or are currently obsessing over her in The Diplomat (2023), Russell is the type of actress whose performances demand consistent and unyielding praise. Look up every adjective in the dictionary, and still, they won't be enough to talk about her prowess.
Whatever property she's in, it's made entirely better because of her presence. From underrated rom-coms to her strongest performance to date in The Americans (2013), here are the best Keri Russell movies and TV shows, as well as how to watch them on Netflix, Hulu, and more.
7. The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005)
The Magic of Ordinary Days is, as the title promises, a small bit of light in an unexpected situation. As a movie that takes place during World War II, it's understandably heavy at times, but a surprising and heartfelt romance that involves an arranged marriage, uncertainties, and hope at the end. It's one of Keri Russell's earlier films and one that often falls under the radar, but she and Skeet Ulrich bring warm and raw performances throughout.
It's not the type of movie non-romance fans might enjoy, but for the sake of Russell's compelling performance, it's an undeniable must-watch. There's a softness throughout that makes the heavier beats more bearable, and while some plot points don't hold up, it's so gorgeously shot and acted that it deserves its flowers for those reasons alone.
6. August Rush (2007)
August Rush is one of those movies that isn't exactly sensational or unique in its approach to address something as universal as music, but it sticks the landing entirely because of its cast and the undeniable heart that's scattered into every frame. Keri Russell's performance is so breathtaking that even though we don't get nearly enough of her character, each of her scenes stays with you.
And that's the thing about Russell as a performer—she does something indescribably compelling in every role with facial expressions that are so natural, it's hard to believe it's acting. Even in the silence, she shows us everything we need to know and manages to fill the space with moving emotions that enhance the story's heart. If you love emotional family reunions and second chances, August Rush is a touching must-watch that also features a brilliant performance from a young Freddie Highmore.
5. Waitress (2007)
Waitress isn't a rom-com, but it's the type of beloved story that thoroughly evokes hope by the end of the movie. Keri Russell excels with a southern accent, literally proving with this role that there's nothing she can't do and make it come across as thoroughly natural. It's a wholesome, boldly compelling story that centers around a woman's strength amid harrowing heartaches like domestic abuse.
It's profound, inspiring, sweet, and has all the early 2000s nostalgia that makes it feel as memorable as a movie like Mona Lisa Smile (2003). Russell is especially great at touching on complex and nuanced women, ensuring that even while we don't spend too much time getting inside their heads because of the short time frame that we still get to know them inside out in every way possible.
4. Austenland (2013)
No one else could take such a silly, whimsical, and niche role and make it as special as Keri Russell could, and that's exactly what makes her such an exceptional actress. Austenland is for the diehard Jane Austen fans—it isn't meant for the critics or the everyday film enthusiasts, but it's meant for those of us who'd give anything to experience our own version of a real-life Pride and Prejudice. It's for those of us who can say, without utmost certainty, that reading Jane Austen rewired our brain chemistry.
Russell's Jane is quirky, passionate, and so delightfully relatable that it's all because of the actress's range that she never comes across as too much. Plus, the relationship she embarks on with JJ Field's Henry is swoon-worthy and precious, making the entire movie a delightfully underrated rom-com that's perfect in every way. Too many people slept on this movie, and it's high time we acknowledge what a gift it is.
3. The Diplomat (2023-Present)
If there's one thing Keri Russell is inimitable at embodying, it's a woman with any kind of authority, a woman who's sharp, meticulous, and driven. On paper, The Diplomat sounds solid, but it's Russell's performance that makes it so indescribably enthralling. Russell does an especially great job of showing us multifaceted women with layers, and that's the undeniable case with her work as Kate Wyler.
The Diplomat is perfect for fans who love women-led series like Homeland (2011), but it's especially a must-watch if you prefer complex characters who are given the platform to really shine with excellent writing that understands the importance of nuance. Every season brings something even more gripping than the one before, allowing Russell to continue to bring her A-game. If there's one thing Netflix casting directors are best at, it's picking sensational actors, and they hit the ultimate jackpot with Russell in The Diplomat.
2. Felicity (1998-2001)
Keri Russell can embody a number of brilliant characters throughout her career, but for many people, she'll always be the irreplaceable face of Felicity, and that's okay because it's where so many of us fell in love with her charm. Felicity Porter is a bit like Russell's Jane in Austenland, but there's something even bigger here as a late '90s and early 2000s show that relies on the actors to deliver layers to make the content more compelling.
It's not a unique story by any stretch of the imagination, but as comforting as a show like Hart of Dixie (2011), it's one that's full of memorable characters and easily shippable love stories. There are some teen, early adult dramas that can be skipped, but Felicity is special, and it's entirely because of Russell's incredible performance throughout. Plus, the haircut. Need I say more? If you know, you know. And if you don't, you should watch it to find it.
1.The Americans (2013-2018)
There may never be another show as brilliant as The Americans, and a large part of it is because of Keri Russell's indefinable performances throughout. (Her real-life and TV husband/co-star Matthew Rhys would probably agree with me when I say she's the show's rock.) Russell's performance in The Americans is so utterly compelling that there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about at least something from the show when writing about another show.
The Americans set the standard for sharp writing, brilliant directing, and jaw-droppingly nuanced acting. Russell and Rhys can have entire conversations that take place in silence, and it'll make your chest ache just watching their facial expressions alone. It also features what might be the greatest series finale of all time, with the most haunting last words uttered on TV. It's Russell's best performance to date, and the fact that she was snubbed during every award season still makes me rage.
