10 Best Movies Starring The Main Cast Of Gilmore Girls

From heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, there are plenty of great movies featuring the talented Gilmore Girls cast. The show is known for its witty dialogue, complex characters, and the charm of small-town life in Stars Hollow. Even now, close to 20 years after the series ended, Gilmore Girls remains a positively-reviewed, beloved show that’s stood the test of time.

Beyond their roles in the show, the main Gilmore Girls cast members have each starred in movies that range from feel-good blockbusters to indie favorites, each offering a chance to showcase the actors in fresh, diverse settings. Whether a die-hard fan of Lorelai and Rory or intrigued by the show’s supporting characters, these films are a must-watch for a deeper appreciation of the cast’s wide-ranging skills.

10

Lauren Graham – Bad Santa (2003)

Directed by Terry Zwigoff

Lauren Graham’s Lorelai Gilmore is a responsible, quick-witted mother, but in Bad Santa, she flips the script entirely. This dark comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as Willie, a conman who poses as a shopping mall Santa to execute heists. Graham plays Sue, a bartender with a Santa fetish who develops a hilariously awkward romance with Willie.

Her character steps far out of Lorelai’s wholesome mold, bringing humor and surprising depth. Graham’s chemistry with Thornton adds an extra layer to this unconventional holiday film, making it a fan favorite for those who enjoy edgy humor. Meanwhile, despite its crude nature and wild antics, Bad Santa carries an undeniable thread of humanity. Willie’s reluctant transformation from a selfish thief to someone capable of small acts of kindness offers a genuine emotional payoff. This arc, though unconventional, resonates with a level of realism that many sanitized holiday movies fail to capture.

9

Melissa McCarthy – Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)

Directed by Marielle Heller

Superstar Melissa McCarthy, who played the lovable and clumsy Sookie St. James during her climb to fame, took a sharp dramatic turn in Can You Ever Forgive Me? This biographical drama tells the true story of Lee Israel, a biographer who turns to literary forgery to make ends meet, earning McCarthy an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

One of the film’s most poignant scenes features McCarthy delivering a heart-wrenching monologue about desperation and loneliness, a far cry from Sookie’s kitchen antics that showcases McCarthy’s immense versatility as an actress. Her ability to embody both comedic and dramatic roles with equal finesse makes this performance one of her career highlights. Her chemistry with co-star Richard E. Grant is also electric, as they form a partnership that’s equal parts heartwarming and tragically dysfunctional. Can You Ever Forgive Me? is a love letter to the misfits and outcasts, offering a character study that’s as tender as it is unflinching.

8

Alexis Bledel – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)

Directed by Ken Kwapis

Alexis Bledel brings all the old Rory Gilmore charm to her role as Lena Kaligaris in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, a coming-of-age film following four close friends who stay connected over a summer apart by sharing a pair of “magical” jeans. Bledel’s storyline focuses on Lena’s trip to Greece, where she experiences a life-changing romance. From the picturesque Greek landscapes to Lena’s subtle emotional arc, this film is a strong stage for Bledel’s ability to play introspective and empathetic roles.

Lena’s connection with the other women in the film mirrors the strong female friendships celebrated in Gilmore Girls, making it a familiar watch for those who enjoy Bledel’s other work. What strengthens The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is its ability to give each character her own meaningful arc while maintaining the strength of their bond. Whether it’s Lena navigating love, Bridget struggling with loss, or Tibby learning to open her heart, the movie showcases universal themes of loss, love, and growth that still resonate.

7

Scott Patterson – Saw IV (2007)

Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman

Known as Luke Danes, the grumpy but lovable diner owner, Scott Patterson surprised fans with his role in the horror-thriller Saw IV. Patterson plays FBI agent Peter Strahm, who investigates the twisted puzzles left by the infamous Jigsaw killer. Watching Patterson in such a high-stakes, fear-inducing environment is a stark contrast to Luke pouring coffee at the diner.

When discussing the Saw franchise, the usual highlights are the first film for its groundbreaking concept or Saw VI for its tight plotting and social commentary. However, Saw IV often gets unfairly overlooked, despite being a standout entry in the series. Saw IV provides a deeper layer of storytelling, strong editing, and a compelling emotional core that elevates it beyond the label of “just another horror sequel.” There’s also the reveal that the events of Saw IV are running parallel to those of Saw III, a neat twist that flips the viewer’s understanding of the entire franchise timeline.

6

Kelly Bishop – Dirty Dancing (1987)

Directed by Emile Ardolino

Kelly Bishop is possibly Gilmore Girls’ stealth MVP as Emily Gilmore, Rory’s refined and sharp-tongued grandmother. However, in Dirty Dancing, Bishop brings a more complex warmth to her role as Marjorie Houseman, the mother of Jennifer Grey’s Baby Houseman. This iconic film captures a romantic summer in the 1960s, filled with dancing, passion, and family dynamics while combining universal themes, iconic performances, and a deep social subtext that elevates it beyond the sum of its parts.

As in Gilmore Girls, Bishop’s portrayal of Marjorie centers on her ability to embody nuanced maternal figures. Bishop’s background in Broadway shines through, enhancing her role in one of the ’80’s most rewatchable crowd-pleasers. Add to this the electric chemistry between Grey and Patrick Swayze and unforgettable moments like “the lift” during the final dance sequence, and it’s easy to understand why Dirty Dancing remains a gold standard in romantic dramas.

5

Sean Gunn – Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Directed by James Gunn

Sean Gunn, affectionately remembered as quirky Kirk Gleason, showed a completely different side in Guardians of the Galaxy. In this Marvel blockbuster, he plays Kraglin, the loyal second-in-command to Yondu. Most fans don’t realize that Gunn also provided the motion capture for fan-favorite Rocket Raccoon, demonstrating his physicality and versatility as an actor. While it never hurts to have your brother in your corner as director of a tentpole franchise film, Sean Gunn delivers in his own right in two key roles.

While Kraglin’s loyalty and eventual redemption arc are both fun and engaging, his real-life contributions to Rocket showcase his dedication to his brother’s vision behind the scenes. For Gilmore Girls fans, seeing Gunn in the vibrant and action-packed Marvel Cinematic Universe blending irreverent comedy and character-driven storytelling with the high stakes of a space adventure is a definite treat.

4

Edward Herrmann – The Lost Boys (1987)

Directed by Joel Schumacher

Edward Herrmann, known for his role as patriarch Richard Gilmore, delivers a chilling performance in The Lost Boys, as Max, a seemingly kind video store proprietor who hides a sinister secret in this cult classic about teenage vampires. His warm yet mysterious demeanor keeps viewers guessing until the film’s climax, where Max’s true nature is revealed. Herrmann’s commanding presence in The Lost Boys shows off the darker, more complex side to his acting, a stark contrast with his endearing Gilmore Girls grandfatherly role.

Herrman’s presence is just one of the elements that makes The Lost Boys a quintessential piece of ’80s cinema, oozing with style. The leather jackets, wild hairstyles, and a killer soundtrack perfectly encapsulate the era’s vibe. Additionally, the visuals, especially the atmospheric nighttime scenes, enhance the sense of danger and allure associated with the vampire gang, led by the charismatic Kiefer Sutherland as David.

3

Liza Weil – Year of the Dog (2007)

Directed by Mike White

Liza Weil, who played the fiercely ambitious Paris Geller, steps into the world of quirky indie drama with Year of the Dog. The film follows Peggy (Molly Shannon), a woman grappling with grief after the loss of her dog. Weil plays one of Peggy’s family members, delivering a supporting performance that adds surprising depth to the film’s simple story.

In fact, for film lovers who appreciate subtlety, character-driven narratives, and thought-provoking themes, Year of the Dog is an often-overlooked gem that deserves a closer look. Featuring the debut of Mike White (White Lotus) as a director, this 2007 dramedy strikes a self-assured balance between humor and heartbreak, offering a poignant reflection on identity, purpose, and human connection. White’s subtle direction paired with Shannon’s remarkable performance brings the viewer deeply and effectively into Peggy’s inner world. Fans of indie cinema and Weil’s sharp approach to characters will appreciate this thoughtful film.

2

Milo Ventimiglia – Rocky Balboa (2006)

Directed by Sylvester Stallone

Best remembered as Rory’s bad-boy boyfriend Jess Mariano, Milo Ventimiglia shines alongside Sylvester Stallone in Rocky Balboa as Rocky Jr., the estranged son of the famous boxer. Their evolving father-son relationship is one of the film’s emotional cores as Ventimiglia brings vulnerability to the role, particularly in a heartfelt scene where he confronts Rocky about living in his shadow.

When Rocky Balboa hit theaters in 2006, many questioned the need for yet another installment in the beloved boxing franchise. Yet, against all odds — fitting for its title character — the sixth film in the series manages to deliver an emotionally resonant, grounded, and inspiring story that earns its place as one of the most memorable entries in the Rocky saga. The movie continues to hold up today, even with the more recent addition of the Creed films in the franchise.

1

Keiko Agena – Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Directed by Michael Bay

Keiko Agena, known as Lane Kim — Rory’s music-loving best friend — has a small role in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Agena plays the assistant of Frances McDormand’s Charlotte Mearing, the Director of National Intelligence in the movie. In addition to McDormand, Agena stars alongside heavyweights like Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

While Transformers: Dark of the Moon received largely mixed reviews, it was a box office success, becoming the second highest-grossing movie of 2011, as well as the second highest-grossing Transformers ​​​​​​movie. It’s also very fun to see Agena in a franchise film of this nature, considering how far away its story is from the simple small-town life portrayed in Gilmore Girls. For many who enjoy the Transformers saga, Dark of the Moon more than holds up today, and Agena deserves credit for her role in that.