Rachel McAdams stars in the upcoming survival horror-thriller Send Help, where her character ends up stranded on a deserted island alongside her demanding boss, played by Dylan O’Brien. McAdams showcases her range across genres, from heartfelt romances to sharp comedies. To celebrate her new release, this ranking highlights her top five films based on Rotten Tomatoes scores.
5. The Family Stone (2005) – 52% on Rotten Tomatoes
Everett Stone, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, brings his girlfriend Meredith, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, home for Christmas to meet his quirky family. Meredith faces challenges from Everett’s protective parents, Sybil (Diane Keaton) and Kelly (Craig T. Nelson), along with his siblings, including the witty younger sister Amy (McAdams). As family dynamics intensify, the group navigates holiday tensions. Despite mixed reviews, The Family Stone has gained cult status as a holiday favorite, thanks to its strong ensemble—including Luke Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser, and Claire Danes—blending sentimentality, humor, and eccentric characters into an enduring comedy.
4. About Time (2013) – 71% on Rotten Tomatoes
Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers a family secret on his 21st birthday from his father (Bill Nighy): the men in his lineage can time travel, though only for personal changes. Tim uses this ability to enhance his romantic pursuits and wins over Mary (McAdams). As life unfolds, he confronts the limitations of altering everyday challenges. Though the plot features some inconsistencies in its time-travel logic, About Time captivates with the genuine rapport between McAdams and Gleeson. Director Richard Curtis delivers sincere storytelling, creating a memorable romance that transcends its fantastical elements.
3. Mean Girls (2004) – 84% on Rotten Tomatoes
Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a former homeschooler from Africa, enters high school and encounters its social intricacies. Guided by friends Janice (Lizzy Caplan) and Damien (Daniel Franzese), she learns about cliques like the elite “Plastics,” ruled by the commanding Regina George (McAdams). Cady infiltrates the group to undermine Regina but gets drawn into the allure of status. Tina Fey’s script brings sharp wit to this tale, making Mean Girls a timeless high school classic. Packed with humor, heart, and iconic lines, it serves as a key coming-of-age film and early showcase for talents like McAdams, Caplan, and Amanda Seyfried.
2. Game Night (2018) – 85% on Rotten Tomatoes
Annie (McAdams) and Max (Jason Bateman), both game enthusiasts, bond over board games and host regular nights with friends. The fun escalates when Max’s flashy brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) organizes a murder mystery event that turns genuine after his kidnapping by criminals. As chaos ensues, Annie and Max navigate an unpredictable adventure. Game Night highlights McAdams’ comedic timing, echoing her Mean Girls roots, and calls for more such roles. The ensemble, featuring Billy Magnussen, Lamorne Morris, and Jesse Plemons, delivers laughs in this witty, fast-paced crime comedy.
1. Spotlight (2015) – 97% on Rotten Tomatoes
Inspired by real events from The Boston Globe’s investigations, Spotlight follows the newspaper’s team in the early 2000s probing allegations against a priest for abusing young boys. Under editor Walter “Robby” Robinson (Michael Keaton), reporters Sacha Pfeiffer (McAdams), Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), and Matt Carroll (Brian d’Arcy James) uncover a widespread cover-up in the Catholic Church. This Oscar-winning drama builds tension through meticulous journalism, evoking outrage without sensationalism. The film maintains restraint, focusing on the reporters’ dedication and delivering a powerful, ensemble-driven narrative.
