Best 10 Underrated Megan Mullally Movies and TV Shows You Need to Watch

As a devoted admirer of exceptional talent in the entertainment industry, I’ve always found myself drawn to performers who transcend a single iconic role. Megan Mullally is undoubtedly one such artist. While she is universally celebrated for her Emmy-winning portrayal of the hilariously acerbic Karen Walker in Will & Grace, a role that rightfully cemented her as a comedic legend, I believe much of her extensive and versatile career remains deeply underrated.

Her ability to pivot between broad comedy, nuanced drama, and distinctive voice work is truly remarkable, and I’m excited to share some of her lesser-known, yet equally brilliant, performances that deserve far more attention.

Personal Detail	Information
Full Name	Megan Mullally
Date of Birth	November 12, 1958
Place of Birth	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, Comedian, Singer
Spouse	Nick Offerman (m. 2003)
Known For	Karen Walker in Will & Grace

Unveiling the Underrated: Megan Mullally’s Hidden Gems

My exploration into Megan Mullally’s filmography reveals a rich tapestry of performances that showcase her extraordinary range far beyond the confines of a multi-cam sitcom. These roles often highlight her keen comedic timing, her surprising dramatic depth, and her unique ability to bring eccentric characters to life, whether on screen or through voice acting. Let’s delve into some of the best underrated Megan Mullally movies and TV shows I believe everyone needs to watch.

1. Party Down (TV Series, 2010)

In the second season of the critically acclaimed Starz comedy Party Down, Megan Mullally joined the ensemble as Lydia Dunfree, a stage mom new to the catering crew. Her portrayal of Lydia is a masterclass in understated, cringe-worthy comedy. Lydia is a relentlessly optimistic, somewhat oblivious, and utterly endearing character, always trying to get her daughter a break in Hollywood.

Mullally seamlessly integrated into the already sharp cast, providing a different comedic energy than her previous roles. The series itself is a cult favorite, praised for its witty writing and ensemble performances, and Mullally’s contribution to its standout second season is, in my analytical view, often overlooked when discussing her best work.

2. Childrens Hospital (TV Series, 2010-2016)

For those who appreciate absurd, dark humor, Childrens Hospital on Adult Swim is a must-see, and Megan Mullally’s role as Chief is a significant reason why. As the perpetually handicapped (and often inexplicably cured) chief of staff, Mullally delivers a bizarre and hilarious performance that is a stark departure from anything else in her career.

Her deadpan delivery and commitment to the show’s outlandish premises highlight her versatility in navigating unconventional comedy. It’s a show that relies heavily on its ensemble to sell its surrealism, and Mullally’s Chief is a pivotal, consistently funny element of its cult appeal.

3. Bob’s Burgers (TV Series, 2011-Present)

While Bob’s Burgers has achieved mainstream success, Megan Mullally’s extensive voice work on the show, particularly as Linda Belcher’s eccentric and often melodramatic sister, Aunt Gayle, is truly underrated. Gayle is a character brimming with neuroses, artistic aspirations, and a profound inability to navigate adult life, and Mullally brings her to life with an iconic, nasally vocal performance that is distinct from her other roles.

She also voices various minor characters, demonstrating her range as a voice actress. Her ability to create such a memorable and unique character with just her voice speaks volumes about her talent and is a compelling reason to revisit these episodes.

4. The Kings of Summer (Film, 2013)

In the indie coming-of-age film The Kings of Summer, Mullally delivers a more grounded performance as Mrs. Keenan, one of the mothers whose son decides to build a house in the woods. Paired with her real-life husband Nick Offerman, who plays the father, Mullally brings a subtle blend of comedic frustration and genuine maternal concern to the role.

It’s a beautifully shot and genuinely heartwarming film that provides a platform for Mullally to showcase a softer, more understated side of her acting prowess, which is quite refreshing after her more bombastic roles. This film is a delightful watch for its unique story and strong performances.

5. Smashed (Film, 2012)

The independent drama Smashed, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Paul, features Megan Mullally in a supporting role as Principal Barnes. The film tackles serious themes of alcoholism and recovery with raw honesty. Mullally’s performance here is decidedly dramatic and restrained, far removed from her comedic persona.

Her ability to deliver a credible and empathetic performance in such a different genre underscores her dramatic capabilities, which are often overshadowed by her comedic genius. This film allowed her to explore a depth that many mainstream audiences might not expect.

6. Oh Lucy! (Film, 2017)

This American-Japanese drama-comedy sees Megan Mullally in the role of Hannah. The film follows a lonely, chain-smoking office worker in Tokyo who finds an unexpected new identity when she takes an English class. Mullally’s role, while not central, contributes to the film’s quirky and poignant tone. It’s an unusual and touching film that provides a different cultural backdrop for her performance, demonstrating her willingness to take on unique, internationally flavored projects that expand her artistic reach.

7. The Disaster Artist (Film, 2017)

Based on the true story of the making of Tommy Wiseau’s cult film The Room, The Disaster Artist features Megan Mullally in a memorable, albeit brief, cameo as Mrs. Sestero, the mother of Greg Sestero. In a film filled with comedic homages and spot-on impersonations, Mullally’s contribution is perfectly pitched, adding another layer of authenticity and humor to this meta-comedy. Her ability to make a small role impactful within a critically acclaimed film demonstrates her sharp instincts and comedic precision.

8. You, Me and the Apocalypse (TV Series, 2015)

This British-American satirical comedy-drama miniseries explores the lives of various characters as a comet hurtles towards Earth. Megan Mullally played a key role as Rhonda, a white supremacist living in a bunker.

This role is a significant departure from her typical characters, showcasing her ability to inhabit complex and morally ambiguous figures within a high-concept narrative. The series itself is a fascinating blend of dark humor and genuine tension, and Mullally’s performance stands out for its unexpected intensity and comedic timing within a genre-bending storyline.

9. Breaking In (TV Series, 2012)

Megan Mullally joined the cast of the Fox sitcom Breaking In for its second season as Veronica Mann. The show, centered around a high-tech security firm, allowed Mullally to return to a more traditional sitcom format but with a character that offered fresh comedic angles.

Veronica is a sharp, often cynical businesswoman, and Mullally brought her signature wit and impeccable delivery to the role. While the show had a short run, her performance was a highlight, proving she can elevate any ensemble with her presence and comedic chops.

10. Everything Put Together (Film, 2000)

An earlier independent drama from 2000, Everything Put Together features Megan Mullally as Barbie. This film delves into the psychological toll on a new mother who suffers from postpartum depression.

Mullally’s involvement in a film that explores such raw and challenging themes demonstrates her early commitment to diverse projects and her capability for dramatic acting even before her global fame with Will & Grace. It’s an intense and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into a less-seen side of her acting repertoire.

Why Megan Mullally Continues to Captivate

My analysis of Megan Mullally’s career outside her most famous role reveals a performer with an extraordinary depth of talent. Her unique blend of theatricality, razor-sharp comedic timing, and surprising dramatic authenticity allows her to consistently captivate audiences. Whether she is lending her distinctive voice to an animated character, delivering a nuanced performance in an independent film, or bringing an entirely new comedic archetype to life on television, she approaches each role with an unwavering commitment.

Her ability to embody such a diverse array of characters, making each one memorable and distinct, is a testament to her skill as an actress and why I believe these underrated works are so vital to appreciating her full artistic scope.

Conclusion

Megan Mullally is far more than just Karen Walker; she is a multifaceted artist with a robust and varied career that truly deserves a deeper look. From the absurd humor of Childrens Hospital and the subtle comedy of Party Down to the dramatic turns in films like Smashed and the distinctive voice work in Bob’s Burgers, her performances are consistently engaging and often revelatory.

I encourage you to seek out these underrated Megan Mullally movies and TV shows. By exploring these hidden gems, you will gain a richer appreciation for her incredible versatility and enduring talent, discovering why she remains one of my favorite and most compelling performers in the industry.