She played the troublemaker you could not ignore, the witty sidekick who stole scenes, and the girl-next-door with an edge. From stirring up drama as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl to battling supernatural forces as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Michelle Trachtenberg made every role her own. Her recent passing at just 39 is a heartbreaking loss, but her unforgettable characters live on! So, why not relive the mischief, the twists, and the jaw-dropping moments?

Want action? Romance? A little mischief? She did it all. If you have not watched her best work yet, you are seriously missing out—but it is not too late! Ready to go down memory lane and see why Michelle Trachtenberg’s fans simply cannot get enough of her? These must-watch movies will make you one of them!

In Against the Current, Michelle Trachtenberg delivers a heartfelt performance as Suzanne, a supportive friend who joins Paul played by Joseph Fiennes on his emotional quest to swim the Hudson River. As Paul struggles with past grief and an uncertain future, Suzanne brings in the warmth, humor, and much-needed encouragement, making her role one of the film’s most touching elements. 

An absolutely beautifully shot indie drama with deep emotional weight, Against the Current is an underrated gem that proves how well Trachtenberg can hold her own in dramatic work!

Fantasy is mated with heartfelt emotion Can't Be Heaven, in which Michelle Trachtenberg plays the ultimate best friend Julie who is always there when life gets rough. When Danny, a young boy struggling with loss, meets a friendly ghost, Julie steers him through grief, love, and growing up. With a mix of humor, warmth, and a little supernatural magic, this underrated movie is a touching story about friendship and moving forward that will keep your spirits high!

If you love mind games and surprise plot twists, Sexy Evil Genius is the kind of thriller that has you on the edge of your seat. Michelle Trachtenberg stars as Miranda, a woman who finds herself in a bar with strangers—all connected by their dangerously unhinged ex, played by Katee Sackhoff. 

As secrets are revealed and tensions heat up, Trachtenberg holds her own in a cast of shady, intriguing characters. Dark, twisted, and wickedly entertaining, this film is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a sharp edge.  

Michelle Trachtenberg brings the brains and charm as Penny in Inspector Gadget, the live-action remake of the beloved cartoon. While her uncle played here by Matthew Broderick fumbles with his wacky cybernetic gadgets, Penny proves to be the real detective, cleverly using her smarts and computer expertise to outsmart villains. 

Inspector Gadget is an entertaining, action-packed ride filled with nostalgia, humor, and Trachtenberg’s effortlessly cool performance. If you grew up loving Inspector Gadget, this movie is a blast from the past with an extra dose of fun!

In Black Christmas, Michelle Trachtenberg trades in her sweet-girl image for full-on scream queen status. Playing Melissa, a sorority sister held hostage in a harrowing home invasion, she delivers a mix of sassy repartee and raw fright as she fights to survive. Filled with creepy twists, eerie holiday vibes, and brutal scares, this remake of the holiday horror classic is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good slasher film!

Michelle Trachtenberg takes on a deeply emotional role in Mysterious Skin, playing Wendy, the supportive best friend to Neil played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. While Neil battles with disturbing memories of his childhood, Wendy is his anchor, providing unflinching support and warmth in a dark and powerful story about trauma and identity. With raw performances, gritty storytelling, and a deeply moving plot, Mysterious Skin is haunting indie drama that shines light on Trachtenberg in dark and mature roles which she aces, of course!

Before she became a teen star, Michelle Trachtenberg won hearts as Harriet in Harriet the Spy. This 90s gem follows Harriet, an aspiring writer with a knack for spying on people—until her secret notebook is exposed, turning her world upside down. Trachtenberg is bold, curious, and absolutely adorable in a film that is both action-packed and full of lessons about truth and friendship. If you love a good old childhood nostalgic tale, Harriet the Spy is for you!

In 17 Again, Michelle Trachtenberg takes on the role of Maggie, a high schooler who unknowingly befriends her own magically de-aged father played by Zac Efron. As her new classmate tries to fix his life, Maggie deals with her toxic boyfriend, school drama, and an overprotective mom played by Leslie Mann. Her scenes are packed with wit, charm, and awkwardly hilarious moments that make this time-travel spin unforgettable!

If you love hilarious road trips gone wrong, EuroTrip is definitely for you. Michelle Trachtenberg plays Jenny, the cool, fearless friend who joins the wildest adventure across Europe. After Scott played by Scott Mechlowicz gets dumped, he and his buddies go on a crazy mission to track down his German pen pal, leading to outrageous misadventures, surprise romance, and laugh-out-loud culture shocks. Trachtenberg brings sass and charm, making every scene better. EuroTrip is this wildly fun and unpredictable trip you will wish you were on! 

In Ice Princess, Michelle Trachtenberg dazzles as Casey Carlyle, a math whiz with a secret passion for figure skating. Torn between her mother's Ivy League dreams and her own love for the ice, Casey takes a scientific approach to skating, only to realize that raw talent and determination matter just as much. With stunning routines, emotional underdog themes, and a heartfelt mentor dynamic with Kim Cattrall, Ice Princess is the perfect feel-good movie to snuggle up too!

Michelle Trachtenberg never played it safe—her characters were always bold, clever, and totally unforgettable. Whether she was stirring up trouble, saving the day, or delivering the perfect one-liner, she always made every scene better and this lineup proves just how much fun she brought to the screen! 

Exciting News Surfaces for ‘The Bear’ Fans, Amidst Hollywood’s Attention Moving to Oscars 2025

So, which of Michelle Trachtenberg's roles do you think stole the show? Did we miss out on a hidden gem? Drop your favorites in the comments!