1. "Flash of Genius" (2008)
So there was this dude named Robert Kearns. Ever heard of him? Probably not. But you've likely used his invention: the intermittent windshield wiper. Yup, this guy fought the big bad auto companies when they stole his idea. Lauren Graham plays Phyllis Kearns, Robert's dedicated and tireless wife.
Their journey? Turbulent, much like a car ride in the rain without good wipers. While it's not a major role for Lauren, her support and strength really drive the plot forward. Think David vs. Goliath but with windshield wipers.
2. "Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life" (2016)
Middle school can be, well, a circus. And Rafe, our young protagonist, isn't handling it well. His vibrant imagination is constantly squashed by oppressive school rules. Enter Lauren, playing Rafe's mom. But, drama alert! Her boyfriend's the super strict vice-principal.
It's rebels vs. rule-followers. Hijinks ensue. You think it's another teenage movie? Think again. It cleverly blends animation with reality, showcasing Rafe's creative mind. Lauren, as always, is the delightful cherry on top.
3. "Because I Said So" (2007)
Ah, meddling mothers. An age-old tale. Lauren stars alongside Diane Keaton and Mandy Moore in this bubbly rom-com. While Keaton's the overbearing mom, Lauren and Piper Perabo play her somewhat saner daughters.
Mandy Moore's character is stuck in the love triangle of the century and everyone's got an opinion. Typical, right? There's cake, there's romance, and a lot of unsolicited motherly advice. It's lighter than air and sometimes, don't we all need a slice of that pie?
4. "The Third Wheel" (2002)
Ever felt like the universe is conspiring against your love life?
Meet Stanley, a guy who finally scores a date with the office dream girl, played by Denise Richards. But then enters Phil, a homeless chap, and suddenly it's a trio. A disastrous night ensues, full of unforeseen obstacles. Lauren? She's Stanley's work buddy, smirking from the sidelines.
Will Stanley ever find romance amidst this chaos? It's quirky, it's fun, and Lauren's there to remind us that sometimes, love is simply about rolling with the punches.
5. "One True Thing" (1998)
This one's a tear-jerker, so get your tissues. Ellen (played by Renée Zellweger) is a successful journalist. When her mom (Meryl Streep) falls sick, Ellen's world changes. She goes from the big city to her small hometown.
But where's Lauren, you ask? She's Jules, Ellen's best friend, bringing levity and humor amidst heavy drama. Jules is the friend we all wish we had during hard times. It's not about grandeur, but about finding strength in simplicity. And isn't that something?
6. "Birds of America" (2008)
Remember dysfunctional family dramas? Here's a doozy. Morrie's trying to lead a normal life, but his siblings make it impossible.
There's an erratic brother and a sister bringing home, um, unexpected guests. Lauren's Betty, Morrie's long-suffering wife. And boy, is she suffering. The house? A madhouse. The neighbors? Judging.
It's a comedy of errors where everything that can go wrong, does. But through the madness, Betty (aka Lauren) stands as a beacon of sanity.
7. "Sweet November" (2001)
In walks Nelson, a workaholic, and out walks Sara, a free spirit. Sparks fly, but there's a twist. Sara has a unique love philosophy: one month-long relationship at a time.
A November romance ensues. Lauren's role? Angelica, Sara's neighbor and close friend. She's got wit, charm, and boy, does she know how to tell it like it is. It's a movie about fleeting moments and cherishing the now. And while Lauren's not the star, she sure shines bright.
8. "Dill Scallion" (1999)
Country music lovers, assemble! It's a mockumentary about Dill, an aspiring country singer on his way to stardom. But fame has its quirks. And its quirkiest quirk? Lauren Graham as Kristie Sue, a fangirl turned girlfriend. As Dill's star rises, his love life spirals.
Rhinestones, cowboy boots, and a lot of twang. Lauren showcases her comedy chops in a way you've never seen before. It's campy, it's hilarious, and it's oh-so-country.
9. "Nightwatch" (1997)
Dark, atmospheric, and dripping with tension. This isn't your typical Lauren Graham movie. Ewan McGregor is a law student who takes a night job at a morgue. Bad idea. Bodies start disappearing and there's a serial killer on the loose.
Lauren's role? Marie, a minor character, but her performance is anything but forgettable. It's a game of cat and mouse, and everyone's a suspect. Thrills, chills, and a young Lauren Graham. What more could you want?
10. "Lucky 13" (2005)
Navigating relationships is tricky, especially when your past loves pop up. That's the predicament for Zach, who revisits his 12 former relationships to find where he went wrong. Enter Lauren as Abbey, the ultimate dream girl and #13 on the list. But can she break the cycle of heartbreak?
It's a journey through romances past, with laughs and lessons aplenty. And through it all, Lauren, with her signature wit, reminds us that love is indeed a rollercoaster.