10 best Kate Walsh shows and movies to watch right away

Looking to binge the 10 best Kate Walsh shows and movies to watch right away? You’ve come to the right place. Kate Walsh burst onto our screens as the formidable Dr. Addison Montgomery on Grey’s Anatomy, and she hasn’t slowed down since. From heartfelt indie dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and even high-stakes superhero fare, her résumé is as varied as it is entertaining.

This guide will walk you through her most unforgettable performances—think of it as your personal VIP pass to Walsh’s most iconic roles. So, grab your remote (and maybe some popcorn), because these picks will have you convinced that Kate Walsh deserves a spot on every watchlist.

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Why Kate Walsh is a timeless icon

Kate Walsh’s journey reads like a master class in reinvention and range. Born Kathleen Erin Walsh in San Jose, California, in October 1967, she honed her craft at the University of Arizona before heading to Chicago’s Piven Theatre Workshop, where she tackled everything from Shakespeare to modern plays, earning praise for her stage presence. Early TV stints on Law & Order and The Drew Carey Show showcased her knack for both drama and comedy, setting the stage for her breakout moment.

In 2005, she joined Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Addison Montgomery and instantly became must-watch TV. With her crisp delivery and just-right vulnerability, Kate Walsh turned what could have been a one-note character into a fan favorite—and spun off into six seasons of Private Practice, where she not only starred but also executive produced. Her willingness to dive into ethical minefields (think fertility treatments and end-of-life care) earned her respect both on and off camera.

Over the years, Walsh has leapt from surgeon to supervillain with enviable ease. As The Handler in The Umbrella Academy, she balanced sinister motives with dry wit, proving she could steal scenes even in the busiest ensemble. She’s also showcased her dramatic chops in Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, bringing raw authenticity to a grieving mother’s story. On the lighter side, her supporting role in Under the Tuscan Sun and her deadpan corporate exec in Bewitched remind us that she can sell a joke as well as a monologue.

By seamlessly shifting between leading roles and memorable cameos, TV and film, drama and humor, Kate Walsh has built a career that feels both reliable and surprising. She’s the friend who can advise you on life’s big questions one minute and crack you up the next, making her one of Hollywood’s most enduring and beloved actresses.

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The 10 best Kate Walsh shows and movies

Below, you’ll find longer, in-depth looks at each of Walsh’s standout performances. From medical miracles to magical mischief, these picks capture her full range—and why she’s a must-see talent.

1. Grey’s Anatomy (2005–2012; 2021–2023)

Where to watch: JioHotstar

Kate Walsh made television history as Dr. Addison Montgomery, the neonatal surgeon whose unexpected arrival at Seattle Grace Hospital set off both chaos and chemistry. Her character’s striking confidence, paired with hints of insecurity about leaving home and personal relationships, kept viewers hooked through seven seasons.

Addison’s dramatic reunions and moral dilemmas (including a life-changing decision about her career) cemented Kate Walsh as a series MVP who could handle scalpels and soap-opera twists with equal finesse.

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2. Private Practice (2007–2013)

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

When Addison traded Seattle for L.A., Walsh stepped into her most ambitious project yet, producing and headlining this medical spinoff. Private Practice explored cutting-edge treatments in a boutique clinic, tackling topics like surrogacy and mental health with nuance. Watching Addison wrestle with her own romantic entanglements and medical crises (including a maternity-ward fire) showcased Walsh’s ability to blend empathy, authority, and wit—qualities that kept the show alight for six seasons.

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3. Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)

Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video

Long before TV stardom, Kate Walsh played Patti, the wisecracking best friend in this sun-drenched romantic drama. When Diane Lane’s character buys a crumbling villa in Italy, Patti’s loyal encouragement (“You need a fling—and some gelato!”) provides warmth and comic relief. Walsh’s easy rapport and timing make every scene feel like catching up with your funniest friend over a glass of Chianti.

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4. Bewitched (2005)

Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video

In this cheeky reimagining of the 1960s sitcom, Kate Walsh stars as Samantha’s no-nonsense network boss, juggling fairy-tale magic with budget deadlines. Opposite Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell’s bumbling actor, she delivers dry, razor-sharp lines about ratings and scripts, serving as the perfect straight woman to their supernatural hijinks.

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5. Kicking & Screaming (2005)

Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video

As the wife of a ridiculously competitive soccer dad (Will Ferrell), Walsh anchors this family comedy with grounded reactions to every on-field disaster. Her scenes—like calmly extracting her husband from a mountain of swinging golf clubs—remind us that comedic chaos needs a solid emotional core, which Walsh provides effortlessly.

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6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video

Adapted from Stephen Chbosky’s beloved novel, this coming-of-age drama features Walsh as the supportive but flawed mother of a shy teen. Her portrayal of quiet strength—balancing concern for her son’s mental health with her own vulnerabilities—lends gravity to key scenes, proving she can move audiences without ever stepping into the spotlight.

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7. 13 Reasons Why (2017–2019)

Where to watch: Netflix

Taking on Olivia Baker, a mother devastated by her daughter’s suicide, Kate Walsh anchors Netflix’s controversial teen drama. Her performance—equal parts anger, guilt, and fierce determination—adds emotional heft to each episode, driving home the show’s urgent conversations about mental health and accountability.

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8. The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024)

Still from The Umbrella Academy / Netflix

Where to watch: Netflix

Here, Walsh morphs into The Handler, a time-hopping bureaucrat with a chilling accent and a penchant for manipulation. Whether she’s orchestrating assassinations or dispensing cool disdain, her layered performance makes The Handler one of the series’ most magnetic villains—and a testament to Walsh’s flair for dramatic complexity.

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9. Emily in Paris (2020–present)

Where to watch: Netflix

As Madeline Wheeler, Emily’s savvy and stylish boss, Walsh brings a dose of corporate cool to this fish-out-of-water rom-com. She juggles industry jargon and cultural clashes with comedic precision, ensuring that every baguette-fueled panic attack by Emily lands with maximum charm.

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10. Normal Life (1996)

Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video

In one of her earliest film roles, Kate Walsh plays a sharp-witted accomplice to a bank-robbing couple led by Nicolas Cage. Although a supporting part, her confident screen presence and crisp dialogue hint at the powerhouse performer she would soon become, making this true-crime drama a fascinating peek at her budding talent.

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From her breakout days on Grey’s Anatomy to her delightfully villainous turn in The Umbrella Academy, Kate Walsh has proven herself a force across genres. Whether she’s wielding a scalpel, casting spells, or outsmarting superheroes, Walsh brings genuine heart and a playful wink to every role.

These 10 best Kate Walsh shows and movies represent the highlights of a career built on range, authenticity, and that unmistakable charm. So, whether you need a medical miracle, a heartfelt drama, or a dose of witty banter, Kate Walsh has you covered. Happy watching!