Amanda Peet truly made a name for herself with a scene-stealing performance as an aspiring mobster in the comedy hit The Whole Nine Yards (2000), a role that finally brought her into the spotlight. Of course, Amanda Peet had already spent years honing her craft, studying under one of New York’s most respected drama coaches long before that breakout moment. While Amanda Peet’s early career included a string of forgettable roles—often cast as the one-dimensional girlfriend or love interest in low-budget sex comedies and big-name flops like Saving Silverman (2001)—her trajectory began to shift in a more promising direction.
Things started looking up when Amanda Peet delivered a standout performance opposite heavyweights Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give (2003), proving she could hold her own in emotionally layered scenes. That same momentum led to being handpicked by Woody Allen for Melinda Melinda (2005), further solidifying Amanda Peet’s growing reputation as a versatile and intelligent actress. She also returned to dramatic territory in Stephen Gaghan’s acclaimed political thriller Syriana (2005), showcasing yet another dimension of her range.
Beyond the big screen, Amanda Peet made notable appearances on television, including in Aaron Sorkin’s much-talked-about series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (NBC, 2006–07) and the Duplass Brothers’ heartfelt dramedy Togetherness (HBO, 2015–16). Whether starring in large-scale blockbusters like the disaster epic 2012 (2009) or charming indie favorites such as The Way, Way Back (2013) and Sleeping With Other People (2015), Amanda Peet consistently brought depth and authenticity to her roles. As her career evolved, Amanda Peet found herself increasingly sought after—not just for her beauty, but for her ability to portray strong, smart, and complex women who could stand toe-to-toe with their male counterparts in any genre.
When it comes to Amanda Peet’s film career, one standout performance that really shines is in Please Give (2010), which happens to be her highest rated movie. Critics and audiences alike praised her role in this heartfelt indie drama, making it a clear favorite among Amanda Peet’s body of work. On the other end of the spectrum, Amanda Peet appeared in The Whole Ten Yards (2004), a comedy that didn’t quite hit the mark with viewers or reviewers—earning it the spot as her lowest rated film to date. While Amanda Peet has taken on a variety of roles over the years, these two titles represent the highs and lows in terms of critical reception. Still, Amanda Peet continues to be recognized for her talent and versatility on screen.