Ever watch a show and just know you’ve seen that actor before, but you can’t quite place them? That happens a lot with Ali Ahn. Lately, she’s been everywhere—from the high-stakes political rooms of London to the literal Witches’ Road.
Ahn has this way of being the most grounded person in a room full of chaos. She doesn't just play characters; she inhabits them with a sort of "no-nonsense" energy that makes you feel like she’s actually doing the job. Whether she’s a CIA station chief or a protector witch, there’s a consistent, quiet power there.
If you're trying to track down the best ali ahn movies and shows, you've probably noticed her filmography is surprisingly deep. She isn't a "new" face. She's a seasoned pro who has been grinding in the New York theater scene and prestige TV for over a decade.
The Big Breakout: The Diplomat and Agatha All Along
If you’re like most people, you recognize Ali Ahn from her role as Eidra Park in Netflix’s The Diplomat.
She plays the CIA station chief in London. Honestly, she might be the coolest person on that show. While Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler is spiraling or dealing with her chaotic husband, Eidra is the one actually running the intelligence operations. She’s guarded. She’s sharp. She has that incredible chemistry with Stuart (played by Ato Essandoh) that makes their office romance feel incredibly real and, frankly, a bit heartbreaking in season two.
Then came Marvel.
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In Agatha All Along, Ahn took a hard left turn into the supernatural as Alice Wu-Gulliver. She played a "protector witch" who was basically the muscle of the coven. It was a role that dealt with a lot of heavy themes—inherited trauma, the legacy of her rockstar mother, and a family curse.
It was a huge departure from the dry, intellectual world of international relations. She even got to do her own stunts and sing! Seeing her go from a CIA jacket to a denim vest and magical sigils proved she has some serious range.
The Roles You Forgot She Was In
Before she was a series regular on global hits, Ahn was a "working actor" in the truest sense. You’ve definitely seen her in guest spots.
Remember Orange Is the New Black? She was there. Billions? She played Carly. She even popped up in Supernatural as the demon Dagon back in 2017.
- Raising Dion: This was one of her first big main roles on Netflix. She played Suzanne Wu, a biotech CEO. It’s a superhero show, but she played it with a level of corporate realism that made the sci-fi elements feel much more believable.
- The Path: She spent a few years playing Nicole on this Hulu series about a cult. It was dark, moody, and gave her a lot of room to play with complex morality.
- Liberal Arts: This is a bit of a deep cut, but she was in Josh Radnor's 2012 indie film.
One of the coolest things about her career is her theater background. She made her Broadway debut in The Heidi Chronicles alongside Elisabeth Moss. Most people don't know that she’s a Yale and CalArts graduate. That "intelligent" vibe she brings to her roles isn't just acting—she’s legit.
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Ali Ahn Movies: The Indie Gems
While most of her fame comes from the small screen, her film work is where she gets to be a bit more experimental.
She starred in a movie called Anya in 2019. It’s a contemporary sci-fi story about a couple trying to have a baby, only to discover they are part of a unique evolutionary branch. It’s weird and beautiful.
She was also in Lucky Grandma, a dark comedy set in New York's Chinatown. If you haven't seen it, go find it. It features a chain-smoking 80-year-old grandma who gets caught up with local gangsters. Ahn plays the daughter, Lynn, and it’s a great look at the "messy" family dynamics she excels at portraying.
More recently, she filmed an action movie called Pig Village with Don Lee (the legend from Train to Busan). It was shot mostly in Korea but in English. It hasn't had a massive US release yet, but for fans of her work, it’s one to keep an eye on.
Why She’s the Actor to Watch Right Now
The "Ali Ahn vibe" is hard to replicate. She’s often the only woman of color in these high-power rooms on screen, and she’s spoken openly about how important that representation is.
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But she doesn't play "representative" characters. She plays people who are good at their jobs, who have messy love lives, and who are occasionally cursed by demons.
The industry finally seems to have caught up with her. In 2025, she received a Supporting Actress Award at the Celebration of AAPI Cinema & Television for her work in The Diplomat. It was a long time coming.
How to Binge the Best of Ali Ahn
If you want to see her at her best, start with The Diplomat. The dialogue is fast, the politics are dense, and she is the anchor of the whole show.
After that, hit up Agatha All Along. It’s a completely different energy but shows off her ability to handle emotional, character-driven arcs.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch The Diplomat Season 2: If you haven't finished it yet, the evolution of Eidra’s character is one of the best parts of the new episodes.
- Check out Lucky Grandma: It’s a masterclass in indie filmmaking and shows a different side of her than the big-budget Netflix stuff.
- Follow her theater roots: Keep an eye on New York theater listings. Ahn often returns to the stage, and seeing her perform live is a totally different experience than seeing her on a screen.
- Search for Pig Village: Set an alert for this movie. An action collab with Don Lee is going to be a massive departure for her.
Ali Ahn isn't just a "supporting" actor anymore. She’s the person you hire when you need a character to feel smart, capable, and human all at once.