You know that feeling when you're watching a massive blockbuster and the "best friend" character walks on screen and suddenly the movie actually gets funny? That’s basically the entire career of Kat Dennings. She has this weird, specific energy—sort of a mix of "I’m too tired for this" and "I’m definitely the smartest person in this room"—that has made her a staple of our screens for over two decades.
Honestly, most people probably know her from 2 Broke Girls or as the intern-turned-doctor Darcy Lewis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But if you look at the full list of Kat Dennings movies and shows, there is a lot of hidden gold (and some very 2000s-era weirdness) that you might have forgotten about.
The MCU Glow-Up: From Intern to Dr. Darcy Lewis
Back in 2011, when the first Thor came out, Darcy Lewis was basically just there to say the word "Mjolnir" wrong and look confused at Chris Hemsworth’s abs. Fast forward to 2021, and she became the MVP of WandaVision.
Seeing her return as a legitimate doctor of astrophysics was the character development we didn’t know we needed. She wasn't just a sidekick anymore; she was the audience's surrogate, eating chips and getting sucked into the Westview drama just like the rest of us.
Lately, there’s been a lot of chatter about her future in the franchise. In early 2026, Kat actually mentioned in interviews that while she isn't officially in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday (at least, that’s the company line), Marvel has "scanned" her into their digital system.
"They could put me in anything they want at this point. Who knows? I'm in the system!" — Kat Dennings on her Marvel future.
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It's a bit of a weird, dystopian thought, but it means Darcy could technically pop up anywhere. Even if she isn't on a filming schedule, the "Digital Kat" exists.
The Sitcom Era: 2 Broke Girls and Shifting Gears
Let’s talk about Max Black. For six seasons on 2 Broke Girls, Kat Dennings played the most cynical waitress in Brooklyn. The show was a massive hit for CBS, even if the humor was, let’s be real, a little "of its time."
The chemistry between Kat and Beth Behrs was the only reason that show worked as long as it did. There’s been some retrospective criticism lately—fans on Reddit and TikTok often argue that Max was "demoted" to a sidekick in her own show as the seasons went on—but Kat’s delivery never faltered. She can make a mediocre joke land like a punch to the gut.
After the cult-favorite Dollface was unfortunately canceled (RIP to the Cat Lady), Kat pivoted back to the multi-cam sitcom world.
Right now, she's starring in Shifting Gears alongside Tim Allen. She plays Riley, the estranged daughter who moves back in with her classic-car-restoration-obsessed dad. It’s classic ABC comfort TV. While it’s a total 180 from her edgy indie roots, it broke streaming records on Disney+ in 2025. It turns out people really like seeing her play the "grounded adult" against Tim Allen’s "grumpy dad" archetype.
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The Indie Darling You Forgot About
If you only know her from TV, you are missing out on her best work.
The 2008 film Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist is essentially the Bible for anyone who went through an "indie sleaze" phase. It captures a very specific 3:00 AM vibe in New York City. Kat plays Norah, and she manages to be vulnerable and prickly all at once.
Then there’s Charlie Bartlett, where she played opposite the late Anton Yelchin. She was Robert Downey Jr.’s daughter in that one. Think about that for a second. The sarcasm levels in that household would be lethal.
A Quick Rundown of Must-Watch Kat Dennings Projects:
- WandaVision (2021): Catch her at her most "competent nerd" peak.
- Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008): The ultimate late-night NYC movie.
- The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005): She plays Steve Carell’s "daughter-figure" Marla. She was only like 18 here but already had that signature "I’m judging you" look down pat.
- Defendor (2009): A super underrated movie where she plays a sex worker who helps a deluded "superhero" (Woody Harrelson). It’s dark, weird, and shows she has way more range than just sitcom one-liners.
- To Write Love on Her Arms (2012): This one is heavy. It's a biopic where she plays Renee Yohe, and it's probably her most dramatic, raw performance.
The Voice That Fits Everywhere
People sometimes forget that Kat has a massive career in voice acting. She has this naturally husky, somewhat deadpan voice that creators love.
She’s been Leah Birch in Big Mouth, which is hilarious. But the real standout is her role as Death in the Audible adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman.
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There was actually some weird controversy about this. Some fans complained her voice sounded "too sarcastic" for the character of Death, who is supposed to be warm and kind. But that’s the point. Kat’s Death is a modern take—she sounds like the cool older sister who is going to help you cross over without making a big deal out of it. It works because it’s unexpected.
Why She’s Still Around (And Why We Care)
Hollywood is notoriously bad at knowing what to do with actresses who don't fit the "perfectly polished" mold. Kat has been open about being told she was "too fat" or "not pretty enough" when she was starting out at 12 years old.
She basically told the industry to deal with it.
She didn't change her teeth, she didn't change her vibe, and she didn't stop being "the weirdo." That authenticity is why her fanbase is so loyal. Whether she’s playing a scientist in a $200 million Marvel movie or a waitress in a diner, she feels like a person you actually know.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch Shifting Gears: If you want to see her current work, it's streaming on Hulu and Disney+. It’s lighter than her usual stuff, but her chemistry with Tim Allen is surprisingly solid.
- Listen to The Sandman on Audible: Even if you aren't into "audio dramas," her performance as Death is worth the subscription alone.
- Revisit Dollface: If you missed it during its original run, it’s one of the best portrayals of female friendship and the "post-breakup" identity crisis. It deserved a third season.
- Keep an eye on the Avengers: Doomsday cast lists: Since she’s "in the system," a cameo as Darcy Lewis is highly likely, even if she's currently denying it.
Kat Dennings has managed to survive the transition from child actor to indie queen to sitcom star, and she's done it without losing the edge that made her famous in the first place. She’s not just a "supporting actress"—she’s often the best part of whatever she’s in.