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Monica Barbaro gained most popularity as the high-flying Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick. However, her career is marked by variety, demonstrating that she is not just a fighter pilot but a versatile actress. Whether the films in question include a light-hearted romantic comedy, a full-throated legal drama, or a biopic filled with emotional complexity, Monica has portrayed a wide range of characters in both movies and TV shows. She achieves depth in her acting, whether by making us laugh with impeccable timing or captivating us with the silent impact of emotion.
This list focuses on 10 performances that demonstrate Monica Barbaro's growth, versatility, and unique on-screen persona. Her talent offers a fresh perspective in each project, be it in a small indie film or a large streaming series. These appearances show that Monica Barbaro is not just the Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick; she is one of the most promising and talented actors coming up in our time.
Disclaimer: This article is solely the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.
Here is the list of the 10 Monica Barbaro movies and TV shows that prove she’s way more than just Phoenix from Top Gun: Maverick.
10. FUBAR (2003-present)
FUBAR is a Netflix action comedy TV show where Monica Barbaro portrays the role of Emma Brunner. She works for the CIA and is horrified to learn that her father, Luke (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger), is also a spy. In another humorous session where therapy is being held, she and Luke work with puppets to lay out their problems.
The spontaneous and clever use of improvisation Monica's character demonstrates, such as imitating her father and his accent, is realistic and truly captivating. She brings the right amount of anger, intelligence, and wit to her character as well, indicating that she was not afraid of doing stunts and comedies.
9. Splitting Up Together (2018-2019)
In Splitting Up Together, Monica Barbaro plays Lisa Apple, a charming recurring character in this family sitcom. Lisa, a physical therapist who also helps the main character with co-parenting advice, plays the part with humor and energy. Her character comes across as very natural and honest, even though she was introduced as a potential love interest for the main male character.
Lisa Apple employs gentle humor to defuse emotionally charged scenes, demonstrating that she will engage the audience in the most relaxed, relatable moments rather than the high-octane action.
8. The Good Cop (2018)
Monica Barbaro plays Detective Cora Vasquez in this crime-comedy series on Netflix. In the sweries, Cora is presented as a street-smart detective on the All-City Homicide Task Force who is often at odds with her by-the-book partner, TJ Caruso.
She can hold her own against seasoned performers like Tony Danza and Josh Groban because of her vivacious demeanor and astute timing. Throughout the series, she demonstrates her ability to add both lightness and power to procedural drama.
7. Chicago Justice (2017)
Chicago Justice is a legal drama series dealing with the lives of prosecutors at the Cook County State Attorney's Office. Monica Barbaro plays Anna Valdez, a well-rounded, goal-oriented assistant state attorney. One of the courtroom scenes stands out because Anna cross-examines a player in a major league who is accused of assault. You can see how she gains confidence after uncovering a falsehood with a single, incisive question.
She speaks very calmly, and there’s a determined look in her eyes that shows she’s both intelligent and persuasive by nature. She isn’t just reciting her lines; she’s demanding that they be taken seriously.
6. UnREAL (2016)
UnREAL is a dark story unfolding underneath a razor-thin dating show. Monica Barbaro enters in season 2 as Yael, an undercover reporter planted in the show by producers to cause a stir. Her primary role is to create conflict and intrigue by secretly reporting to the show's producers.
It reaches a tipping point when Yael approaches the lead actor in a staged group date. Her voice remains calm, her eyes are genuine, and she realizes that she does not want to be a puppet. Monica Barbaro's character is real, emotional, smart, and tough.
5. A Complete Unknown (2024)
A Complete Unknown is a biopic of young Bob Dylan, and Monica Barbaro plays the role of folk musician Joan Baez. A lovely dawn image followed Dylan's song "Blowin' in the Wind." Monica ends up in a conversation with Baez, who listens first and in harmony. Her face is filled with a mixture of love, admiration, and shock.
The single-take shot captures a private moment in her life, showcasing this actress' authenticity as both an actor and a musician. This scene is emotional, vulnerable, and deeply humane. This revealed her ability to carry an entire film through her presence and musical sincerity, without relying on external factors like jet fuel and sheer bravery.
4. At Midnight (2023)
At Midnight is a romantic comedy in which Monica Barbaro appears as Sophie, the actress who starred in superhero films, who catches her co-star and boyfriend cheating on her during filming in Mexico. She then begins a relationship with Alejandro, a hotel manager at the hotel where she's staying.
Her character is both strong and ashamed, and the audience enjoyed her performance. Barbaro gives us a look into what moves her character. The performance is subtle and delicate.
3. I'm Charlie Walker (2022)
Monica Barbaro plays Peggy in I'm Charlie Walker, a true-story drama about cleaning up an oil spill in San Francisco Bay in 1971, costarring Mike Colter. One particularly fascinating instance is when Peggy consoles Walker's wife as things worsen. A tense situation made more powerful by her character's gentle touch and tone. Her strength, concern, and compassion are evident in her eyes.
Barbaro transforms the action heroine into the real-life figure of a caring mother in a single scene. It highlights that, in addition to portraying Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick, she can bring a lot of character and passion to her projects.
2. The Cathedral (2021)
The Cathedral is a subdued coming-of-age story. The film centers on the marriage of Richard Damrosch and Lydia Orkin, played by Monica Barbaro. The family falls apart as the couple cannot find happiness in their union and eventually separate.
Barbaro's stillness, firm nod, and contemplative gaze convey love and grief. No melodrama—just pure emotion in a scene of introspection and love. Here, she can demonstrate space holding and inner life in the absence of action or explosions.
1. Bullish (2013)
Bullish is an independent comedy about Berkeley students who hit it rich in the stock market and soon became young landlords in the Occupy movement. Monica Barbaro plays Eva, one of the students who learns how to work with this sudden fortune and crazy capitalistic plans. Early in the film, Eva is shown boldly selling a risky real estate deal to the others.
She is strong, she asks questions behind the small print, and she counteracts tension with acerbic jokes. Her presentation is commercially smart and down-to-earth. This is actual business sense, not only emotional heroism. The audience gets to see Monica Barbaro's Eva appear as a smart and resourceful woman, just like the character portrayed by her as Phoenix from Top Gun: Maverick.
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When we revisit these ten roles, we can see that Monica Barbaro has crafted a career filled with passion, variety, and emotional truth. Although most people were initially drawn to her as Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick, her earlier and more recent roles have shown that she is capable of much more than just flying jets. She has tackled everything from comedy to sorrow, not to mention her indie roots in Bullish and her poignant character in The Cathedral, as well as A Complete Unknown.
Her career demonstrated her ability to excel in action, drama, and comedy. Monica Barbaro did not just perform; she engaged. And through this connection, she became much more than a single character. She emerged as a storyteller to follow.
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