Mariska Hargitay
ActingAbout Mariska Hargitay
Mariska Hargitay (born January 23, 1964) is an American actress, producer, director and activist, best known for her role as New York City sex crimes Detective Olivia Benson on on the NBC television drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role that has earned her multiple awards and nominations, including an Emmy and Golden Globe. The daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and actor/bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, Hargitay is a former beauty queen who made her film debut in the 1985 horror-comedy film Ghoulies, and her major television debut in the 1986 adventure drama series, Downtown. She appeared in numerous roles in film and television shows throughout the late 1980s and 1990s before being cast as Olivia Benson, a role that led to her founding the Joyful Heart Foundation, which provides support to women who have been sexually abused.
Mariska Hargitay Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Mariska Hargitay reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 29 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Mariska Hargitay's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 24% of Mariska Hargitay's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Mariska Hargitay Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Mariska Hargitay's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Mariska Hargitay has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | My Mom Jayne | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Winona Ryder: The Ghosts She Called | Actress on the Stage (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | BLKBX: wht r u hding? | Dr. Hart | Flop | Similar → |
| 2020 | 30 Rock: A One-Time Special | Mariska Hargitay | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | I Am Evidence | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live | Self - Special Guest | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Jayne Mansfield: The Tragedy of a Blonde | (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Stuck | Narrator | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | F--k | Mariska | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Love Guru | Mariska Hargitay (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2004 | Plain Truth | Ellie Harrison | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Perfume | Darcy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1999 | Lake Placid | Myra Okubo | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Advocate's Devil | Rendi | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Night Sins | Paige Price | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Leaving Las Vegas | Hooker At Bar | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Gambler: Playing for Keeps | Etta Place | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Bank Robber | Marisa Benoit | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Come the Morning | Church Woman | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Blind Side | Melanie | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Hard Time Romance | Anita | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Strawberry Road | Jill Banner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Perfect Weapon | Jennifer | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Finish Line | Lisa Karsh | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Mr. Universe | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Jocks | Nicole | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Welcome to 18 | Joey | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Ghoulies | Donna | Flop | Similar → |
Mariska Hargitay - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Mariska Hargitay?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Mariska Hargitay is "The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU" with a rating of 9.7/10.
How many movies has Mariska Hargitay acted in?
Mariska Hargitay has been featured in at least 29 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Mariska Hargitay?
Other notable films include "Strawberry Road", "Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live", and "Mr. Universe".