8 Best Mercedes McNab Movies And TV Shows: Killer Roles Ranked

Can’t find something good to watch and tired of clicking through endless options? Mercedes McNab starred in many gripping horror films and hit TV episodes. This list ranks the 8 best Mercedes McNab movies and TV shows, guiding you straight to her most thrilling roles, from Harmony Kendall in Buffy to killer scenes in Hatchet.

Keep reading if you dare!

Who is Mercedes McNab? A Look at Her Life and Career

Mercedes McNab rose to fame as Harmony Kendall, the ditzy vampire in cult TV shows that changed pop culture forever. Her journey from child star to horror film icon shows her range and staying power in Hollywood.

Early life and introduction to acting

Alicia McNab was born on March 14, 1980, in Vancouver, British Columbia. At age 9, she relocated to Los Angeles with her parents—a move that began her acting journey. Her natural ability quickly became clear, earning her first acting job at just 10 years old.

That initial appearance came in the 1991 movie “The Addams Family”, in a small but standout part as a Girl Scout. This memorable first role helped kickstart her entertainment career.

The Buffyverse gave me a chance to grow up on screen and connect with fans in a way I never expected.

Her Canadian background and early experiences in Hollywood laid the foundation for her later success. Moving to Los Angeles opened many doors to film and television roles. Talent agents noticed McNab’s childhood acting abilities—leading to additional parts in movies and TV shows.

This early step into acting built her growing recognition in entertainment circles.

Career breakthrough and key milestones

Mercedes McNab became a household name in 1993, lighting up the screen as Amanda Buckman in the hit film “Addams Family Values“. This memorable part quickly drew Hollywood’s attention, highlighting her knack for bringing characters to life.

Her career took off even further with the role of Harmony Kendall in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer“, a gig she held from 1997 until 2003. Her portrayal of Harmony—an amusingly shallow, strangely likable vampire—made her popular among the show’s widespread fanbase. Fans loved her unique blend of charm and comedic timing, often describing her as the beautiful nerdy woman who instantly became a favorite character.

The series’ massive popularity turned Mercedes into a familiar face for television viewers nationwide. Due to its success, her character smoothly transitioned to the spin-off “Angel”, running from 2001 to 2004.

Later, Mercedes explored the horror genre, taking on the role of Misty in two films: “Hatchet” (2006) and its sequel, “Hatchet II” (2010). These movies allowed her to stretch her acting abilities, showcasing a new side in darker, scarier storytelling.

On the personal side, Mercedes tied the knot with Mark Henderson in 2012, and together, they have one child—a daughter named Vaunne Sydney Henderson.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer made Mercedes McNab famous for her role as Harmony Kendall, from 1997 to 2003. The series earned a strong IMDb rating of 8.3, with over 167,000 fan votes, reflecting its huge popularity.

Surprisingly, McNab originally auditioned for Buffy herself—but lost out to Sarah Michelle Gellar. Watching the show during its first run, I clearly recall McNab’s spot-on portrayal of Harmony, a shallow, popularity-focused girl who later turns vampire.

Many fans—and McNab herself—felt the show ended far too early. She openly expressed sadness at the cancellation, since the series had become key to her acting career. Harmony evolved from a shallow popular girl in high school to a layered, entertaining vampire with unique storylines—showing off McNab’s acting talents along the way.

Even behavioral analysis experts could study McNab’s skill at capturing realistic teen behavior, making Harmony both irritating and oddly charming at once.

Angel

Mercedes McNab elevated Harmony’s character to a new level in the “Angel” series (1999-2004). She began as just a guest star, yet soon became a regular cast member during the final season.

Fans provided solid backing—the show earned a strong 7.9 IMDb rating from over 78,000 votes. I followed every episode and saw how McNab turned what could’ve easily been a flat character into someone funny and unexpectedly moving.

Her performance as a vampire secretary—working closely with the show’s lead villain—provided laughs but also surprising emotional depth. The series tackled weighty ideas like morality and redemption, while Harmony struggled against her vampire instincts.

Playing Harmony let me explore both comedy and darkness in ways I never expected.

An FBI behavioral analysis unit might view Harmony as an example of someone fighting her own darker impulses. McNab showed clear character growth across both the Buffy and Angel series, proving just how much talent and versatility she possessed.

Her natural chemistry with co-stars brought fresh spark even to the simplest office scenes at the show’s supernatural agency. Fans still lovingly repeat Harmony’s best jokes years after the series ended.

Now let’s shift gears and check out how Mercedes Alicia McNab showcased her skills in the classic film “Addams Family Values”.

Addams Family Values

After her recurring part in “Angel”, Mercedes McNab showcased her comedic talent in “Addams Family Values”. She reprised her role as Amanda Buckman—Wednesday Addams’ arrogant camp rival.

Released in 1993, this follow-up gained more praise than its original, earning a rating of 6.8 on IMDb from 117,000 votes. Critics were impressed too, awarding it a respectable Metascore of 61 and applauding its darker humor and sharper dialogue.

Even now, I can’t help but laugh at the camp talent-show scene, in which the Addams kids finally give Amanda exactly what she deserves. With a runtime of only 94 minutes, the PG-13 flick delivers nonstop laughs and memorable moments.

McNab captured the bratty rich-kid role perfectly, proving she could skillfully handle comedy just as easily as horror. Her standout performance in this beloved film established her as a gifted young actress ready for various genres.

The Addams Family

Mercedes McNab first appeared on screen back in 1991, in the original “The Addams Family” movie—well before her well-known role in “Addams Family Values”. She portrayed a Girl Scout in the darkly humorous comedy, creating a memorable moment while trying to sell cookies to the eccentric Addams household.

Although her part was short, she left a lasting impression, demonstrating an instinctive talent for comedic timing even at a young age. This early appearance paved the way into Hollywood, solidifying her ability to perform comfortably alongside seasoned actors like Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia.

McNab easily slid into the oddball Addams universe, humorously contrasting her character’s wholesome innocence against their bizarre behavior. The film’s popular reception quickly opened doors, landing her an expanded role in the sequel—and eventually leading to a career that often included horror projects.

Fans initially spotted McNab in this modest yet meaningful role, appreciating her skill in capturing attention despite limited screen exposure. For many viewers, this brief role remains a cherished highlight in tracing Mercedes McNab’s acting journey over the years.

Hatchet

In “Hatchet” (2006), horror fans got a vivid glimpse into Mercedes McNab’s acting range, thanks to her tragic role as Misty. The slasher flick scored a decent 5.7 stars on IMDb, pulled from around 35,000 viewer ratings.

Misty’s fate is especially graphic—she ends up decapitated and dismembered by Kane Hodder’s terrifying character. Her death ranks among modern horror’s most brutal and intense scenes, marking a memorable moment in McNab’s career of playing doomed characters.

The use of practical effects in “Hatchet” stirred debate among horror enthusiasts. Some viewers liked the classic gore style, while others found the blood and body parts too obviously artificial.

Despite these technical debates, McNab’s acting shines through clearly. She consistently conveys genuine fear, even if the blood looks a little off at times. Her convincing performance established her for good as a modern scream queen, someone capable of delivering committed, intense moments of horror on screen.

Hatchet II

Mercedes McNab reprised her role as Misty in the gruesome horror sequel “Hatchet II” (2010). Released unrated in October 2010, the sheer brutality quickly caused theaters to remove it from screenings.

Horror lovers did give it solid attention—it earned a rating of 5.5 on IMDb from around 16,000 votes. McNab’s character battles against Victor Crowley, a grotesque and deformed murderer who unleashes relentless terror.

The film skillfully blends grotesque violence with dark comedy, resulting in scenes that trigger laughs, as well as shivers.

“Hatchet II” escalates the bloodshed, hitting levels so extreme that viewers can’t help but squirm and chuckle at the madness unfolding onscreen. Mercedes McNab once again shows off her skills at balancing horror with humor.

Fans still praise the movie today for its ruthless thrills and twisted comedy elements. McNab’s performance proves she can convincingly handle scream queen scares, along with comic relief.

Next, she appeared briefly as a guest star on the teen drama “Dawson’s Creek“, showing viewers a very different style of acting from her horror roles.

Dawson’s Creek

In 1998, actress Mercedes McNab appeared in the popular teen drama “Dawson’s Creek”, playing Missy Belland. She portrayed the typical popular girl, slightly mean but undeniably charismatic, who throws a memorable birthday party during season one’s “Birthday” episode.

Though her time on screen was short, McNab gave the character plenty of personality—blending just the right amount of charm with attitude. Her portrayal helped shape an important scene, shifting the main characters’ relationships in a new direction.

The WB network’s successful series allowed McNab to step away from supernatural roles, demonstrating her skill in a more everyday, teenage setting. Viewers already familiar with her vampire-related performances likely noticed her familiar blonde style and sharp tongue easily fitting into the drama-filled halls of this fictional high school.

I still recall watching that episode the night it aired—impressed by how perfectly she captured the attitude and personality of a high school classmate we all recognized.

Crossing Jordan

Mercedes McNab showcased her impressive acting talents in the hit medical crime drama “Crossing Jordan”. She portrayed Natalie Carson in 2007, bringing new depth and energy to this popular series.

The show earned a solid 7.0 IMDb rating from over 13,000 viewer votes. By blending forensic science with personal storylines, the drama gave McNab a chance to move beyond her usual horror roles.

Through Natalie, she revealed her abilities in serious, dramatic scenes—a far cry from the vampire tales she previously starred in.

Her performance in “Crossing Jordan” proved McNab’s flexibility across various TV genres. Acting alongside a talented cast, McNab explored realistic situations set around Boston’s medical examiners.

Fans familiar with her horror background enjoyed seeing her in relatable, down-to-earth scenarios. The character represented a key moment in McNab’s career, bridging her early projects and later returns to horror-themed productions.

Mercedes McNab’s diverse performances continue expanding her influence, hinting at even more exciting roles ahead in 2025.

How Will Mercedes McNab’s Legacy Evolve in 2025?

McNab’s portrayal as Harmony in “Buffy” and “Angel” could see renewed popularity in 2025, as streaming services introduce her characters to fresh audiences. Younger viewers frequently stumble onto older series and eagerly share their excitement online—this could boost interest in her past performances.

Fans and academics alike may offer new appreciation for the cultural influence her vampire role had on television storytelling. Reunion specials or series reboots are always possible, offering McNab chances to connect with wider audiences.

Movie lovers may also revisit her horror appearances in the “Hatchet” franchise. Over time, these films attracted devoted viewers, showcasing McNab’s acting talents beyond teen-centered humor.

Discussions among horror enthusiasts continue to grow her reputation within this genre. Her complete acting resume—from memorable supporting roles in the “Addams Family” movies to her varied TV appearances—reveals an actress capable of adding warmth and style to diverse characters.

People Also Ask