Life can sometimes feel like it’s stacking the odds against you, but the trick is to keep grinding, to never let up. That relentless spirit is exactly what Michelle Trachtenberg carried with her throughout her career. From her first steps into the spotlight at age three on The Adventures of Pete & Pete, to leaving a lasting impression on fans through iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, she faced both triumphs and hurdles along the way.
Though we no longer have the privilege of her vibrant energy—she passed away far too soon at just 39—the legacy she carved on screen is one that will stand the test of time.
Her net worth may have been around $7 million at the time of her death, which might not sound like the massive fortune of some of her peers, but it’s enough to mark the significant success of her career.
But let’s take a step back and look at her true contributions to pop culture in the form of her best movies—films that were like a treasure chest of creativity, where she showcased her talent, versatility, and sheer star power. Whether you’re a die-hard Buffy fan or someone just discovering her, these three flicks deserve your attention.
3. Harriet the Spy (1996)
Michelle Trachtenberg made an unforgettable entrance into the world of cinema with Bronwen Hughes’ Harriet the Spy. Based on the beloved children’s novel, the late actress played the eponymous Harriet, a curious and precocious girl who makes a habit of observing and documenting the lives of those around her. However, it’s when her private journal is discovered that the drama truly begins. This movie is a journey through the lens of a young girl realizing the power—and consequences—of words.
Harriet the Spy was more than just a family movie. It held a mirror up to the complexities of growing up, personal responsibility, and friendship. The film brought in $26.6 million at the box office, making it a successful piece of childhood nostalgia. If you grew up in the ’90s, you know it’s one of those movies that stays with you.
Harriet the Spy is streaming on Pluto TV.
2. Mysterious Skin (2005)
In Mysterious Skin, Michelle Trachtenberg takes on a much more intense and challenging role. While her portrayal of the quirky, fun Jenny in EuroTrip was lighthearted, here she steps into a much darker and more complex narrative. Mysterious Skin is a harrowing coming-of-age drama that explores the deep, often painful effects of childhood trauma, specifically s*xual abuse.
The film follows two boys, Neil (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Brian (Brady Corbet), who were both victims of abuse at a young age. However, the trauma affects them in drastically different ways. Neil becomes a reckless, s*xually adventurous pr*stitute, while Brian retreats into a fantasy world, convinced that his abuser’s actions were linked to an alien abduction.
Mysterious Skin doesn’t shy away from tough subjects, but the sensitive direction by Gregg Araki ensures it’s handled with the seriousness and respect it deserves. The film received widespread acclaim, boasting an 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Though it didn’t rake in a huge box office haul (only $2.1 million), it has been praised by critics for its portrayal of trauma and its aftermath (The Numbers).
Mysterious Skin can be rented on Amazon Video.
1. Ice Princess
In Ice Princess, Michelle Trachtenberg steps into the role of Casey Carlyle, a physics student who dreams of becoming a figure skater despite the objections of her mother. As she pursues this dream, she grapples with the challenge of balancing the expectations of academia with her newfound passion for skating. It’s a story of courage, determination, and discovering the joy of following your heart.
This movie, though met with mixed reviews, offers a deeply inspiring message—especially for anyone who’s ever faced the tough decision between the ‘safe’ route and the one that truly fuels their passion.
You can stream Ice Princess on Disney+.
Though Michelle Trachtenberg’s net worth at the time of her passing was estimated at $7 million (via Yahoo), the true value of her career lies in the lasting impact she had on her audiences. Through her roles, she made us laugh, think, and even shed a few tears.
Whether it was her rebellious, scheming Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, or the shy, ambitious Casey Carlyle in Ice Princess, Trachtenberg knew how to bring her characters to life with authenticity and heart.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
