Ysabel Mariz Austria

Julia Barretto’s most memorable film characters we love

Article (news)

Xian Oquendo

<p>Beauty, charisma, and undeniable talent — there are just so many things that make Julia Barretto one of the most captivating actresses of her generation. Over the years, she has taken on a variety of roles, proving her versatility through <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2025/10/20/5-underrated-scenes-from-joshua-and-julia-s-love-you-to-the-stars-and-back-1837" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">characters</a> that vary from <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">romantic</a> leads to intense, emotional portrayals. </p><p>To celebrate Julia’s birthday, let’s take a look back at some of the women she has brought to life on screen — characters that showcase her range and keep audiences coming back for more. </p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Kath in ‘Vince and Kath and James’</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>As Kath, Julia charms viewers with her bubbly personality, caught in a love triangle with an anonymous texter in the guise of James (Ronnie Alonte), but turns out to be Vince (Joshua Garcia)! The role perfectly showcases her romcom charm and youthful warmth. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hSRr0yBC1BI?si=QZcrZEaJ1a555lRt" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Mika in ‘Love You to the Stars and Back’ </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Aliens, chickens, and a roadtrip mixed together! Julia takes us to a whimsical journey as Mika, an eccentric young woman searching for aliens. Along the way, she meets Caloy (Joshua Garcia), and the two embark on an adventure that slowly unfolds into a story of healing and connection. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OCjLCcmBnFE?si=xDsHG-kIB49YELSm" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Yanni in ‘Unexpectedly Yours’ </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>In this heartfelt family romance, Julia portrays Yanni, the protective yet loving daughter of Patty (Sharon Cuneta). When Patty reconnects with her former classmate Cocoy (Robin Padilla), Yanni also finds herself drawn to Cocoy’s nephew Jason, portrayed by Joshua Garcia. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sBQxjgo8lKY?si=_D4Hyis_OTbff21W" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Zoey in ‘I Love You, Hater’</strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>As Zoey, Julia is fiercer than ever! She plays a determined assistant working under the powerful Sasha Imperial, played by Kris Aquino. When she finds herself competing against Joko (Joshua Garcia) for a coveted career opportunity, romance begins to spark, giving Julia the chance to show both competitiveness and vulnerability. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R7jk_jFVqAw?si=QaR_DA0bEi7S6YNW" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Hazel in ‘Between Maybes’ </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Julia plays Hazel, a celebrity who escapes to Japan in search of peace and clarity. There, she meets Louie (Gerald Anderson), and together they form a quiet but meaningful connection while helping each other rediscover what truly matters. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cY3gM0O5Amo?si=H99ApSrkathQ33zL" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>PJ in ‘Block Z’</strong></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Julia proves she can tackle intense genres as well in this horror thriller. As PJ, a pre-med student, she finds herself trapped in a terrifying campus zombie outbreak. Determined and resourceful, PJ fights to survive alongside her friends, showing a more action-driven and fearless side of Julia on screen. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcExjh6orUI?si=jn1N3lRAUPZts7RS" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Zy in ‘Un/Happy For You’ </strong></div><div><br/></div><p>In one of her most recent roles, Julia portrays Zy Angeles, an aspiring writer who unexpectedly reconnects with her ex, Juancho (Joshua Garcia). What begins as a plan fueled by unresolved feelings slowly evolves into something more complicated as past love resurfaces in unexpected ways. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yiLQqat7W7o?si=HluzBN4pxotB6It-" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>And if you still can’t get enough of Julia Barretto, get allured by this compilation of her most beautiful movie moments from our archives! </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Fu0JltubYA?si=AY9rZeyMHHmU03nr" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Watch more exclusive videos and FREE FULL MOVIES of your favorite celebrities from the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ABSstarcinema" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Star Cinema official YouTube channel</a>! </p><div><br/></div><div> </div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS: </strong></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZyR0bYnQ0hc?si=VFIOK6lhPIqa7IqW" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hSRr0yBC1BI?si=8P-lboJBqvmBU6EO" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>RELATED STORIES: </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/films/2026/2/18/belle-mariano-donny-pangilinan-journey-to-the-past-in-tayo-sa-wakas-announcement-teaser-1606" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan journey to the past in ‘Tayo Sa Wakas’ announcement teaser</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/starcinema/articles-news/joshua-garcia-julia-barretto-praised-by-celebs-viewers-for-heart-wrenching-performances-in-unhappy-for-you-23180" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto praised by celebs, viewers for heart-wrenching performances in ‘Un/Happy For You’</a></div>