My dad took me to all the best rock and punk shows when I was growing up and music has always been a part of my life. So I'm very interested in the music scene and I suppose that's why I've ended up going out with musicians. Dave Pirner is still one of my best friends.

In 2000 Ryder received a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood California. " Ryder appeared in the comedy The Darwin Awards with Joseph Fiennes. Her next starring role was in How to Make an American Quilt (1995) an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Whitney Otto co-starring Anne Bancroft.

She made her film debut in the 1986 film Lucas. She has since revealed her personal struggles with anxiety and depression. She also reunited with Burton for Frankenweenie (2012).