Let’s just be honest. Sydney Sweeney is everywhere these days. However, things have gone beyond the fact that she looks good or that she is always in the headlines. She has shown that she is much more than just a social media buzz or an event darling by going from Hollywood’s most sought-after star to having local roots in Spokane. Whether it is on HBO, where she is stirring drama, or in movies that are topping the box office, Sweeney’s secret weapon is her range. That’s also what keeps us hooked. Here goes a list of the 10 best Sydney Sweeney performances – the roles that reveal why Hollywood is crazy about her.
10. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Before the name Sydney Sweeney was on everyone’s lips, she had already managed to snag a minor role in Quentin Tarantino’s period classic. As Dianne “Snake” Lake, a teenage girl from the Manson Family, she didn’t get much time on stage, but her brief appearance stayed with you long after watching. It was one of those “if you know, you know” encounters – evidence of Tarantino’s sharp ear for talent. Although her screen time was minimal, her cameo was a picayune salute to the happening that followed.
9. Big Time Adolescence (2019)
Her exit film from adolescence gave her ample opportunity to charm as Holly, the stylish girlfriend who finds herself in the midst of the chaos surrounding Pete Davidson’s character. Although not at the center of the scene, she shone like a diamond in the sun in every scene she was present. She was absolutely at ease with the other performers and brought a vibe of groundedness to the film that otherwise would have been nothing but jokes and chaos. Watching her in this film, you couldn’t help but think: She will be a star.
8. Everything Sucks! (2018)
The brief ’90s nostalgia trip on Netflix was a platform for one of Sweeney’s breakout performances. She was Emaline, the queen of melodrama with a penchant for drama and a progressively softening heart, and to that end, Sweeney was funny, delicate, and unforgettable. The show’s demise after one season was a scandal, but Emaline blew gauges and gave the audience proof that Sweeney had the chops to make teenage drama both raw and highly amusing.
7. Reality (2023)
The critics couldn’t stop praising Sweeney’s transformation in this nerve-racking indie. She was the only force behind the whistleblower Reality Winner and was a presence felt in almost the very same time and place, i.e., near real-time and only one setting. It is a performance of pure pressure, and Sweeney slapped it with her unvarnished might. The reward? Accolades, glowing reviews, and a show-stopping act dispel all doubts about her dramatic spectrum. “Reality” was not a career highlight; rather, it was a revelation.
6. Sharp Objects (2018)
Not to forget that Sweeney had the opportunity to show off her abilities in the only episode of HBO’s scary and edgy limited series, and still made a remarkable footprint behind the scenes. She was the young woman Alice, who, like Amy Adams’ character, had to share a psychiatric ward and was heartbreaking in her vulnerability. Their relation was short but profoundly emotional, and Sweeney’s performance of trauma was as powerful and intense as if it had been real. It’s an example of a minor character that stays with you long after the movie is over.
5. The White Lotus (2021)
HBO’s biting satire saw Sweeney playing the part of Olivia, a wealthy college student with a sharp tongue and inexhaustible sass, to the best of her ability. While this role could have been one-dimensional, she unveiled more sides to Olivia – sometimes clever, hurtful, and shockingly tender. Her performance was among those nominated for an Emmy and marked her out as a candidate who could easily partner with the prestigious TV show. Watching her dump insults by the pool was like the climax of a TV drama at its finest.
4. Euphoria (2019– )
It was the role of Cassie Howard that made Sweeney a household name overnight. Imperfect, messy, and full of life, Cassie was one of the most talked-about TV characters. Through relatable self-worth, toxic relationship, and body image plotlines, Sweeney opened up so much that viewers felt compelled to watch— even when Cassie was doing terrible things. Her Emmy nods are absolutely deserved, and this part of her career really made her a Gen Z icon.
3. Anyone But You (2023)
The rom-com era has made a return, and Sweeney is the center of it all. Playing Bea opposite Glen Powell, she made Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing contemporary with all the sparks, banter, and chemistry that were there to share. This movie was the perfect medium to showcase her comedic talent as much as her dramatic one. Fun, smart, and endlessly watchable, this was the part that made Hollywood realize she had the power to carry big, mainstream blockbusters with ease.
2. Americana (2023)
If you need evidence that Sweeney is not hesitant to go off-beat, Americana should be considered as such. She was shaped absolutely around the oddity of the character of Penny Jo Poplin in this dark, chaotic neo-noir, and critics responded with rave reviews. The film had an incredible reception at SXSW and is now her highest-rated work on Rotten Tomatoes. It is the kind of indie goodwill that legitimizes her commercial success and tells the audience that she is serious about honing her craft through diverse roles.
1. The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2018)
The Handmaid’s Tale saw Sweeney shocking fans with a different performance, just a little bit before she became a star with Euphoria. As Eden, a deeply religious teenager confined in Gilead’s totalitarian nightmare, she delivered a nuanced and heartbreaking performance. The unfortunate fate and quiet resilience of Eden highlighted Sweeney’s ability to tell a story without flashy theatrics—only emotion, subtlety, and presence. Most viewers continue to consider it one of her best works, and it is not difficult to comprehend the reason for that.
While gradually landing more significant roles, Sydney Sweeney didn’t limit herself to just small supporting characters. She proved she could handle satire, indie films, and high-stakes drama just as well. She may be the most talked-about star in Tinseltown, no doubt about it, but she is also a multi-dimensional and fiercely talented actress who never stops surprising us with her performances.