Sydney Sweeney appears to be everywhere these days—gracing your screens, dominating fashion features, and making waves across the digital world. But beyond the viral moments and the red carpet, Sweeney is also proving to be far more than simply the troubled teen or the privileged daughter of Hollywood royalty. By sheer force of will, Sweeney has managed to carve her own path through the industry, demonstrating a very natural and convincing talent that still shines through from a distance. Here are ten film and television roles that not only showcase her incredible vocal range but also her courage as a performer:
10. Christy Martin (Upcoming Sports Biopic)
Sweeney’s next role brings her the challenge of playing the part of Christy Martin, the pioneering boxing champion. It’s a far cry from the other roles she’s had to date, and the transition demands rigorous training, a physical transformation, and even the donning of the 90s fashion staple – the mullet haircut. It’s not simply a case of transforming to fit the role but also of demonstrating her ability to carry a gritty sports drama and dispel any lingering perceptions of the type of roles she should and should not be taking.
9. Sister Cecilia in Immaculate
Horror movies are currently all the rage, and Sweeney is jumping into the fray headfirst. In the movie Immaculate, Sweeney stars as a nun in an Italian convent where something dark and sinister lurks beneath the surface. She not only starred in the movie, she also produced it, making a $9 million budget into a box office smash hit of $27 million. It’s full of gore, suspense, and fright, and shows that Sweeney is willing to get her hands dirty, both on and off the camera.
8. Reality Winner in Reality
Playing whistleblower, Reality Winner demanded precision, subtlety, and an ability to channel real-life events with honesty. Sweeney fought for this part, and her performance is taut, understated, and unforgettable. It’s the kind of role that sheds all the glamour, proving she can hold her own in serious political drama.
7. Snake in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Tarantino’s ode to 1969 Los Angeles gave Sweeney a small but memorable part as Snake, one of the Manson Family members. Sharing a film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt was a career milestone—and a signal to the industry that she could seamlessly fit into big-name, big-budget productions.
6. Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus
As Olivia, the razor-tongued, know-it-all college student, Sweeney delivered one of the first season’s sharpest performances. Equal parts amusing and infuriating, Olivia earned her an Emmy nod and cemented her reputation as someone who can play entitled with just the right edge of vulnerability.
5. Cassie Howard in Euphoria
Cassie is the role that made her a household name—a heartbreak-prone teen whose messy love life and emotional spirals became both meme-worthy and deeply moving. The performance earned her another Emmy nomination, but it also risked boxing her into the “troubled girl” lane—one she’s been deliberately steering away from ever since.
4. Alice in Sharp Objects
Originally meant to be a brief appearance, her role as Alice—a fragile, damaged young woman in a psychiatric ward—grew as the director kept adding scenes to showcase her talent. Acting opposite Amy Adams, she left a haunting impression that lingered long after the credits rolled.
3. Eden Spencer in The Handmaid’s Tale
In one of her most quietly devastating performances, Sweeney played Eden, a devout young bride in Gilead whose tragic fate delivers an emotional gut punch. Innocent yet resolute, Eden was an early hint at Sweeney’s ability to portray heartbreaking sincerity.
2. Emaline Addario on Everything Sucks!
Placed in the ’90s, this short-lived Netflix show allowed Sweeney to showcase her comedic chops alongside touching moments. Playing drama club queen Emaline, she charmed the screen with charisma and emotional depth, and she was the standout in the ensemble.
1. Lana on Clementine
Leading the pack is Lana, an enigmatic and intriguing young woman in the indie drama Clementine. Her multi-faceted performance—part vulnerability, part mystery—grounds the film’s subtle tension and makes it one of her most underappreciated films.
Sydney Sweeney’s career up to this point is an exercise in not being typecast. Whether she’s wearing a habit, sporting boxing gloves, or subtly peeling away a character’s most profound vulnerabilities, she infuses every role with an intensity and authenticity that’s hard to deny. One thing is for sure—she’s just beginning.