Sofia Carson’s rise from Disney Channel standout to one of Netflix’s favorite leading ladies feels like a real-life fairy tale sprinkled with music, emotion, and plenty of sparkle. Whether she’s belting out a powerful song, dancing through heartbreak, or taking on high-stakes drama, Carson has carved out a career defined by versatility and heart. She’s not just a star on the screen; she’s become a standout presence across genres. Here are the 10 best Sofia Carson movies and TV shows that show just how far her talent reaches.
10. The Life List (2025)
In this Netflix film of inspiration, Carson plays Alex, a young woman trying to put her life together after the loss of her mother. Based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel, it is a story that weaves romance, comedy, and emotional healing. Carson puts sincerity and warmth into the character while navigating grief and rediscovery impressively. It’s one of her most emotionally grounded performances yet.
9. Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists (2019)
Carson steps into more mature territory as Ava Jalali, a chic tech whiz with secrets of her own. This spin-off digs deep into the mysteries and scandals of Beacon Heights, and Carson’s portrayal combines strength with vulnerability. The role helped expand her audience beyond Disney and proved she could handle darker, complex storylines.
8. Feel the Beat (2020)
In this Netflix feel-good comedy, she stars as April, a dancer whose Broadway dreams fall apart, forcing her to return home and train a group of quirky young dancers. The movie is uplifting, heartwarming, and packed full of charm. Carson’s dancing, comedic timing, and heartfelt delivery make it a standout family film and one of her most lovable roles.
7. Songbird (2020)
Carson ventures into dystopian sci-fi as Sara Garcia, a woman living under strict lockdown during a deadly pandemic. The role is tense and emotional, quite dramatically different from her earlier work. She brings to the role of Sara a quiet strength, showing that she can really survive through more intense genres, delivering performances with layers of fear, hope, and resilience.
6. A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits (2016)
This modern musical take on the Cinderella story is a perfect vehicle for Carson’s singing, dancing, and acting. As Tessa Golding, she disguises herself to compete in a musical competition and brings both humor and heart to the role. It’s a sweet and uplifting film that helped to cement her reputation as a triple threat.
5. My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021)
Carson steps in behind the microphone, voicing Pipp Petals, a peppy pegasus pop star. Full of personality and musical flair, her voice work helps revive this beloved franchise for a new generation. She’s energetic, fun, and a hit with younger viewers; proof that her charm translates effortlessly to animation.
4. Descendants 2 (2017)
Returning as Evie, daughter of the Evil Queen, Carson shines even brighter in this sequel. The movie develops Evie’s character more, showing her growth from a fashion-obsessed princess to a compassionate and confident leader. Along with some memorable musical numbers such as “Chillin’ Like a Villain,” Carson proves why her character became one of the franchise’s most popular.
3. Purple Hearts (2022)
One of Carson’s most defining roles, Purple Hearts features her as Cassie Salazar, a musician who enters a marriage of convenience with a Marine. With Carson leading the movie with its emotional depth, she also executive-produced the project and contributed to its hit soundtrack. With massive streaming numbers and an MTV Award–winning song, this film marked a major milestone in her career.
2. Carry-On (2024)
Carson steps into the territory of action-thriller as Nora Parisi, an operations director at LAX who finds herself in the midst of a dangerous terrorist plot. Her performance brings both intensity and emotional grounding to this character, earning her praise for bringing real heart to a very high-tension story. It’s a bold, genre-expanding role that further showcases her dramatic range.
1. Descendants (2015)
The role that started it all: Evie. As the stylish and lovable daughter of the Evil Queen, Carson quickly stole the hearts of Disney fans around the world. With charm, humor, and a powerful voice, she helped make Descendants a global phenomenon. Evie remains one of Disney Channel’s most iconic modern characters and the launchpad for Carson’s skyrocketing career.
From magical kingdoms to high-stakes thrillers, Sofia Carson continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s crooning a poignant ballad, playing a dramatic lead, or simply lighting up the screen with charisma, she brings passion into every role. And if her career so far is any indication, she’s only just getting started.