Sydney Sweeney has built an impressive portfolio, showcasing her acting skills across genres from horror and drama to thrillers and comedies. Whether she’s portraying troubled teenagers or cynical elites, her range and commitment to her characters are undeniable. In this list, we rank Sydney Sweeney’s movies and TV shows from worst to best, so you can discover (or revisit) her most notable performances.
Sydney Sweeney Movies and TV Shows (Ranked Worst to Best)
This indie horror film gave Sydney Sweeney an early opportunity to dip into the horror genre, but Along Came the Devil fails to stand out due to a predictable plot and flat characterization. Sweeney plays Ashley, a young woman dealing with demonic possession, and while her performance is solid, the movie itself is weighed down by overused horror tropes and lacks the polish seen in her later work. This film is mostly of interest for horror aficionados or die-hard Sweeney fans curious to see her in her earlier roles.
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A vampire-themed thriller featuring a flashy, action-packed storyline, Night Teeth sees Sweeney in a supporting role as Eva, one of the vampires plotting to overthrow the city’s bloodsucking hierarchy. While the film offers an entertaining ride, Sweeney’s role is somewhat minor compared to her more significant projects. Her character’s seductive, dangerous energy adds some spice to the film, but it doesn’t fully explore her acting depth.
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This indie drama places Sweeney in the role of Lana, a mysterious and alluring young woman who forms a complex relationship with Karen (Otmara Marrero), a woman reeling from a breakup. The film is slow-burning and atmospheric, and Sweeney’s performance brings a quiet intensity to the character of Lana. However, Clementine remains a niche, artsy film that won’t resonate with every audience due to its subdued pacing and ambiguous storytelling.
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This steamy psychological thriller follows Pippa, played by Sweeney, and her boyfriend as they become dangerously obsessed with their neighbours’ lives. The Voyeurs offers Sweeney the chance to step into a darker, more seductive role as Pippa’s curiosity spirals into obsession, leading to some intense moments of drama and suspense. Though the film received mixed reviews, Sweeney’s portrayal of a morally ambiguous character intrigued audiences and solidified her ability to lead a film.
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Sharp Objects, based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, was a critical success, and while Sweeney’s role is limited, it’s a powerful one. She plays Alice, a young woman in a psychiatric facility who forms a bond with Camille (Amy Adams), the main character. In just one episode, Sweeney portrays a deeply troubled girl with remarkable sensitivity, making her character’s tragic storyline hit hard despite the limited screen time. This role demonstrated her ability to leave a lasting impression with minimal screen time.
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Sweeney’s role as Eden, a devout and naive young woman in The Handmaid’s Tale, marked one of her first major breakout performances. Eden is a child bride in the dystopian society of Gilead, and her innocence is both her strength and her downfall. Sweeney brought a heartbreaking vulnerability to the role, and her storyline made a significant emotional impact on the audience. Her character’s arc is one of the most tragic of the season, giving Sweeney an opportunity to show a more restrained yet devastating performance.
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In Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to 1960s Hollywood, Sweeney plays Snake, one of Charles Manson’s followers. Though her role is relatively small, being part of such a high-profile film alongside industry heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio marked a major moment in her career. While the focus of the film isn’t on her character, Sweeney’s presence added an eerie edge to the Manson Family scenes, contributing to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
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Sweeney leads this biographical drama, portraying whistleblower Reality Winner. The film focuses on the day of her interrogation after leaking classified government documents. Based on true events, Reality is a minimalist, intense character study, and Sweeney delivers a captivating performance as the nervous but defiant young woman caught in a high-stakes political scandal. The film received critical acclaim, with Sweeney’s portrayal being praised for its raw emotion and subtle intensity, proving she could carry a film as the lead.
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The White Lotus is a sharp, satirical series that dissects privilege and wealth through the lives of vacationers at a luxury resort. Sweeney plays Olivia, a cynical, mean-spirited college student whose entitlement and indifference stand out even among her wealthy peers. Sweeney’s portrayal of Olivia is biting and hilarious, perfectly capturing the self-absorbed nature of her character. The series earned her another round of critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination, cementing her as a standout among the ensemble cast.
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Without a doubt, Sweeney’s portrayal of Cassie starring alongside Zendaya in Euphoria is her defining role. Cassie is a young woman grappling with insecurity, love, and trauma, and Sweeney masterfully navigates the character’s intense emotional rollercoaster. Her raw vulnerability and powerful, heartbreaking scenes have made Cassie one of the most talked-about characters on the show. This role earned Sweeney an Emmy nomination and solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s rising stars. The depth, nuance, and range she brings to Cassie make this performance the peak of her career so far.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sydney Sweeney’s best performance?
Sydney Sweeney’s best performance is widely considered to be her role as Cassie Howard in Euphoria. Her portrayal of the deeply flawed, emotionally vulnerable character has earned her critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
Why is Sydney Sweeney associated with nude scenes?
Sydney Sweeney has appeared in projects like Euphoria and The Voyeurs, which include intimate scenes as part of the storylines. However, these performances reflect her commitment to portraying complex characters in emotionally challenging narratives, not to be sensationalised.
Does Sydney Sweeney talk about nudity in her roles?
Yes, Sydney Sweeney has been open in interviews about the topic of nudity in her acting. She has discussed how she approaches such scenes with professionalism and ensures that her boundaries are respected on set, emphasising that these scenes serve the story and character development. You can read more here.
How does Sydney Sweeney handle the public’s attention on her body?
Sydney Sweeney has been candid about feeling objectified at times but continues to prioritise her craft as an actor. She remains focused on building a versatile career that spans a variety of genres and roles, moving beyond any undue attention to her appearance.
