Sydney Sweeney’s Best Roles
Sydney Sweeney has quickly become one of the most compelling young actors in Hollywood, known for her incredible versatility and fearless approach to complex characters. She first gained attention with a series of standout roles in popular television shows before making a successful transition to film. Her ability to convey deep emotional vulnerability and nuanced strength has made her a sought-after talent for both dramatic and comedic projects.
Across her growing body of work, Sweeney has consistently demonstrated a commitment to taking on challenging roles that explore the intricate aspects of human nature. She disappears into each character, whether she is playing a tormented teen, a cynical college student, or a real-life whistleblower. This list celebrates the performances that have defined her impressive career so far and cemented her status as a formidable star.
‘Americana’ (2023)
In this crime thriller, Sydney Sweeney plays Penny Jo Poplin, a local girl who gets caught up in a chaotic pursuit of a rare and valuable Native American artifact. The story is set in a small town in the Dakotas and follows a group of interconnected characters whose lives are thrown into turmoil when the legendary Lakota Ghost Shirt is stolen. Penny Jo’s journey becomes entangled with criminals and locals all desperate to possess the artifact for their own reasons.
The film explores themes of greed, history, and cultural identity in a modern Western setting. Sweeney’s character must navigate a dangerous and unpredictable situation, trying to find her place amidst the violence and double-crossing that erupts in her community. Her performance adds a layer of emotional depth to the high-stakes treasure hunt.
‘Night Teeth’ (2021)
Sweeney takes a villainous turn as Eva, a fun-loving but ruthless vampire enjoying a night out in Los Angeles. She and her companion hire a freelance chauffeur to drive them to several exclusive parties, but their driver soon realizes that his passengers are not what they seem. He is pulled into the hidden world of rival vampire clans who are in the middle of a violent turf war.
Eva is portrayed as the more impulsive and bloodthirsty of the two vampires, showing a clear enjoyment of the chaos she creates. The film is a stylish thriller that blends action and horror elements. Sweeney’s role allows her to explore a darker, more predatory character as she takes part in a city-wide power grab that threatens to break an ancient truce.
‘The Voyeurs’ (2021)
In this thriller, Sweeney stars as Pippa, who moves into a new apartment with her boyfriend and discovers that their window offers a direct view into the home of an attractive couple across the street. What begins as innocent curiosity soon spirals into a dangerous obsession. Pippa and her partner become increasingly fixated on the lives of their neighbors, watching their arguments, affairs, and secrets unfold.
The story examines themes of obsession and the consequences of invading someone’s privacy. Pippa’s fascination leads her down a rabbit hole of mystery and betrayal as she tries to intervene in the lives she is watching. The film becomes a tense psychological game where the lines between observer and participant begin to blur with devastating results.
‘Anyone but You’ (2023)
Sweeney stars as Bea in this romantic comedy about two people who share an amazing first date that ends on a sour note due to a misunderstanding. Years later, they are reunited when they are both invited to a destination wedding in Australia. To keep the peace and achieve their own goals, they decide to pretend that they are a happy couple for the duration of the trip.
The film follows their fake relationship as they navigate comical situations and their lingering animosity toward each other. Set against a beautiful Australian backdrop, the story is a modern take on classic romantic comedy tropes. Sweeney’s performance highlights her comedic timing as she and her co-star engage in witty banter and slowly realize their fake feelings might not be so fake after all.
‘Immaculate’ (2024)
In this horror film, Sweeney plays Cecilia, a young American woman of devout faith who is offered a position at a secluded convent in the Italian countryside. She is initially charmed by the beautiful and welcoming environment, but she soon begins to suspect that her new home harbors terrifying secrets. Her sense of unease grows as she witnesses a series of strange and unsettling events.
Cecilia’s situation becomes a nightmare when she discovers she is pregnant through what appears to be a miracle. As the convent’s sinister agenda is revealed, she finds herself in a desperate fight for survival. Sweeney’s role is a physically and emotionally demanding one, anchoring the film’s suspense and terror as her character confronts an unspeakable evil.
‘Under the Silver Lake’ (2018)
Sweeney has a memorable part in this surreal neo-noir film as a character named Shooting Star. The story follows an aimless young man in Los Angeles who becomes an amateur detective after his mysterious neighbor vanishes without a trace. His investigation leads him on a bizarre journey through the city’s hidden subcultures as he searches for clues in music, movies, and conspiracy theories.
During his quest, he encounters a number of aspiring actors and models, including the characters known as the Shooting Stars. Although her role is small, Sweeney’s appearance is part of the film’s larger commentary on the illusions and hidden symbols that permeate Hollywood culture. She contributes to the movie’s strange and dreamlike atmosphere.
‘Reality’ (2023)
Sweeney portrays Reality Winner, a real-life NSA translator and U.S. Air Force veteran who was interrogated by the FBI for leaking a classified report about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections. The film’s script is taken verbatim from the official transcript of the tense encounter that took place at her home. The story unfolds in near real-time, creating a gripping and authentic viewing experience.
Sweeney’s performance captures the subtle shifts in Winner’s demeanor as she goes from being cooperative to realizing the gravity of her situation. The film avoids political commentary, instead focusing on the human drama and suspense of the interrogation itself. It is a powerful character study that rests almost entirely on her nuanced portrayal of a young woman caught in an impossible position.
‘Big Time Adolescence’ (2019)
In this coming-of-age story, Sweeney plays Holly, the supportive girlfriend of Zeke, a charming but unmotivated college dropout. The film’s main focus is the friendship between Zeke and a 16-year-old high school student named Mo, who idolizes him. Zeke becomes a questionable role model for Mo, teaching him about parties and girls while avoiding his own responsibilities.
Holly’s character represents a more stable and mature future that Zeke is reluctant to embrace. She often serves as the voice of reason, growing increasingly frustrated with his refusal to grow up. Sweeney’s role is crucial to the film’s exploration of arrested development and the challenges of moving on from adolescent friendships.
‘Everything Sucks!’ (2018)
Sweeney plays Emaline Addario in this comedy-drama series set in a high school in Boring, Oregon, during the 1990s. The show follows the intertwined lives of students in the A/V club and the drama club who decide to make a movie together. Emaline is the principal’s daughter and a passionate drama student who initially comes across as overly dramatic and attention-seeking.
As the series progresses, her character is given more depth as she navigates her own journey of self-discovery. She becomes a central figure in a heartfelt storyline that explores her evolving identity and her budding romance with another female student. Sweeney’s performance captures both the comedic flair and the underlying vulnerability of her character.
‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019)
In this revisionist take on 1960s Hollywood, Sweeney portrays Dianne “Snake” Lake, one of the younger members of the Manson Family. She appears in a pivotal sequence where stuntman Cliff Booth gives a ride to another Family member and ends up at the Spahn Ranch, the cult’s isolated compound. Snake is one of the girls who greets him upon his arrival.
Her performance contributes to the scene’s unsettling and tense atmosphere as Cliff becomes suspicious of the group’s intentions. Though she has limited dialogue, her presence helps to build a sense of foreboding about the true nature of the community living on the ranch. She is part of the talented ensemble that recreated this infamous chapter of Hollywood history.
‘Robot Chicken’ (2005–2022)
Sweeney showcased her voice acting talents in this long-running stop-motion animated sketch show. The series is known for its rapid-fire parodies of movies, television shows, toys, and all corners of pop culture. The show uses action figures and dolls to create short, often absurd, and irreverent sketches that satirize well-known characters and stories.
In her episodes, Sweeney lent her voice to a variety of characters. She has voiced figures like Barbie, a character from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, and even a fictionalized version of actor Haley Joel Osment. Her contributions demonstrate her versatility as a performer, allowing her to step into the world of pure comedy and animation.
‘The White Lotus’ (2021– )
In the critically acclaimed first season of this anthology series, Sweeney plays Olivia Mossbacher, a sharp-witted and cynical college student on vacation with her family in Hawaii. Olivia and her friend spend most of their time lounging by the pool, reading intellectual books, and casting judgment on the other guests and even her own parents. Her character is a satirical representation of a privileged and hyper-aware generation.
Olivia’s condescending attitude and constant eye-rolling provide much of the season’s dark humor. However, beneath her cold exterior, the series hints at a deeper insecurity and a complicated relationship with her family. Sweeney’s portrayal perfectly captures the character’s intellectual superiority and subtle vulnerabilities as the perfect vacation slowly unravels around her.
‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)
Sweeney delivered a heartbreaking performance as Alice, a young woman in a psychiatric facility who becomes the roommate of the main character, Camille Preaker. The story is told through flashbacks as Camille, a journalist, returns to her hometown to investigate a series of murders. Alice’s story is a key part of Camille’s own history of trauma and self-harm.
Alice is a deeply troubled girl who forms a close bond with Camille during their time together in treatment. Her tragic fate continues to haunt Camille long after she leaves the facility. Sweeney’s emotional and raw performance in this supporting role left a significant impact and was a powerful showcase of her dramatic abilities early in her career.
‘Euphoria’ (2019– )
Sweeney’s role as Cassie Howard brought her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Cassie is a student at East Highland High School who is known for her kindness and beauty, but she struggles with a desperate need for love and validation from others. This leads her into a series of unhealthy and often heartbreaking romantic entanglements that damage her friendships and her sense of self.
Throughout the series, Cassie’s journey is one of the most emotionally turbulent, as she grapples with her reputation and makes increasingly self-destructive choices. Sweeney’s portrayal of Cassie’s vulnerability, desperation, and internal conflict is a standout performance. She brings a profound humanity to a character who is often misunderstood by those around her.
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017–2025 )
In the second season of this dystopian series, Sweeney played Eden Spencer, a 15-year-old girl who has been raised as a true believer in the oppressive Republic of Gilead. She is given as a wife to the character Nick in a ceremony and moves into his home, where she earnestly tries to create a pious and loving marriage. Her unwavering faith puts her in direct contrast with the other characters who are secretly fighting the regime.
Eden’s innocence and strict adherence to Gilead’s rules create a tense and complicated dynamic in the household. Her storyline is a tragic examination of indoctrination and the devastating consequences for young women who know no other world. Sweeney’s portrayal of Eden’s quiet piety and ultimate crisis of faith is both powerful and deeply moving.
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