The 10 Best Neve Campbell Roles

Neve Campbell has built a diverse career across thrillers, dramas, and television, moving from early breakout work in ensemble casts to memorable turns in major franchises and streaming hits. Below are ten roles that highlight the range of characters she has portrayed and the different corners of film and TV she has worked in, from network staples to Netflix and Disney+ projects.

‘Scream’ (1996) – Sidney Prescott

As Sidney Prescott, Campbell leads the slasher whodunit that revitalized the horror genre under director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson. The film blends meta-commentary on horror tropes with a murder mystery centered on high-school students in a small California town. Campbell’s character anchors the narrative across set pieces featuring masked killer Ghostface and a tight circle of suspects.

‘Party of Five’ (1994–2000) – Julia Salinger

On the Fox family drama, Campbell plays Julia Salinger, one of five siblings navigating life after a tragedy leaves them without their parents. The series follows the siblings’ shifting responsibilities, school and career choices, and relationships while running a family restaurant. Campbell’s character arc tracks academic ambitions, creative pursuits, and the strains of early independence.

‘The Craft’ (1996) – Bonnie Harper

In the supernatural teen drama, Campbell portrays Bonnie Harper, a student who joins a small coven exploring witchcraft. The story examines friendship dynamics and the consequences of power as the group experiments with spells that alter their social lives. Campbell’s role intersects with themes of agency, appearance, and the limits of control.

‘Wild Things’ (1998) – Suzie Toller

Campbell appears as Suzie Toller in this Florida-set neo-noir that unfolds through investigations, affidavits, and unexpected legal twists. The plot involves accusations, plea deals, and intersecting schemes among students, educators, and law enforcement. The film uses multiple revelations and shifting perspectives to reframe earlier events as new evidence surfaces.

‘House of Cards’ (2016–2017) – LeAnn Harvey

Joining the political drama on Netflix, Campbell plays LeAnn Harvey, a Texas-based political strategist who enters the orbit of the White House. The character manages messaging, polling, and crisis responses while balancing alliances in a turbulent administration. Her storyline charts campaign operations, back-channel negotiations, and the risks of proximity to power.

‘Skyscraper’ (2018) – Sarah Sawyer

In the action thriller distributed by Universal Pictures, Campbell plays Dr. Sarah Sawyer, a former military surgeon and the wife of the film’s protagonist. Set primarily inside a high-tech supertall building in Hong Kong, the plot centers on sabotage, fire, and a race to secure the tower’s control systems. Campbell’s character is depicted handling medical emergencies and coordinating family survival amid the unfolding disaster.

‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2022–2023) – Maggie McPherson

In the Netflix legal drama based on Michael Connelly’s novels, Campbell portrays Maggie McPherson, a prosecutor and co-parent to defense attorney Mickey Haller’s daughter. Her cases intersect with Haller’s, creating professional and personal crosscurrents across investigations and courtroom strategy. The role covers office politics, trial preparation, and cooperation with law enforcement.

‘Clouds’ (2020) – Laura Sobiech

Campbell plays Laura Sobiech in this biographical drama released on Disney+, which follows musician Zach Sobiech and his family. The film traces songwriting, medical treatments, and the support network that forms around Zach’s creative goals. Campbell’s role centers on caregiving, logistics, and the coordination of medical and school commitments.

‘The Company’ (2003) – Ry

Working with director Robert Altman, Campbell stars as Ry, a dancer in a narrative set inside the Joffrey Ballet. The project blends performance footage with behind-the-scenes rehearsal, injury management, and the staging of new choreography. Campbell co-conceived the story and incorporated her dance background, emphasizing the daily regimen of a professional troupe.

‘An Amish Murder’ (2013) – Kate Burkholder

In this TV movie adapted from Linda Castillo’s novels, Campbell plays Kate Burkholder, a police chief returning to an Amish community connected to her past. The investigation deals with forensic details, jurisdictional limits, and cultural considerations affecting witness cooperation. The plot explores departmental procedure, evidence handling, and community relations in a rural setting.

Share your favorite Neve Campbell performance in the comments and tell us which role you’d add to the list!