You’ve Been Sleeping on Sabrina Carpenter’s Acting Game—These Roles…

Before she was topping charts and breaking the internet with bold album covers, Sabrina Carpenter was already quietly building one of the most versatile résumés in Gen Z entertainment. From Disney Channel beginnings to Netflix originals and indie darlings, her screen career is full of surprising turns—and seriously underrated performances.

This article dives deep into Sabrina Carpenter’s best TV shows and movies, exploring the roles that made her a household name and the lesser-known gems that show just how much range she really has. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just catching up, there’s more to Sabrina on-screen than meets the eye.

1. Girl Meets World (2014–2017)

Let’s start where most fans first met her: Maya Hart on Girl Meets World. As the sarcastic, fiercely loyal best friend to Riley Matthews, Sabrina carved out a space that many argue was more dynamic than the show’s lead. Her comedic timing, emotional depth, and on-screen presence hinted early on that she wasn’t just another Disney teen—she was a breakout in the making

Why it matters: Girl Meets World gave Sabrina her first mainstream platform and proved she could hold her own in a franchise tied to ‘90s nostalgia.

2. Work It (2020)

In this Netflix original dance comedy, Sabrina plays Quinn Ackerman, a clumsy overachiever who forms a dance team to boost her college application chances. On paper, it’s a light, formulaic teen movie. But Sabrina brings charm, vulnerability, and unexpected comedic chops that elevate it above its genre.

Streaming success: Work It was one of Netflix’s top 10 most-watched films globally the week it dropped—proof that Sabrina’s name pulls viewers.

3. Tall Girl (2019) & Tall Girl 2 (2022)

Playing Harper Kreyman, the fashionable older sister in Tall Girl, Sabrina doesn’t have the lead role—but she steals every scene she’s in. Her performance is equal parts biting and endearing, and in the sequel, her expanded role gave fans more reason to root for her character.

Why fans loved it: Harper’s confidence and wit made her one of the standout characters, and Sabrina’s delivery helped turn a supporting part into a fan favorite.

4. Clouds (2020)

Based on the real-life story of musician Zach Sobiech, Clouds shows Sabrina in a more grounded, emotional role as Sammy Brown, Zach’s best friend and bandmate. The film is heavy, sincere, and raw—offering Sabrina a chance to flex her dramatic acting muscles.

Critical acclaim: Audiences and critics praised the film’s heart, and Sabrina’s performance was called “honest and beautifully understated.”

5. Adventures in Babysitting (2016)

A throwback to classic Disney chaos, this TV movie remake starred Sabrina alongside Sofia Carson. While not a cinematic masterpiece, it showcased Sabrina’s physical comedy, musicality, and natural on-screen charisma.

Fun fact: The movie premiered as Disney Channel’s 100th original movie, adding a milestone to Sabrina’s early career.

6. The Hate U Give (2018)

Although her role as Hailey Grant was minor, it was arguably one of her most controversial and nuanced. The film tackled serious themes, and Sabrina’s character sparked conversation—and division—among fans and critics alike.

Why it’s important: It showed that Sabrina wasn’t afraid to take on morally gray characters or appear in socially charged narratives.

7. Horns (2013)

In this dark fantasy mystery starring Daniel Radcliffe, Sabrina played a young version of Merrin, the female lead. It’s a blink-and-you-miss-it role, but one that gave her early experience on a high-production film set.

Industry takeaway: Even small roles in big films helped Sabrina diversify her acting background

8. Emergency (2022)

Premiered at Sundance, this Amazon original film took on college culture, race, and responsibility with dark humor and tension. Sabrina’s role as Maddy wasn’t central, but she added sharp energy to the ensemble cast.

Why it stands out: Sabrina is increasingly choosing projects that challenge both her and the audience—Emergency proves she’s not afraid to get uncomfortable.

9. The Short History of the Long Road (2019)

In a lesser-known indie film, Sabrina appears in a supporting role that surprises those who only know her from mainstream hits. It’s minimal, quiet, and powerful.

What it says: Carpenter has range—and she’s willing to step outside of glossy Hollywood scripts to prove it.

10. Royalties (2020)

In this underrated musical comedy series on Quibi, Sabrina made a guest appearance, reminding fans of her comedic roots and musical strength in short-form content.

Why fans loved it: A quirky, blink-and-you-miss-it moment that reinforced Sabrina’s versatility and fun-loving side.

What Makes Sabrina Carpenter’s Acting Career Stand Out?

While most celebrity acting resumes are full of one-note roles or self-produced vanity projects, Sabrina Carpenter’s catalog is surprisingly diverse. She’s balanced comedy, drama, indie credibility, and blockbuster appeal with impressive consistency.

And here’s the twist: As her music career skyrockets, her acting roles become even more symbolic. They reveal the foundation of her artistry—the storytelling, the emotion, the vulnerability—that feeds directly into her songs.

She’s not just a pop star who dabbled in acting. She’s an actress who understands narrative—and knows exactly how to turn a scene into a moment.

Final Thoughts: Where She Goes Next

With each screen credit she collects, Sabrina Carpenter isn’t just padding a résumé—she’s building a narrative. A story of a young artist who refuses to be boxed in, typecast, or underestimated. From her early days as the sharp-tongued Maya Hart to her emotional turns in Clouds and Emergency, her acting trajectory reveals something that not every celebrity crossover achieves: growth that feels earned, not engineered.

In a landscape where many young stars struggle to shed their child-actor image, Carpenter has done more than rebrand—she’s redefined. Her acting choices are getting bolder, riskier, and more genre-diverse. She’s not chasing roles for visibility; she’s curating projects that align with her evolution. And that kind of intentionality doesn’t just hint at maturity—it foreshadows long-term artistic relevance.

Industry insiders are already buzzing about what could be next. Will she take on a prestige TV drama? Anchor a high-concept indie? Lead a psychological thriller? The doors are wide open, and she’s walking through them with a growing fan base behind her—and a newfound cultural capital she’s earned, not inherited.

Meanwhile, her music success continues to amplify her acting in a way that feels synergistic, not superficial. The storytelling in her songs reflects the emotional complexity she brings to the screen, creating a multidimensional persona that feels both curated and candid. That duality—pop star and actress, performer and narrator, artist and brand—is what’s making Sabrina Carpenter one of the most compelling figures in entertainment right now.

As new audiences discover her filmography through TikTok clips, streaming algorithm suggestions, and viral YouTube edits, they’re not just finding a pop star who used to act. They’re rediscovering a performer who has quietly, persistently, and cleverly stayed one step ahead of the curve.

So what’s next for Sabrina Carpenter?

Whatever it is, it likely won’t be safe. It won’t be expected. And that’s exactly why it’s going to work.

Because at this point, Sabrina Carpenter isn’t just shaping pop culture—she’s becoming the kind of icon it can’t ignore.