10 Best Sabrina Carpenter Movies & TV Shows, Ranked – SlashFilm

She dominated the Billboard charts in 2024 together with her hit songs “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” and “Style.” Her “Quick n’ Candy” world tour crammed arenas throughout the USA and Canada. To prime all of it off, she walked away from the 2025 Grammys with two awards for Best Pop Solo Efficiency and Best Pop Vocal Album. After all, we’re speaking in regards to the entendre-loving pop famous person and brief queen, Sabrina Carpenter. 

To the informal popular culture shopper, it’d seem to be Sabrina Carpenter popped up out of nowhere in 2024 to take the music world by storm, however that is hardly the case. Carpenter has been a devoted performer since she was a pre-teen, discovering success as a star on the Disney Channel and releasing her debut album, “Eyes Widen Open,” all the best way again in 2015. Nonetheless, it wasn’t till her 2022 file, “Emails I Cannot Ship,” that established her as a mainstream pop star within the making, marking a brand new chapter for Carpenter’s profession. 

For newer followers of Carpenter which have been launched to the 25-yr-previous via her newest hit singles, there’s over a decade of labor in movie and tv to be found. Not like fellow pop star and former tour mate Taylor Swift’s performing roles, Carpenter is sort of an skilled actress. 

From her earliest brushes with stardom on Disney to her more moderen forays into performing as a pop star with the abilities of a comic, these are Sabrina Carpenter’s finest films and TV exhibits.

The 2019 Netflix movie “Tall Lady” was lampooned when it got here out for its sadly unironic tackle the difficulties of being a “tall lady” in highschool. The very vertically-challenged Sabrina Carpenter starred within the movie as Harper, the older but shorter sister of Jodi, performed by Ava Michelle. On the plus aspect, “Tall Lady” launched Carpenter to future boyfriend Griffin Gluck, who she dated from 2019 to 2020. 

To shock of a lot of critics, a sequel that was launched in 2022 had barely higher evaluations, hanging a greater tone. The movie was additionally notably praised for its improved characterization of all concerned, which is sort of a step up from the criticism of the earlier movie’s poor writing. Carpenter reprises her function within the movie as Harper, and was praised by Paste Journal for “[nailing] it within the comedic division, performing a recurring bit, the place she stares wistfully out of the window each time she remembers a reminiscence, to perfection.” 

Whereas neither “Tall Lady” nor its significantly better sequel “Tall Lady 2” middle Carpenter as the primary star, they showcase the robust comedic timing she’d later benefit from as a pop star. “Tall Lady 2” is much from one of the best rom-com on Netflix, however in the event you’re a fan of seeing Carpenter steal scenes, it is definitely worth the watch (or, maybe, simply wanting up Carpenter’s finest moments on YouTube, we cannot inform anybody). 

If in case you have but to see “Clouds,” that is seemingly as a result of its theatrical launch was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, moved to a streaming launch on Disney+ earlier than being faraway from the service in 2023. Fortunately, it is nonetheless out there to hire on different platforms, giving Sabrina Carpenter followers the flexibility to observe this surprisingly touching musical drama. Primarily based on a heartbreaking true story, “Clouds” follows a youngster named Zach Sobiech (Fin Argus), whose terminal sickness prompts him to pursue his dream of beginning a band together with his finest buddy Sammy (Carpenter), A Agency Handshake, which achieves the duo viral success albeit at the price of Zach’s well being. 

Many evaluations praised the chemistry between Carpenter and Argus, whereas The Los Angeles Instances referred to as her a “standout” of the forged. It isn’t too shocking that Carpenter works rather well on this movie, given its emphasis on music, and Carpenter additionally lends her one-of-a-variety singing voice to a number of songs on the soundtrack written by the actual-life Zach and Sammy, together with the titular “Clouds” and a solo efficiency within the track “Blueberries.” 

It ought to go with out saying for anybody conscious of the actual-life story of Zach Sobiech, however this movie is sort of the tearjerker, making even Carpenter’s most heartfelt songs appear to be stand-up comedy routines. We positively suggest watching it in the event you’re a fan of Carpenter’s singing, however watch out with listening to the soundtrack afterwards, as it’d simply remind you of how crushingly tragic the story is. 

Many followers of Sabrina Carpenter first met the longer term pop star when she was on Disney Channel’s “Lady Meets World,” a spin-off of “Boy Meets World” starring Rowan Blanchard as Riley, the daughter of Cory (Ben Savage) and Topanga (Danielle Fishel). Premiering in 2014, Carpenter had a sequence-lengthy function as Maya, Riley’s finest buddy, becoming a member of the forged when she was solely 13 years previous. Sadly, “Lady Meets World” was cancelled after three seasons, when Carpenter was 17.

Though there was mild criticism in the direction of Maya’s characterization when “Lady Meets World” first premiered, she rapidly gained over audiences because the rebellious finest buddy. Whereas Carpenter slowly began proving herself as a future comedic drive of nature, she additionally impressed critics together with her skill to deal with emotional scenes, even at a younger age.

If any of Sabrina Carpenter’s prior performing roles are required viewing for followers of her music, “Lady Meets World” might be on the prime of the checklist. The present is what gave her the platform to start out making music, even when it will definitely led her to controversy. As Carpenter instructed Teen Vogue in 2020, she has no regrets in regards to the present, however says “I believe the fantastic thing about the present was that we actually had been on the age that we had been taking part in and we had been coming into ourselves as we had been taking part in characters that had been coming into themselves.” Fortunately, Carpenter additionally enjoys trolling followers who tag her in previous clips of her on the present. 

“Work It,” one other movie from Sabrina Carpenter that launched in 2020, by no means had plans to hit theaters, largely because of Netflix (predating the streaming service shopping for film theaters). Carpenter stars in “Work It” as Quinn, a excessive schooler who’s fired because the technical director of her college’s dance workforce, however she finally earns her means into being part of the workforce as a option to stand out in faculty admissions. The movie’s supporting forged contains influencer Liza Koshy, who performs Quinn’s finest buddy Jasmine, and Jordan Fisher, who performs Quinn’s love curiosity. 

It won’t be essentially the most authentic or modern movie on Netflix’s library, however many reviewers praised “Work It” for being an entertaining if predictable teen comedy. Carpenter’s efficiency within the movie as each a dancer in addition to a comedic and dramatic actor was additionally applauded by some, with Selection calling it a “successful flip,” which is to be anticipated from an actress who in just a few years could be displaying off her dancing chops on stage at Madison Sq. Backyard. 

What’s most spectacular about “Work It” is how Carpenter needed to learn to dance poorly, to ensure that her character to change into higher because the movie goes on. As she instructed Elle, it is the proper movie for the pandemic, saying, “It is like a ball of hope and enjoyable vitality, and it actually makes you’re feeling good … I am simply excited for whoever wants it to search out it.”

No, you are not mistaken, Sabrina Carpenter was not within the 1987 movie “Adventures in Babysitting,” contemplating she’d have needed to be detrimental 12 years previous. In the course of the years Carpenter was starring in “Lady Meets World,” “Adventures in Babysitting” was remade as a Disney Channel authentic film, starring Carpenter as Jenny, an aspiring pictures pupil who turns into concerned in a comedy of errors when she realizes she swapped telephones with Lola (Sofia Carson) simply earlier than the 2 begin babysitting. 

Though there’s typically a stigma towards Disney Channel authentic films, the “Adventures in Babysitting” remake was surprisingly properly-obtained by critics, praising i’s pleasurable child-pleasant story and Carpenter’s on-display screen chemistry with Carson. Though it was laborious for a younger Carpenter to fill the sneakers of Elisabeth Shue’s function within the authentic film, Silver Display screen Surprises wrote that she “has a shiny future forward of her and will probably be a star,” calling her character “a pleasant distinction to the wild youngster with a coronary heart of gold she performs on ‘Lady Meets World.'”

Whereas there’s lots to love in regards to the 2016 “Adventures in Babysitting,” there’s one scene the place Carpenter’s character performs a rap, which the actress instructed Cosmpolitan is “a bit triggering for me … as a result of this has resurfaced on-line in instances the place I do not want it to.” However, in the event you’re nostalgic in regards to the authentic movie, this can be the form of children film that adults can even love – properly, a minimum of those who additionally love Sabrina Carpenter. 

Whereas most of Sabrina Carpenter’s filmography in movie and tv has concerned Disney Channel comedies and teenage dramas, 2019’s “The Quick Historical past of the Lengthy Highway” is an outlier. The drama premiered at Tribeca Movie Competition and set a theatrical launch of the summer time of 2020, which was predictably thrown off by COVID-19. Nonetheless, it is positively value a look ahead to all film lovers, particularly followers of Carpenter, on condition that it could be one of many actress’ finest dramatic performances on-display screen. 

“The Quick Historical past of the Lengthy Highway” stars Carpenter as Nola, a teenage nomad dwelling together with her father (Steven Ogg) who travels to Albuquerque to satisfy her mom (Maggie Siff) and types an unlikely friendship with a automotive repairman (Danny Trejo). The movie garnered plenty of popularity of its cinematography and route, however of its most notable attributes, Selection wrote, “it’s Carpenter’s restrained efficiency and air of knowledge, permeating the display screen with an astutely soulful high quality that is powerful to show away from.”

In comparison with Carpenter’s different work, “The Quick Historical past of the Lengthy Highway” is an extremely tragic and darkish examination of the value of freedom, that means it won’t attraction to the diehard followers of “Lady Meets World.” Nonetheless, it is value watching if solely to see a surprisingly transformative efficiency from Carpenter, who had been trying to problem herself after years of Disney Channel hijinks and pop stardom. However do not be disillusioned — it does have a blooper reel. 

Occasionally, a star comes alongside to “Saturday Night time Stay” and proves that they are the kind of movie star who was made for the enduring sketch present. Regardless that Sabrina Carpenter has but to correctly host an episode of “SNL,” she’s positively already proven she’d be a pure. Carpenter first appeared because the musical visitor on “SNL” in its forty ninth season alongside host Jake Gyllenhaal, performing her songs “Espresso” and a mash-up of “Feather” and “Nonsense.” She additionally made a standout look in an extremely violent “Scooby-Doo” sketch taking part in Daphne. 

Nonetheless, her most up-to-date look within the “SNL 50” anniversary particular units her as much as be a future all-timer of the present. Carpenter opened one of many largest nights in TV historical past alongside Paul Simon, duetting a rendition of “Homeward Sure” that Simon beforehand carried out on the present with George Harrison in 1976. After all, Carpenter could not depart Studio 8H with out making a protracted-anticipated look in a “Domingo” sketch with Marcello Hernandez, a personality whose debut final fall parodied her track “Espresso,” joined by the likes of Andy Samberg, Pedro Pascal, and Unhealthy Bunny.

After her stand-out evening on “SNL 50,” The Ringer finally wrote of their evaluate of the particular, “Carpenter is the newest younger star to intuitively grasp the present’s ethos.” On condition that Carpenter had but to seem on “SNL” as of a yr in the past, it is unbelievable to see how she’s already been part of its historical past. 

What makes Sabrina Carpenter’s look in “Emergency” attention-grabbing is that by the point she joined the forged in 2021, she had already debuted on the Billboard Scorching 100 together with her single “Skins.” Premiering on the Sundance Movie Competition in 2022, “Emergency” is a fascinating thriller starring RJ Cyler and Donald Elise Watkins as two black faculty college students who uncover a handed-out underage white lady and attempt to get her to security, whereas her sister Maddy, performed by Carpenter, dangers her life to go in search of her. 

The movie received glowing evaluations after its premiere at Sundance, praising its tonal shifts from comedic to suspenseful, the robust performances, and portrayal of recent social points and Gen Z-aged characters. Collider notably praised Carpenter for the function’s departure from her earlier work, writing that “she turns in a fantastic efficiency, flipping between the fear of a lady who’s in search of her sister and the outright harmful, self-centered morality of somebody who’s decided to meet a purpose irrespective of the price.”

Of her personal character’s ignorant habits, Carpenter instructed CinemaBlend that she felt she may relate to the idea of misunderstandings and rash resolution-making, saying, “[It] says lots in regards to the world, even social media and the way we assume. We get like one little piece of data that is out of context and we predict we all know every part, and we often do not.” In the event you love comedy-thrillers, “Emergency” is greater than a good time, and options a number of enjoyable moments for followers of Carpenter. 

“The Hate U Give” might not closely function Sabrina Carpenter as a lot as the opposite movies on this checklist, however as an general movie, it is the kind of teen drama there must be extra of in Hollywood. Launched in 2018, the variation of Angie Thomas’ younger grownup novel facilities on Amandla Stenberg as Starr, a excessive schooler who witnesses a police taking pictures, inadvertently making her a significant a part of a nationwide information story, changing into a public voice towards police brutality. Carpenter’s supporting function within the movie is as Hailey, one in all Starr’s finest buddies who’s responsible of racist remarks that places their friendship to the check. 

The movie’s premiere on the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition noticed it obtain a number of popularity of tackling many necessary problems with its launch yr, with Stenberg successful Excellent Actress on the NAACP Picture Awards. Forbes even declared the movie must be a entrance-runner for Best Image, and praised Carpenter’s efficiency, saying “[she] deftly handles a difficult function as Starr’s white schoolmate whose help is merely pores and skin deep.”  

Whereas some critics wrote Carpenter’s character off as annoying, the actress emphasised the significance of Hailey’s bigotry on this story, telling Hero Journal that her character “exists as a result of there are individuals on this planet like her. That is one of many causes we actually hope that folks watch it.” Of the sensitive material within the movie, Carpenter was used to it, given she made her display screen debut in an episode of “Legislation & Order: Particular Victims Unit.”

If 2024 was the 12 months of Sabrina Carpenter, then Netflix’s “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter” was a victory lap. The pop singer beforehand showcased her affection for the winter holidays together with her Christmas-themed remix of her track “Nonsense,” in addition to a vacation EP, “fruitcake,” in 2023. However 2024 topped the prior years’ celebrations with a Netflix particular, that includes sketches by “SNL” writers Jimmy Fowlie and Fran Gillespie, cameo appearances by “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson and “Lord of the Rings” MVP Sean Astin, and musical performances by Carpenter and the likes of Chappell Roan, Shania Twain, and Kali Uchis. 

In the event you’re a fan of Sabrina Carpenter and the work she put out up to now yr, odds are “A Nonsense Christmas” is already going to be a staple of future vacation watch-events, with The Guardian praising, “Santa hats off to Sabrina Carpenter for arising with a vacation particular that feels totally of the second, proper all the way down to its starry duets, rigorously curated off-the-cuff moments and web-baiting comedy skits.” 

There are many stand-out moments in “A Nonsense Christmas,” not restricted to Carpenter’s rendition of “Final Christmas” with Roan, a musical sketch about what to get your brother-in-regulation (that includes Kyle Mooney), and plenty and many memorable quips and innuendos courtesy of the pop star herself. Very like Carpenter’s newest music releases, “A Nonsense Christmas” feels just like the mind-youngster of the previous Disney Channel star herself, proving that no function of hers is healthier than when she’s simply being herself.