Known for her captivating on-screen presence and versatile roles, Panettiere has been a staple in Hollywood since her early childhood, building a career that spans both film and television. She gained widespread fame for her roles as a cheerleader with superhuman abilities in the TV series Heroes and as a country music star in Nashville, earning Golden Globe nominations for both performances.
Her career is marked by a blend of memorable roles in family-friendly films, intense thrillers, and romantic comedies. Here’s a look back at 10 of her notable movies.
Remember the Titans (2000)
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Based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team, the film follows the team as they navigate racial tension and work together to achieve victory. Hayden Panettiere plays Sheryl Yoast, the fiercely devoted and opinionated daughter of Coach Bill Yoast.
Raising Helen (2004)
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This romantic comedy follows Helen Harris, a carefree Manhattan fashionista whose life is turned upside down when she is named the guardian of her deceased sister’s three children. Hayden Panettiere plays Audrey Davis, the eldest of the three children, who is a rebellious teenager that clashes with her new guardian but ultimately forms a strong bond with her.
The Dust Factory (2004)
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In this allegorical fantasy, a young boy named Ryan, traumatized by his father’s death, finds himself in a surreal, in-between world where he meets others who are on the brink of life and death. Hayden Panettiere portrays Melanie Lewis, a girl who has been in the Dust Factory for a long time and helps guide Ryan through this mysterious world.
Racing Stripes (2005)
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A baby zebra, accidentally abandoned by a traveling circus, is rescued by a former horse trainer and his daughter. Hayden Panettiere stars as Channing Walsh, the determined young girl who finds the zebra, named Stripes, and helps him train for his dream of becoming a racehorse, a goal she pursues despite being forbidden from racing by her father.
Lies My Mother Told Me (2005)
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This made-for-TV movie is a suspenseful drama inspired by a true story about a con artist who is forced to go on the run from the law with her daughter. The film follows the mother-daughter duo as they steal identities and commit various crimes to evade the police. Hayden Panettiere plays Haylei Sims, the daughter who is caught between her mother’s criminal lifestyle and her own desire for a normal life.
Ice Princess (2005)
A brilliant high school physics student, Casey Carlyle, gives up her path to Harvard to pursue a new-found passion: competitive figure skating. Hayden Panettiere plays Gennifer “Gen” Harwood, a rival skater and the daughter of Casey’s coach, who struggles with the immense pressure of her mother’s high expectations.
Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006)
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The third movie in the cheerleading franchise. The movie follows Britney Allen, a cheerleader who is forced to leave her perfect life behind when her family moves to a working-class neighborhood. Now at a new school, she must prove herself to the head cheerleader of the new team and lead them to victory against her former squad. Hayden Panettiere plays Britney, the popular and privileged head cheerleader whose life is completely turned upside down.
I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)
Paul Rust and Hayden Panettiere in I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009) / IMDb
On his high school graduation day, a nerdy valedictorian confesses his love for the head cheerleader in his speech. To his surprise, she shows up at his party, leading to a wild night of adventures and chaos. Hayden Panettiere takes on the title role of Beth Cooper, the popular and beautiful cheerleader who reveals a mischievous side as she embarks on a memorable journey with her unlikely admirer.
Scream 4 (2011)
IMDb / Photo: Phil.Bray – 2011- The Weinstein Co.
Sidney Prescott returns to her hometown of Woodsboro on the 15th anniversary of the original murders, only to find herself once again targeted by a new Ghostface killer. Hayden Panettiere plays Kirby Reed, a witty and horror-film-obsessed student who is one of Sidney’s new allies.
Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy (2011)
This drama is based on the highly publicized true story of Amanda Knox, an American exchange student in Italy who, along with her boyfriend, was accused of murdering her British roommate, Meredith Kercher. The film follows Amanda’s arrest, the intense media frenzy, and the legal battles that surround the case, all from the perspective of a young woman caught in a terrifying criminal investigation. Hayden Panettiere stars as Amanda Knox.
