From her early days in television to her recent reign as a box office powerhouse, Sweeney has navigated the industry with a unique blend of fearless performances, shrewd career choices, and a magnetic screen presence. Her journey is a masterclass in modern stardom, proving her ability to excel in everything from high-stakes drama and dark comedy to romantic hits and psychological thrillers.
As one of the most chosen actresses of her generation, Sweeney has become a name of her own. In honor of her birthday, here is a look at 10 pivotal roles that have solidified her status as a star.
The Handmaid’s Tale (2018)
IMDb
In one of her first major breakout roles, Sweeney played Eden Blaine, a naive and devout young woman who is given in an arranged marriage to a high-ranking commander. In a world defined by repression and fear, Eden’s character served as a tragic symbol of lost innocence and unwavering faith. Her performance was a significant step in her career, as it showcased her ability to deliver a heartbreaking portrayal in a critically acclaimed series.
Sharp Objects (2018)
HBO
In this psychological thriller, Sweeney played Alice, a young woman living in a psychiatric facility with the main protagonist. While a small role, her performance as a troubled and self-harming teen was praised by critics. The series follows a journalist who returns to her hometown to cover a series of murders, forcing her to confront her own personal demons.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
IMDb
In Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to Hollywood in the 1960s, Sweeney took on the small but memorable role of Snake, a member of the Manson Family. The film follows a faded actor and his stunt double as they try to navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood. Her appearance in a Tarantino film was a significant step in her career, as it proved her ability to hold her own alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, and cemented her as a rising star to watch. The movie also showcased Tarantino’s sharp eye for casting young talent, as he gave breakout roles to Margaret Qualley, Mikey Madison, and Austin Butler, among others.
Euphoria (2019)
IMDb
Sydney Sweeney’s role in Euphoria was the one that gave her a place in Hollywood. Sweeney’s performance as the beautiful but emotionally fragile Cassie, who is desperate for love and validation, was praised by critics and earned her an Emmy nomination.
The White Lotus (2021)
IMDb
In this social satire, Sweeney played Olivia Mossbacher, a cynical and privileged college student who is on a family vacation at an exclusive Hawaiian resort. The series, which follows the dark and often hilarious lives of the resort’s wealthy guests and employees, earned her a second Emmy nomination.
The Voyeurs (2021)
IMDb
In this erotic thriller, Sweeney starred as Pippa, a young woman who, after moving into a new apartment with her boyfriend, becomes dangerously obsessed with the lives of her neighbors across the street. Her performance in this film was a bold and unapologetic choice.
Madame Web (2024)
IMDb
Sweeney played Julia Carpenter, a young woman with a mysterious connection to the Spider-Man universe who is being hunted by a sinister villain. She and two other young women, with the help of a clairvoyant paramedic (Dakota Johnson), must learn to harness their abilities to survive. Despite the movie wasn’t a box office hit, this role was Sydney’s first major foray into the comic book film genre.
Immaculate (2024)
IMDb
Sweeney starred as Sister Cecilia, a young nun who, after arriving at a secluded convent in Italy, discovers a dark and terrifying secret. The film, a religious horror thriller, was a major success, and Sweeney also served as a producer, showcasing her ambition and business acumen. This role was a major career highlight, as it allowed her to take on a leading role in a genre that she loves and demonstrate her ability to both produce and deliver a powerful performance.
Anyone But You (2023)
IMDb
Sweeney starred alongside Glen Powell in this romantic comedy, playing Bea, a young woman who, after a disastrous first date, is forced to pretend to be in a relationship with her nemesis at a destination wedding. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $219 million worldwide and widely credited with sparking the romantic comedy genre comeback. This role was a huge career highlight, as it established her as a bankable romantic comedy star and proved her ability to generate charismatic on-screen chemistry.
Reality (2023)
IMDb
Sweeney delivered a tour-de-force performance as Reality Winner, a young whistleblower who is interrogated by two FBI agents in a small room. The film, which is based on a true story, is a tense and claustrophobic drama that is based on the actual transcript of the FBI interrogation. This role was a significant departure from her more commercial work.
IMDb / courtesy of Black Bear
Her upcoming projects include Christy a highly anticipated biographical sports drama that is set to premiere on November 7, 2025. Directed by David Michôd, the film is based on the true story of professional boxer Christy Martin, who became one of the most successful female boxers of the 1990s. Sydney Sweeney delivers a transformative performance as the title character, portraying her journey from a college basketball player to a groundbreaking professional fighter. The film not only chronicles Christy’s rise in the male-dominated world of boxing but also delves into the dark side of her life, including her struggles with a toxic and abusive relationship with her trainer-turned-husband, Jim Martin (played by Ben Foster). For the role, Sweeney gained 30 pounds with the help of a nutricionist and boxing coaches.
