Honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to Anne Winters lately, you’re basically missing out on one of the most versatile runs in modern TV. She has this weird, almost magical ability to play the popular "mean girl" you love to hate, and then immediately pivot to a gritty, heartbreaking role that makes you want to reach through the screen and give her a hug. Most people know her from the heavy-hitting Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why, but her filmography is actually a giant puzzle of indie gems, sci-fi epics, and even a Daytime Emmy win that most casual fans don't even realize she has.
Anne isn't just another Dallas native who moved to LA with a dream. She’s a powerhouse. From surviving the literal end of the world in The Orville to playing a cancer patient with terrifying realism in Zac & Mia, she’s done it all.
The Roles Everyone Remembers (And Why They Stuck)
When we talk about Anne Winters movies and tv shows, the conversation usually starts with 13 Reasons Why. She joined the cast as Chlöe Rice, the head cheerleader and "it" girl of Liberty High. On paper, Chlöe could have been a one-dimensional trope. But Anne played her with this simmering internal conflict that felt incredibly real. You watched her navigate a toxic relationship with Bryce Walker, and instead of just being a plot device, she became a symbol of the complicated choices real teenagers face.
Then there’s The Orville: New Horizons. This was a massive shift. Stepping into Seth MacFarlane’s sci-fi universe as Ensign Charly Burke was a bold move. Charly was controversial—she was grieving, she was angry, and she held a deep-seated prejudice against the Kaylon. Fans were divided, which is exactly what a great actress wants. She made us uncomfortable. Her ultimate sacrifice in the series remains one of the most talked-about moments in the show's history. It proved she could handle high-concept genre stuff just as well as high school drama.
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Notable Television Highlights
- Tyrant (2014–2016): She played Emma Al-Fayeed, the daughter of a Middle Eastern dictator’s son. This was her first big "main role" break, and it was heavy.
- Grand Hotel (2019): A total 180-degree turn. She played Ingrid, a pregnant hotel maid with a hidden agenda. It was soapy, fun, and showed off her range.
- Wicked City (2015): A gritty crime drama where she played Vicki Roth. It didn't last long, but it’s a cult favorite for those who like 80s-set noir.
Anne Winters on the Big Screen: From Comedy to Horror
While her TV work is what keeps her in the headlines, her movie career is where things get really interesting. She hasn’t just stuck to one lane. In 2017, she starred in Mom and Dad alongside Nicolas Cage and Selma Blair. It’s a wild, pitch-black horror-comedy where parents suddenly turn murderous toward their kids. It's a trip. Anne held her own against Cage’s legendary "intensity," which is no small feat for any young actor.
Then you have Night School (2018). She played Mila, a deadpan high schooler alongside Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish. It was a massive box office hit and showed she could do "funny" without trying too hard. Her timing was perfect.
Essential Movie Watchlist
- Countdown (2019): A supernatural horror about an app that predicts when you'll die. She played Courtney, and while it was a supporting role, it's a staple for her fans.
- #RealityHigh (2017): She plays Holly, the classic social media rival. It's very "Gen Z," and she plays the influencer vibe perfectly.
- The Tribe (2016): This is the one critics love. She won Best Supporting Actress at the Nice International Film Festival for this. It’s a drama about three sisters stranded on a desert island. If you want to see her "acting" acting, this is the one.
The Emmy Win No One Talks About Enough
We need to talk about Zac & Mia. It’s a digital series that originally aired on go90 (RIP to that platform). Anne played Mia Phillips, a girl dealing with a cancer diagnosis in the hospital. She was raw. She was vulnerable. She even shaved her head for the role, showing a level of commitment that earned her the 2018 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Digital Daytime Drama Series.
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It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of big Netflix hits, but Zac & Mia is arguably her best work. It stripped away the "cheerleader" persona and forced the audience to look at the person underneath.
What’s Next for Anne?
As of early 2026, Anne is pivoting into more behind-the-scenes work while staying in front of the camera. She has been vocal about producing and is currently attached to the screen adaptation of the novel The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes. It’s a story about the rise and fall of a 90s pop star, which feels right up her alley—glamour, grit, and a whole lot of drama.
She’s also been open about the physical tolls of the industry, recently speaking out about her health and the importance of self-care in a world that demands constant perfection. This transparency has made her even more relatable to her fans. She isn't just a face on a poster; she’s a person navigating a really tough business.
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Key Takeaways for Fans
- Diversity is her strength. Don't typecast her based on one show.
- Watch the indies. Her best acting is often in the smaller films like Sand Castles or The Tribe.
- Keep an eye on her production credits. She’s moving into the producer's chair, which means more control over the stories she tells.
To really appreciate the depth of her career, you should start with Zac & Mia for the heart, move to The Orville for the intensity, and finish with Mom and Dad for the pure, chaotic fun. She’s one of the few actors who can jump between those worlds without missing a beat.
If you're looking to dive deeper into her filmography, check out the independent drama Sand Castles (2014). It's often overlooked but features an award-winning ensemble cast and some of her most grounded early work. You can also follow her production journey with The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes, which is expected to be a major project in the coming year.