Honestly, it’s hard to remember a time when Madelyn Cline wasn't the face of Netflix’s summer vibes. You probably know her as Sarah Cameron, the "Kook Princess" with a heart of gold and a penchant for getting into high-stakes treasure hunts. But if you think her career starts and ends on the shores of the Outer Banks, you’re missing out on a surprisingly gritty and diverse filmography.
She’s been a French Quarter witch. She’s been a head cheerleader in a dark comedy. She’s even survived a Benoit Blanc mystery. Cline has spent the last few years meticulously picking roles that distance her from the "teen idol" label, and it's working.
The Roles That Defined Madelyn Cline Movies and TV Shows
Most people don't realize that Madelyn didn't just wake up famous in 2020. She was a working actor for years, often appearing in the background of your favorite binge-watches.
That "Wait, Was That Her?" Era
Before the gold of the Royal Merchant, Cline was doing the rounds in major TV universes. If you go back and re-watch Stranger Things (Season 2), look closely at the high school scenes. She played Tina, one of the popular girls hanging out with Steve and Nancy. It was a small role, sure, but it put her on the map for Netflix casting directors.
Then there’s The Originals. Most fans of the Vampire Diaries universe might have missed her three-episode arc as Jessica, a witch caught up in the brutal Harvest ritual of New Orleans. She played it with a certain fragility that hinted at the emotional range she’d later bring to Outer Banks.
Breaking Out with Sarah Cameron
We have to talk about Outer Banks. It's the juggernaut. When the first season dropped during the 2020 lockdowns, it became an instant cultural phenomenon. Cline’s portrayal of Sarah Cameron wasn’t just about the chemistry with John B (though that was undeniable); it was about the internal conflict of a girl realizing her entire world was built on lies.
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The show gave her the platform, but it also threatened to box her in. Playing the same character for five seasons can be a death sentence for an actor's versatility. But Madelyn had other plans.
Pivoting to the Big Screen: Glass Onion and Beyond
The real turning point for Madelyn Cline movies and TV shows came in 2022. Rian Johnson cast her in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
She played Whiskey—the girlfriend of Dave Bautista’s character, Duke Cody. On paper, Whiskey looks like a vapid influencer stereotype. In Cline’s hands, she was actually one of the most self-aware people on the island. She brought a "don't underestimate me" energy to the role that held its own against heavyweights like Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, and Kate Hudson.
Basically, she proved she could handle a script that wasn't about high school drama.
Exploring the Indie Scene
While the blockbusters get the headlines, her smaller projects show where her interests really lie.
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- Boy Erased (2018): A heavy, biographical drama where she played Chloe. It’s a small part, but working under director Joel Edgerton alongside Lucas Hedges and Nicole Kidman is basically a masterclass for a young actor.
- What Breaks the Ice (2020): This is a hidden gem. It’s a coming-of-age thriller set in the 90s. If you liked the "vibe" of Outer Banks but wanted something darker and more grounded, this is the movie to watch.
- This Is the Night (2021): A Staten Island-based drama set in 1982 during the premiere of Rocky III. Cline plays Sophia Larocca, the local crush. It’s a nostalgic, messy, and very human film.
The New Era: 2025 and 2026 Projects
If you're wondering what's next, the answer is "a lot." Cline is officially in her "leading lady" era.
She recently stepped into the iconic horror world with the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot (2025). Taking over a legacy franchise is risky, but her role as Danica Richards showed she can carry the tension of a slasher flick without breaking a sweat.
Then there’s The Map That Leads to You. This is a big-budget adaptation of J.P. Monninger's novel. It’s a sweeping, emotional travel romance—sort of like a more mature version of the adventures that made her famous.
And keep an eye out for Day Drinker. She's starring alongside Sydney Sweeney and Johnny Depp in this upcoming thriller. It’s a massive project that cements her status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after names.
Madelyn Cline Filmography at a Glance
| Year | Title | Role | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Stranger Things | Tina | TV |
| 2017 | The Originals | Jessica | TV |
| 2018 | Boy Erased | Chloe | Movie |
| 2020–2025 | Outer Banks | Sarah Cameron | TV |
| 2022 | Glass Onion | Whiskey | Movie |
| 2025 | I Know What You Did Last Summer | Danica | Movie |
| 2026 | Day Drinker | Lorna | Movie |
Why Her Career Path Actually Matters
Most "teen stars" flame out or get stuck in a loop of Hallmark movies. Cline is doing the opposite. By mixing huge Netflix hits with prestige ensemble films like Glass Onion and gritty indie dramas, she’s building a resume that has longevity.
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She also doesn't shy away from the modeling world, recently becoming a brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger. But she’s made it clear in interviews that the work on set is the priority. She told V Magazine that she values authenticity over the "influencer" lifestyle, which is ironic considering how well she played an influencer in Knives Out.
What to Watch Next
If you’ve already finished the latest season of Outer Banks and need a Madelyn Cline fix, here is the best way to catch up:
- Start with Glass Onion. It’s her best performance to date and shows a completely different side of her acting.
- Find What Breaks the Ice. It’s probably on a streaming service you haven't checked in a while, but it's worth the search for the 90s aesthetic alone.
- Go back to Vice Principals. She’s in a few episodes as Taylor Watts. It’s a comedy, and seeing her do humor is a nice change of pace.
The trajectory of Madelyn Cline movies and TV shows suggests she’s not going anywhere. She’s successfully transitioned from the girl-next-door to a legitimate power player in Hollywood. Whether she's running through the marsh or solving a murder on a private island, she's consistently the most interesting person on the screen.
Keep an eye on her upcoming 2026 releases—this is clearly just the beginning of her second act.