You’ve seen the blonde hair, the platform boots, and probably have "Espresso" stuck in your head for the third time today. But before Sabrina Carpenter was selling out arenas and making us all rethink our coffee intake, she was quietly building a kingdom over at Netflix. Honestly, it's kinda wild how people forget she isn't just a "new" pop star who appeared out of thin air. She’s been a staple on the platform for years.
Most fans point to the music first, but if you actually look at the Sabrina Carpenter Netflix movies catalog, you see the blueprint for her current superstardom. It wasn't just about acting; it was about her figuring out how to be a mogul.
The Work It Era and the Producer Pivot
Back in 2020, while the rest of us were learning how to make sourdough, Sabrina was starring in Work It. This wasn't just another teen dance flick. If you look at the credits, you'll see she was an executive producer. At 21. That’s not normal.
She played Quinn Ackerman, a high schooler who fakes her way into a dance team to get into Duke. It’s a bit cliché, sure. But the movie actually works because Sabrina leans into the "awkward-but-determined" trope so well. Plus, her chemistry with Jordan Fisher and Liza Koshy kept it from feeling like a standard Disney Channel leftover.
The interesting part? This movie was the first real sign that she wanted to control the narrative. She wasn't just showing up to hit her marks; she was involved in the "Let Me Move You" track for the film and helped shape the vibe.
💡 You might also like: Charlize Theron Sweet November: Why This Panned Rom-Com Became a Cult Favorite
That One Movie Everyone Loves to Hate
Then there’s Tall Girl. Look, we can be real here—the internet had a field day with the premise of a 6'1" girl acting like her life was a tragedy. But Sabrina’s role as Harper Kreyman, the pageant-queen older sister, was actually the best part of that franchise.
She played the "perfect" sister who, surprisingly, wasn't a total jerk. Usually, in these movies, the pretty sister is a villain. Harper was actually supportive of Jodi. It was a subversion that most people missed because they were too busy making memes about the size 13 Nikes.
Sabrina returned for Tall Girl 2 in 2022. It did the numbers, but by then, you could tell she was outgrowing the "sister of the lead" roles. She was ready for the spotlight to be focused entirely on her.
The Nonsense Christmas Chaos
Fast forward to December 2024. A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter hits Netflix, and it's basically a fever dream in the best way possible. It wasn't a movie in the traditional sense, but a variety special that felt like a throwback to the 70s—if the 70s had Chappell Roan and Shania Twain.
📖 Related: Charlie Charlie Are You Here: Why the Viral Demon Myth Still Creeps Us Out
Sabrina told British Vogue that filming it was "kind of a s**t show," but in a festive way. They shot the whole thing in just two days. Think about that. Two days to coordinate sketches, massive musical numbers, and guest appearances from Quinta Brunson and Cara Delevingne.
- Guest Stars: Shania Twain, Chappell Roan, Tyla, Kali Uchis.
- The Vibe: High-camp, glittery, and deeply unserious.
- Key Moment: The "Last Christmas" duet with Chappell Roan that basically broke the internet for a weekend.
The special pulled in about 2.6 million views in its first few days. While some critics called the pacing "slow," the fans didn't care. It was the moment Sabrina solidified herself as a Netflix heavyweight who could command a holiday tradition.
Why the "Alice" Project Matters
For a while, everyone was talking about the contemporary Alice in Wonderland musical Netflix bought from her. She’s set to produce it under her "At Last Productions" banner. This is the big one. It’s supposed to be set at a music festival called "Wonderland."
There’s been a lot of "is it still happening?" talk lately. Projects in Hollywood move at the speed of a turtle, but this is the project that will likely define her "actress" era moving forward. It moves her away from the teen rom-com space and into the "prestige musical" category.
👉 See also: Cast of Troubled Youth Television Show: Where They Are in 2026
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That these movies were just "side quests" for her music career.
In reality, the Sabrina Carpenter Netflix movies were her testing ground. She used Work It to learn production. She used Tall Girl to maintain her visibility while she was transitioning away from her Disney image. She used the holiday special to prove she could host a massive, multi-celebrity event.
If you're looking to catch up on her filmography, don't just watch for the plot. Watch how she carries herself. Even in the smaller roles, she has this "it factor" that makes it obvious why she’s currently the biggest pop star on the planet.
Next Steps for the Sabrina Fan:
- Watch 'Work It' first: It’s the most "Sabrina" of her scripted films and shows off her comedic timing.
- Stream 'A Nonsense Christmas': Even if it’s not December, the production value and the duets with Tyla and Kali Uchis are worth the 60 minutes.
- Keep an eye on 'Alice': Check trade publications like Deadline or The Hollywood Reporter for production updates, as this will be her first major lead-and-produce credit for a feature film.