Madelyn Cline’s journey from a small-town girl in South Carolina to one of Hollywood’s breakout stars has been a curve that is intriguing to look at. Her fan-favorite role in Outer Banks has largely accelerated her rise to fame, but her work across film has consistently shown that she is far more than just a one-role wonder or a cameo star with a face card.
Cline has carved her own path as an actress with the rare ability to embody both vulnerable sensitivity and bold charisma, making her performances memorable even in ensemble casts. As an up-and-coming actress, she has made careful choices, dabbling in indie dramas, thrillers, and even major studio hits—allowing her to showcase her range and prove her staying power in a rapidly evolving industry.
While her mainstream success is still budding, her film credits carry weight, with standout performances that set her apart from her peers. Whether she’s playing emotionally conflicted teens in indie films or standing tall among A-listers in big-budget productions, Cline leaves something undeniable behind in every screen appearance. The list below will take a look at some of the best Madelyn Cline movies that celebrate her growth and solidify her as one of the brightest young talents in Hollywood.
8. This is the Night (2021)
Set in Staten Island in the summer of 1982, “This Is the Night” centers on the Dedea family as they navigate personal challenges and aspire to resolve their issues inspired by the release of the blockbuster boxing movie “Rocky III.” The story unfolds on a single night and follows the youngest son, Anthony, who is awkward and shy, as he attempts to confess his feelings to his crush, Sophia Larocca (played by Madelyn Cline). Meanwhile, the family faces financial troubles and longstanding personal conflicts, all culminating during a celebration at a local banquet hall.
Madelyn Cline portrays Sophia Larocca, the object of Anthony’s affections and the daughter of local mobster Frank Larocca. Cline’s character, while not the central focus of the narrative, plays an important role in Anthony’s quest for confidence and self-expression. While the actor is somewhat used as a catalyst for Anthony’s journey, she brings a genuine warmth and authenticity to her scenes, elevating Sophia beyond the archtypal ‘crush’ character.
7. Savannah Sunrise (2016)
“Savannah Sunrise” is a sweet, family-centric road trip film that explores relationships between different generations. At its core, the story is about forgiveness, bonding, and discovering the unexpected joys of reconnecting with loved ones, with the narrative oozing warmth. The film is guided heavily by its themes of compassion and rediscovery. While not the most well-known movie on Cline’s résumé, it does carry an important, wholesome charm that resonates with anyone who appreciates sincere storytelling in smaller productions.
For Cline, the film marked one of her earlier roles—and while her screen time may be limited, she exhibits a flicker of the naturalistic style she later perfected. She demonstrates an instinctive grasp of how to bring authenticity even to smaller, understated parts. Despite not being a central figure here, her performance hints at a raw readiness to inhabit characters, regardless of scale.
6. The Map That Leads to You (2025)
“The Map That Leads to You” is directed by Lasse Hallström and adapted from the novel by J.P. Monninger. The story centers on Heather Mulgrew, played by Madelyn Cline, a young woman traveling Europe with friends after graduation. During her trip, she meets Jack, a charming stranger, which sparks an unexpected romance that leads to emotional self-discovery and life-changing decisions.
Madelyn Cline’s performance as Heather has great chemistry with co-star KJ Apa, which is effortless and believable. However, I do feel that she wasn’t given much material to fully showcase her talent. Her strongest moments are the confrontation scenes with Jack, which display her best acting, though these scenes are brief.
5. I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
The Fourth Installment in the American Slasher franchise, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” (2025), serves as a legacy sequel to the earlier films. The plot is set 27 years after the original Tower Bay murders and follows a new group of friends who accidentally cause a car accident they cover up. A year later, they are stalked by a hook-wielding killer who seeks revenge. The story also connects with characters from the original films, including returns by Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Madelyn Cline stars as Danica Richards, one of the friends central to the story, who is engaging and involved in the unfolding mystery and horror. Her performance highlights her ability to keep the movie alive. She needs to be commended for handling some of the more iconic and intense moments in the film, such as a recreated key scene from the original franchise.
4. What Breaks the Ice (2020)
Set in the Summer of 1998, “What Breaks the Ice” follows two teenage girls, Emily (played by Madelyn Cline) and Sammy (played by Sofia Hublitz), who form a quick and deep friendship despite coming from very different backgrounds—Emily being a wealthy summer visitor, while Sammy a local townie. Their carefree days quickly spiral into a tense mystery when they become accidental accomplices in a fatal crime, which tests their bond and brings out secrets and challenges linked to class differences and adolescence.
Madelyn Cline’s performance as Emily is a standout feature. Her screen presence and ability to convincingly portray a privileged teenager confronted with sudden, unsettling danger make this one of her better outings as an actor.
3. The Giant (2019)
“The Giant,” the moody and atmospheric crime thriller written and directed by David Raboy is set in a rural Georgian town and centres on Charlotte, a teenager played by Odessa Young, who faces the trauma of her mother’s recent suicide just as her estranged boyfriend suddenly reappears and a string of mysterious murders begin to terrorize the town.
The story blurs dream and reality as Charlotte, along with her friends — including Olivia, played by Madelyn Cline — gets swept into the unsettling events. The film explores themes of grief, memory, and the uncertainty of adolescence, wrapped in a haunting, almost surreal narrative style. Madelyn Cline, who plays Olivia, is not the film’s lead, but Cline’s role is central to establishing the emotional stakes and grounding the film’s increasingly chaotic reality. Her interactions with Odessa Young’s Charlotte — especially during moments of friendship and fear — help provide a sense of realism and emotional weight to the otherwise enigmatic film.
2. Boy Erased (2018)
“Boy Erased” is a biographical drama directed by Joel Edgerton, based on Garrard Conley’s memoir. The film tells the story of Jared Eamons (Lucas Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, who is outed as gay to his parents (played by Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe). Pressured by his family and church, Jared is sent to a conversion therapy program. There, he confronts the damaging effects of such institutions, struggles to come to terms with his identity, and ultimately begins to assert his true self.
Madelyn Cline plays the supporting role of Chloe, a friend from Jared’s earlier life. While her screen time is limited compared to the leads, Cline’s performance stands out for its sincerity and warmth. She brings a genuine sensitivity to her scenes, offering a sense of support and empathy for Jared. Even in her relatively brief appearance, Cline helps to highlight the contrast between the sincerity of true friendship and the emotional manipulation Jared experiences elsewhere. Her understated performance contributes to the film’s atmosphere of authenticity and emotional gravity
1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Directed by Rian Johnson, the standalone sequel to “Knives Out” follows world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) as he is invited to the private Greek island of tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) for a murder mystery game. The other guests are Bron’s inner circle, referred to as the “Disruptors,” each with their own secrets and motives. The party, intended as a playful spectacle, turns deadly when actual murder ensues. Blanc unravels the layered mystery, revealing betrayals, corporate intrigue, and complicated pasts among the guests. The film is acclaimed for its clever plotting, humor, and satirical jabs at the rich and powerful.
Madelyn Cline plays Whiskey, the glamorous girlfriend of YouTube star Duke Cody (Dave Bautista). Whiskey initially appears as a social-media-savvy influencer using her relationship for fame and opportunity. However, as the mystery deepens, Cline deftly explores Whiskey’s ambitions, vulnerabilities, and hidden motives. Glass Onion was the first time I noticed Cline because, despite being introduced as an eye-candy, her character’s subtle and complex arc makes this one of her finer performances that is worth seeking out.
