Hailee Steinfeld's Best Movies & TV Shows
Hey film buffs and TV series fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into the amazing world of Hailee Steinfeld, a true gem in Hollywood who's been lighting up our screens for years. If you're wondering what to watch next starring this incredibly talented actress, you've come to the right place, guys! We're going to explore some of her most iconic roles and binge-worthy series that showcase her incredible range and undeniable star power. From critically acclaimed dramas to blockbuster hits and even some fun animated adventures, Hailee has done it all, and we're here to give you the lowdown on her must-see projects. Get ready to add some serious binge-watching material to your list!
The Early Brilliance: Breaking Through with True Grit
Let's kick things off with the role that truly put Hailee Steinfeld on the map: Mattie Ross in True Grit (2010). Seriously, guys, for her first major feature film role, her performance was nothing short of phenomenal. At just 13 years old, she went toe-to-toe with acting legends like Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, holding her own and even stealing scenes. Her portrayal of the determined, sharp-tongued, and incredibly mature young girl seeking justice for her father was so compelling that it earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Can you even imagine? This was her big breakout, and it was richly deserved. The Coen brothers clearly saw something special in her, and boy, were they right. True Grit isn't just a fantastic Western; it's a testament to Hailee's raw talent and her ability to embody complex characters with remarkable depth, even at such a young age. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and check out this incredible piece of cinema. It’s a masterclass in acting and a perfect introduction to the phenomenal career that was about to unfold for this young star. The grit and resilience she brought to Mattie Ross set a high bar for all her subsequent roles, proving that she was more than just a child actor – she was a force to be reckoned with.
Stepping into the Marvel Universe: Hawkeye
Now, let's fast-forward a bit and talk about a role that brought Hailee into the massive world of the MCU: Kate Bishop in Hawkeye (2021). Oh man, this series was such a treat for Marvel fans, and Hailee was an absolute revelation as the aspiring archer and superfan who teams up with Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner). Her chemistry with Renner was spot-on, and she perfectly captured Kate's blend of youthful enthusiasm, impressive skill, and relatable struggle. Hawkeye gave us a deeper look into Kate's character, showing her determination to become a hero in her own right, inspired by the legendary Hawkeye himself. Hailee brought such a vibrant energy to the role, making Kate instantly likable and someone you root for. We saw her training, her witty banter, and her unwavering courage as she navigated the dangerous world of New York City. This series wasn't just about action; it was about mentorship, legacy, and finding your place, and Hailee absolutely nailed it. It’s fantastic to see her embrace such a prominent role in a major franchise, and fans are eagerly awaiting her return. The way she handled the action sequences and the emotional beats of the story proved once again that she has the chops for any kind of role. Hawkeye was a brilliant showcase of her talent and a super fun watch for anyone, whether you're a hardcore Marvel fan or just love a good character-driven story. Her journey as Kate Bishop is one we're all excited to see continue!
The Musical Maverick: Pitch Perfect Series
Get ready to sing along, because we can't talk about Hailee Steinfeld without mentioning her iconic role as Emily Junk in the Pitch Perfect series. Starting with Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) and continuing into Pitch Perfect 3 (2017), Hailee brought a fresh, vibrant energy to the Barden Bellas. As the eager newbie, Emily quickly charmed her way into our hearts with her powerful voice and sweet personality. Pitch Perfect is all about a capella, friendship, and finding your voice, and Emily's journey perfectly embodies that. She’s the one who introduces the iconic song “Flashlight,” and let me tell you, her performance was chef’s kiss. We saw her grow from a shy freshman into a confident leader, contributing significantly to the group's performances and dynamics. The movies themselves are packed with hilarious moments, incredible musical numbers, and heartwarming themes of sisterhood, and Hailee was a crucial part of that magic. Her character's optimism and talent made her a fan favorite, and she truly held her own alongside the established cast. If you’re looking for something fun, uplifting, and full of fantastic music, the Pitch Perfect movies are an absolute must-watch. Hailee’s contribution to this beloved franchise solidified her status as a versatile performer who can handle comedy, drama, and of course, singing!
Exploring the Sci-Fi Realm: Ender's Game
Let's shift gears to the realm of science fiction with Hailee Steinfeld's role as Petra Arcanian in Ender's Game (2013). This was a big-budget sci-fi epic based on the beloved novel, and Hailee played a crucial part in the story of Ender Wiggin. Petra is a fierce, skilled commander in the Battle School, known for her incredible marksmanship and no-nonsense attitude. Ender's Game delves into themes of strategy, warfare, and the psychological toll of conflict, and Hailee delivered a strong performance as a capable and complex character. She brought a necessary edge and intensity to Petra, showcasing her ability to handle more action-oriented and serious roles. The film itself is visually stunning and explores thought-provoking ideas about leadership and morality. Hailee's presence added significant weight to the ensemble cast, which included stars like Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, and Ben Kingsley. Her portrayal of Petra highlighted her range, proving she could excel in a high-stakes, futuristic setting. For fans of thoughtful science fiction with compelling characters and impressive special effects, Ender's Game is definitely worth checking out. It’s another example of Hailee taking on challenging roles and making a memorable impact, demonstrating her versatility beyond musical comedies and period dramas. Her ability to convey strength and determination in a demanding genre is truly commendable, guys!
The Dramatic Edge: The Edge of Seventeen
Prepare for some serious coming-of-age feels because Hailee Steinfeld absolutely shines in The Edge of Seventeen (2016). This movie is a masterpiece of teen angst, awkwardness, and hilarious honesty, and Hailee is the heart and soul of it all as Nadine Franklin. If you've ever felt like a total outcast or navigated the minefield of high school, you're going to connect with Nadine. Hailee's portrayal is so authentic, so raw, and so relatable. She perfectly captures the struggles of a teenager dealing with first crushes, family drama, and the bewildering complexities of friendship. The film is incredibly funny, often painfully so, but it’s also deeply moving. The Edge of Seventeen earned widespread critical acclaim, largely due to Hailee's phenomenal lead performance. She brings a perfect balance of vulnerability, humor, and exasperation to Nadine, making her utterly unforgettable. Her interactions with co-stars Woody Harrelson and Kyra Sedgwick are brilliant, but this is truly Hailee's show. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for her work here, and it’s easy to see why. This film is a must-watch for its sharp writing, relatable characters, and Hailee's incredible ability to make you laugh and cry, sometimes in the same scene. It’s a testament to her talent that she can convey such a wide spectrum of emotions so convincingly. The Edge of Seventeen is, hands down, one of her best performances and a standout in the teen movie genre.
Bringing Animation to Life: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Let's swing into the world of animation, where Hailee Steinfeld lends her voice to another iconic character: Gwen Stacy / Spider-Woman in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). This animated film was a groundbreaking achievement, winning an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and Hailee's contribution as Gwen was absolutely stellar. Voicing a character in the Spider-Verse is no small feat, and she absolutely crushed it. Gwen Stacy in this universe is a multi-dimensional, super-cool Spider-Woman from another dimension, and Hailee brought a perfect blend of strength, wit, and heart to her performance. Her voice work perfectly complemented the visually stunning animation and the deeply engaging story. The film explores themes of identity, responsibility, and finding your place among a diverse group of Spider-People, and Gwen plays a pivotal role in Miles Morales' journey. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a visual feast with incredible action sequences and a powerful narrative, and Hailee’s voice acting is a key element that makes it so special. Her portrayal of Gwen is nuanced and powerful, adding significant depth to the already rich tapestry of characters. If you love superhero stories, amazing animation, and powerhouse voice performances, you need to see this movie. It’s a testament to Hailee’s versatility that she can excel in such different mediums, and her work in the Spider-Verse is truly unforgettable.
A Look Ahead: What's Next for Hailee?
Guys, looking at Hailee Steinfeld's filmography so far is already incredibly impressive, but the best part? She's still so young and has so much more to offer! We've seen her tackle historical dramas, teen comedies, sci-fi epics, superhero franchises, and even musical numbers. Her career trajectory has been nothing short of amazing, marked by smart choices and consistently strong performances. Whether she’s earning Oscar nominations or charming us as a superhero, Hailee continues to impress with her dedication and talent. We're super excited to see what projects she chooses next. Will she continue exploring the MCU as Kate Bishop? Will she surprise us with a completely different genre? Whatever it is, you can bet it's going to be worth watching. Hailee Steinfeld's journey is far from over, and we can’t wait to see her continue to grow as an artist and grace our screens with her undeniable charisma and skill. Keep an eye on this one, because she’s destined for even greater things!
