The Rise of Mikey Madison

If you have recently found yourself asking, “What movie is Mikey Madison in?”, you are likely not alone. In the last few years, this young actress has transitioned from a stealing-the-scene supporting player to a bona fide leading lady. Whether you recognize her from a fiery death scene in a Quentin Tarantino film or her critically acclaimed performance as a sex worker in a Sean Baker masterpiece, Madison has carved out a niche for intense, chaotic, and deeply human characters.

Unlike many of her peers who rose through the Disney Channel pipeline—such as Zendaya or Jenna Ortega—Mikey Madison’s trajectory has been defined by gritty, independent, and often R-rated fare. She brings a raw energy to the screen that directors love, often playing characters who are on the edge of a nervous breakdown or a violent outburst.

In this comprehensive guide, we will answer exactly what movies she is in, break down her most iconic roles, and explain why she is poised to be the next big superstar of the 2020s.

1. The Career-Defining Role: Anora (2024)

If you are searching for Mikey Madison today, it is almost certainly because of Anora. Directed by Sean Baker (known for The Florida Project and Red Rocket), this film marks Madison’s transition from supporting character to undeniable lead star.

The Plot and Performance

In Anora, Madison plays the titular character, a young sex worker from Brooklyn who gets swept up in a whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch. What starts as a Cinderella story quickly descends into a chaotic, high-energy farce when the boy’s parents come to New York to annul the marriage.

This role allowed Madison to showcase her full range: comedy, physical acting, and devastating emotional vulnerability. Critics at the Cannes Film Festival, where the film won the prestigious Palme d’Or, praised her electric presence. It is a demanding role that requires her to speak Russian, perform physically exhausting scenes, and carry the emotional weight of the narrative.

While many are currently focused on Timothée Chalamet’s latest updates, cinephiles know that the real acting performance of the year belongs to Madison in this indie powerhouse.

Discover Sean Baker’s Previous Masterpiece

Before watching Anora, experience the director’s style with “The Florida Project,” another critically acclaimed film about life on the margins.

Check Price on Amazon

2. The Modern Horror Icon: Scream (2022)

For the Gen Z audience, the answer to “what movie is Mikey Madison in?” is usually Scream (2022). Revitalizing the legendary slasher franchise, this film introduced a new cast of characters to Woodsboro.

Role: Amber Freeman

Madison played Amber Freeman, the protective (and slightly obsessive) best friend of Tara Carpenter, played by Jenna Ortega. Without spoiling the entire third act for those who haven’t seen it, let’s just say Madison’s performance in the finale is unhinged, terrifying, and iconic.

Her ability to switch from a concerned friend to a manic threat in a split second solidified her status as a “Scream Queen.” Her chemistry with the legacy cast and the new blood proved she could hold her own in a blockbuster franchise. Much like the buzz surrounding Tom Holland’s breaking news when he entered the Marvel universe, Madison’s entry into the Scream universe brought her global recognition.

Own the Scream (2022) Steelbook

Watch Mikey Madison’s terrifying performance in 4K Ultra HD. A must-have for horror collectors.

Check Price on Amazon

3. The Hollywood Debut: Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

Before she was holding a knife in Woodsboro, she was holding a knife (and dealing with a flamethrower) in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. This was the role that put her on the map.

Role: Susan “Sadie” Atkins

Madison played Sadie, a member of the Manson Family cult. While it was a supporting role, she was central to the film’s explosive, revisionist history ending. Acting alongside heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, Madison didn’t just fade into the background. Her primal screaming and physical commitment to the chaotic fight scene were unforgettable.

This role established a pattern for Madison: directors love to cast her as characters who are intense, volatile, and memorable. It takes a specific type of talent to play a Manson girl without it feeling like a caricature.

Complete Filmography: Mikey Madison

Below is a detailed table of the major movies and TV shows Mikey Madison has appeared in.

The “Mikey Madison” Type: Why She Stands Out

In an industry often dominated by polished, media-trained stars who worry about skincare routines and perfect Instagram feeds, Mikey Madison brings a refreshing grit. Her acting style is characterized by a lack of vanity.

However, her role in Better Things as Max Fox showed she could play the long game. Over five seasons, she portrayed the complex, angsty, and eventually maturing daughter of Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon). This role proved she could handle subtle family drama just as well as slasher horror.

Comparison: Mikey Madison vs. Other Gen Z Stars

How does she compare to the current crop of young Hollywood elite?

• Vs. Jenna Ortega: Both are horror icons. While Ortega leans into the “goth girl” cool aesthetic (Wednesday Addams), Madison leans into the “manic, dangerous” energy. They complemented each other perfectly in Scream.
• Vs. Sydney Sweeney: While Sydney Sweeney often plays characters defined by their romantic entanglements or social standing, Madison’s characters are often defined by their survival instincts and aggression.
• Vs. Sabrina Carpenter: While Sabrina Carpenter dominates the pop charts with a polished, sweet-but-sassy image, Madison occupies the indie-film, gritty alternative space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: A Star in the Making

So, the next time someone asks, “What movie is Mikey Madison in?”, you can tell them she is the fiery heart of Anora, the terrifying villain of Scream, and the flamethrower victim in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.

Mikey Madison is not just another young actress; she is a performer who makes bold, dangerous choices. As she moves from indie darlings to blockbuster franchises, her career is one of the most exciting to watch in Hollywood right now. While the tabloids focus on relationship rumors and baby announcements, Madison is focused on the craft, delivering performances that will be talked about for decades.

Catch Her Breakout Series

See where it all began. Watch Mikey Madison as Max Fox in the critically acclaimed series “Better Things.”

Check Price on Amazon