Mikey Madison just pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Oscars history, and now the big question is, what’s next? After winning Best Actress for Anora, she’s officially in Hollywood’s A-list conversation. The indie darling, known for her intense and captivating performances, now has the industry at her feet. If Anora was her star-making moment, her next moves would define her career in a whole new way.
But here’s the thing: Madison had always been a powerhouse long before she held that golden statuette. Whether through indie gems, unforgettable supporting roles, or projects that pushed her out of her comfort zone, she’s built a filmography that screams talent. And now, with her Oscar win making her one of the hottest names in the business, studios are lining up to get her on board.
So, what are the top five films that helped shape her career after Anora? From gripping dramas to unexpected genre twists, Madison has been making bold choices, proving she’s not just a one-hit wonder. If you thought Anora was the peak, think again. These five films show that Mikey Madison is just getting started, and Hollywood better keep up. Let’s dive into her best post-Anora performances and why they’re a must-watch.
5. Scream (2022)
Mikey Madison in a Scream movie? Oh, you know she brought the chaos. In Scream, she steps into the horror spotlight in the best way possible, playing one of the fresh faces caught in Ghostface’s latest murder spree. While the film brings back franchise icons (because what’s Scream without some legacy characters?), it also introduces a new generation of slasher victims. And Madison is right in the middle of the madness.
The movie kicks off in classic Scream fashion, with mysterious phone calls, creepy masks, and plenty of brutal kills. When high schooler Tara gets attacked, her estranged sister rushes home, only to uncover a whole mess of town secrets. And, as always, the body count rises. Madison delivers a performance that is both unsettling and electrifying, proving she can thrive in the world of horror.
Sure, nothing will ever top the Scream that started it all (even the characters joke about that), but this sequel does an impressive job of keeping the franchise alive with its signature mix of scares, humor, and meta-commentary. And with Madison in the mix, you know things get wild. Horror fans, if you missed this one, go fix it. Ghostface is waiting.
4. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Before Mikey Madison was leading Oscar-winning films, she was literally screaming her lungs out in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Playing Sadie, a wild-eyed, knife-wielding member of the Manson family, Madison made an unforgettable impression in Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist take on Hollywood’s golden age. Sure, she wasn’t the star (hard to compete when you’ve got Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie on screen), but when her moment came? She owned it.
The film follows fading actor Rick Dalton and his laid-back stunt double Cliff Booth as they navigate a rapidly changing Hollywood. But in true Tarantino fashion, things take a violent, chaotic turn when the Manson family enters the picture. And that’s where Madison shines; her explosive, completely unhinged performance in the film’s climactic showdown is so intense that it’s almost impossible to forget.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was a massive success, racking up awards and proving that Tarantino still had a few surprises up his sleeve. And while Pitt and DiCaprio got most of the attention, Madison’s performance was a scene-stealer in its own right. It may not have been her biggest role, but it was one of her most memorable roles and the perfect preview of the powerhouse performer she’d become.
3. Monster (2018)
Before Mikey Madison was stealing scenes in big-budget films, she was part of the powerful ensemble in Monster, a gripping legal drama that hits hard. Based on the novel of the same name, the film follows a promising young student whose life takes a devastating turn when he’s accused of murder. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, forcing audiences to question perception, justice, and bias.
While Madison doesn’t have a leading role here, her presence in such a thought-provoking film is another testament to her sharp eye for impactful projects. And with a stacked cast including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jennifer Hudson, and Jeffrey Wright, Monster delivers powerhouse performances across the board. Critics may have had mixed feelings about the script, but one thing they agreed on? The acting is top-tier.
The film might not have been a massive blockbuster, but it’s one of those slow-burn dramas that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Madison’s filmography is full of bold, daring choices, and Monster is no exception. It may not be the first movie that comes to mind when thinking about her career, but it’s definitely worth a watch, especially if you’re in the mood for something intense, thought-provoking, and undeniably well-acted.
2. It Takes Three (2021)
Mikey Madison in a rom-com? Now, that’s something you don’t see every day. It Takes Three is a fun, underrated teen comedy that gives a modern twist to the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, yes, the one where one guy does all the talking while another gets the girl. In this version, we follow Cy, an awkward but sweet teenager helping the popular Chris win over Roxy. And then there’s Madison as Kat, Cy’s friend, who’s all in on the plan until she realizes he should probably just be himself.
This one won’t go down in rom-com history, but it has its moments. It’s light, breezy, and has that classic “everyone finds their happy ending” charm. Sure, the modern updates don’t always hit, and the characters could use a little more depth. But hey, it’s a feel-good teen movie. And, sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Madison might not be in her usual dark and intense roles here, but she brings a natural charm that makes her stand out. It’s not her most famous film, but if you’re in the mood for something sweet and easygoing, It Takes Three is a solid choice. Plus, it’s always fun to see Madison flex her range beyond the usual thrillers and dramas.
1. Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey (2017)
Every actor has to start somewhere, and for Mikey Madison, that “somewhere” was Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey. This coming-of-age road trip drama marks her big-screen debut, which is a big deal, even if the movie itself didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Set in the 1960s, it follows two teenagers, Liza (Madison) and Brett (Sean H. Scully), as they ride along the California coast, navigating young love, fleeting time, and life’s big questions.
Now, here’s the thing: while the film had all the ingredients for a great period drama, it didn’t quite come together. Critics found it underwhelming, and the deeper themes of the ‘60s (Vietnam War, civil rights, feminism) were more of a backdrop than a real focus. But if you’re watching for Madison, you can still spot the early sparks of the talent that would later make her a breakout star.
It may not be her best film, but it’s an interesting look at where she started. And honestly, the fact that this is considered the weakest link in her filmography just proves how far she’s come. So, while Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey won’t top anyone’s must-watch list, it’s still a cool little piece of Madison’s journey to Hollywood success.
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