‘Euphoria‘ is the epitome of raw, gritty, and edgy portrayals of the darker parts of teen life. With every character, you find yourself unable to predict how their growth or, in some cases, decline would be set up.
Beyond the intrigue of ‘Euphoria’s’ visuals and storyline is also a crowd-puller. Yet, outside the neon bubble, there have been several roles the actors have nailed over the past decade and more. Here’s a list of a few that might ring a bell!
10. Eric Dane in ‘Grey’s Anatomy‘
You saw this one coming. Eric Dane’s “McSteamy” is perhaps the most suave role he’s been in. Mark Sloan was introduced in season 2 as a plastic surgeon. Throughout the eight subsequent seasons, he notoriously built a reputation for his relationship scandals, his bromance with Derek Shepherd, and the tragic death he encountered.
Related: Eric Dane Filmed ‘Euphoria’ While Battling ALS Until The Very End
9. Algee Smith in ‘The Hate You Give‘
The popular 2018 adaptation of ‘The Hate You Give’ featured Algee Smith as Khalil Harris. In the film, his character meets an unfortunate death at the hands of a racist white police officer. Unlike his character as Cassie’s ex in ‘Euphoria‘, in this one, Algee Smith takes on a significant, sympathetic role that suffers brutality due to discrimination and prejudice.
8. Maude Apatow in ‘The King of Staten Island‘
You see a lot of familiar faces in this one, including Pete Davidson. The film definitely sets Maude Apatow’s profile miles away from Lexi in ‘Euphoria’. In ‘The King of Staten Island’, she portrays Claire, Scott Carlin’s supportive sister, as he navigates his emotional recovery.
7. Barbie Ferreira in ‘Unpregnant‘
Besides her iconic role as Kat in ‘Euphoria’, Barbie Ferreira has played another bold teen role as Bailey Butler in ‘Unpregnant‘. The film follows two friends who move across states for an abortion. Ferreira’s role stands out for the genuineness and reconnection she naturally brings to Haley Lu Richardson’s character.
6. Alexa Demi in ‘Waves’
Alongside Maddy Perez, Alexa Demie also portrayed Alexis Lopez in ‘Waves’, a teenager who is also the girlfriend of Kelvin Harrison Jr.‘s Tyler. The film follows an African American family through the experiences of its two children, Tyler and Emily, as they navigate tragedy and grief. Unlike the sass she brings, Alexa Demie takes on an empathetic, subtle character arc.
In case you missed it: ‘Euphoria’ Star Barbie Ferreira Breaks Silence on Season 3 Moving Forward Without Her
5. Jacob Elordi in ‘Frankenstein‘
The infamous 2025 Guillermo Del Toro film might just be Jacob Elordi’s best performance so far. With ‘Frankenstein’, he takes on the role of the gothic creature protagonist of Mary Shelly’s novel with a sensitive touch.
4. Sydney Sweeney in ‘The Housemaid‘
Freida McFadden’s book adaptation had some major moments of pure shock. But a good chunk of that appeal can be credited to the dynamic between Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. She takes on the center stage as Millie, an ex-con who desperately avoids her past while confronting the secrets that accompany her new job.
3. Hunter Schafer in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’
The infamous prequel to ‘The Hunger Games’ stars Hunter Schafer as Tigris Snow. Being the cousin of Coriolanus Snow, Tigris serves as the hero-turned-villain’s emotional support until their changing roles set them apart. Hunter nails some iconic outfits in this one, alongside her portrayal, which makes every moment of her on-screen presence count.
2. Austin Abrams in ‘Brad’s Status’
‘Euphoria’s Austin Abrams has had his fair share of deeply woven teen roles, but this one in particular gives him an emotional arc to excel in. In ‘Brad’s Status‘, he portrays Troy Sloan, the son of Ben Stiller’s character. Unlike his role in ‘Euphoria‘, Austin Abrams as Troy is much more mature and wise, setting him apart from the emotionally broken Brad.
1. Zendaya in ‘Challengers’
While we couldn’t fill you in on all of the iconic roles Zendaya has had for the past decade, we can definitely say that ‘Challengers’ has been the best performance she’s had in 2024. The film is shot in two timelines and follows the tensions between friends-turned-enemies. The bond between Art and Patrick is tested with the arrival of a common and talented love interest, Tashi. In the film, Zendaya portrays Tashi, the coach and wife of Art, whose character has deep layers that range from grey morality to toxic determinism.
You might also like to read: The Forgotten TV Series That Inspired HBO’s ‘Euphoria’
