Bella Ramsey stands as one of the most compelling talents in contemporary screen acting, possessing a rare ability to command scenes alongside seasoned industry veterans while still in their early teens. From the moment they stared down the formidable lords of the North in Westeros to their heartbreaking journey across a fungus-infested United States, Ramsey has consistently chosen roles that challenge conventional tropes. Their career is defined by a fierce screen presence, a mastery of subtle emotional shifts, and a versatility that spans voice acting, historical drama, and high-stakes survival horror.

The following analysis explores the definitive movies and television shows that have shaped Bella Ramsey’s career, highlighting why each project is worth your time and how their performances have evolved from a viral breakout to an Emmy-nominated powerhouse.

The Formidable Debut of Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones

No discussion of Bella Ramsey’s career can begin without the project that changed everything. In 2016, a then-unknown Ramsey appeared in the sixth season of HBO’s massive hit, Game of Thrones. Playing Lady Lyanna Mormont, the ten-year-old head of House Mormont, Ramsey was originally contracted for only a single scene. However, their performance was so electric that the producers expanded the role, making Lyanna one of the most beloved figures in the final seasons of the show.

How a One-Scene Performance Redefined House Mormont

The character of Lyanna Mormont was introduced at a critical juncture in the series. Jon Snow and Sansa Stark were desperately seeking allies to retake Winterfell. In a room filled with towering men and skeptical advisors, Ramsey’s Lyanna stole the spotlight. With a sharp tongue and a gaze that could wither a veteran knight, she reminded the North of their duty.

What made Ramsey’s performance so impactful was the lack of "child actor" artifice. They didn't play Lyanna as a cute or precocious child; they played her as a sovereign who understood the weight of her crown. This grounded intensity became Ramsey’s trademark. Throughout Seasons 6, 7, and 8, Lyanna remained a moral compass for the show, eventually meeting a heroic, giant-slaying end that cemented Ramsey’s status as a fan favorite. For viewers today, revisiting Game of Thrones solely to watch the "Little Bear" command her troops remains a highlight of the late-series episodes.

Leading the Magical World in The Worst Witch

Following the gritty realism of Westeros, Ramsey took on a vastly different challenge by leading the newest adaptation of The Worst Witch (2017–2020). Based on the beloved books by Jill Murphy, the series cast Ramsey as Mildred Hubble, a girl from outside the magical world who finds herself struggling to keep up at Cackle’s Academy.

Mildred Hubble and the BAFTA Milestone

The Worst Witch allowed Ramsey to showcase their range in comedy and lighthearted drama. Unlike the stern Lyanna Mormont, Mildred Hubble was clumsy, well-meaning, and frequently overwhelmed. This role required physical comedy and a high degree of relatability, qualities that Ramsey delivered effortlessly across three seasons.

The industry took notice of this consistency. In 2019, Bella Ramsey won the British Academy Children's Award (BAFTA) for Young Performer for their portrayal of Mildred. This was a crucial moment in their career, proving that they could carry a major franchise as the primary lead. While Ramsey eventually left the series to pursue other projects, their tenure as Mildred Hubble remains the gold standard for modern children’s fantasy television.

Voicing the Adventurous Spirit of Hilda

While many actors struggle to transition between live-action and voice work, Ramsey found immediate success in the world of animation. Since 2018, they have provided the voice for the title character in Netflix’s Hilda. Based on the graphic novels by Luke Pearson, the show follows a blue-haired girl who travels from a wilderness full of elves and giants to the bustling city of Trolberg.

The Nuance of Vocal Performance

Voicing Hilda required a different set of tools. Hilda is a character defined by boundless curiosity and a gentle heart, a contrast to the sharper edges of Ramsey’s other roles. Ramsey brings a sense of wonder and breathless excitement to the dialogue that perfectly matches the show’s "cozy fantasy" aesthetic.

The success of the series led to the feature-length film Hilda and the Mountain King (2021), where Ramsey explored the character’s emotional maturity. For those who only know Ramsey from their more intense dramatic work, Hilda offers a refreshing look at their ability to convey warmth and innocence through nothing but vocal inflection. It remains one of the highest-rated animated series on streaming platforms today.

Defining a Generation as Ellie in The Last of Us

In 2023, Bella Ramsey’s career reached a new stratosphere with the release of HBO’s The Last of Us. Adapted from the iconic Naughty Dog video game, the series cast Ramsey as Ellie, a 14-year-old girl who may hold the key to a cure for a global pandemic.

Adapting a Video Game Legend for HBO

The pressure of playing Ellie was immense. The character is one of the most scrutinized figures in gaming history, and the fan base was initially divided over the casting. However, upon the release of the first episode, Ramsey silenced the critics. They captured Ellie’s "foul-mouthed survivalist" exterior while slowly peeling back the layers to reveal a deeply traumatized child searching for connection.

In our observation of the series, Ramsey’s chemistry with Pedro Pascal (who plays Joel) is the engine that drives the show. Their ability to deliver "pun-book" jokes in one scene and a gut-wrenching emotional breakdown in the next (particularly in the episode "Left Behind") is a masterclass in acting. Ramsey’s performance earned them nominations for a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe, making them the first non-binary actor to be nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actress category—a landmark moment for representation in Hollywood.

Transitioning to the Big Screen in Catherine Called Birdy

Between major television commitments, Ramsey has carved out a niche in independent and prestige cinema. One of their most significant film roles came in 2022 with Catherine Called Birdy, directed by Lena Dunham.

A Modern Take on Medieval Rebellion

Set in 13th-century England, the film follows Lady Catherine (known as Birdy) as she navigates her father’s attempts to marry her off for financial gain. Ramsey’s performance here is a tour de force of irreverence. They play Birdy with a modern sensibility, using humor and sheer stubbornness to thwart a series of increasingly absurd suitors.

Unlike the stoic nature of Lyanna Mormont, Birdy is messy, loud, and frequently hilarious. The film allowed Ramsey to flex their comedic muscles in a feature-length format, earning a Critics' Choice Award nomination for Best Young Performer. It is a vital entry in their filmography because it demonstrates that Ramsey can handle the specific rhythms of auteur-driven comedy just as well as big-budget genre pieces.

Exploring Dramatic Range in the Prison Drama Time

Perhaps the most surprising turn in Ramsey’s recent career was their appearance in the second series of the BBC’s Time (2023). Moving away from fantasy and sci-fi, this project is a brutal, grounded exploration of life inside a women’s prison in the UK.

The Royal Television Society Recognition

Ramsey portrays Kelsey Morgan, a young heroin addict who discovers she is pregnant while incarcerated. This role is a significant departure from anything Ramsey had done previously. It required a raw, vulnerable, and often harrowing physical performance. Watching Ramsey navigate the complexities of addiction and impending motherhood within the confines of a hostile prison system is difficult but essential viewing.

Their work in Time earned them a Royal Television Society Award, further solidifying their reputation as an actor capable of handling the most demanding "prestige" material. It served as a reminder that Ramsey is not just a "genre star" but a versatile dramatic actor who can hold their own alongside heavyweights like Jodie Whittaker.

Notable Supporting Performances and Voice Work

Beyond the headline-grabbing leads, Bella Ramsey has built a diverse portfolio of supporting roles that showcase their willingness to be part of an ensemble.

  • Judy (2019): In this biographical drama about Judy Garland, Ramsey played Lorna Luft, Garland's daughter. While the film was a vehicle for Renée Zellweger’s Oscar-winning performance, Ramsey provided a crucial emotional anchor, portraying the quiet longing of a child caught in the orbit of a troubled star.
  • Becoming Elizabeth (2022): In this Starz period drama, Ramsey took on the role of Jane Grey. The series focuses on the complex court politics following the death of Henry VIII. Ramsey’s portrayal of the "Nine Days' Queen" was noted for its intelligence and tragedy, fitting perfectly into the show’s lavish but cynical world.
  • Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023): Returning to voice acting, Ramsey joined the cast of the long-awaited Aardman sequel. Playing Molly, the daughter of Ginger and Rocky, they brought a sense of youthful rebellion and bravery that mirrored the spirit of the original film.
  • Resistance (2020): In this historical war drama about the French Resistance and Marcel Marceau, Ramsey played Elsbeth, a Jewish orphan. It is a quiet, somber performance that highlights Ramsey's ability to convey deep emotion with minimal dialogue.

A Glimpse into the Future of Bella Ramsey’s Career

With the massive success of The Last of Us, Ramsey’s future projects are among the most anticipated in the industry. They are confirmed to return for The Last of Us Season 2, which will explore the darker, more complex themes of the second game.

Additionally, several film projects are on the horizon:

  • Sunny Dancer: A sophomore feature from George Jaques where Ramsey will lead as Ivy.
  • Harmonia: A mystery thriller directed by Guy Nattiv, where Ramsey stars alongside Lily James and Carrie Coon.
  • Monstrous Beauty: A historical drama where Ramsey plays Barbara Field, a woman born with a rare condition in the court of King Charles II.

These upcoming roles suggest that Ramsey is continuing to prioritize scripts that offer unique perspectives and challenging character arcs, avoiding the "typecasting" that often traps young stars.

Summary of Bella Ramsey’s Filmography

Project Year Role Why You Should Watch
Game of Thrones 2016–2019 Lyanna Mormont To see the most iconic breakout in modern TV.
The Worst Witch 2017–2020 Mildred Hubble For a fun, BAFTA-winning magical adventure.
Hilda 2018–2023 Hilda (Voice) A masterclass in cozy, intelligent animation.
Judy 2019 Lorna Luft A touching supporting role in a major biopic.
Resistance 2020 Elsbeth A somber, effective historical drama.
Becoming Elizabeth 2022 Jane Grey A sharp, political period piece.
Catherine Called Birdy 2022 Birdy To see Ramsey’s comedic lead potential.
The Last of Us 2023–Present Ellie Their career-defining, award-winning performance.
Time 2023 Kelsey Morgan A harrowing look at their dramatic depth.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget 2023 Molly (Voice) For a charming, high-energy Aardman sequel.

Conclusion

Bella Ramsey has achieved more in their first decade of acting than many performers do in a lifetime. By navigating between massive franchises like Game of Thrones and The Last of Us and intimate indie projects like Catherine Called Birdy, they have proven that they are not just a child star who got lucky, but a dedicated craftsperson with an uncanny instinct for character. Whether they are wielding a sword, a pun book, or a magic wand, Ramsey brings an authenticity to the screen that demands attention. As they continue to break barriers and take on increasingly complex roles, the "Ramsey Era" of Hollywood is clearly just beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bella Ramsey

What was Bella Ramsey's first movie?

Bella Ramsey's feature film debut was the 2018 drama Two for Joy, where they played the character Miranda alongside Samantha Morton and Billie Piper.

Did Bella Ramsey win any awards for The Worst Witch?

Yes, Ramsey won the 2019 British Academy Children's Award (BAFTA) for Young Performer for their lead role as Mildred Hubble.

Is Bella Ramsey in the second season of The Last of Us?

Yes, Bella Ramsey is confirmed to return as Ellie in the second season of the HBO series, which is expected to adapt the events of the video game The Last of Us Part II.

What voices has Bella Ramsey done?

Ramsey is most famous for voicing the title character in Netflix's Hilda and the character Molly in Aardman's Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget. They have also appeared in other animated projects like Summer Camp Island.

How old was Bella Ramsey in Game of Thrones?

Bella Ramsey was around 12 years old when they first appeared as Lyanna Mormont in Season 6 of Game of Thrones, though the character was approximately 10 years old.