Liana Liberato has established herself as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. Since her professional debut at the age of nine, she has transitioned from a promising child star to a formidable lead actress in both independent cinema and major horror franchises. Whether you recognize her from the heartbreaking drama of If I Stay or the intense slasher survival of Scream VI, her filmography reflects a deliberate choice of complex, emotionally demanding roles.

For those looking for a quick reference, here are some of the most essential Liana Liberato movies to watch:

  • Trust (2010) – Annie Cameron
  • If I Stay (2014) – Kim Schein
  • The Best of Me (2014) – Young Amanda Collier
  • The Beach House (2019) – Emily
  • Scream VI (2023) – Quinn Bailey
  • Totally Killer (2023) – Tiffany Clark

The Breakout Performance in Trust

In 2010, the film industry took serious notice of Liana Liberato through her haunting performance in Trust. Directed by David Schwimmer, the film tackles the harrowing subject of online grooming and sexual predation. Liberato stars as Annie Cameron, a fourteen-year-old girl who becomes the target of a predator posing as a teenager online.

The role required a level of emotional maturity rarely seen in young actors. Liberato’s portrayal of Annie’s transition from innocence to trauma, and eventually to a complex state of denial and pain, was nothing short of extraordinary. The legendary film critic Roger Ebert praised her performance, noting her ability to carry the heavy emotional weight of the film. This role earned her the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the 46th Chicago International Film Festival, making her one of the youngest recipients of the honor. Trust remains the definitive evidence of her raw talent and set the stage for a career defined by high-stakes dramatic performances.

Transitioning to Mainstream Dramas and Romantics

Following the critical success of Trust, Liberato moved toward more mainstream projects that expanded her reach to younger audiences. In 2014, she appeared in two high-profile adaptations of popular novels.

Supporting Strength in If I Stay

In the film adaptation of Gayle Forman's If I Stay, Liberato played Kim Schein, the loyal and sarcastic best friend of the protagonist, Mia Hall (played by Chloë Grace Moretz). While the film focuses on Mia's life-and-death struggle following a car accident, Liberato provides the necessary emotional anchor in the "flashback" sequences. Her performance showcased her ability to handle lighter, witty dialogue while maintaining the depth required for a story centered on grief and friendship.

Capturing Youthful Love in The Best of Me

That same year, she starred in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation The Best of Me. Playing the younger version of the lead character, Amanda Collier, Liberato captured the essence of first love with a naturalistic charm. Working alongside Luke Bracey, she helped create the romantic foundation upon which the rest of the film's tragic narrative was built. These roles solidified her status as a reliable talent in the "young adult" drama genre.

Exploring Horror and Genre Cinema

One of the most interesting aspects of Liana Liberato’s movies is her recent pivot toward horror and psychological thrillers. Unlike many actors who shy away from genre films, Liberato has embraced them, often delivering her most intense work in these settings.

The Cosmic Dread of The Beach House

Released in 2019, The Beach House is a masterclass in cosmic horror. Liberato plays Emily, a college student whose getaway to a family beach house turns into a biological nightmare. In our observation of her performance here, Liberato excels at "slow-burn" acting. She portrays the gradual realization of an incomprehensible threat with a grounded sense of panic. The film relies heavily on her physical acting, especially during the more visceral and "body horror" sequences, which she handles with impressive commitment.

Joining the Scream Franchise

In 2023, Liberato joined the iconic Scream franchise in Scream VI. Taking on the role of Quinn Bailey, she moved into the realm of the "slasher" genre. Being part of such a storied franchise required a balance of being a believable newcomer while fitting into the established "Ghostface" lore. Her presence in the film added a fresh dynamic to the "Core Four" group in New York City, and her character’s arc provided one of the film’s more memorable twists.

Slashing Through Time in Totally Killer

Furthering her horror streak, Liberato appeared in the 2023 comedy-slasher Totally Killer. Playing Tiffany Clark, she participated in a film that blended 80s nostalgia with modern tropes. Her ability to pivot between the intense horror of Scream and the more stylized, comedic tone of Totally Killer demonstrates a range that few of her peers possess.

Independent Film and Ensemble Projects

Beyond the big-budget features, Liberato has consistently returned to independent cinema, where character development often takes precedence over spectacle.

  • Novitiate (2017): Set in the 1960s during the era of Vatican II, Liberato played Sister Emily. The film is a deep dive into faith, sexuality, and the rigors of religious life. Being part of an ensemble that included Melissa Leo and Margaret Qualley, Liberato held her own, contributing to the film’s tense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
  • To the Stars (2019): In this black-and-white period drama, she played Maggie Richmond, a mysterious and rebellious girl who moves to a small Oklahoma town. Her performance was praised for its complexity, as she portrayed a character who used bravado to mask deep-seated insecurities and secrets.
  • Banana Split (2018): This film offered a refreshing take on the "coming of age" comedy. Liberato played Clara, who forms an unexpected friendship with her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. The chemistry between Liberato and co-star Hannah Marks is the heart of the film, making it a critical favorite.

Television and Streaming Success

While the primary focus of her career has been film, it is impossible to discuss Liana Liberato without mentioning her significant impact on streaming television. These projects often bridge the gap between her film roles, allowing her to explore characters over longer arcs.

  • Light as a Feather (Hulu): Starring as McKenna Brady, Liberato led this supernatural thriller for two seasons. Her performance earned her two Daytime Emmy Award nominations, a testament to her consistency as a leading lady.
  • Based on a True Story (Peacock): In this dark comedy thriller, she plays Tory Thompson. The series allows her to flex her comedic muscles while remaining in a high-stakes, suspenseful environment.
  • Criminal Minds: Evolution: More recently, her guest appearance as Jade Waters showed her ability to inhabit darker, more procedural-driven roles with ease.

Future Projects: What’s Next for Liana Liberato?

As of 2024 and looking into 2025, Liberato shows no signs of slowing down. She is set to star in The Wilderness, a project that is already generating interest among her fanbase. Having worked professionally for nearly two decades while still in her late 20s, she occupies a unique position in Hollywood—an experienced veteran with the energy of a rising star.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Liana Liberato's first movie?

Her first major lead role in a feature film was The Last Sin Eater (2007), where she played Cadi Forbes. However, she also appeared in the film Safe Harbour the same year.

Did Liana Liberato win any awards for her acting?

Yes, she famously won the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival for her role in Trust (2010). She has also received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for her work on the series Light as a Feather.

Was Liana Liberato in a Miley Cyrus music video?

Yes, early in her career in 2008, she appeared in the music video for Miley Cyrus's hit song "7 Things."

What is Liana Liberato's highest-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes?

As of current critics' scores, Banana Split (2018) holds one of her highest ratings at 89%, followed closely by Novitiate (86%) and Totally Killer (85%).

How old was Liana Liberato when she filmed Trust?

Liana Liberato was approximately 14 years old when she took on the challenging role of Annie Cameron in Trust.

Summary of Her Career Impact

Liana Liberato’s filmography is a testament to her versatility and her willingness to tackle difficult subject matter. From her early days as a child actress in Texas to her current status as a scream queen and dramatic powerhouse, she has remained focused on the craft of acting. Her movies often challenge the audience, whether through the emotional wringer of a Nicholas Sparks drama or the psychological tension of an indie horror hit. As she continues to evolve, Liana Liberato remains a compelling figure in American cinema, consistently proving that she is more than capable of leading both small-scale artistic projects and major studio blockbusters.