Peyton List Movies and TV Shows Across Disney and Prestige Drama

The name Peyton List represents two distinct and highly successful careers in the American entertainment industry. To accurately navigate the filmography associated with this name, it is essential to distinguish between the actress known for her iconic Disney Channel roles and transition into martial arts drama, and the actress who has become a staple of prestige television and science fiction.

Peyton Roi List (born 1998) is widely recognized for her breakout as Emma Ross on the Disney Channel and her current lead roles in Cobra Kai and School Spirits. Meanwhile, Peyton List (born 1986) has built an extensive portfolio in acclaimed series such as Mad Men, Gotham, and The Tomorrow People. Both women have significantly shaped the landscape of modern television and film through their diverse performances.

The Career Trajectory of Peyton Roi List (Born 1998)

Peyton Roi List’s journey through the entertainment industry is a definitive example of a successful transition from child stardom to adult acclaim. Born in Florida and raised in New York City, her career began with modeling and uncredited cameos before she became one of the most recognizable faces of her generation on cable television.

Breaking Through the Disney Channel Era

The foundational years of Peyton Roi List’s career were defined by her work with Disney. Her portrayal of Emma Ross, the fashionable and eldest sibling of the Ross family on Jessie (2011–2015), remains a cornerstone of 2010s youth culture. Emma was more than a comedic archetype; as the series progressed, List infused the character with a sense of responsibility and growth that resonated with millions of viewers.

The success of Jessie led directly to the spin-off series Bunk'd (2015–2018, 2021). In this setting, the character of Emma Ross transitioned from a city-dwelling socialite to a counselor at Camp Kikiwaka. This period allowed List to refine her comedic timing and leadership on set, eventually even directing an episode of the series, marking her early interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of production.

Early Film Success with Diary of a Wimpy Kid

While her television presence grew, List also made significant waves in film. Her role as Holly Hills in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise (Rodrick Rules in 2011 and Dog Days in 2012) established her as a premier young talent in Hollywood. As the primary love interest of the protagonist Greg Heffley, Holly Hills was portrayed with a level of kindness and groundedness that stood out in the chaotic world of middle-school comedy. The ensemble cast’s chemistry earned them a Young Artist Award, cementing the films as classics in the family-friendly genre.

The Gritty Transition to Cobra Kai

The most significant pivot in Peyton Roi List’s career occurred when she joined the cast of Cobra Kai in its second season (2019). Moving from the bright, multicam environment of Disney to the intense, single-camera drama of a martial arts revival required a massive shift in physicality and tone.

Portraying Tory Nichols, a troubled teenager with a fierce "no mercy" attitude, List showcased a range previously unseen by her audience. Tory is a complex antagonist-turned-antihero, dealing with poverty, a sick parent, and an explosive rivalry with Samantha LaRusso. The physicality required for the role—intense karate choreography and stunt work—demonstrated List’s dedication to her craft. Her performance as Tory has been praised for adding emotional weight to a series that balances nostalgia with modern character development.

Leading the Mystery in School Spirits

In 2023, List took on the lead role of Maddie Nears in the Paramount+ series School Spirits. The show follows a teenager stuck in the afterlife who must investigate her own mysterious disappearance. This role allowed List to move into the "supernatural mystery" genre, delivering a performance characterized by melancholy, wit, and a desperate search for identity. The series became a streaming hit, with critics noting that List’s "magnetic" performance anchored the show’s unique tone.

The Filmography of Peyton List (Born 1986)

The Peyton List born in 1986 has followed a path characterized by prestige dramas, high-concept science fiction, and recurring roles in some of the most influential television shows of the 21st century. Her presence is often synonymous with sophisticated storytelling and complex character dynamics.

Excellence in Prestige Drama and Mad Men

One of the most defining roles for the elder Peyton List was Jane Siegel on the AMC masterpiece Mad Men (2008–2013). As the secretary who eventually becomes the second wife of Roger Sterling, List played a pivotal role in the show’s exploration of 1960s social dynamics and personal identity. Her performance captured the ambition and eventual disillusionment of a woman navigating the high-stakes world of Madison Avenue.

Following Mad Men, List appeared in Boardwalk Empire, continuing her trend of participating in high-quality, period-accurate dramas. Her ability to inhabit characters from different historical eras with authenticity made her a favorite for casting directors looking for depth and elegance.

Dominating the Sci-Fi and Superhero Genres

Peyton List (1986) has also carved out a significant niche in genre television. In The Tomorrow People (2013–2014), she starred as Cara Coburn, a woman with telepathic and telekinetic abilities. The role required a blend of emotional vulnerability and action-oriented grit, qualities she would later bring to other major franchises.

In the DC Universe series Gotham, List took on the mantle of Ivy Pepper, also known as Poison Ivy. She was the third actress to play the role in the series, portraying the most evolved and lethal version of the character. Her interpretation of Poison Ivy was seductive, manipulative, and deeply connected to the environmental themes of the source material.

Her sci-fi credentials were further bolstered by her role in FlashForward (2009–2010) and her chilling performance as Narissa in Star Trek: Picard (2020). As a Romulan operative and primary antagonist in the first season of Picard, she held her own against veteran actors like Patrick Stewart, delivering a performance that was both calculated and menacing.

Comprehensive List of Peyton Roi List (1998) Movies and TV Shows

The following tables provide a detailed look at the work of the actress known for Cobra Kai and Jessie.

Television and Streaming (Peyton Roi List, 1998)

Film (Peyton Roi List, 1998)

Comprehensive List of Peyton List (1986) Movies and TV Shows

The following works represent the career of the actress known for Mad Men and Gotham.

Television and Streaming (Peyton List, 1986)

Film (Peyton List, 1986)

Analysis of Acting Styles and Career Shifts

The existence of two actresses with the same name often leads to interesting comparisons in their career choices. Peyton Roi List (1998) has largely focused on the "coming-of-age" narrative, though her recent work suggests a desire to deconstruct that image. Her role as Tory in Cobra Kai is a masterclass in physical acting, where she uses her presence to convey a lifetime of hardship. In contrast, her role in School Spirits is more internal, focusing on the confusion and isolation of the teenage experience.

Peyton List (1986) has traditionally operated in more "adult" spaces. Her work in Mad Men required a subtle, period-specific performance that relied on subtext and social posturing. When she moved into science fiction, such as The Tomorrow People and Frequency, she maintained that maturity but added a layer of authority. Her portrayal of Narissa in Star Trek: Picard showcased her ability to play a formidable villain, someone whose intellect was as dangerous as her physical skills.

The Future for Both Actresses

As of 2024 and 2025, both actresses remain highly active. Peyton Roi List is set to conclude the epic saga of Cobra Kai with its sixth and final season on Netflix. Simultaneously, she is continuing her work as both the lead and a producer on School Spirits, which was renewed for a second season following its successful run. Her film career is also expanding into more mature horror and thriller territory with The Inheritance.

The elder Peyton List continues to be a go-to actress for television procedurals and high-concept dramas. Her recent guest and recurring roles in shows like The Rookie demonstrate her enduring appeal and ability to enhance established ensembles.

Summary of Peyton List Performances

Whether you are looking for the high-energy karate matches of Cobra Kai or the sophisticated character drama of Mad Men, there is a "Peyton List" project for every type of viewer. Peyton Roi List (1998) has successfully navigated the transition from Disney sweetheart to versatile dramatic lead. Peyton List (1986) has established herself as a veteran of the "Golden Age of Television," with a filmography that spans across major sci-fi and drama franchises.

To avoid confusion:

• Search for Peyton Roi List (1998) if you want to watch Jessie, Bunk'd, Cobra Kai, School Spirits, or Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
• Search for Peyton List (1986) if you want to watch Mad Men, The Tomorrow People, Gotham, FlashForward, or Star Trek: Picard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Peyton List was in Cobra Kai?

Peyton Roi List (born April 6, 1998) plays the character Tory Nichols in Cobra Kai. She joined the series in the second season and has become one of its central characters.

Did Peyton List play Poison Ivy?

Yes, but which one depends on the medium. Peyton List (born 1986) played Ivy Pepper/Poison Ivy on the television series Gotham. However, both actresses have voiced DC characters; the elder Peyton List voiced Poison Ivy in the animated movie Batman: Hush, while the younger Peyton List voiced Batgirl in the same film.

Is Peyton List still on Disney Channel?

Peyton Roi List left Disney Channel as a series regular in 2018 after completing her work on Bunk'd. Since then, she has focused on streaming platforms like Netflix, Paramount+, and Hulu.

What was the first movie for Peyton Roi List?

Her official film debut was in the 2008 romantic comedy 27 Dresses, where she played the younger version of Jane Nichols (the character played by Katherine Heigl).

Are the two Peyton Lists related?

No, they are not related. They share the same name by coincidence, which is why the younger actress is often credited as "Peyton Roi List" or simply "Peyton List" depending on the project.