The best Sofia Carson movies and TV shows highlight her dynamic range as an actress and singer, captivating audiences worldwide. Born in 1993, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sofia Carson embarked on her entertainment career in the early 2010s, and found no trouble bringing her passion for storytelling and music to screens. She gained prominence through her work with Disney Channel, which served as a launching pad for her multifaceted career.
Sofia Carson’s breakout role came in 2015 when she portrayed Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen, in Disney’s Descendants. This role not only showcased her acting prowess but also her vocal talents, leading to a successful music career. Over the years, she has taken on diverse roles in both film and television, earning nominations for awards such as the Daytime Emmy and Teen Choice Awards. Her visible dedication and ability to connect with audiences, visible throughout every single one of the best Sofia Carson movies and TV shows, have solidified her status as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
10
The Life List (2025)
Sofia Carson Plays Alex
The Life List
6/10
- Release Date
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March 28, 2025
- Runtime
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123 minutes
- Director
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Adam Brooks
- Writers
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Adam Brooks
- Producers
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Hutch Parker, Kerry Orent, Liza Chasin
The Life List is the latest film to star Sofia Carson, and it follows her as Alex, a woman who revisits her childhood dreams and aspirations following the death of her mother. The Netflix original movie is adapted from the novel of the same name by author Lori Nelson Spielman, and is a solid enough romantic comedy that also doubles as a strong family drama about finding oneself again after feeling like the world has fallen apart.
This is the fourth time that Sofia Carson has starred in a Netflix original film, with Carry-On being her previous one, and the partnership has proven to be great for both parties involved. Once again, Sofia Carson does an admirable job, this time as Alex in The Life List. She is undeniably charming in the role, as she goes about attempting to complete all the things she wanted to accomplish when she was younger. Her performance is emotionally moving, and Sofia Carson conveys a lot of complex emotions throughout.
9
Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists (2019)
Sofia Carson Plays Ava
Sofia Carson took on the role of Ava Jalali in this spin-off of the popular series Pretty Little Liars – 2019’s Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists. Ava is a stylish and tech-savvy blogger with aspirations in the fashion world, hiding a troubled past. Set in the seemingly perfect town of Beacon Heights, the show delves into the pressures faced by its residents and the dark secrets they harbor.
Sofia Carson’s strong performance as Ava adds depth to the character, portraying her as both ambitious and vulnerable. Her involvement in the series allowed her to transition from Disney Channel projects to more mature content, appealing to an older demographic. Although The Perfectionists only had a brief run, Carson’s role was pivotal in showcasing her versatility as an actress capable of handling complex characters in dramatic settings.
8
Feel The Beat (2020)
Sofia Carson Plays April Dibrina
Feel the Beat
- Release Date
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June 19, 2020
- Runtime
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107 minutes
- Director
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Elissa Down
- Writers
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Shawn Ku
- Producers
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Aaron Barnett, Brent Emery, Susan Cartsonis
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-
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Donna Lynne Champlin
Barb
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In Netflix’s Feel the Beat, Sofia Carson plays April Dibrina, a talented dancer who returns to her small hometown after failing to find success on Broadway. Reluctantly, she agrees to train a misfit group of young dancers for a big competition. Carson’s portrayal of April captures the character’s journey from self-centeredness to mentorship, highlighting themes of redemption and community.
Sofia Carson’s dance performances throughout Feel the Beat are a testament to her dedication and skill, blending her acting and dancing talents seamlessly. Feel the Beat stands as one of the best Sofia Carson movies and TV shows, as it emphasizes her ability to lead a heartfelt story that resonates with audiences of all ages. The movie’s positive reception further solidified Carson’s status as a leading actress in family-oriented cinema.
7
Songbird (2020)
Sofia Carson Plays Sara
Songbird
- Release Date
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December 10, 2020
- Runtime
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85 minutes
- Writers
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Adam Mason
- Producers
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Adam Goodman, Andrew Sugerman, Jason Clark, Jeanette Volturno, Marcei A. Brown, Michael Bay, Michael Kase
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-
-
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Bradley Whitford
William Griffin
Set in a dystopian future where a pandemic continues to ravage the world, 2020’s Songbird features Sofia Carson as Sara Garcia, a young woman immune to the virus but living under strict lockdown. The thriller follows her romantic relationship with Nico, played by K.J. Apa, as they navigate the challenges of their reality. Songbird demonstrated Carson’s willingness to tackle diverse genres, expanding her acting repertoire and appealing to a broader audience.
Sofia Carson’s performance brings emotional depth to both the wider Songbird story and the character of Sara, with Caron effortlessly portraying many nuances layers of fear, hope, and resilience. What’s more, taking on a role in a dystopian sci-fi movie marked a departure from her previous work, and allowed Carson to explore a more intense and dramatic character.
6
A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits (2016)
Sofia Carson Plays Tessa Golding
Few projects showcase Sofia Carson’s multitalented abilities quite like 2016’s A Cinderella Story: If The Shoe Fits. In this modern retelling of the classic Cinderella tale, Sofia Carson stars as Tessa Golding, an aspiring singer and mechanic who disguises herself to compete in a musical competition. The film blends romance, comedy, and music, providing Carson with the opportunity to showcase her singing and acting abilities.
Her portrayal of Tessa is both charming and empowering, and Sofia Carson presents a protagonist who overcomes obstacles to achieve her dreams. The movie’s lighthearted nature and catchy musical numbers make it a standout in Carson’s filmography, appealing to fans of romantic comedies and musicals alike. A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits remains one of the best Sofia Carson movies and TV shows, highlighting her versatility and charisma on screen.
5
My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021)
Sofia Carson Plays Pipp Petal
My Little Pony: A New Generation
- Release Date
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September 24, 2021
- Director
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Robert Cullen, José Luis Ucha, Mark Fattibene
- Writers
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Tim Sullivan, Gillian Berrow, Robert Cullen, José Luis Ucha, Bonnie Zacherle
Sofia Carson brought her voice-acting talents to My Little Pony: A New Generation, portraying the character Pipp Petals, a stylish and confident Pegasus pop star. This animated Netflix film revitalized the beloved My Little Pony franchise with a fresh story, introducing a new generation of characters to young audiences. Pipp, as voiced by Carson, exudes charm and charisma, embodying the singer’s natural affinity for music and performance. The movie was widely praised for its vibrant animation, heartfelt message, and catchy songs, making it a standout project in Carson’s career.
Taking on the role of a musical pony was a natural fit for Carson, given her background in both acting and singing. My Little Pony: A New Generation allowed her to reach an even broader audience, particularly younger viewers who connected with her character’s confidence and pop-star persona. The movie’s success, along with the positive reception of her performance, proved that Carson’s voice acting was just as strong as her on-screen roles.
4
Descendants 2 (2017)
Sofia Carson Plays Evie
Descendants 2
- Release Date
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July 21, 2017
- Runtime
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111minutes
- Director
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Kenny Ortega
- Writers
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Sara Parriott, Josann McGibbon
Following the massive success of Descendants, Disney Channel continued the story with Descendants 2, where Sofia Carson reprised her role as Evie, the stylish and ambitious daughter of the Evil Queen. The Descendants sequel expanded Evie’s character, giving her a deeper storyline as she embraced her true self while helping her friends navigate life outside the Isle of the Lost. Carson’s performance brought more depth to Evie, showcasing her journey from a fashion-obsessed princess to a compassionate and determined leader.
The movie’s musical numbers were a standout, with Carson once again proving her vocal prowess, particularly in songs like “Chillin’ Like a Villain.” Descendants 2 was a ratings hit, further cementing the franchise as a cultural phenomenon and boosting Carson’s fame. It remains one of the best Sofia Carson movies and TV shows, as it helped solidify her status as a Disney star while also showcasing her ability to take on stronger, more confident roles in a beloved franchise.
3
Purple Hearts (2022)
Sofia Carson Plays Cassie Salaza
Purple Hearts
4/10
- Release Date
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July 29, 2022
- Runtime
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122 minutes
- Director
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Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
- Writers
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Liz W. Garcia, Kyle Jarrow
One of Sofia Carson’s most talked-about performances came in Purple Hearts, a Netflix original film where she played Cassie Salazar, a struggling singer-songwriter who enters a marriage of convenience with a Marine to secure health benefits. Unlike her previous family-friendly roles, this film showcased Carson in a more dramatic and emotional light. Cassie’s journey – from an ambitious but struggling artist to a woman facing love and loss – allowed Carson to display some of her most mature acting to date.
In addition to starring in Purple Heartsd, Sofia Carson also served as an executive producer and contributed to the soundtrack, including the hit song “Come Back Home.” Purple Hearts became one of Netflix’s most-watched releases, further proving Carson’s ability to lead a successful project beyond her Disney roots. This 2022 movie was a turning point in Sofia Carson’s career, proving she could excel in more grounded and dramatic storytelling while still showcasing her musical talents.
2
Carry-On (2024)
Sofia Carson Plays Nora
Carry-On
5/10
- Release Date
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December 13, 2024
- Runtime
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119 Minutes
- Director
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Jaume Collet-Serra
- Writers
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Michael Green, T.J. Fixman
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Taron Egerton
Ethan Kopek
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In the 2024 Netflix action thriller Carry-On, Sofia Carson portrays Nora Parisi, the director of operations at Los Angeles International Airport. The pulse-pounding story of Carry-On follows Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a young TSA agent who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) into allowing a dangerous package onto a Christmas Eve flight. Carson’s character becomes an unwitting target in this high-stakes scenario, carrying many of the tensest moments in the narrative.
Carry-On marked a significant departure from Carson’s previous work, showcasing her versatility as she delved into the action genre. Her performance was noted for bringing emotional weight to the thriller film, particularly in scenes highlighting her character’s vulnerability amidst the unfolding chaos. The Netflix movie’s success further cemented Carson’s status as a multifaceted actress capable of tackling diverse and challenging roles.
Related
Carry-On Cast & Character Guide
The new Netflix thriller, Carry-On, features an ensemble of incredible actors including Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, and Sophia Carson.
1
Descendants (2015)
Sofia Carson Plays Evie
Descendants
- Release Date
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July 31, 2015
- Runtime
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112 Minutes
- Director
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Kenny Ortega
- Writers
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Josann McGibbon, Sara Parriott
No list of the best Sofia Carson movies and TV shows would be complete without 2015’s Descendants. The Disney Channel Original Movie marked Carson’s breakout role as Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen, and introduced her to audiences worldwide. Evie quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to Carson’s charismatic performance and her ability to bring charm, humor, and warmth to the role.
Descendants followed the children of famous Disney villains as they navigated life outside the Isle of the Lost. It was a defining moment in Carson’s career, setting her on the path to becoming a Disney star and launching her into mainstream success. Her performance in the movie not only showcased her acting skills but also established her as a talented singer, with musical numbers like “Rotten to the Core” and “If Only” becoming fan favorites. Even years after its release, Descendants remains one of the most iconic projects of Sofia Carson’s career, solidifying her place in the entertainment industry.