Last updated on: July 28, 2025
That’s exactly how I felt the first time I saw Isabel May. It wasn’t in a blockbuster or some flashy red-carpet moment. Nope. It was during 1883, when she looked straight into the camera and made me believe every word she said.
From that point on, I went down the rabbit hole. I started watching her older work, her indie films, even her lesser-known thrillers.
Why She Stands Out
And here’s what I realized: Isabel May isn’t just a “promising young actress.” She’s already delivering the kind of performances most actors dream of years into their careers.
But her movie roles? That’s where things get even more interesting.
Wondering What She’s Been In?
So, if you’ve ever wondered: “What’s Isabel May actually been in besides that one show I loved?” or “Which of her films are really worth watching?” — then let me walk you through her top 7 movies — not just ranked, but felt, remembered, and appreciated.
The Girl Behind the Name
Before the awards buzz, before the deep-cut YouTube tributes, and even before Netflix fame, Isabel May was just a quiet, determined teen with a dream. She wasn’t the kind of actress shoved into the spotlight overnight. She actually waited six months to book her first audition. That’s grit.
She eventually broke out in Alexa & Katie, a lighthearted sitcom that found a way to mix laughter with life’s heavy moments. And if you’ve seen her there, you already know — she’s got this spark. The kind you can’t teach.
Then came Young Sheldon, and then 1883, where she completely redefined what a breakout role looks like. She’s now making bold moves into film — and not just the safe, crowd-pleasing stuff. I’m talking thrillers, indies, emotional gut-punches.
Let’s break down her best work on the big screen.
Top 7 Isabel May Movies
1. Run Hide Fight (2020)
Imagine being trapped in a school with active shooters. Not a Marvel-style superhero. Just a regular teenager.
That’s Zoe Hull, and that’s the role Isabel May took on in Run Hide Fight.
It’s intense. The story walks a controversial line, but Isabel’s performance? Absolutely fearless. It reminded me of a young Jennifer Lawrence in Winter’s Bone — raw and real.
You might not agree with the film’s themes, but trust me, it’s hard not to respect the way she held the screen. She’s not here to play it safe.
2. Let’s Scare Julie (2019)
Let me paint the picture: It’s late. A group of teens decides to prank their creepy neighbor. One by one, they disappear.
Let’s Scare Julie is shot in one continuous take — yeah, like 1917, but in a haunted house. It’s claustrophobic and weirdly quiet, which makes everything feel ten times scarier.
Isabel plays Taylor, and you can feel the fear in her voice as the prank spirals. It’s not a scream queen role. It’s more subtle — a slow unraveling.
You’re not watching a character in a horror movie. You’re watching a girl realize she’s in one. And that distinction? It matters.
3. Age of Summer (2018)
If Stranger Things and The Sandlot had a beachy cousin, it would be Age of Summer.
Set in the 1980s, this film follows a teen boy trying to join the junior lifeguard program. It’s sun, surf, and teenage awkwardness.
Isabel May plays Debbie — kind, cool, and just out of reach. Her role is smaller here, but memorable. She gives the film a groundedness it desperately needs.
It’s the kind of movie you watch on a lazy Saturday afternoon, windows open, letting the nostalgia breeze in.
4. The Moon & Back (2023)
Okay, this one hit me hard.
In The Moon & Back, Isabel plays Lydia Gilbert, a girl grieving her father, a screenwriter who never got to see his story on screen. So, what does she do? She grabs a camera and decides to shoot the movie herself.
This film isn’t loud. It doesn’t try to “go viral.” Instead, it gently tugs at your heart. Isabel’s performance here feels deeply personal — like she’s not just acting, she’s remembering.
If you’ve ever tried to hold on to a memory by creating something… this movie will stay with you.
5. The Smack (TBA)
You know when an actor gets cast alongside Kathy Bates, Alan Arkin, and Ray Romano… they’re doing something right.
The Smack is still in post-production, but insiders are already buzzing. Isabel’s character hasn’t been revealed yet, but she’s not just wallpaper here. She’s going to bring something sharp.
This could be her move into more “serious cinema” — the kind of storytelling that wins awards and earns legacy.
6. Desert People (TBA)
Now this one? It’s mysterious.
Desert People is an indie drama set against the unforgiving backdrop of the American Southwest. Details are scarce, but early stills and insider comments suggest something atmospheric — think Nomadland vibes with a younger twist.
Isabel’s role is still under wraps, but it’s clearly gritty. And if Run Hide Fight taught us anything, it’s that she thrives in high-stakes emotional terrain.
This could be the indie that gets her film festival attention — the kind of movie that slowly builds buzz, and next thing you know, she’s on a Critics’ Choice stage.
7. Bonus
Okay, hear me out. This one technically isn’t a movie. But it feels like it.
In Young Sheldon, Isabel plays Veronica Duncan, a troubled teen who finds something close to redemption thanks to Sheldon’s older brother. It’s a short-lived arc, but unforgettable.
She walks into a room and softens the edges. She’s not your typical high school rebel. She’s layered. You can see the weight she carries.
People still talk about this character like she deserved her own spinoff. Honestly? I agree.
What’s Next for Isabel?
Isabel May’s career feels like it’s standing at the edge of something big. She’s got one foot in indie territory, one in prestige TV, and the other (because she somehow has three) stepping into the kind of film roles that shape legacies.
I won’t be surprised if we see her in a major studio drama or a breakout festival hit next year. She’s got the range. She’s got the instincts. And most importantly, she chooses roles with heart.
So Why Does This All Matter?
Because in a world full of hype and instant fame, Isabel May is doing something rare: earning it.
She’s not just “the next big thing.” She’s the right now big thing — but in a quiet, steady, storm-is-brewing kind of way. Her movies may not all be blockbusters, but they matter.
They show us that stories still matter. That young actresses can bring truth, not just talent. That the best performances don’t always come from the loudest scripts.
Final Thought
If you only take one thing from this: Isabel May is worth watching — not just because she’s talented, but because she’s honest.
And that kind of honesty? It’s rare.
So the next time someone asks, “Seen anything good lately?” — maybe you’ll say, “Yeah. This indie with Isabel May. Changed the way I think about young actresses today.”
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll help someone else discover her too.
