Last updated on: October 8, 2025
Picture being six years old and stealing the show from Willem Dafoe in a film critics say is one of the greatest of the decade. Nuts, right? That’s what Brooklynn Prince did with The Florida Project. She didn’t only act—she became the character, and overnight, everyone was talking about this kid from Florida who had the emotional complexity of a veteran actor.
Since then, Brooklynn has not slowed. She’s done it all—voiced elephants and cartoon birds, plunged into horror movies, and even lived through a cocaine-fueled bear attack (yes, really). It’s like watching lightning strike twice: you’re shocked at first, and then you can’t help but wait to see where it strikes again.
So, if you’re curious about which movies really define Brooklynn’s journey, let’s walk through her top 7 films—each one showing a different side of her talent and why she’s not just another child star, but someone Hollywood needs to keep an eye on.
Brooklynn’s Rise to Stardom
Brooklynn began small, as many children do—commercials, community projects, the standard. But 2017 turned her world around. Imagine this: a gritty independent film about children who grow up in the motels surrounding Disney World, helmed by Sean Baker. It was titled The Florida Project, and Brooklynn played the title role as Moonee.
She was six. Six. And yet, when the movie opened, reviewers described her work as raw, real, indelible. She took home the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Performer, and overnight, Hollywood was noticing.
I love the fact about her history is that she refused to be “the girl from that one indie movie.” She diversified—voice work for major animated franchises like The LEGO Movie 2 and The Angry Birds Movie 2, showing she could succeed even if she wasn’t on screen physically. Subsequently, she attempted horror with The Turning, melted hearts in Disney’s The One and Only Ivan, rode the crazy thrill of Cocaine Bear, and most recently, depicted her maturity in Little Wing.
From indie favorite to mass-market voice actress to prime-time leading lady, her trajectory hasn’t been a straight shot—it’s been closer to an exploratory route with turns, twists, and gambles. And that makes her path so thrilling to track.
Brooklynn’s Top 7 Films
1. The Florida Project (2017)
Let’s begin with the self-evident. The Florida Project wasn’t only Brooklynn’s breakthrough—this was when she transitioned from kid in front of a camera to being referred to as a prodigy.
She played Moonee, a troublesome six-year-old who resided in a dilapidated motel across from Disney World. Though adults in the film grappled with poverty and struggle, Moonee’s life was a world of adventure, fantasy, and trouble. And Brooklynn? She brought Moonee to life in a manner that was so realistic, you forgot at times you were seeing a movie.
I still vividly recall that final scene—it’s chilling. The type of scene that lingers long after the credits have rolled. That’s the magic Brooklynn had at only six years of age. She was not “acting cute” like so many of the child stars. She was bringing to life a character with depth, purity, and tragedy.
Critics were praising it. Willem Dafoe was up for an Oscar, but ask anyone who saw it—the heart of that film was Brooklynn.
Why it matters: This wasn’t only her first movie. It was her statement film: I’m here, and I’m not just a child actress.
2. The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
Following an emotional powerhouse like The Florida Project, you’d think Brooklynn would continue with independent films. But nope—she made a detour into animation with The LEGO Movie 2.
She played Bianca, Finn’s little sister, whose playtime misadventures ignite the film’s all-important sibling conflict. Sounds like a small role, but consider this: this was a big-studio hit, part of a hugely popular franchise among children and adults alike. For Brooklynn, it was her way of telling people, “I can do the dramatic things, but I can also do goofy things.
And she aced it. Despite being a voice role, you could sense her personality through. I’ve forever considered this move clever—it pushed her into mainstream limelight, allowed her to connect with young crowds, and demonstrated she could perform well beyond indie drama.
Why it matters: She established she wasn’t a one-hit wonder and could excel in a blockbuster setting.
3. The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)
Later that year, Brooklynn continued the animation streak with The Angry Birds Movie 2. She played Zoe, bringing her spunky energy to the table.
Now, let’s keep it real—this wasn’t some earth-shattering art house film. But that’s neither here nor there. It provided Brooklynn with greater crossover appeal, particularly with families. Picture children who may never have seen an independent film like The Florida Project suddenly hearing her voice in a silly animated film. That’s how you create a broad base of fans.
And it succeeded. The movie was enjoyable, well-liked, and further established her emerging career.
Why it matters: Not all roles need to be career-defining. This one was about exposure, versatility, and proving that she could do it all.
4. The One and Only Ivan (2020)
Disney+ treated us to The One and Only Ivan, a moving movie about a captive gorilla, and Brooklynn provided the voice of Ruby, a baby elephant.
This one resonated differently. Her voice acting was soft, full of emotion and innocence. Ivan’s friendship with Ruby gave the film its heart, and Brooklynn’s voice acting was a major part of why people related to it.
I love this performance because it calls attention to something that people tend to forget: voice work isn’t easier than live action. Actually, sometimes it’s more difficult—you can’t use facial expressions or body language, only your voice. And Brooklynn? She aced it.
Why it matters: It showed her could make audiences move without even appearing on camera.
5. The Turning (2020)
Changing pace, Brooklynn entered gothic horror territory with The Turning. She was Flora, an eerie kid in a haunted mansion.
Let’s get real here—the film didn’t impress the critics. But Brooklynn? She rocked it. Creepy and sympathetic is not an easy part to play, but she walked the line with queasy ease.
This movie was significant for one major reason: it demonstrated she wasn’t hesitant to take risks. Most child stars play it safe, but Brooklynn risked it. That says a lot about her drive.
Why it matters: Even in a subpar film, she was able to shine, demonstrating she can play dark, heavy roles.
6. Cocaine Bear (2023)
Okay, this one’s wild. Cocaine Bear is exactly what it sounds like: a bear accidentally ingests a ton of cocaine and goes on a rampage. Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, that’s the fun of it.
Brooklynn was Dee Dee, one of the children caught in the middle of the craziness. And even in a film that tipped precariously into ridiculous humor, she kept her role honest. She played fear, humor, and sincerity simultaneously, making her character a standout in a film full of chaos.
This wasn’t about depth of emotion or Oscars—it was about demonstrating she could roll with strange, offbeat work and remain impactful.
Why it matters: It solidified her as a fearless actress not afraid to take risks and sign onto quirky, unusual narratives.
7. Little Wing (2024)
Her most recent film, Little Wing, is a turning point. Brooklynn stars as Kaitlyn, an adolescent girl struggling with life’s challenges who discovers unforeseen common ground through pigeon racing (yes, pigeon racing).
She wasn’t the wise-beyond-her-years child this time. She was taking charge of the narrative with maturity, depth, and restraint. Standing alongside veteran actor Brian Cox, she held her own magnificently, demonstrating just how far she has come.
Seeing Little Wing is a little like seeing Brooklynn enter her new chapter. The child star of The Florida Project has matured, and she’s prepared for more complex, dramatic roles.
Why it matters: Casting her in this role marks her transition from child star to serious young actress, with years of career ahead.
Why Brooklynn Stands Out
So what sets Brooklynn apart from the dozens of other kid actors we’ve seen come and go? It’s range. She can break your heart in a small independent drama, make you laugh in an animated comedy, creep you out in a horror movie, and surprise you in a crazy cult classic. That’s not something many young actors can claim.
She’s not risk-averse. She doesn’t play it safe with “safe” roles. And most importantly, she possesses that one special talent that allows her to bring truth to anything she lays hands on.
Looking Ahead
Brooklynn’s future? To be honest, it’s open-ended. She’s already demonstrated the ability to do indie films, blockbusters, animation, and even cult comedies. I would not be surprised if we see her in further Oscar-worthy dramas or even leading big franchises within the next few years.
She’s the type of actress who might be the next Natalie Portman, Saoirse Ronan, or Florence Pugh—someone who develops with every performance and never allows herself to be confined.
Final Thoughts
From the rainbow blur of Disney World motels to cartooned worlds, spooky mansions, and even a bear on cocaine, Brooklynn Prince has already established a body of work that many adult actors would be jealous of.
Her top 7 films don’t only reveal what she’s accomplished—they reveal the type of actress she’s becoming: fearless, versatile, and indelible.
And here’s the thing: Brooklynn isn’t only one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents—she’s the type of talent who might define a generation.
So if you haven’t yet, get some popcorn and watch her films. Because believe me—you’ll be able to say, “I watched her before she became one of the greats.”
