Have you ever watched a movie, and you just can’t take your eyes off the actor? Well, I felt that when I first saw Kiernan Shipka on the screen. From her breakthrough role in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina as Sabrina Spellman to her string of riveting performances across films, Shipka has that undeniable talent which grabs eyeballs. But what’s even more thrilling? From movie-to-movie, she presents various content; no one expects that after just reading the genre, the end product is going to be a slasher comedy. Or if she’s in a psychological thriller, in the next, it’ll be some drama; her performance comes out spotless. Allow me to guide you through her top 7 movies that genuinely epitomize her talent and development as an actress.
Why Kiernan Shipka’s Talent Shines
Though still very young, Kiernan Shipka has already achieved a place among the greats of Hollywood. She’s that rare type of actor who has this air of charisma, depth, and the ability to bring a character to life. I remember first seeing her in Mad Men as Sally Draper, the smart, sarcastic daughter of Don Draper, and even as a child, you could see her natural gift for acting. As she grew older, Shipka chose roles that challenged her, showing a deeper, darker side to her acting that surprised everyone.
And with that, her real big break: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and, by extension, an iconic character that is still fresh, yet timeless-in-the-making, Sabrina Spellman. Fierce, vulnerable, and mixed in ways that Shipka played like a pro on screen; but this was just the beginning. All that big fan base courtesy of Sabrina is just the gateway to greater things for her career as it continues unfolding before us, giving a much better view of just how great she is and, indeed, worth all the watches.
1. Totally Killer (2023)
Imagine a slasher movie meets Back to the Future. That is what Totally Killer is like. Coming in 2023, this film puts Shipka in a starring role where she can alternate horror and humor in quite the charming way. It has her play Jamie, a teenage girl pulled back in time into the 1980s after a killer takes down her mother. As the story unfolds, Shipka isn’t just running from a killer—she’s navigating teenage angst, discovering her mom’s past, and figuring out who she is in a totally different era. It’s a wild ride, but Shipka is the perfect guide. She balances the terror of a slasher flick with moments of comedy and heart. If you ever dreamed to see her playing something a bit light-hearted and adventurous, it is here.
Funny, fast-paced, and bursting with nostalgic references to 80s films, all this is underpinned by Shipka’s anchor-like performance which somehow takes depth from chaos. Such movies where you just root for her—thereby she is funny, clever, and entirely badass altogether.
2. The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
Now, if you are in the mood for something darker, The Blackcoat’s Daughter is a psychological thriller that you won’t forget. This is one of those films where Shipka takes center stage, and you can’t look away. She plays Kat, a quiet, somewhat mysterious girl stuck at her school during winter break, where things take a terrifying turn. The film is slowly built on tension, and Shipka’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety. As Kat, she’s both vulnerable and unsettling, pulling the audience into her twisted world.
There is something chilling and eerie throughout the film, but how Shipka can make you emotionally connect to her character when the terror around her seems to explode makes it memorable long after the credits are over. It is perfect in itself to show how Shipka is great in playing multi-layered complex characters.
3. When Marnie Was There (2014)
Speaking of versatility, Kiernan Shipka’s voice acting in When Marnie Was There is something special. This animated film from Studio Ghibli takes you into a beautifully surreal world, where Shipka voices Anna, a lonely girl who forms a mysterious friendship with Marnie, a girl with a secret. While the film is visually stunning, it’s Shipka’s voice that truly brings Anna’s internal journey to life. Her ability to convey emotion is phenomenal with just voice acting; she gives the character a phenomenal depth.
If you’ve ever watched a Ghibli film and gotten carried away by voice acting performances, then work from Shipka here will make you speechless. This gentle reminder that the need to have a camera to capture each and every moment isn’t the only way an actor expresses themselves—it’s even effective by voice alone.
4. Let It Snow (2019)
We’ve all seen those cute holiday films, but Let It Snow is one that stands out, mainly because of Shipka’s performance. She plays Julie, a girl struggling to figure out her future during a snowy Christmas Eve. The film weaves together several love stories, but it’s Shipka’s portrayal of Julie that gives the film its emotional heart. She’s caught between the excitement of youth and the uncertainty of growing up, and Shipka captures that feeling perfectly.
What makes this movie so great is how Shipka brings a real, relatable energy to what’s sometimes a predictable genre. She gives Julie’s journey a depth that you don’t often see in romantic comedies, and it makes for a heartwarming experience. You know that feeling you get when you watch a holiday movie and feel like you’re right there with the characters? Shipka makes that happen in this one.
5. Wildflower (2023)
In Wildflower, Shipka has undertaken a role that’s truly close to her heart. She plays Bea, the coming-of-age woman that’s trying to find meaning in her family’s plight, especially her mother who suffers from mental illness. The film is raw and real, hitting you straight in the gut because of Shipka’s strong acting. There is no hiding in this one—Shipka brings all her emotion to the table. You can feel Bea’s frustration, her love for her family, and her desire to carve out her own identity.
Watching Shipka work on this complex emotional landscape is remarkable. The film won’t sugarcoat anything in that regard, and seeing how Shipka brings her take on Bea makes that so much more impactful—you feel like you just learned something really personal.
6. Flowers in the Attic (2014)
Flowers in the Attic is based upon V.C. Andrews, and Shipka plays Cathy, a girl who, with her siblings, is locked away in an attic by their parents. It’s a tough film to watch, with some truly disturbing themes, but Shipka gives one of her most haunting performances. You see Cathy’s transformation from an innocent child to someone forced to deal with unimaginable pain and fear. Shipka’s acting is heartbreaking, and it gives the film an emotional weight that would linger in your mind a long time after you finish watching it.
This film isn’t for the light-hearted, but Shipka can bring out deep and profound pain and trauma through her sensitivity. Flowers in the Attic is certainly one of her most emotionally impactful performances where every single emotion feels so real.
7. Carriers (2009)
Carriers was among Kiernan Shipka’s first and even back then, as a very young girl, you felt that she is going to be great at acting. The movie depicts a world after a devastating virus; Kiernan plays the role of a child who tries to stay alive in this new terrible world. Although it is not a very major role, Shipka has brought emotional depth to this movie. You feel the loss, the fear, and the struggle to hang on to hope even when things seem so hopeless.
This film may not be in the same class as other films she’s done but is a great part of her career. It illustrates that Shipka was very capable of bringing depth in her characters, even though it was during the infancy of her career.
What’s Next for Kiernan Shipka?
What stands out about Kiernan Shipka is the way she always evolves. Whether she appears in some horror film or holiday romance, she gives something that’s different from the others. She’s proven her ability to adapt to different genres and characters with an air of class, strength, and reality. And honestly, I am already looking forward to what’s next in store for her.
From Sabrina to Totally Killer, Shipka has proved that she is not just a one-hit wonder. She’s here to stay. So, if you haven’t watched these films yet, take the time to do so. Trust me, you will be as impressed with her talent as I am. And who knows? Maybe you will find a new favorite movie.
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