Taylor Russell is one of Hollywood’s most fascinating rising stars. With each project, she continues to prove that her talent sets her apart from many others her age. Since her early days on television, she has shown versatility, from science fiction and coming-of-age dramas to haunting love stories. Although her filmography is still growing, Russell has already delivered several standout performances that have earned her critical recognition.
What makes Taylor Russell particularly exciting to watch is her ability to transform on-screen. Whether leading a series or carrying an indie film to festival glory, Russell remains one of the most underrated young actresses in Hollywood. Having landed her first international project in the upcoming 2026 South Korean sci-fi thriller Hope, here’s a look at Taylor Russell’s best roles so far, including some underrated performances that deserve more attention.
Lost in Space (2018–2021)
Before Taylor Russell became a critical darling on the film festival circuit, she earned recognition for her role as Judy Robinson in Netflix’s sci-fi series Lost in Space. While not her first television role, Lost in Space has been her first and only major role on the small screen. The show, a reimagining of the 1965 CBS series, introduced Russell to a global audience. In the show, she played the intelligent doctor and resourceful eldest child of the Robinson family.
Across 3 seasons, Russell’s performance grew stronger, particularly as Judy evolved from a capable medic into a courageous leader. Lost in Space gave Russell her first major platform and hinted that she was destined for much more than a typical sci-fi career. The show and Russell’s performance were generally underrated, with the actress only receiving a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Presentation at the Saturn Awards.
Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets (2021)
In Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets, Taylor Russell was cast in a smaller but memorable role. The film, adapted from Evan Roskos’s novel, follows a teenager struggling with anxiety and depression, who seeks guidance from an imaginary pigeon therapist. Taylor Russell played Sophie, a grounding presence in the main character’s chaotic world.
Russell’s understated performance added an emotional core to a story that could have easily veered into absurdity. While Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets flew under the radar upon release, the comedy-drama is a hidden gem in Russell’s filmography. Although it may not be her most widely recognized role, it reflects her consistent commitment to thoughtful storytelling. It is a must-watch for anyone new to the actress.
Escape Room (2019)
Arguably, Escape Room did not have the same artistic weight as some of Taylor Russell’s best performances. However, it showcased another side of the actress’s versatility. In the psychological thriller, Russell led the cast as Zoey Davis. Her character is portrayed as a shy but brilliant physics college student who finds herself trapped in a deadly puzzle game alongside strangers. Escape Room was one of the projects that first introduced Taylor Russell to movie audiences.
Escape Room became a surprise Box Office hit, largely due to its suspenseful concept and Russell’s sympathetic portrayal of the unlikely hero. Her character’s journey from timid student to brave survivor resonated with audiences. Escape Room grossed a whopping $155.7 million against a $9 million budget. Taylor Russell also reprised her role in the 2021 sequel Escape Room: Tournament of Champions, which, although it failed to surpass its predecessor, was also another Box Office success.
Words on Bathroom Walls (2020)
In Words on Bathroom Walls, Taylor Russell took on another challenging role that highlighted her emotional intelligence as an actress. The film, based on the Young Adult novel of the same name by Julia Walton, follows a teenager named Adam Petrazelli (Charlie Plummer). Adam is diagnosed with schizophrenia, with the plot centered on how he tries to navigate high school and first love. Russell played Maya, a confident and compassionate classmate who helps Adam accept himself and manage his condition. Although the film didn’t attract the same level of mainstream attention as her other projects, Words on Bathroom Walls remains one of Russell’s most underrated performances.
Waves (2019)
Taylor Russell’s movie breakout role came in Trey Edward Shults’s drama Waves. The movie is a deeply personal family drama that premiered to critical acclaim. With Sterling K. Brown playing Russell’s character’s father, Russell played Emily, a quiet high school student struggling to cope with the aftermath of a family tragedy. The first half of the film centers on Emily’s brother’s downfall. However, the second half, led by Taylor Russell’s character, brings redemption and healing. Unsurprisingly, her performance earned her numerous award nominations.
Bones and All (2022)
Taylor Russell’s collaboration with director Luca Guadagnino on Bones and All marked a career-defining moment for the young actress. Starring opposite Timothée Chalamet, Russell played Maren Yearly, a young woman who embarks on a cross-country journey to confront her horrifying secret of being a cannibal.
The film blends horror and romance in a way that was both tender and terrifying. Her performance earned her the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival. While Bones and All is not a traditional love story, Russell made it feel hauntingly human. Bones and All cemented Taylor Russell’s reputation as a serious dramatic talent capable of leading major auteur projects.
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