The bestNatalia Dyermovies and TV shows have one thing in common - a sharp, magnetic performance that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Born in 1995, in Nashville, Tennessee, Dyer first caught the world’s attention with her breakout role as Nancy Wheeler in Netflix’sStranger Things. Since then, she’s carved out a reputation as a talented actress with range, depth, and undeniable on-screen presence. Whether she’s leading an indie drama, taking a stab at horror, or stealing scenes in ensemble thrillers, Dyer brings an effortless cool that fans can’t get enough of.
WhileNancy inStranger Thingsremains her most iconic work, Natalia Dyer has taken on a surprisingly diverse set of roles across movies and TV shows. She’s starred in buzzy Sundance favorites, twisted psychological thrillers, and genre-bending horror flicks - all while keeping her performances grounded and emotionally resonant. Whether she’s playing a rebellious teen exploring her faith or a haunted character caught in a surreal mystery, Natalia Dyer makes every role feel fresh. With charm, vulnerability, and an offbeat edge, she’s built a filmography packed with memorable moments.
Directed by Chadd Harbold,Long Nights Short Morningsis an intimate, sometimes melancholic slice-of-life indie drama that follows James (Shiloh Fernandez), a young man drifting through a series of romantic encounters in New York City. The 2016 movie is less about plot and more about the fleeting moments that define human connection, and Natalia Dyer fits right into that mood. As Marie, Dyer brings a delicate vulnerability to a brief but impactful role that leaves a strong impression.
While Natalia Dyer’s screen time inLong Nights Short Morningsis limited, her presence lingers. She plays one of James’s lovers, and her performance captures a quiet intensity that speaks volumes without needing many words.There’s a softness and sadness to Marie that Dyer nails, showing once again her ability to say a lot through subtle expression.The best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows often showcase her gift for nuance, and even in a smaller indie likeLong Nights Short Mornings, she proves she can elevate any scene.
In the moody and meditativeMountain Rest, directed by Alex O Eaton, Natalia Dyer plays Clara, a shy teenager who reconnects with her estranged grandmother and mother during an emotionally charged family reunion. This indie drama leans into atmosphere and quiet tension, slowly revealing generational secrets that bubble beneath the surface. Dyer’s performance anchors the story with grace and quiet power, offering one of her more introspective turns.
Opposite Frances Conroy and Kate Lyn Sheil, Natalia Dyer holds her own inMountain Restwith remarkable poise.As Clara, she conveys the awkwardness of someone caught between adolescence and adulthood, unsure of where she belongs in a fractured family dynamic.Her chemistry with Conroy is especially poignant, and the layered performances make the story feel deeply personal. WhileMountain Restflew under the radar, it’s one of the best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows for fans looking to see her tackle emotionally complex material with maturity beyond her years.
Set in 1970s Alabama during a time of civil unrest and change, 2019’sTuscaloosais a romantic drama directed by Philip Harder. Dyer plays Virginia, a troubledyoung woman in a mental health facilitywho becomes the object of affection for Billy (Devon Bostick), the son of the hospital’s administrator. The indie drama explores themes of rebellion, mental health, and identity, with Natalia Dyer delivering a performance that is both mysterious and captivating.
Virginia is a complicated character, and Dyer brings her to life with intensity and unpredictability.There’s a rawness to her portrayal that keeps the audience guessing whether Virginia is fragile, dangerous, or maybe both. Sharing scenes with Bostick and Marchánt Davis, Dyer proves she can carry emotionally heavy roles and keep viewers emotionally engaged. The film may not have made major waves critically, but it stands out as one of the best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows for the way she dives into darker territory with total commitment.
A 2023 supernatural horror-thrillerdirected by Ari Costa and Eren Celeboglu,All Fun and Gamestwists the idea of childhood games into something terrifying. The film follows a group of teens who unknowingly unleash a demonic curse by playing a haunted version of their favorite games - and once the rules are broken, there’s no escaping the consequences. Natalia Dyer plays Billie, one of the unlucky teens caught in the chaos.
Natalia Dyer’s performance inAll Fun and Gamesis a mix of fear, resilience, and grit.As Billie, she’s not just a scream queen - she’s an active participant in trying to unravel the nightmare before it’s too late. She brings a grounded presence to the wild premise, balancing the scares with emotional stakes. Starring alongside Asa Butterfield, Dyer proves she can handle horror with ease. While not award-winning, it’s a slick, adrenaline-fueled ride that fans ofStranger Thingswill appreciate.
Directed and written by Jac Cron, 2023’sChestnutis a quietly powerful drama about love, longing, and self-discovery. Natalia Dyer stars as Annie, a recent college grad spending a summer in Philadelphia who finds herself entangled in a magnetic, messy romance. The movie captures the haziness of post-grad uncertainty and the emotional whirlwind of new relationships, with Dyer offering one of her most grounded and relatable performances to date. What makes Annie such a compelling character is how real she feels - and Natalia Dyer nails every beat of her journey.
TheStranger Thingsstar moves effortlessly between vulnerability and confidence inChestnut, perfectly capturing the awkwardness of transitioning into adulthood. Dyer’s chemistry with co-stars Rachel Keller and Danny Ramirez fuels the film’s emotional tension, making every scene feel intimate and alive. It’s a beautifully shot indie that feels like a Polaroid of youth, and one of the best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows for fans who love raw, emotional storytelling wrapped in a romantic glow.
Directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini,Things Heard & Seenis a slow-burn psychological horror film based on the novelAll Things Cease to Appearby Elizabeth Brundage. It follows a young couple (Amanda Seyfried and James Norton) who move to a quiet farmhouse in upstate New York - only to uncover sinister secrets both in the house and in each other.Natalia Dyer appears as Willis Howell, a free-spirited college student whose brief but pivotal role helps unravel the film’s eerie mysteries.
Natalia Dyer plays against type as Willis, delivering a flirty, enigmatic performance that brings energy and bite to her scenes.There’s a playfulness to her interactions with Norton’s character, but also a simmering tension that hints at something darker beneath the surface. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast - including Seyfried and Rhea Seehorn - is electric, and her presence adds a welcome jolt of chaos to the story’s unraveling narrative. While the movie received mixed reviews,Things Heard & Seenstands as one of the best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows for fans who enjoy watching her experiment with edgier roles and moody, gothic storytelling.
In the sharp, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfeltYes, God, Yes,Natalia Dyer shines as Alice- a Catholic high schooler in the early 2000s who begins to explore her sexuality in secret while navigating the guilt and confusion imposed by her conservative upbringing. Written and directed by Karen Maine (in her directorial debut),Yes, God, Yesis both a coming-of-age comedy and a biting commentary on religious repression, and it showcases Dyer at her most charming and vulnerable.
As Alice, Natalia Dyer is a revelation.She plays the role with a perfect balance of innocence and curiosity, making Alice feel instantly relatable to anyone who’s ever struggled with self-discovery.Her comedic timing is spot-on, and she effortlessly carries the film from start to finish, grounding its outrageous moments with sincerity and heart. The film premiered at SXSW and became a festival favorite, earning Dyer critical acclaim for one of her most personal and memorable performances. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows, as it’s a film that proves she’s more than capable of leading a story with humor, honesty, and emotional depth.
Dan Gilroy’sVelvet Buzzsawis a wickedly satirical horror-thriller that skewers the pretentiousness of the art world with bloody flair.Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, and Toni Collette,Velvet Buzzsawfollows a cursed collection of paintings that unleashes supernatural havoc on greedy collectors and critics. Natalia Dyer plays Coco, a frazzled assistant who somehow ends up working for nearly every victim inVelvet Buzzsawand lives to tell the tale. While the film is packed with scene-stealing performances, Dyer’s portrayal of Coco is one of the most enjoyable.
Natalia Dyer isVelvet Buzzsaw’saudience surrogate in many ways, reacting with increasing disbelief as those around her drop like flies.Dyer brings excellent comedic timing to the role, giving Coco a sense of bewildered detachment that feels completely human in the midst of chaos.Her scenes offer moments of levity without ever pulling focus from the film’s stylish, over-the-top madness. The best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows often show her ability to switch genres effortlessly, andVelvet Buzzsawis a perfect example of her thriving in a darkly funny, totally bizarre world.
Peacock’sBased on a True Storyis a twisty, dark comedy thriller about America’s obsession with true crime - and the dangerous line between fascination and exploitation. Created by Craig Rosenberg,Based on a True Storystars Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina as a couple who launch a podcast about a real serial killer in their neighborhood. Natalia Dyer joins the show in a recurring role as Chloe Lake in season 1, bringing sharp edges and intrigue to a story already brimming with secrets.
Chloe is a character with layers - she’s smart, slippery, and not nearly as innocent as she seems.Dyer’s performance is magnetic, adding a dangerous charm to every scene she’s in.Her chemistry with the leads adds tension, while her unpredictable presence keeps the audience guessing about her true motives. With its blend of satire, suspense, and shocking twists, the series became an under-the-radar favorite in 2023, and Dyer’s performance stood out as one of its highlights. For fans who love her in roles that blend humor with menace, this is absolutely one of the best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows to watch.
No list of the best Natalia Dyer movies and TV shows would be complete withoutStranger Things, the cultural juggernaut that catapulted her into stardom. Created by the Duffer Brothers, this nostalgic sci-fi horror series set in Hawkins, Indiana, has become a defining show of the streaming era.Natalia Dyer plays Nancy Wheeler - the whip-smart, fearless older sister who transforms from girl-next-door into full-fledged monster hunter.From season 1 onward, Dyer has delivered consistently compelling performances, charting Nancy’s evolution with nuance and heart.
Whether she’s investigating the Upside Down, navigating high school drama, or facing off against Demogorgons, she brings emotional weight to every scene. Her chemistry with both Charlie Heaton (Jonathan) and Joe Keery (Steve) has become a major part of the show’s emotional core, and she’s been praised for giving Nancy both strength and sensitivity. Though she hasn’t been individually nominated for major awards, the ensemble has received several SAG Award nominations for Outstanding Performance. Dyer’s role inStranger Thingsremains her most iconic - a perfect blend of action, emotion, and 80s-era cool that madeNatalia Dyera household name.
