Mary Murphy
Taylor Swift is known worldwide for her incredible music career, but did you know she has also tried her hand at acting? From cameos in TV shows to roles in big Hollywood movies, Swift has explored different types of characters over the years.
Some performances were stronger than others, and fans have debated which ones truly showcase her talent. This ranking takes a look at all 9 of her acting roles, starting with the ones that missed the mark and ending with her most impressive work on screen.
9. Cats (2019)
This infamous musical adaptation became one of the most criticized films of recent years. Swift played Bombalurina, a sassy cat with a memorable musical number, but even her star power couldn’t save the project from disaster.
The bizarre CGI effects and strange visual choices overshadowed every performance in the film. Critics and audiences alike found the movie unsettling and confusing. While Swift brought energy and charisma to her scenes, the overall execution was just too flawed.
Her singing was solid, but the role didn’t give her much room to show real acting skills. Unfortunately, this remains her weakest screen appearance simply because the film itself was such a failure.
8. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2009)
Swift made her acting debut on this popular crime drama, playing a troubled teenager named Haley Jones. Her character was involved in a dark storyline that ended tragically, giving Swift a chance to show some emotional range.
However, her screen time was quite limited, appearing in just one episode. For a first-time actor, she handled the emotional scenes surprisingly well. Her performance felt genuine, and she didn’t seem out of place among the experienced cast.
Still, the brief appearance didn’t allow her to fully develop the character or leave a lasting impression. While it was a respectable start, this role simply didn’t have enough substance to rank higher on the list.
7. The Lorax (2012)
Voice acting requires a different skill set than live-action work, and Swift took on the role of Audrey in this colorful Dr. Seuss adaptation. Audrey is the sweet, environmentally conscious love interest who inspires the main character to find a real tree.
Swift’s voice brought warmth and likability to the character. The role didn’t demand much dramatic intensity or complexity, making it a fairly straightforward voiceover job. Her performance was pleasant and fit the tone of the family-friendly film perfectly.
Kids enjoyed the movie, and Swift’s contribution added some star power to the cast. However, because the character lacked depth and didn’t challenge her abilities, this role lands in the middle-lower tier.
6. Valentine’s Day (2010)
Playing Felicia Miller, a bubbly high school cheerleader, Swift leaned into lighthearted comedy in this romantic ensemble film. Her character is dating a football player and dreams of a perfect relationship, only to face a surprising twist.
The role was cute, fun, and perfectly suited to Swift’s youthful charm at the time. She had more screen time here than in some of her other projects, allowing viewers to see her personality shine through. Her comedic timing was decent, and she seemed comfortable playing a character close to her real-life persona.
The movie itself was a box office success, even if critics weren’t impressed. While enjoyable, the role remained surface-level and didn’t push her acting boundaries much.
5. New Girl (2013)
Swift surprised fans with a cameo appearance in the season-two finale of this beloved sitcom. She played Elaine, a character who creates an unexpected twist during a pivotal moment in the episode. The role was brief but impactful, adding humor and drama to the storyline.
Her performance felt natural and fit seamlessly into the show’s quirky tone. Swift showed she could hold her own alongside the talented main cast, including Zooey Deschanel and Jake Johnson.
Fans of the show appreciated the surprise, and her scenes were genuinely entertaining. Though short, this cameo demonstrated her ability to adapt to comedy and proved she could be more than just a musical guest star.
4. The Giver (2014)
In this dystopian drama based on the beloved novel, Swift took on a more serious role as Rosemary. Her character plays a crucial part in the story’s emotional core, representing loss and sacrifice in a controlled society. The role required restraint and subtlety, a departure from her more energetic previous performances.
Swift’s screen time was limited, but she made the most of it with a haunting and meaningful presence. Her scenes carried weight and added depth to the film’s exploration of memory and emotion.
Critics noted that she handled the dramatic material with surprising maturity. This role showed Swift could tackle more complex, serious acting work when given the opportunity.
3. Amsterdam (2022)
Director David O. Russell’s stylish mystery thriller featured Swift as Elizabeth Meekins, a wealthy socialite caught up in a complex conspiracy. The film boasted an impressive ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington.
Swift held her own among these Hollywood heavyweights in a tense, dramatic role. Her character appeared in key scenes that drove the plot forward, and she delivered her lines with confidence and poise. The period setting and sophisticated dialogue required a more refined performance, which Swift successfully provided.
Though the film received mixed reviews, her contribution was generally praised. This role demonstrated her growing maturity as an actress and her ability to blend into serious, complex storytelling.
2. All Too Well: The Short Film (2021)
Swift didn’t just act in this passion project—she also wrote and directed it, making it one of her most personal artistic achievements. The short film accompanies her extended version of the song and tells a heartbreaking story of a doomed relationship.
Her performance is raw, vulnerable, and deeply emotional, capturing the pain of young love gone wrong. The cinematography and storytelling received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Swift’s vision and execution.
Her acting felt authentic and unfiltered, drawing from real emotion rather than technique. Fans connected powerfully with the film, which became a cultural moment. This project proved Swift could excel both behind and in front of the camera when given creative control.
1. Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009)
Playing herself in this beloved Disney film, Swift appeared in a memorable cameo that perfectly captured the spirit of the movie. She performed alongside Miley Cyrus during a benefit concert scene, bringing star power and authenticity to the moment.
The cameo felt natural and added genuine excitement to the film’s climax. Fans of both stars loved seeing them together, and the scene has become iconic in pop culture history. Swift’s presence enhanced the movie’s celebration of music and friendship.
Her comfort playing herself allowed her personality to shine through effortlessly. The nostalgia factor and perfect fit within the film’s world make this her most beloved and successful acting appearance to date.
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