The bestRiley Keoughmovies and TV shows capture the magnetic blend of vulnerability and fierce spirit that defines her as an actress. Born in 1989, in Santa Monica, Riley Keough (thegranddaughter of Elvis Presley) has carved out an incredible career that’s all her own. She first made waves in Hollywood with roles that showcased her depth beyond her famous lineage, landing breakout performances in indie hits and critically acclaimed dramas. With her striking screen presence and fearless choice of roles, Keough quickly became a fan favorite for audiences who love grounded, emotionally charged performances.
Over the years, Riley Keough has shown she’s anything but predictable. Whether she’s playing a cunning escort, a haunted stepmother, or a free-spirited rock star, she brings an intensity and authenticity that’s impossible to ignore. She has become beloved for her ability to transform for every part, blending into sprawling ensemble casts or leading projects entirely on her own. The best Riley Keough movies and TV shows not only showcase her wide range but also prove why she’s one of the most exciting performers of her generation. From horror to heartfelt drama, there’s truly nothing she can’t do.
In 2010’sThe Runaways, Riley Keough steps into the role of Marie Currie - not the scientist, but a fictional composite character who adds to the gritty coming-of-age story about the rise and fall of the legendary all-girl rock band. Directed by Floria Sigismondi, this electric biopic centers on Joan Jett and Cherie Currie’s whirlwind journey to fame in the 1970s. Although Keough’s part is smaller compared to the leads, her grounded performance adds texture to the chaotic, rebellious world that the movie captures so well.
Sharingthe screen with Kristen Stewartand Dakota Fanning inThe Runawayscast, Keough holds her own, bringing a quiet, emotional realism to her scenes.The Runawaysis packed with style, energy, and a killer soundtrack, but it’s the commitment of its stars (Keough included) that makes it sing.Even with limited screen time, Keough’s early turn inThe Runawayshinted at the raw talent that would later define the best Riley Keough movies and TV shows.It’s a fitting glimpse of the powerhouse performer she was destined to become, wrapped up in one of the coolest rock biopics of the 2010s.
The Devil All The Timeis a dark, twisty tale of corruption and violence in small-town America, directed by Antonio Campos. Set across a post-World War II backdrop, the Netflix thriller weaves several grim storylines together, and Riley Keough makes a chilling impression as Sandy Henderson, a waitress turned reluctant accomplice to serial murder.Her nuanced performance captures both Sandy’s guilt and desperation, making her one of the 2020 movie’s most tragic figures.
Riley Keough stars inThe Devil All The Timealongside a stackedcast that includes Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Sebastian Stan, yet she manages to shine even in the film’s most unsettling moments.The Devil All The Timestands out not just for its grim storytelling but for how committed every actor is to their flawed, haunting characters. Keough’s work earned widespread praise, further cementing her status in the best Riley Keough movies and TV shows. Watching Keough navigate Sandy’s moral decay is brutal, fascinating, and unforgettable all at once.
InZola, Riley Keough delivers one of her most daring performances as Stefani, a reckless and manipulative dancer who drags the titular character into a chaotic road trip from hell. Directed by Janicza Bravo,Zolais based onthe viral Twitter thread that captivated the internet, blending surreal comedy with tense drama.Keough fully transforms into the larger-than-life Stefani, complete with a wild accent and even wilder energy, stealing almost every scene she’s in.
Opposite Taylour Paige’s Zola, Riley Keough’s commitment to the chaotic spirit of the story ofZolais absolutely electric. The 2020 movie is stylish, hilarious, and frequently uncomfortable, and it thrives because of the fearless performances at its center. Riley Keough received a Chicago Film Critics nomination in the category of Best Supporting Actress for her work, and it’s easy to see why. The best Riley Keough movies and TV shows often showcase her fearlessness, andZolais a brilliant example of how she dives headfirst into outrageous, unforgettable roles.
2022’sThe Terminal List, based on the novel by Jack Carr, is an intense military thriller series created by David DiGilio. Riley Keough joinedThe Termina Listcastin season 1 as Lauren Reece, the loving and supportive wife of Chris Pratt’s Navy SEAL operative James Reece.Though her time onscreen is limited, Keough makes an indelible impact, providing an emotional anchor in a world filled with betrayal, violence, and conspiracy.
Keough’s chemistry with Pratt brings a genuine warmth to the Prime Video series, making her character’s fate even more gut-wrenching.The Terminal Listblends action with emotional stakes, and her performance is a big part of what makes the series resonate. With a cast that includes Constance Wu and Taylor Kitsch, Keough still manages to leave an unforgettable mark, and it’s this that cementsThe Terminal Listas one of the best movies or TV shows of her career so far.
Directed by Trey Edward Shults,It Comes At Nightis a moody, slow-burn horror that plays more on psychological dread than jump scares. Riley Keough stars as Kim, a young woman seeking shelter with her family after a mysterious apocalypse ravages the world.Her subtle, emotional performance anchors the movie’s more surreal, anxiety-inducing moments, making the fear and paranoia feel all too real.
Sharing the screen with Joel Edgerton and Christopher Abbott in theIt Comes At Nightcase, Riley Keough proves she can command even the most understated horror narratives.It Comes At Nightis bleak and deeply unsettling, and Keough’s portrayal of a mother trying to survive gives the narrative its aching humanity. Many of the best Riley Keough movies and TV shows involve her digging into complex emotions, and inIt Comes At Night, she manages to terrify and move audiences without a single scream. It’s an unforgettable performance in one of the most haunting indie horrors of the 2010s.
Steven Soderbergh’sLogan Luckyis a hilarious and charming heist movie set in the heart of West Virginia, and Riley Keough shines as Mellie Logan, the fiercely smart and sassy sister to Channing Tatum and Adam Driver’s bumbling leads.Mellie isn’t just another side character, she’s essential to the crew’s elaborate plan to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Keough’s razor-sharp timing gives the film much of its heart and humor.
Witha cast that includes Daniel Craig, Katie Holmes, and Seth MacFarlane, it would be easy to get lost, but Keough stands out thanks to her down-to-earth charisma and pitch-perfect comedic instincts.Logan Luckyis a feel-good caper that never tries too hard, and Keough’s effortless performance is a huge part of why it works so well. It’s another brilliant entry in the best Riley Keough movies and TV shows, showing off her lighter side without losing any of her signature depth.
InThe Lodge, Riley Keough delivers one of her most intense performances as Grace Marshall, a woman grappling with dark memories during a terrifying winter retreat. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the psychological horror movie traps its characters - and the audience - in a claustrophobic nightmare where reality blurs with hallucinations.Keough’s portrayal of Grace’s unraveling sanity is chilling, heartbreaking, and impossible to look away from.
Acting alongside Jaeden Martell and Richard Armitage, Riley Keough’s performance inThe Lodgeearned widespread acclaim for its raw vulnerability.The Lodgeis relentlessly grim, but it’s Keough’s layered, empathetic portrayal of Grace that keeps it grounded in human emotion. It’s a standout in the best Riley Keough movies and TV shows, and a testament to how deeply she can immerse herself in a character. Keough’s work inThe Lodgeis haunting - and lingers long after the credits roll.
Andrea Arnold’sAmerican Honeyis a sprawling, sun-soaked odyssey through the heartland of America, and it was an incredibly important career milestone and launchpad for Riley Keough. She is magnetic inAmerican Honeyas Krystal, the no-nonsense leader of a crew of young magazine sellers.Krystal is tough, manipulative, and often cruel, but Keough injects her with enough charisma and complexity to keep her compelling rather than cartoonish.
Starring alongside Shia LaBeouf and Sasha Lane, Keough’s performance earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Female.American Honeyis raw, beautiful, and often heartbreaking, capturing a side of America rarely seen on screen. The best Riley Keough movies and TV shows thrive on her ability to explore flawed characters, and her work as Krystal is a masterclass in balancing toughness with vulnerability. It’s a performance that feels as freewheeling and alive as the movie itself.
Daisy Jones & The Sixis a glitzy, emotional trip back to the 1970s rock scene, based on the bestselling novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid and inspired heavily by thereal-life story of Fleetwood Mac.Riley Keough leads the series as Daisy Jones, the wild, free-spirited singer who skyrockets to fame alongside her band.Created by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, the show captures the highs and lows of stardom with infectious energy and genuine heartbreak.
Riley Keough’s performance is nothing short of electric. She sings her own vocals, captures Daisy’s self-destructive spirit, and anchors the show’s emotional arc with a performance that’s both larger-than-life and heartbreakingly real.Daisy Jones & The Sixis one of the best Riley Keough movies and TV shows, showing off her star power like never before. Alongside Sam Claflin and Camila Morrone, Keough makes Daisy unforgettable - a messy, magnetic icon in her own right.
InThe Girlfriend Experience, Riley Keough takes on the bold, mesmerizing role of Christine Reade, a law student who moonlights as a high-end escort. Created by Lodge Kerrigan and Amy Seimetz, the Starz series is sleek, provocative, and daring - and Keough’s performance anchors more or less every scene.Her portrayal of Christine earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and it remains one of the most fearless and layered performances of her career.
ThroughoutThe Girlfriend Experienceseason 1, Keough transforms Christine into one of television’s most enigmatic antiheroes - intelligent, cold, vulnerable, and endlessly fascinating.The Girlfriend Experienceis stylish and unsettling, and Keough’s work elevates it into something unforgettable. The bestRiley Keoughmovies and TV shows often see her tackling morally complex characters, and here, she proves she can lead a series with staggering confidence and depth. It’s a performance that proved her standing as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation.
