The best Peyton List movies and TV shows showcase her evolution from a young Disney Channel star to a versatile performer. Born in Florida in 1998, Peyton List began her career as a child model before transitioning to acting with a minor role in 2008’s 27 Dresses. Within a few years, however, she’d gained prominence as Holly Hills 2011’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules and became widely recognized for her role as Emma Ross on Disney Channel’s Jessie and its spinoff Bunk’d.
However, Peyton List has come a long way since her roles as a child star, and is now an established actor in her own right. List’s career further flourished with significant roles in shows like Cobra Kai and School Spirits. Throughout her career, she has earned accolades such as the Young Artist Award and the Boston Film Festival Award – and the best Peyton List movies and TV shows make it easy to see why she’s had no trouble moving beyond her Disney Channel roots.
10
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
Peyton List Plays Young Becky Barnes
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The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
6/10
Release Date
July 14, 2010
Runtime
109 minutes
Director
Jon Turteltaub
In The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Peyton List portrays the young version of Becky Barnes, the childhood friend and eventual love interest of the protagonist, Dave. This fantasy adventure film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Jon Turteltaub, stars Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel. While List’s role is brief, it marked one of her early appearances in a major motion picture, contributing to her growing experience in the industry.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice blends elements of magic and adventure as it follows Dave’s journey to becoming a sorcerer under the mentorship of Balthazar Blake (Cage). Peyton List’s participation in such a high-profile project at a young age provided her with valuable exposure and experience, setting the stage for more substantial roles in her subsequent career.
9
Hubie Halloween (2020)
Peyton List Plays Peggy
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Hubie Halloween
4/10
Release Date
October 7, 2020
Runtime
102 minutes
Director
Steven Brill
In Netflix’s Hubie Halloween, Peyton List appears as Peggy, a minor but memorable character in Adam Sandler’s horror-comedy. The movie follows Hubie Dubois (Sandler), a kind but eccentric man who takes it upon himself to protect his town of Salem from supernatural threats on Halloween night. With a cast featuring comedic veterans like Kevin James, Maya Rudolph, and Steve Buscemi, Hubie Halloween blends slapstick humor with a lighthearted mystery, making it a fun seasonal watch.
Though Peyton List’s role is small, her involvement in a major Netflix production alongside a star-studded cast contributed to her growing presence beyond Disney Channel projects. Hubie Halloween was a hit for Netflix, ranking among the platform’s most-watched movies in 2020. While it received mixed reviews from critics, audiences embraced its goofy charm. For Peyton List, the movie marked another step in her transition into more mainstream, mature projects. Even with limited screen time, her inclusion in such a widely viewed film helps cement Hubie Halloween as one of the best Peyton List movies in terms of visibility and career progression.
8
Remember Me (2010)
Peyton List Plays Samantha
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Remember Me
Release Date
March 11, 2010
Runtime
113 Minutes
Director
Allen Coulter
In Remember Me, Peyton List plays the role of Samantha, the younger sister of Robert Pattinson’s Tyler Hawkins. The romantic drama Remember Me had a somewhat controversial ending, though it did an admirable job of delving into themes of family dynamics, love, and loss. Peyton List’s portrayal of Samantha showcased her ability to handle emotionally complex scenes even at a young age, and she contributed to some of Remember Me’s most important scenes when it came to the exploration of familial relationships.​
Remember Me received mixed reviews but was noted for its performances, particularly the chemistry between the cast members. Peyton List’s involvement in Remember Me added depth to her acting repertoire, allowing her to work alongside established actors and further hone her craft in a dramatic setting.
7
The Swap (2016)
Peyton List Plays Ellie O’Brien
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The Swap
Release Date
October 7, 2016
Runtime
89 minutes
Director
Jaime Eliezer Karas
Jacob Bertrand
Jack Malloy
Peyton List
Ellie O’Brien
Peyton List stars as Ellie O’Brien in the Disney Channel Original Movie The Swap. The 2016 film centers around Peyton List’s Ellie, a rhythmic gymnast, and Jack (Jacob Bertand), a hockey player, who magically swap bodies and must navigate each other’s lives. Peyton List’s performance captures the comedic challenges and heartfelt moments of understanding that come with the funniest and best body-swap movies.​
For the most part, The Swap was well-received by its target audience, highlighting Peyton List’s versatility in handling both comedic and dramatic elements. Her ability to portray the nuances of a character experiencing life from a different perspective contributed to the film’s charm and relatability among viewers.
6
Valley Girl (2020)
Peyton List Plays Courtney
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Valley Girl
8/10
Release Date
May 8, 2020
Runtime
102 Minutes
Director
Rachel Lee Goldenberg
In the 2020 musical romantic comedy Valley Girl, Peyton List takes on the role of Courtney, a popular high school student in the 1980s. The movie is a remake of the 1983 classic and features a vibrant portrayal of teenage life in the San Fernando Valley. Peyton List’s performance effortlessly taps into the nostalgic feel of Valley Girl, capturing the essence of the era.​
In terms of its place among her best movies and TV shows, Valley Girl stands out for showcasing Peyton List’s ability to adapt to different genres, blending musical elements with comedic timing. Her portrayal as Courtney in Valley Girl demonstrates her range as an actress and her willingness to take on diverse roles that challenge her versatility.​
5
Paper Spiders (2020)
Peyton List Plays Lacy
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Paper Spiders
Release Date
May 7, 2021
Runtime
109 minutes
Director
Inon Shampanier
Stefania LaVie Owen
Mélanie
Peyton List delivers a compelling performance as Lacy in director Inon Shampanier’s 2020 drama Paper Spiders. Paper Spiders addresses mental health struggles, focusing on the relationship between a mother and her daughter as they navigate the challenges of delusional disorder. Peyton List’s portrayal of Lacy, the supportive friend of Melanie (the daughter, played by Stefania LaVie Owen) is the perfect example of her ability to handle sensitive subject matter.​
Paper Spiders received critical acclaim for its honest depiction of mental health struggles and the strong performances of its cast. Peyton List’s involvement further showcased her commitment to roles that address important societal themes, further establishing her credibility as a serious actress after her earlier years on The Disney Channel.
4
Bunk’d (2015–2018, 2021)
Peyton List Plays Emma Ross
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Bunk’d
Miranda May
Lou Hockhauser
Mallory James Mahoney
Destiny Baker
One of the best Peyton List TV shows is, inarguably, the Disney Channel series Bunk’d, a spinoff of Jessie that saw List return to one of her most celebrated roles – Emmar Ross. Bunk’d follows Emma and her siblings as they attend Camp Kikiwaka, encountering various adventures and challenges. Peyton List’s performance maintains the charm and leadership qualities of her character, and resonated with the show’s young audience even more than her time on Jessie.
Bunk’d allowed List to further develop Emma’s character after Jessie, showcasing her growth and adaptability in new settings. The success of the Disney Channel series and its longevity highlight Peyton List’s ability to engage viewers, especially younger ones, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in children’s television.
3
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2011)
Peyton List Plays Holly Hills
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Release Date
March 25, 2011
Runtime
99 minutes
Director
David Bowers
Cast
Devon Bostick
Rodrick Heffley
Zachary Gordon
Greg Heffley
Robert Capron
Rowley Jefferson
In Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Peyton List portrays Holly Hills, the new girl at school and the object of protagonist Greg Heffley’s affection. The 2011 family comedy, based on the popular book series by Jeff Kinney, showcased many sides of Peyton List’s range that she’d go on to display in later projects, and there’s no doubt that her presence added an extra layer of charm to Rodrick Rules.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules was well-received, particularly among fans of the book series, and Peyton List’s performance contributed to its appeal. Her role as Holly Hills marked a significant point in her early career, introducing her to a broader audience and establishing her presence in family-oriented cinema.
2
School Spirits (2023–present)
Peyton List Plays Maddie
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School Spirits
Release Date
March 9, 2023
Writers
Nate Trinrud, Megan Trinrud, Oliver Goldstick
Peyton List takes on the lead role of Maddie Nears in the Paramount+ supernatural teen drama School Spirits. The show follows List’s Maddie, a high school student who mysteriously dies and finds herself trapped in the afterlife, searching for answers about her own murder. As Maddie unravels the mystery with the help of other spirits, she discovers shocking secrets about her friends, family, and the school she left behind. List’s performance is gripping, portraying Maddie’s frustration, determination, and emotional depth as she navigates the eerie world of the afterlife.
School Spirits has received praise for its compelling storytelling and Peyton List’s standout performance, marking a turning point in her career as she takes on a more mature and dramatic role. Her portrayal of Maddie earned her critical acclaim and showcased her ability to carry a series as the central character. School Spirits is a testament to List’s growth as an actress, proving that she can handle complex narratives and emotionally charged performances. As the show continues to develop, it solidifies its place as one of the best Peyton List TV shows.
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1
Cobra Kai (2019–2025)
Peyton List Plays Tory Nichols
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Cobra Kai
8/10
Release Date
2018 – 2024
Network
Netflix, YouTube Premium
Showrunner
Jon Hurwitz
Peyton List joined the Cobra Kai universe in Season 2 as Tory Nichols, a fierce and aggressive fighter with a troubled past. The Karate Kid sequel series, which began on YouTube Premium before moving to Netflix, continues the story of Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence decades after their iconic rivalry. Tory quickly became one of the show’s most complex characters – her fiery personality, martial arts skills, and emotional backstory made her a standout addition to the cast. Peyton List’s portrayal of Tory balances her toughness with vulnerability, especially as she struggles with family issues and her loyalty to Cobra Kai dojo.
Throughout her time on Cobra Kai, Peyton List’s performance evolved, showcasing her ability to play an intense, morally ambiguous character. Tory’s arc, including her rivalry with Samantha LaRusso and her internal conflict over the dojo’s aggressive methods, kept fans invested in her journey throughout all 6 seasons of the show. Cobra Kai has been a major hit, earning Emmy nominations and a passionate fanbase. List’s role in the series helped her transition from Disney Channel star to a more mature, action-oriented actress, proving her range and solidifying Cobra Kai as the best Peyton List TV shows.