Best Kaitlyn Dever Film and TV Shows of All Time

By Marc Miller
Published: October 18, 2022
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best-kaitlyn-dever-film-and-tv-shows

We deep dive into the actress’s career and compiled the Best Kaitlyn Dever Film and TV Shows of All Time.

One of the most talented young actors in Hollywood working today, Kaitlyn Dever, has virtually done it all in a short time frame. From her time as the daughter of a red state outdoor retail salesman to a straight A student who wants to do nothing but give a whole bunch of F’s before her graduation, to a handful of “daughter” roles she makes entirely her own, Kaitlyn Dever will be gracing screens big and small for years to come.

Please take a look at our favorite Kaitlyn Dever roles.

Best Kaitlyn Dever Films and TV Shows of All Time

Beautiful Boy (2018)

Beautiful Boy is based on the work of award-winning writer David Sheff. A highly respected journalist decided to write a memoir chronicling his son Nic’s struggle with drug abuse. Dever plays Lauren, Nic’s former friend and drug addict (played by Timothee Chalamet). They represent a trigger for each other, as both are clean at the time but decide to “party” by grabbing a buffet of drugs off the street. Director and co-writer Felix Van Groningen (The Broken Circle Breakdown) does an admirable job of showing a parent’s lack of control in addressing their child’s substance abuse issues.


Booksmart (2019)

The overwhelming hype was real for the stunning debut film of director Olivia Wilde. Booksmart is a heart-swelling, quick-witted, facetious, ultra-cool, and absolutely savage coming-of-age comedy. This is the star-making vehicle and performance from Kaitlyn Dever and her co-star, Beanie Feldstein, who headline the impeccable young cast.


Detroit (2017)

A visceral and devastating account of three police agencies in the city of Detroit performing multiple horrifying tasks of police overreach. The collaboration of the great Kathryn Bigelow and former journalist-turned-screenwriter Mark Boal on the Algiers Motel Incident is a masterpiece of Bigelow’s raw storytelling lens and Boal’s attention to detail. Detroit is a must-watch.


Dopesick (2021)

Based on Beth Macy’s non-fiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America, Dever plays Betsy Mallum, a young woman who suffers a back injury while working the mines and is prescribed opioids to help with the pain. Instead of being tapered off, she throws out the drugs because of the addiction concerns, but the withdrawal is too much to bear. Dopesick is a must-see drama.


Outside In (2017)

Dever plays Hildy Beasley, the daughter of Carol (Edie Falco), a teacher in a small town in Outside In. Carol helped campaign for a former student to be paroled from prison. You can guess what happens next, as Dever’s Hildy sees his mother leave a motel with Chris. After that, however, is where the film gets its juice when Carol and Hildy come to forgive each other.


Rosaline (2021)

A comedic reworking of a classic Shakespearean tale, Romeo & Juliet, but now told through the lens of that playboy’s ex-girlfriends. I mean, can you imagine Romeo surviving today’s #MeToo movement? Based on the Rebecca Serle novel When You Were Mine, Dever plays the titular role of Rosaline, and if this role doesn’t make her a household name, nothing will.


Short Term 12 (2013)

Is there any more revered American independent film this past decade? Short Term 12 is based on writer and director Destin Daniel Cretton’s own experiences working at a group home for troubled teenagers. The film was Brie Larson’s first starring role and had a spectacular young cast, including Dever, John Gallagher Jr., Rami Malek, and Lakeith Stanfield.


The Spectacular Now (2019)

Despite a slight supporting turn from Dever, The Spectacular Now simultaneously manages to be timeless and fresh. That credit should go to writer and director James Ponsoldt (Summering), who captures the suspended possibilities of youth that are constant over generations and how choices today can affect you for years to come.


Ticket to Paradise (2022)

Sure, you may have seasoned veteran and Hollywood royalty George Clooney and Julia Roberts headline this romantic comedy. Still, Dever gives the sweet story of parental protection and redemptions that verve and heart the movie sorely needed. Dever is the lead and plays Lily Cotton in Ticket to Paradise, who just graduated law school and is celebrating with her best friend in a tropical paradise. Her parents (Clooney and Roberts), who’re divorced and cannot stand each other, fly down to break up their marriage.


Unbelievable (2019)

A landmark streaming series from Netflix, Unbelievable provides a jaw-dropping education and shows you just how hard the mountain is to climb for sexual assault victims to get justice.

And there we have it – the Best Kaitylin Dever Film and TV Roles of All Time! Do you have other recommendations for Kaitylin Dever? Comment below!

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