Olivia Cooke Movies and TV Shows: What to Watch and Where She Shines

If you are searching for Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows, there is plenty to explore. The Oldham-born British actress has built a varied career across television, independent films, major Hollywood productions and streaming dramas.

Cooke first became widely recognised for playing Emma Decody in Bates Motel, before moving into films such as Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Thoroughbreds and Ready Player One. More recently, she has taken on major television roles, including Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, Cherry Laine in The Girlfriend and Sidonie “Sid” Baker in Slow Horses.

Her filmography is particularly interesting because it does not follow one predictable path. Cooke has moved between horror, science fiction, psychological drama, romance, comedy and prestige television, often choosing characters with a darker or more complicated side.

As of September 2026, here is a guide to the most important Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows, including her best-known performances and recent work.

Olivia Cooke at a glance

• Born: 27 December 1993
• Birthplace: Oldham, Greater Manchester, England
• Profession: Actress and producer
• Breakthrough TV role: Emma Decody in Bates Motel
• Major film role: Art3mis/Samantha in Ready Player One
• Major fantasy role: Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon
• Recent TV role: Cherry Laine in The Girlfriend
• Recent returning role: Sidonie “Sid” Baker in Slow Horses

Olivia Cooke’s most important TV shows

Cooke’s television work has been central to her career. She has appeared in British productions, American dramas and major streaming series.

Bates Motel

Bates Motel was one of Olivia Cooke’s defining early roles.

The psychological horror drama reimagines the characters and mythology associated with Psycho. Cooke played Emma Decody, a young woman who becomes closely connected to Norman Bates, played by Freddie Highmore.

Cooke appeared throughout the show’s 2013–2017 run, giving the character an emotional storyline that went beyond the show’s horror elements. Bates Motel helped establish her internationally and remains one of the first titles people look for when searching for Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows.

Why watch it: If you want to see Cooke before her biggest film and HBO roles, this is an essential starting point.

House of the Dragon

For many modern viewers, Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon is Cooke’s most recognisable television performance.

The Game of Thrones prequel follows the Targaryen dynasty and the political conflict that develops into a devastating civil war. Cooke plays Alicent, whose relationship with Rhaenyra Targaryen becomes increasingly complicated as the story progresses.

Cooke joined the main cast alongside Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Paddy Considine and other major performers. Her version of Alicent is very different from the younger portrayal seen earlier in the series, reflecting the show’s major time jumps.

The series has also kept Cooke at the centre of a major international television franchise. Current filmography listings identify her as Alicent Hightower across the show’s seasons.

Why watch it: Choose this if you enjoy political fantasy, complicated characters and large-scale drama.

Slow Horses

Cooke has also appeared in Apple’s acclaimed British espionage series Slow Horses as Sidonie “Sid” Baker.

The series follows disgraced MI5 agents assigned to Slough House, a department populated by intelligence officers who have made serious career mistakes. Gary Oldman leads the cast as the abrasive Jackson Lamb.

Cooke originally appeared in the first season, and Apple has confirmed her return as Sid Baker for season six, which premieres globally on 16 September 2026.

That makes Slow Horses particularly relevant to searches for Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows 2026. Season six is scheduled to run for six episodes, with new episodes released weekly through 21 October 2026.

Why watch it: It is a strong choice for viewers who prefer British espionage, dry humour and fast-moving thrillers.

The Girlfriend

In 2025, Cooke starred opposite Robin Wright in the psychological thriller The Girlfriend.

Cooke plays Cherry Laine, the new girlfriend of Daniel, the son of Wright’s character Laura. Laura becomes increasingly suspicious of Cherry, creating an uneasy psychological battle in which different characters have very different interpretations of the truth.

The series consists of six episodes and streams exclusively on Prime Video.

The role is another example of Cooke moving towards psychologically complex characters rather than sticking to one genre.

Why watch it: Pick The Girlfriend if you enjoy tense domestic thrillers, unreliable perspectives and character-driven mysteries.

Vanity Fair

Cooke played Becky Sharp in the 2018 television adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair.

Becky is ambitious, intelligent and determined to improve her social position. The part gave Cooke the opportunity to lead a period drama and demonstrate a different side of her range.

Modern Love

Cooke appeared in the anthology series Modern Love in 2019, playing Karla in two episodes.

Unlike a conventional long-running drama, Modern Love tells separate stories inspired by the New York Times column of the same name. Cooke’s appearance is therefore a shorter but worthwhile part of her television career.

Blackout

One of Cooke’s earliest television credits was the BBC miniseries Blackout in 2012.

It came before her international breakthrough and is useful for viewers interested in following her career chronologically. Filmography records list Cooke as appearing in three episodes.

Olivia Cooke movies: her best-known films

Cooke’s film career covers everything from supernatural horror to science fiction and acclaimed independent drama.

Ready Player One

Ready Player One is arguably Cooke’s biggest mainstream film role.

Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Ernest Cline’s novel, the 2018 science-fiction adventure follows Wade Watts as he competes in a vast virtual-reality world called the OASIS.

Cooke plays Art3mis, the avatar used by Samantha Cook in the real world. The character is an important part of the film’s central adventure and romance.

Ready Player One introduced Cooke to a huge global audience and remains one of the most frequently associated films in searches for her work.

Best for: Science-fiction, gaming culture, adventure and Spielberg fans.

Sound of Metal

Sound of Metal is one of Cooke’s most acclaimed films.

She plays Lou, the partner of Ruben, a drummer whose hearing begins to deteriorate. The film focuses on his attempts to adapt to a radically different life.

Cooke’s performance is quieter and more emotionally grounded than some of her earlier genre roles. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film at 97% from critics, making it one of the highest-rated titles in her filmography.

Best for: Serious drama and character-driven filmmaking.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

In Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Cooke plays Rachel, a teenager diagnosed with leukaemia.

The 2015 coming-of-age drama balances humour and sadness while exploring friendship, illness and adolescence. Cooke’s performance became one of the early indicators that she could carry emotionally demanding dramatic material.

The film remains one of the strongest choices for anyone wanting to explore her independent-film work.

Thoroughbreds

Thoroughbreds is a dark psychological thriller starring Cooke alongside Anya Taylor-Joy.

Cooke plays Amanda, a young woman who appears emotionally detached and becomes involved in an increasingly disturbing plan.

The film is considerably darker than Ready Player One and shows Cooke’s ability to play characters who are difficult to categorise as simply good or bad.

The Limehouse Golem

In the period mystery The Limehouse Golem, Cooke plays Lizzie Cree.

The film combines murder mystery, Victorian London and theatrical drama, giving Cooke another opportunity to work in a period setting.

The Quiet Ones

The Quiet Ones was one of Cooke’s early feature films. She plays Jane Harper in the supernatural horror film.

The role fits naturally into the horror and thriller work that helped establish her early screen career.

Ouija

Cooke played Laine Morris in the 2014 supernatural horror film Ouija.

Although the film received a mixed critical response, it became part of Cooke’s early Hollywood filmography and helped increase her visibility outside television.

The Signal

In the science-fiction thriller The Signal, Cooke plays Haley.

The film follows a group of young people whose journey takes an increasingly mysterious turn. It is another early example of Cooke working within genre cinema.

Katie Says Goodbye

Cooke takes the lead role of Katie in this 2016 drama.

The film follows a young waitress attempting to build a different future despite difficult circumstances. It is one of Cooke’s more intimate performances.

Life Itself

Cooke appeared in the ensemble drama Life Itself, playing Dylan Dempsey.

The film explores interconnected lives across generations and locations.

Little Fish

In Little Fish, Cooke plays Emma, a woman trying to hold on to her relationship as a mysterious memory-related illness spreads.

The film combines romance and science fiction, giving Cooke another emotionally focused role. She also served as an executive producer on the project.

Pixie

Cooke stars as the title character in Pixie, a crime comedy involving a young woman caught up in a dangerous scheme.

It gives her filmography another change of pace after more serious dramatic roles.

Naked Singularity

In Naked Singularity, Cooke plays Lea, appearing alongside John Boyega and Bill Skarsgård.

The 2021 film blends crime, legal drama and dark comedy.

Fireheart

Cooke provided voices for Georgia and Joe in the animated film Fireheart.

This is a different kind of performance from her live-action work and demonstrates her involvement in animation and voice acting.

The Good Mother

In the 2023 crime drama The Good Mother, Cooke plays Paige, appearing alongside Hilary Swank and Jack Reynor.

The film is one of her more recent feature-film credits.

Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows in 2025 and 2026

For viewers specifically searching for Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows 2025 or Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows 2026, her recent television work is especially important.

2025: The Girlfriend

The Girlfriend marked one of Cooke’s major recent TV roles. She played Cherry Laine in the six-part psychological thriller opposite Robin Wright.

2026: House of the Dragon

Cooke continues to be associated with House of the Dragon as Alicent Hightower, making the series one of the central parts of her recent screen career. Current listings identify the series through 2026.

2026: Slow Horses

Cooke returns as Sidonie “Sid” Baker for season six of Slow Horses. The sixth season begins on Apple TV on 16 September 2026.

2026: A Talent for Murder

Cooke is also listed in the 2026 film A Talent for Murder, playing Clementine Balfour. Current filmography listings identify the project as a 2026 acting credit.

Is Olivia Cooke in EastEnders?

No. Olivia Cooke is not known for appearing in EastEnders.

This is an important distinction because searches for “Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows EastEnders” can produce confusion. Cooke is an English actress from Greater Manchester, but her television credits include productions such as Blackout, Bates Motel, Vanity Fair, Modern Love, Slow Horses, House of the Dragon and The Girlfriend rather than EastEnders.

Is Olivia Cooke in The White Lotus?

Olivia Cooke is not part of the main cast of The White Lotus.

This is another search association that can lead to confusion. Cooke’s recent HBO work is House of the Dragon, where she plays Alicent Hightower.

If you are specifically looking for Cooke’s prestige-TV performances, House of the Dragon, Slow Horses and The Girlfriend are much more relevant choices.

Is Olivia Cooke in House of the Dragon?

Yes. Olivia Cooke plays Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon.

Her character is one of the show’s central figures, and Cooke’s performance becomes increasingly important as the political and personal conflict between Alicent and Rhaenyra develops.

For someone discovering Olivia Cooke through House of the Dragon, Bates Motel is probably the most useful next stop if you want another substantial television role.

Is Olivia Cooke on Netflix?

The availability of Olivia Cooke’s films and shows on Netflix UK can change over time, so there is no reliable permanent list of her titles on the service.

Netflix catalogues also vary by country and licensing agreements. If you are searching specifically for Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows on Netflix, it is better to check the current UK Netflix catalogue rather than assuming that a film available in another country is also available in Britain.

Her most important work is spread across different platforms and broadcasters, including HBO, Apple TV and Prime Video. For example, The Girlfriend is a Prime Video exclusive, while Slow Horses is an Apple TV series.

What are Olivia Cooke’s best movies?

If you do not want to watch her entire filmography, these are good starting points:

Her highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes among the titles listed there is Sound of Metal, while Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Thoroughbreds are also particularly well received.

What are Olivia Cooke’s best TV shows?

For a first-time viewer, the strongest choices depend on what you enjoy.

For fantasy: House of the Dragon

Watch it for Cooke’s performance as Alicent Hightower and the show’s large-scale political drama.

For horror: Bates Motel

This is the essential choice if you want to see one of Cooke’s breakthrough performances.

For espionage: Slow Horses

Choose this for British spy drama, dark humour and a strong ensemble cast. Cooke’s Sid Baker is a smaller role than Alicent, but her return in season six makes the series particularly relevant in 2026.

For psychological thriller: The Girlfriend

This is the best recent choice if you want Cooke in a tense, character-focused role.

For period drama: Vanity Fair

Cooke’s portrayal of Becky Sharp gives viewers a completely different idea of her range.

Olivia Cooke movies and TV shows: where should you start?

If you are new to her work, there is no need to watch everything in release order.

A simple viewing route would be:

1. House of the Dragon — for her most prominent recent TV role.
2. Bates Motel — for her breakthrough television performance.
3. Ready Player One — for her biggest mainstream film role.
4. Sound of Metal — for one of her strongest dramatic performances.
5. Thoroughbreds — for a darker, more psychologically complex performance.
6. The Girlfriend — for her recent psychological-thriller work.
7. Slow Horses — for British espionage and her return as Sid Baker.

This selection gives a good overview of Cooke’s range without requiring you to work through every credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Olivia Cooke’s breakthrough role?

Olivia Cooke’s international breakthrough came with her role as Emma Decody in Bates Motel. The series ran from 2013 to 2017 and helped establish her as a prominent young actress.

What is Olivia Cooke most famous for?

She is particularly known for Bates Motel, Ready Player One, Sound of Metal, House of the Dragon, The Girlfriend and Slow Horses.

Who does Olivia Cooke play in House of the Dragon?

She plays Alicent Hightower, one of the central characters in the series.

Who does Olivia Cooke play in Slow Horses?

She plays Sidonie “Sid” Baker. Apple has confirmed her return for season six, which premieres on 16 September 2026.

Who does Olivia Cooke play in The Girlfriend?

Cooke plays Cherry Laine, the girlfriend whose arrival creates the central tension between herself and Laura, played by Robin Wright.

Is Olivia Cooke in Ready Player One?

Yes. She plays Art3mis, the avatar of Samantha Cook, in Steven Spielberg’s 2018 science-fiction adventure Ready Player One.

What is Olivia Cooke’s latest TV work?

As of September 2026, her recent television work includes The Girlfriend, House of the Dragon and Slow Horses. Slow Horses season six is scheduled to premiere on 16 September 2026, with Cooke returning as Sid Baker.

Does Olivia Cooke have a wide range of roles?

Yes. Her filmography spans horror, science fiction, comedy, crime, romance, period drama, psychological thrillers and fantasy. That variety is one reason her career stands out among contemporary British screen actors.

Final thoughts

Olivia Cooke’s career has developed from early British television appearances and the breakout success of Bates Motel into a diverse body of film and television work.

For films, Ready Player One, Sound of Metal, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Thoroughbreds offer some of the clearest examples of her range. On television, Bates Motel, House of the Dragon, The Girlfriend and Slow Horses show how successfully she has moved between very different genres.

Her career is also still developing. With her return in Slow Horses season six in September 2026 and continued involvement with major productions, there is plenty more to come from one of Britain’s most versatile contemporary actresses.