With Stranger Things about to conclude, this signals the end of Max’s storyline. Played by Sadie Sink, she has transformed this character into one of great resilience, hope, and unending strength. And Sink has also proved that no matter the challenge, she’s an actor to look out for.
So if you’re already missing Max on Stranger Things, or you’re looking forward to seeing Sink in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, here are 7 movies and TV shows to get to know Sadie Sink a little better! And for those coming to this list after Stranger Things, we’re going to start off with the role that defined her career!
1. Stranger Things (2017-2025)
Like we mentioned earlier, Sink plays Max Mayfield in Stranger Things. Her character began this journey as an outsider and new resident of Hawkins. Now in Season 5 she isn’t alone anymore. She has her boyfriend Lucas, her best friend Eleven, and a whole group of friends who have put their lives on the line for her. If you’re never watched this show, what better time to start than now?
Stranger Things is available to watch on Netflix.
2. The Fear Street Movies (2021)
The 2021 Fear Street film series is based on the R.L. Stine book series of the same name. Spanning three movies, it tells the story behind a malevolent curse that has plagued a town for hundreds of years and the teenagers trying to break it. Sink plays Christine “Ziggy” Berman. And while she’s not one of the main teenagers, Sink plays a young in the second movie of the series, Fear Street Part 2: 1978. Expect running, bloodshed, and a lot of moments where you go, “Evil kids like this actually exist???” Not Ziggy. Those around her.
The Fear Street movies are available to watch on Netflix.
3. The Whale (2022)
Sink stars alongside the iconic Brendan Fraser in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale. And while Fraser’s Charlie is the central character, his daughter Ellie, played by Sink, is his great motivation. His life has turned to that of a recluse after suffering a loss and gaining weight. So he uses the time he has to reconnect with Ellie, who is estranged from him. This time apart allows Sink to explore her characters anger, distrust, and hurt over things getting to the way they are now.
The Whale is available to watch on HBO Max.
4. O’Dessa (2025)
Sink stars in the sci-fi rock opera O’Dessa as O’Dessa Galloway. Sporting a shorter cut and a guitar, this farm girl turns into traveler as she tries to recover a cherished family heirloom. Admittedly this might be the most different role that Sink has taken on. And she actually sings in it. But this is how an actor really proves their prowess and acting ability. That’s what Sink is doing.
O’Dessa is available to watch on Hulu.
5. All Too Well (2021)
For fans of Sink, seeing her in a short film by Taylor Swift was a shock. Starring alongside Dylan O’Brien, it is directed and produced by Swift. And it tells the story of the ups and downs of an age gap romance. Not only did fans love seeing Sink in something so different, she received a lot of praise from Swift, ranging from the improvisation they did on set to how you couldn’t take your eyes off of Sink.
All Too Well is available to watch on YouTube.
6. The Glass Castle (2017)
Sink stars in The Glass Castle as a younger version of Sarah Snook’s character Lori. But the main story centers around Brie Larson’s Jeannette. Her and Lori were part of a dysfunctional family of nonconformist nomads who lived in poverty. And the story oscillates through the past and present to show how their parents used imagination to keep them unaware of how bad things were. Except Lori to be the one always asking questions and lacking some of that imagination.
The Glass Castle is available to rent/buy.
7. Dear Zoe (2022)
Sink stars as Tess in Dear Zoe, the older sister of Zoe. And her family gets torn apart after a loss. This leads Zoe to try and find support from her biological father, and inadvertently a “lovable slacker.” Expect emotional beats that tear at your heart and sibling bonds that haunt the narrative.
Dear Zoe is available to watch on Prime Video.
