Emma Roberts Movies and TV Shows – Full Filmography Guide

Few actors have navigated the jump from Nickelodeon to horror anthology as smoothly as Emma Roberts. Her career, spanning more than two decades, includes everything from teen comedies to psychological thrillers.

Years active: 2001–present ·
Film appearances: 40+ ·
TV series roles: 10+ ·
Notable franchise: American Horror Story ·
Most streamed title: We’re the Millers

The following table summarizes Roberts’ key biographical details.

What is Emma Roberts most famous for?

Breakthrough role in Unfabulous

Emma Roberts landed her first lead television role at age 13, starring as Addie Singer in the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous (2004–2007). The show, which centered on a middle schooler navigating friendship and crushes with original songs, turned Roberts into a household name among young viewers. Apple TV (streaming service database) lists this as a defining early credit.

Mainstream success with We’re the Millers

The 2013 comedy We’re the Millers became Roberts’ highest-grossing film at the time, earning $270 million worldwide. She played Casey, a street-smart teen posing as the daughter of a fake family. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator) reports a 48% critics score, but audience reception was stronger, cementing her transition from child star to adult actress.

Critical acclaim in American Horror Story

Roberts joined Ryan Murphy’s anthology series in 2013 with Coven, playing the snobby witch Madison Montgomery. She went on to appear in Freak Show, Cult, Apocalypse, and 1984, making her one of the show’s most frequent cast members. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator) confirms her involvement in at least eight seasons.

What are the best Emma Roberts movies and TV shows?

Ranked list of top Emma Roberts films

• Nerve (2016) – 66% on Rotten Tomatoes, a techno-thriller about an online dare game. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator)
• The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) – 77% critics score, a slow-burn horror with Roberts as Joan. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator)
• Palo Alto (2013) – 70% critics score, directed by Gia Coppola, Roberts as April. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator)
• Paradise Hills (2019) – 65% critics, a sci-fi drama with Roberts as Uma. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator)

Top-rated TV series featuring Emma Roberts

• American Horror Story (2013–present) – multiple seasons, highest-rated: Coven and Freak Show.
• Scream Queens (2015–2016) – lead role as Chanel Oberlin, a satirical horror-comedy.
• Unfabulous (2004–2007) – Nickelodeon series that launched her career. Apple TV (streaming service database)

Critically acclaimed performances

Roberts’ most praised work often leans genre: The Blackcoat’s Daughter earned a 77% critics score, while Palo Alto (70%) showed her dramatic range. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator) rates Nerve at 66% and Paradise Hills at 65%, placing them in the “fresh” category.

The implication: Roberts’ filmography shows a preference for genre and indie projects over tentpole films.

Is Emma Roberts related to Julia Roberts?

Family connection explained

Yes, Emma Roberts and Julia Roberts are biologically related. Emma is the daughter of actor Eric Roberts, who is Julia Roberts’ older brother. This makes Emma Julia’s niece. Wikipedia (crowd-sourced encyclopedia) confirms the family tree.

Aunt-niece relationship

The two actresses appeared together briefly in the 2010 ensemble film Valentine’s Day. Emma played a bookstore customer and Julia played a military spouse, though they shared no scenes. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator) lists this as their only joint film appearance.

Shared surname but distinct families

Emma’s father, Eric Roberts, is an actor himself, with over 500 credits. Her mother, Kelly Cunningham, is not involved in the film industry. Despite the shared last name, Emma has often emphasized in interviews that she built her career independently. Apple TV (streaming service database) documents her early start.

What TV shows has Emma Roberts appeared in?

Nickelodeon and Disney work

Roberts’ first major TV role was the lead in Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous (2004–2007). She also guest-starred on Disney’s short-lived series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody in 2005.

American Horror Story anthology

Her recurring role across multiple seasons of American Horror Story is her most high-profile TV work. Seasons include Coven (2013), Freak Show (2014), Cult (2017), Apocalypse (2018), and 1984 (2019). Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator) confirms each appearance.

Other television credits

• Scream Queens (2015–2016) – lead role on Fox.
• Grey’s Anatomy (2011) – guest appearance as Dr. Emma.
• American Horror Stories (2021) – anthology spin-off.

According to Apple TV (streaming service database), her television filmography includes over a dozen roles beyond the series listed above.

What was Emma Roberts’ first movie?

Early film debut

Emma Roberts made her feature film debut in 2001 with two releases: BigLove (a short film) and Blow, where she played Kristina Sunshine Jung, daughter of the real-life drug dealer George Jung. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator) cites Blow as her first wide-release film.

Child actor transition

After Blow, Roberts appeared in Aquamarine (2006) as Claire Brown, a teen comedy co-starring pop singer JoJo. Apple TV (streaming service database) lists this as one of her early lead roles.

First major film role

Nancy Drew (2007) marked Roberts’ first starring role in a theatrical release, playing the iconic teen detective. Rotten Tomatoes (film and TV review aggregator) notes this as a key early credit.

The takeaway: Roberts’ early career choices reflect a purposeful evolution from child roles to more mature material.

Frequently asked questions

Emma Roberts continues to evolve as an actress, balancing mainstream projects with independent films, proving her versatility across genres.