What Made Me Fall for Danielle Macdonald? (Hint: It Involved Rap Battles and Doughnuts)
Okay, confession time: I first stumbled onto Danielle Macdonald movies and TV shows during a late-night Netflix scroll while clutching a donut in one hand and my remote in the other.
Patti Cake$ popped up, and I was like, “Wait, a plus-size Jersey girl spitting bars? Sold.” Fifteen minutes in, I wasn’t just watching—I was emotionally invested.
And when I say I went down a Danielle rabbit hole, I mean I watched everything from gritty dramas to guest spots on Glee.
Here’s the thing: Danielle Macdonald doesn’t just play a role—she owns it.
Whether she’s rapping, surviving an apocalypse, or falling in love with opera, she brings this grounded, raw, utterly lovable energy that makes you root for her.
So, if you’re wondering what to queue up next, buckle up. I’ve got the ultimate guide to Danielle Macdonald movies and TV shows that are worth your screen time.
Which Danielle Macdonald Films Should You Watch First?
If you’re new to her work, you have to start with her most iconic films. These aren’t just good—they’re rewatch-worthy.
1. Patti Cake$ (2017)
Image source- IMDb
This is the one that made critics stand up. Danielle plays Patricia Dombrowski, aka Patti Cake$, a tough-talking aspiring rapper from Jersey. The performance? Fierce, emotional, and so genuine it’ll have you cheering. It’s not just about rap—it’s about dreaming loud, no matter what.
2. Dumplin’ (2018)
Danielle stars as Willowdean, a Dolly Parton-obsessed teen who enters her mom’s beauty pageant as a form of protest. It’s heartfelt, funny, and beautifully challenges what beauty really means. Also, Jennifer Aniston plays the pageant queen mom, and it’s chef’s kiss.
3. Bird Box (2018)
Yup, the Sandra Bullock Netflix thriller. Danielle plays Olympia, one of the survivors. She brings a soft, hopeful energy that contrasts with the chaos around her. Even in a world where looking outside can kill you, Danielle finds a way to make us feel human again.
4. Skin (2018)
This one’s heavy. Danielle appears in both the feature film and the Academy Award-winning short version. It’s gritty and real, diving into the world of racism and redemption.
5. Falling for Figaro (2021)
Opera, romance, and Scottish charm. Danielle plays Millie, who ditches her finance job to become an opera singer. It’s funny, uplifting, and gives her room to show off her comedic timing.
What About Her TV Roles—Any Standouts?
TV is where Danielle flexes her versatility like no other.
1. Unbelievable (2019)
This limited series is based on true events, and Danielle plays one of the young women involved in the harrowing story. It’s intense and painful but done with so much care. She holds her own alongside heavyweights like Toni Collette and Merritt Wever.
2. The Tourist (2022–2024)
Here, she plays Helen Chambers, a sweet, slightly awkward probation officer who gets pulled into a wild, memory-wiped thriller across the Australian outback. It’s part mystery, part dark comedy, and 100% addictive. Her performance even earned her the Breakthrough Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
3. Poker Face (2023)
This Peacock mystery anthology from Knives Out creator Rian Johnson features Danielle in one unforgettable episode. Think quirky crime-solving with a retro vibe, and she nails every beat.
4. Easy (2017–2019)
An understated Netflix anthology series about relationships, love, and modern adulting. Danielle shows up in two episodes, and her segments are some of the most emotionally resonant.
What Are Some Lesser-Known Danielle Macdonald Appearances?
Okay, blink and you might miss these, but real fans know:
She popped into fan-faves like Glee, Newsreaders, Pretty Little Liars, The Middle, and even American Horror Story: Roanoke.
They weren’t major roles, but she made the screen warmer just by showing up. Also, shoutout to her appearance in Jelly Roll’s music video for “She”—haunting and beautifully done.
What’s Coming Up Next for Danielle Macdonald?
Mark your calendars, friends. The Danielle era is far from over.
1. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (2025)
The title alone deserves an award. This upcoming drama is still under wraps, but it’s already making waves on film forums. Knowing Danielle, it’ll be poignant, character-driven, and wildly watchable.
2. The Last Anniversary (2025)
Based on the Liane Moriarty novel (yup, same author as Big Little Lies), this Australian series has juicy secrets, generational drama, and family dysfunction. Danielle leads the charge, and I can already smell the binge session.
How Do I Watch Danielle Macdonald Movies and TV Shows in Order?
Here’s a table to help you track down her most popular roles:
Title | Year | Type | Where to Watch |
Patti Cake$ | 2017 | Film | Hulu / Prime Video |
Dumplin’ | 2018 | Film | Netflix |
Bird Box | 2018 | Film | Netflix |
Skin | 2018 | Film/Short | Prime Video / YouTube |
I Am Woman | 2019 | Film | Stan (AUS) / Apple TV |
Unbelievable | 2019 | Series | Netflix |
Falling for Figaro | 2021 | Film | Netflix / Prime Video |
French Exit | 2021 | Film | Hulu / Starz |
The Tourist | 2022–2024 | Series | Netflix / Stan |
Poker Face | 2023 | Series | Peacock |
The Last Anniversary | 2025 | Series | TBA |
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You | 2025 | Film | TBA |
FAQs About Danielle Macdonald Movies and TV Shows
1. Is Danielle Macdonald a trained singer?
Yes! She trained vocally for Dumplin’ and Falling for Figaro. While not professionally trained from childhood, she worked closely with coaches and did her own singing in both films. She may not be Adele, but she delivers with heart and authenticity.
2. What is Danielle Macdonald best known for?
While many discovered her through Dumplin’, her breakout came from Patti Cake$. However, her role in Unbelievable showed serious acting depth, and The Tourist made her a fan favorite in international markets. She’s best known for heartfelt, underdog roles with emotional punch.
3. Where is Danielle Macdonald from originally?
She’s from Sydney, Australia! Even though many of her roles feature American accents, she’s a true Aussie at heart. She moved to the U.S. in her teens to pursue acting full-time—and it clearly paid off.
4. Has Danielle Macdonald won any awards?
Yup! She received the Breakthrough Award at the Edinburgh International Television Festival for The Tourist. She’s also been nominated for various indie and critic awards thanks to her unforgettable performances.
One Last Popcorn-Sized Thought Before You Stream
Danielle Macdonald isn’t just another face on your Netflix feed—she’s the kind of actress who makes you feel seen. Her characters are fierce, flawed, hopeful, and real. Whether she’s crashing pageants, dodging invisible monsters, or chasing opera dreams, she brings the kind of quiet magic that sticks with you.
So, the next time you’re scrolling and see her name, don’t skip. You’re in for a story that’s going to make you laugh, cry, and text your bestie. Trust me, Danielle Macdonald movies and TV shows are where the real screen gems are hiding.
Go ahead—queue them up. I’ll bring the popcorn.