Top 10 Best Performances on Euphoria

Top 10 Best Performances on Euphoria

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Best Performances on Euphoria.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the best acting performances on the incredibly popular HBO high school drama “Euphoria.” We’ll be referring to some major plot development, so consider this your spoiler warning.

What’s your favorite acting moment on “Euphoria?” Let us know in the comments!

#10: Storm Reid

As Rue Bennett’s younger sister, Gia, Storm Reid has the challenging task of showing how addiction affects a person’s loved ones. That’s not easy for any actor to pull off, let alone one as young as Reid. But she makes us feel Gia’s pain as she witnesses Rue’s struggles with her addiction and mental health, which can even turn violent. We can tell she looks up to her sister, which only makes things more difficult for her. Even with limited screen time compared to some of her co-stars, Reid can say so much with one concerned look. And while Gia could be simply described as “Rue’s sister,” Reid’s talent ensures that she’s much more than that.

#9: Hunter Schafer

Media depictions of trans characters have greatly improved in recent years, with trans actors being able to play trans characters as complex people defined by more than just their gender. Among these complex characters is Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer. The show doesn’t ignore Jules’ identity, but it also doesn’t reduce her to this one quality. And Schafer shows us multiple sides of Jules, from sensitive and caring to selfish and impulsive. Jules shows trans characters can be more than just the butt of jokes or other stereotypical portrayals, and Schafer’s performance is truly inspiring.

#8: Austin Abrams

“Euphoria” is full of drama, with characters constantly making decisions that hurt others and themselves. So, it’s refreshing to have a character like Ethan Daley, who knows how to stay out of most of the drama. Played by Austin Abrams, Ethan is the level-headed friend we all wish we had, even outside of high school. We cheered for him as he courted Kat and when he called her out for her manipulation when breaking up with him. Kat said Ethan was “boring,” but we would love to hang out with him, especially after his masterful work as multiple characters in Lexi’s play.

#7: Maude Apatow

No points for guessing who Maude Apatow’s father is. But while she got her start in films like “Knocked Up” and “This Is 40,” “Euphoria” proved that Apatow has more than just a famous name. As Lexi Howard, sister to the more popular Cassie, Apatow skillfully conveys the balancing act of caring for and envying her sister. Lexi also serves as a conflicted moral compass, wanting to help Rue but also not always knowing the best way to. Her growing relationship with Fezco has led to some of the show’s sweetest moments, and we can’t say enough good things about her Bob Ross cosplay.

#6: Angus Cloud

Some actors have to go through dozens of auditions to even get a small part. Angus Cloud got a major role on an HBO drama practically by accident. As Cloud tells it, he was walking in Manhattan when someone asked him to read for the part. Cloud’s portrayal of soft-spoken dealer Fezco works so well because of how natural he feels. Even before we learned of Fez’s backstory, we could tell he had a lot going on. Among Fez’s standout moments are when he refuses to sell to a desperate Rue and when he witnesses a loved one lose their life. Cloud might have been a total unknown before “Euphoria,” but his talent ensured he wouldn’t remain one.

#5: Alexa Demie

Maddy Perez might not be the main character of “Euphoria,” but Alexa Demie’s portrayal is so commanding, it’s easy to forget sometimes. Everything about Maddy, from her outfits to her outbursts, says “pay attention to me.” And Demie keeps us enthralled. Maddy has done some truly heinous things, such as when she conspires with on-again-off-again boyfriend Nate to falsely accuse someone of a crime Nate committed. But, thanks to Demie, she doesn’t feel like a one-dimension villain. Beneath Maddy’s brash exterior is someone who knows what it means to hurt, but who’s still learning what it means to heal.

#4: Eric Dane

The kids aren’t alright on “Euphoria,” but neither are the adults. On the surface, Cal Jacobs is a family man with a successful real estate business. But inside, he’s burdened by secrets that he can’t manage to keep completely hidden. He also has to contend with his own toxic masculinity and how he projects his insecurities onto his son. Eric Dane’s performance makes us both loathe Cal for the reprehensible things he’s done but also pity him, knowing that he’s had to hide his truth for so long. It’s not every actor who can deliver a stunning monologue right after being shown peeing all over the floor.

#3: Jacob Elordi

Few characters have inspired as much hatred in recent years as Nate Jacobs, East Highland High School’s star quarterback. We could make a list of all the terrible things Nate has done, with numerous candidates for number one. But we wouldn’t feel so strongly about Nate if he wasn’t portrayed by such a magnetic actor. Jacob Elordi disappears into the role, showing neither a trace of his native Australian accent nor any hesitation about playing someone so unrepentantly manipulative. And while Nate may like to think he’s in control, Elordi excels at showing the instability and trauma rooted in the character.

#2: Sydney Sweeney

Another character who seems like she has it all but who’s actually shouldering a great deal of trauma is Cassie Howard, played by Sydney Sweeney While Cassie might be desired by many, that doesn’t equal respect. And her difficulty with loving herself for herself leads her to falling for Nate Jacobs, ex of her best friend, Maddy. As Cassie, Sweeney is so likable that we can’t help but root for her, even when she’s making shortsighted decisions. Cassie is still learning how to stand up for herself, but Sweeney has made this a riveting journey to witness.

#1: Zendaya

Even if the “Euphoria” supporting cast wasn’t as great as it is, it’d still be worth watching for Zendaya’s fearless lead performance. As Rue Bennett, a high schooler struggling with addiction and more following her father’s passing, the Emmy-winning actress is mesmerizing. For every small step forward Rue takes, it’s not long before she takes a massive one back. And people like her mother, played by the incredible Nika King, can feel helpless to support her. But while Rue might not admit it, it’s clear that she wants to make it to a healthier, happier future, even if it seems out of reach. Zendaya’s own experiences might not align with Rue’s, but she knows how to present her truth with startling clarity.