You probably know her as the girl with the most intense stare in Millwood. Or maybe you caught her in that one Oscar-winning short that everyone was texting about a few years ago. Honestly, Zaria Simone (often just billed as Zaria) has this weirdly captivating energy that makes you feel like she’s been on your screen for decades, even though her career really only kicked into high gear around 2019.
She isn't just another Gen Z actress filling a slot in a teen drama. She's a Ghanaian-American powerhouse who writes poetry, sings, and apparently picks projects with surgical precision.
Whether you’re a die-hard Pretty Little Liars fan or you’re just trying to figure out where you’ve seen that face before, the list of Zaria Simone movies and TV shows is surprisingly varied. It’s got everything from sitcom cameos to high-stakes legal dramas.
The Breakout: Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Summer School
Let’s be real. Most people found Zaria through Faran Bryant.
In Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (and its follow-up Summer School), Zaria plays a ballerina with a steel spine. Faran isn't the typical "mean girl" or the "shy one." She’s complicated. She deals with chronic pain from scoliosis surgery while fighting for her spot at the barre.
Zaria brings a grounded, almost regal quality to the role. It’s hard to look at anyone else when she’s on screen, mostly because she plays Faran with this "don't mess with me" armor that occasionally cracks in the most heartbreaking ways. If you haven't watched the Summer School season yet, her physical performance—especially in the action sequences—shows she's basically a final girl in the making.
That Oscar Moment: Two Distant Strangers
If you haven't seen Two Distant Strangers, stop what you’re doing. It’s on Netflix. It’s short. It’s brutal.
Zaria plays Perri. She’s the girl the protagonist, Carter (played by Joey Bada$$), is trying to get back to every time the "time loop" resets. While the movie is a heavy commentary on police brutality and systemic racism, Zaria’s performance provides the emotional anchor.
She’s the warmth and the "home" that the main character is fighting to reach. The film ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2021. Not a bad thing to have on your resume before you’ve even hit 30.
The Early Days: Black-ish and Sitcom Hustle
Before she was dodging masked killers in Millwood, Zaria was doing the classic "guest star" rounds. You can spot her in Black-ish playing a character named Sasha back in 2019. It was a "blink and you’ll miss it" co-star role, but it was the start.
She also popped up in:
- Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!: She played Courtney in this Jamie Foxx Netflix sitcom.
- The Super Pops: A much different vibe, playing PowerPop in this digital series for kids. She’s actually mentioned in interviews how much it meant to her to be a superhero for little Black girls, even if she’s moved on to more mature stuff now.
- Millennial Jenny: A quick appearance as Alexis.
Bosch: Legacy and Expanding the Range
One of the more interesting entries in the Zaria Simone movies and TV shows catalog is her stint on Bosch: Legacy. She played Jen Clewell. It’s a complete 180 from the teen horror vibes of PLL.
In the world of Harry Bosch, everything is gritty, slow-burn, and adult. Seeing her hold her own in a prestige crime drama proved she wasn't going to be "aged out" of the industry once the teen shows stopped calling. She has that "adult-in-the-room" energy that works well in procedurals.
Music and Beyond: What's Happening in 2026?
Zaria isn't just staying in the acting lane. If you check her Spotify or Apple Music, she’s been dropping singles like "White Lotus" and "Can We." Her 2025/2026 music releases show a shift toward a lo-fi, R&B vibe that matches her aesthetic perfectly.
As for what’s next on screen? Rumors are always swirling about more Pretty Little Liars universe expansions, but Zaria seems to be eyeing more film work. She was recently linked to projects like Father Mother Sister Brother and has been vocal about wanting to dive deeper into directing and poetry.
The Zaria Simone Filmography at a Glance
If you're looking for a quick watchlist, here's the "Must Watch" path:
- Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin / Summer School (Series Regular) - Catch it on Max.
- Two Distant Strangers (Lead) - Netflix.
- Bosch: Legacy (Recurring) - Amazon Freevee.
- Taurus (Film) - A smaller role, but worth it for completionists.
- Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! (Guest Star) - Netflix.
Honestly, Zaria is one of those actors who feels like they're on the verge of a massive, "movie star" moment. She’s got the Oscar-winning project under her belt and a loyal TV fanbase.
If you want to keep up with her, the best move is to follow her music releases alongside her film credits. She seems to be building a brand that's more about "art" than just "celebrity." Keep an eye on her Instagram (@zariazariazaria) for the most direct updates on her upcoming indie projects and poetry books, which she's been teasing for a while now.
Check out Two Distant Strangers first if you want to see her range outside of the horror genre—it’s only 32 minutes long but stays with you for weeks.
