Honestly, it feels like Zoe Colletti has been everywhere lately. If you’ve spent any time on Apple TV+ or Netflix over the last year, you’ve definitely seen her face, even if you couldn’t quite place the name at first. She has this specific kind of energy—vulnerable but somehow tougher than everyone else in the room.
It’s rare to see an actress jump from a musical like Annie to a gritty apocalypse in Fear the Walking Dead and then nail a comedy with Mark Wahlberg without losing her soul along the way. But here we are in 2026, and she’s basically becoming the go-to for directors who need a "real" teenager—even though she's now in her mid-twenties.
From Orphan Annie to Zombie Apocalypse
Most people don’t realize Zoe started out tiny. She was one of the orphans in the 2014 Annie remake. Remember "Hard Knock Life"? Yeah, she was in the thick of it. But her career really took a turn when she landed the lead in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019). Playing Stella Nicholls, she wasn't just a scream queen; she was the emotional anchor of a pretty dark Guillermo del Toro-produced horror flick.
That movie changed everything. It proved she could carry a franchise.
Then came the zombies. Her role as Dakota in Fear the Walking Dead (Season 6) was... polarizing, to say the least. If you’re a fan, you know exactly why. She played a character that you kind of wanted to give a hug to, right up until the moment she did something absolutely unforgivable. That’s a hard line to walk. Most actors make "villains" feel one-dimensional, but Zoe made Dakota feel like a scared kid who just happened to be dangerous.
The Netflix and Apple TV+ Takeover
If horror isn't your thing, you probably caught her in Boo, Bitch on Netflix. She played Gia, the best friend to Lana Condor’s character. It was a complete 180 from the depressing woods of a zombie wasteland. It was funny, weird, and a little bit heartbreaking.
But let’s talk about the big hits.
- The Family Plan (2023): She played Nina Morgan, the daughter of a former assassin (Mark Wahlberg).
- Only Murders in the Building: She popped up as Lucy, Charles’s (Steve Martin) almost-stepdaughter. Her chemistry with the main trio was effortless.
- The Family Plan 2 (2025): This just hit Apple TV+ late last year, and it’s been hovering in the Top 10 forever.
In the sequel, her character Nina is living her best life in London, and of course, the whole family ends up there for a "vacation" that turns into a high-stakes heist. Working with Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan again, she really stepped into the spotlight as more of an equal than just "the kid."
Why Zoe Colletti Matters Right Now
There’s a lot of "nepo baby" talk in Hollywood these days, but Zoe feels like she earned her spot the old-fashioned way—by being a working actor since she was four. She’s got a range that most people her age are still trying to figure out.
Take Please Don't Feed the Children (2025), for example. It was Destry Allyn Spielberg’s directorial debut, and Zoe was the lead. It’s a psychological thriller about a virus that wipes out adults, leaving a group of orphans to survive. It’s gritty, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s a far cry from the Christmas movies she’s done.
What’s actually on her resume?
Looking at the full scope of Zoe Colletti movies and shows, the list is surprisingly long for someone born in 2001. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials:
- Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019): Her big breakout.
- Fear the Walking Dead (2020-2021): The role that made everyone talk (and maybe scream).
- A Boy Called Christmas (2021): She was the voice and face of the Truth Pixie.
- Boo, Bitch (2022): The ghost-themed high school comedy.
- Gigi & Nate (2022): A quieter, more emotional drama about a service animal.
- The Family Plan 1 & 2 (2023, 2025): The massive Apple TV+ action hits.
What's Next for Zoe in 2026?
As of early 2026, the buzz is all about her moving into more "adult" roles. She’s been rumored for a few indie projects that are looking to capitalize on her "final girl" energy from Scary Stories.
There’s also the lingering question of whether we'll see a Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark 2. Fans have been asking for it for years, and while the scripts have been in development hell, Zoe has always said she’s down to return as Stella. Given how well the first one did on streaming, it’s basically a matter of when, not if.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Viewers
If you’re trying to catch up on her work, don’t just watch the big blockbusters.
- Watch for the nuance: Check out Wildlife (2018). She has a smaller role, but that movie is a masterclass in acting, and it shows she was picking high-quality projects even as a teen.
- Streaming Strategy: Most of her recent work is split between Apple TV+ (The Family Plan series) and Netflix (Boo, Bitch, A Boy Called Christmas). If you want the horror, Scary Stories is frequently moving between Hulu and Peacock.
- Keep an eye on Tubi: Her 2025 film Please Don’t Feed the Children premiered there, proving that she’s willing to take risks on smaller, experimental platforms.
The real takeaway here? Zoe Colletti isn't a "one-hit-wonder." She’s building a career that has longevity because she can play the girl next door, the killer, the hero, and the comic relief all in the same year. Whether you know her from the zombie apocalypse or a road trip with Mark Wahlberg, she's staying on our screens for a long time.
Keep an eye on her upcoming 2026 announcements; she’s currently at that sweet spot where she can pick projects that actually matter instead of just taking what's offered. It’s a good time to be a fan.
