Kristy Swanson
ActingAbout Kristy Swanson
Kristen Noel Swanson (born December 19, 1969) is an American actress, best known for her roles as Buffy Summers in the 1992 film Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Catherine "Cathy" Dollanganger in the movie version of the V.C. Andrews book Flowers in the Attic. She starred in several films, including Hot Shots! (1991), The Program (1993), The Chase (1994), 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997), Big Daddy (1999), and Dude, Where's My Car? (2000), and appeared in Pretty in Pink (1986) and Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Kristy Swanson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Kristy Swanson's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 22% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Kristy Swanson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Kristy Swanson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Kristy Swanson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kristy Swanson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | I Am Luke Perry | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Just Another Dream | Cindy Miller | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Trafficked: A Parent's Worst Nightmare | Joanna Riley | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | The ObamaGate Movie | Lisa Page | Flop | Similar → |
| 2020 | Psych 2: Lassie Come Home | Marlowe Viccellio | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | The Green Ribbon | Samantha Pringle (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2019 | PawParazzi | Latte (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2018 | Killer Under The Bed | Sarah | Flop | Similar → |
| 2018 | Winter's Dream | Kat | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Bad Stepmother | Louise | Flop | Similar → |
| 2017 | A Mother's Sacrifice | Kathrin | Flop | Similar → |
| 2017 | Crowning Jules | Victoria | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Angels in the Snow | Judith Montgomery | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Driven Underground | Sarah Palmer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | A Belle for Christmas | Dani Downy | Flop | Similar → |
| 2014 | Beethoven's Treasure Tail | Anne Parker | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | A Lesson in Romance | Megan Mills | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Storm Rider | Jody Peterson | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | The Bouquet | Terri Benton | Flop | Similar → |
| 2012 | Operation Cupcake | Janet Carson | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | A Christmas Wish | Martha Evans | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Swamp Shark | Rachel McDaniel | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | What if... | Wendy Walker | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Living Death | Elizabeth | Flop | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Black Hole | Shannon Muir | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | Red Water | Dr. Kelli Raymond | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | Zebra Lounge | Louise Bauer | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | Soul Assassin | Tessa Jansen | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Dude, Where's My Car? | Christie Boner | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Big Daddy | Vanessa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Supreme Sanction | Jenna | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Ground Control | Julie Albrecht | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Bad to the Bone | Francesca Wells | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | Lover Girl | Darlene Ferrari / 'Sherry' | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag | Laurie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Phantom | Diana Palmer | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Higher Learning | Kristen Connor | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Getting In | Kirby Watts | Flop | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Chase | Natalie Voss | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Program | Camille Shafer | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Buffy Summers | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Highway to Hell | Rachel Clark | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Hot Shots! | Kowalski | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Mannequin Two: On the Move | Jessie | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Flowers in the Attic | Cathy Dollanganger | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Not Quite Human | Eron Jeffries | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Deadly Friend | Samantha | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Ferris Bueller's Day Off | Economics Student - Simone Adamley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Mr. Boogedy | Jennifer Davis | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Pretty in Pink | Duckette | Hit | Similar → |
Kristy Swanson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Kristy Swanson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kristy Swanson is "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" with a rating of 7.6/10.
How many movies has Kristy Swanson acted in?
Kristy Swanson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Kristy Swanson?
Other notable films include "Driven Underground", "Crowning Jules", and "I Am Luke Perry".