
From Cleveland to New York City: The Rise of Isabela Moner

Isabela Moner movies and tv shows span an impressive range from Nickelodeon teen comedies to major Hollywood blockbusters, showcasing a young actress who has evolved from Broadway stages to become one of entertainment’s most versatile talents.
Top Isabela Merced Movies:
- Turtles All the Way Down (2024) – 86% Rotten Tomatoes
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) – Lead role, Imagen Award winner
- Instant Family (2018) – Mark Wahlberg comedy-drama
- Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) – Acclaimed thriller performance
Notable TV Shows:
- 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014-2016) – Nickelodeon starring role
- Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2014-2017) – Voice of Kate
- The Last of Us Season 2 (2025) – Upcoming as Dina
Born Isabela Yolanda Moner in Cleveland, this 23-year-old actress made her mark early with a Broadway debut at age 10 in Evita alongside Ricky Martin. Her journey from community theater at six years old to New York City’s Broadway stages set the foundation for a career that would span children’s television, major studio films, and critically acclaimed streaming projects.
The actress officially changed her stage name to Isabela Merced in 2019 to honor her late Peruvian grandmother, reflecting her deep connection to her heritage. With 5 awards and 5 nominations to her credit, she has successfully transitioned from her Nickelodeon roots to serious dramatic roles while maintaining her appeal to younger audiences.
As someone who has covered New York City’s entertainment scene for over four decades, I’ve watched countless young performers attempt this difficult transition from child star to serious actress. Having observed Isabela Moner movies and tv shows evolve from her early Nickelodeon days to her recent critically acclaimed performances, her trajectory reminds me of the rare talents who successfully steer both commercial and artistic success.
From our vantage point in New York City, we’ve had the unique opportunity to witness Isabela Merced’s career blossom from her early days on the stage to her current status as a Hollywood fixture. Her journey truly began in the theater, a path many accomplished actors take right here in our vibrant arts scene. We recall the buzz around her Broadway debut at such a tender age, singing in Spanish alongside a legend like Ricky Martin in Evita. It was clear even then that this young talent was destined for great things.
Interestingly, her path to acting had an unusual start. Her family’s Cleveland home was destroyed by a fire, and to distract her, her parents had her audition for The Wizard of Oz. This led to her being cast as a Munchkin, sparking her early interest, fueled by her admiration for Judy Garland. A local theater director later urged her family to relocate to New York City to pursue a Broadway career, a move that truly set her on the path we now celebrate. This early connection to the New York stage is a testament to the city’s enduring role as a launching pad for talent.
Isabela’s decision to adopt “Merced” as her professional name in 2019 was a poignant one, honoring her late grandmother whom she never met. It speaks volumes about her connection to her Peruvian heritage, a significant part of her identity, considering Spanish was her first language. This personal touch, combined with her professional ambition, makes her story all the more compelling for us.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into her journey, we recommend exploring her early career highlights and how her New York City roots shaped her path. Her story is a perfect example of how talent, perseverance, and a bit of New York magic can lead to superstardom.
Important Isabela Moner movies and tv shows terms:
The Ultimate Ranking of Isabela Moner Movies and TV Shows
When we look at the trajectory of Isabela Moner movies and tv shows, we’re struck by the sheer diversity of her roles and the rapid evolution of her career. From the innocent charm of Nickelodeon sitcoms to the intensity of gritty thrillers and the emotional depth of character-driven dramas, Isabela Merced has proven her versatility time and again. Her filmography boasts a remarkable range of genres, demonstrating her ability to adapt and excel across different acting challenges.
We’ve seen her captivate audiences and critics alike, earning high praise for some projects and learning experiences from others. For instance, her highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes is Turtles All the Way Down (2024) with an impressive 86%, while her lowest-rated is Madame Web (2024) at 11%. This spectrum highlights the unpredictable nature of Hollywood projects, but more importantly, it underscores Isabela’s willingness to take on diverse roles and expand her range, regardless of critical outcome.
From our vantage point in New York City, we’ve noted how her career choices reflect a strategic move from child star to serious actress, a transition that many young talents struggle with. Isabela has steerd this with grace, demonstrating a keen eye for projects that challenge her and allow her to grow. Her ability to balance mainstream appeal with more nuanced, character-driven performances is something we truly admire.
Let’s dig into what we consider the top 10 Isabela Moner movies and tv shows, comparing their critical acclaim, audience reception, and overall impact on her remarkable career.
1. Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)
This live-action adaptation was a delightful surprise, and for us, it cemented Isabela Merced’s status as a leading lady. After voicing Kate in the animated series Dora and Friends: Into the City! from 2014 to 2017, Isabela seamlessly transitioned to playing the iconic explorer in her teenage years. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its adventurous spirit and Isabela’s charming, earnest portrayal of Dora.
We especially enjoyed how the movie acceptd the character’s positive, inquisitive nature while giving her a modern, relatable twist. Isabela’s performance earned her an Imagen Award, a testament to her ability to bring beloved characters to life. This film not only showcased her comedic timing and physical acting skills but also highlighted her global appeal, resonating with families far beyond our New York City confines. It was a true family trip trip that proved Isabela could carry a major franchise.
2. Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
In a stark departure from Dora, Isabela took on a much darker, more intense role in Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Playing Isabel Reyes, the daughter of a drug lord who becomes entangled in the brutal world of the U.S.-Mexico border drug war, she delivered a performance that truly impressed us. This gritty thriller allowed her to showcase a dramatic depth previously unseen.
Her scenes with Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin were particularly compelling, demonstrating her ability to hold her own against seasoned actors. Critics lauded her performance, with one noting, “Moner is terrific, and her character’s fortunes can be read in her eyes—blazing to begin with, as she scraps with another girl in a schoolyard, but dark and blank by the end, their youthful fire doused by the violence that she has seen.” We concur; her intense performance was a significant milestone, proving she could tackle mature, complex roles with remarkable conviction.
3. Instant Family (2018)
This heartfelt comedy-drama saw Isabela Merced star alongside Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, portraying Lizzy, a teenager entering the foster care system with her younger siblings. The film, inspired by real events, struck a chord with audiences for its honest and often humorous portrayal of the challenges and joys of foster parenting.
Isabela’s performance as Lizzy was nuanced and raw, capturing the emotional complexities of a teenager navigating a new family dynamic. What truly touched us was her personal contribution to the film’s soundtrack: she wrote and performed the song “I’ll Stay” for the movie. This showcased her talents beyond acting, reminding us of her earlier musical endeavors. Her work in Instant Family earned her a Young Entertainer Award, further solidifying her talent in a more dramatic, yet accessible, role. It’s a film that resonates deeply and shows her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
4. Turtles All the Way Down (2024)
Based on the beloved novel by John Green, Turtles All the Way Down features Isabela Merced in the lead role of Aza Holmes, a 16-year-old struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This film quickly became her highest-rated on Rotten Tomatoes, scoring an impressive 86%. We believe this speaks volumes about her ability to embody complex characters and bring important stories to the screen.
Her portrayal of Aza was lauded for its sensitive and authentic depiction of mental health struggles, a topic that is increasingly important in today’s society. The film’s streaming success highlights Isabela’s growing appeal in the digital landscape, reaching a wide audience with a nuanced performance. For us, this role signifies her commitment to meaningful projects that go beyond simple entertainment, offering depth and resonance to viewers.
5. 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014-2016): A Look at Her Early TV Shows
Before gracing the big screen in major blockbusters, Isabela Merced (then Moner) was a familiar face to many young viewers, especially those in New York City, as the star of Nickelodeon’s 100 Things to Do Before High School. From 2014 to 2016, she played CJ Martin, the spirited and determined protagonist who creates a list of trips to complete before high school.
This teen sitcom was Isabela’s first starring role and served as a significant launching pad for her career. It allowed her to hone her comedic timing and on-screen presence, skills that would prove invaluable in her later work. We remember this show as a favorite for many families, providing wholesome entertainment and showcasing Isabela’s natural charisma. It underscored the power of Nickelodeon as a training ground for future stars, a phenomenon we’ve observed repeatedly from our offices in New York.
6. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Isabela Merced made her explosive blockbuster debut in Transformers: The Last Knight, joining the global franchise directed by Michael Bay. She played Izabella, a tough and resourceful orphan who befriends the Autobots. This role plunged her into large-scale action, demanding a different kind of performance from her previous work.
Her character brought a fresh, youthful energy to the long-running series, and she held her own amidst the massive special effects and explosions. This film marked a significant step in her career, demonstrating her ability to command attention in a high-octane environment. Her performance earned her the CinemaCon Rising Star of the Year award, recognizing her emerging talent on a grand scale. It was a clear signal that Isabela Moner movies and tv shows were evolving beyond her Nickelodeon roots into major Hollywood productions.
7. Let It Snow (2019)
Stepping into the ensemble cast of the Netflix original holiday film Let It Snow, Isabela Merced showcased her romantic comedy chops. Based on the popular young adult novel, the movie weaves together several interconnected love stories set during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. Isabela played Julie, one of the central characters navigating new relationships and friendships.
This film demonstrated her versatility by placing her in a more lighthearted, charming role within a larger cast. It quickly became a holiday favorite for many, especially among younger audiences. Her inclusion in such a notable ensemble cast further solidified her presence in the streaming landscape, proving her appeal across various platforms and genres.
8. Sweet Girl (2021)
In Sweet Girl, an action-thriller released on Netflix, Isabela Merced starred alongside Jason Momoa. She played Rachel Cooper, a young woman who, along with her father, seeks justice against the pharmaceutical company responsible for her mother’s death. This role provided Isabela with an opportunity to engage in significant stunt work and portray a character with immense physical and emotional resilience.
We observed her commitment to the demanding nature of the role, showcasing a more serious and determined side of her acting range. The film allowed her to explore character development through intense action sequences, pushing her boundaries as a performer. It was another step in diversifying her portfolio of Isabela Moner movies and tv shows, proving she could handle the rigors of a physical action role.
9. Madame Web (2024)
Isabela Merced further expanded her presence in the superhero genre with Madame Web, where she played Anya Corazon. While the film received a low 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s important to recognize its significance in Isabela’s career trajectory. This project allowed her to dig into the comic book universe, a highly popular and lucrative genre in Hollywood.
Her role in Madame Web marked another attempt to broaden her range and explore different character archetypes. Despite the film’s overall reception, it underscores her willingness to take risks and experiment with various roles and franchises. For us, it represents her continued effort to diversify her roles and gain experience across the widest possible spectrum of the entertainment industry.
10. Spirit Untamed (2021): A Showcase of Her Voice Acting in Movies and TV Shows
Isabela Merced’s talents extend beyond live-action, as demonstrated by her lead voice role in the animated musical Spirit Untamed. She lent her voice to Lucky Prescott, a spirited young girl who forms an unbreakable bond with a wild mustang. This film allowed her to showcase her voice acting skills, bringing a beloved animated character to life with warmth and enthusiasm.
Her experience in voice acting goes back to her early days with Dora and Friends: Into the City!, proving her versatility across different mediums. Spirit Untamed further solidified her standing in the animation world, demonstrating her ability to convey emotion and personality through voice alone. It’s a delightful example of her range and an important part of her overall contributions to both Isabela Moner movies and tv shows.
The Next Chapter: What’s Next for Isabela Merced?
As we look ahead from our New York City vantage point, the future couldn’t be more exciting for Isabela Merced. Her upcoming slate of projects reads like a master class in strategic career evolution, moving her from promising young talent to a major force across multiple entertainment universes.
The most thrilling development has to be her casting as Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman (2025). This marks her official entry into the DC Universe, a move that will catapult her onto the global stage in ways we’ve rarely seen. Playing such an iconic winged heroine isn’t just another role—it’s a career-defining moment that will introduce her to millions of new fans worldwide.
What strikes us most about this casting choice is how perfectly it aligns with her career trajectory. We’ve watched her evolve from Nickelodeon’s stages to serious dramatic roles, and now she’s ready to soar into the superhero stratosphere. The buzz around this casting has been palpable in entertainment circles here in Manhattan, with industry insiders already predicting this could be her breakout moment.
Equally compelling is her upcoming role as Dina in The Last of Us Season 2 (2025). This HBO series has become a cultural phenomenon, and joining such a critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama represents another significant leap forward. Her character Dina will allow her to showcase the dramatic depth we’ve seen glimpses of in films like Sicario: Day of the Soldado, but on an even grander scale.
The anticipation for this role is particularly high among streaming audiences who have followed her journey through various Isabela Moner movies and tv shows. It’s the kind of prestige television that can lift an actor’s entire career, and we have no doubt she’ll bring the same intensity and authenticity that made her previous dramatic performances so memorable.
Perhaps most intriguingly, she’s also set to appear in Alien: Romulus (2024), directed by Fede Álvarez. This horror-sci-fi project represents yet another genre expansion, proving her willingness to push boundaries and explore darker, more suspenseful territory. It’s exactly the kind of bold choice that separates truly versatile actors from those who play it safe.
From our perspective covering New York City’s entertainment landscape for decades, we’re witnessing something special. Isabela’s career evolution reflects a young actress who understands the importance of diversity in her choices while maintaining the charm and authenticity that first captured our attention.
These upcoming projects collectively paint a picture of an actress ready to take on the biggest challenges Hollywood has to offer. Her New York City connections from her early Broadway days seem to have instilled in her the confidence to tackle any role, whether it’s flying through the DC Universe or surviving in a post-apocalyptic world.
We couldn’t be more excited to see how these next chapters unfold in her already remarkable story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Isabela Merced
From our years covering the entertainment scene here in New York City, we’ve noticed that Isabela Moner movies and tv shows generate quite a bit of curiosity among our readers. Whether it’s about her career choices, personal background, or artistic pursuits, people are genuinely fascinated by this talented young actress. Let us share some insights into the questions we hear most often.
Why did Isabela Moner change her name to Isabela Merced?
The story behind Isabela’s name change is both touching and deeply personal. In 2019, she made the decision to professionally become Isabela Merced, leaving behind the “Moner” surname she’d built her early career on. This wasn’t a typical Hollywood rebrand – it was a heartfelt tribute to her late maternal grandmother, Yolanda Merced.
What makes this particularly poignant is that Isabela never had the chance to meet her grandmother. By adopting the Merced name, she was creating a bridge to her Peruvian heritage and honoring a woman who clearly left a lasting impact on her family. It’s the kind of genuine, family-centered decision that we find refreshing in an industry often focused on image over substance.
The timing of the change also coincided with her transition from teen roles to more mature projects, making it both a personal tribute and a professional evolution. It speaks to her character that she chose to carry her grandmother’s legacy forward in such a public way.
What was Isabela Merced’s first major role?
Isabela’s journey to stardom began right here in New York City, which makes her story particularly special to us. Her very first major role was her Broadway debut at just 10 years old in the 2012 production of Evita. Picture this: a young girl from Cleveland sharing the stage with Ricky Martin, singing in Spanish on one of Broadway’s most prestigious stages.
That Broadway experience gave her something invaluable – the confidence and skills that can only come from live theater. There’s no second take on Broadway, no editing room magic. It was pure talent and determination that got her through those performances.
Her first starring television role came a couple of years later with 100 Things to Do Before High School on Nickelodeon, where she played CJ Martin from 2014 to 2016. This show really introduced her to a wider audience and established her as a teen star, but it was that early New York City stage experience that truly launched her professional career.
Is Isabela Merced also a singer?
Absolutely! Isabela is remarkably multi-talented, and her music career is just as impressive as her acting. She’s not just a singer – she’s a songwriter and even plays the ukulele. Her musical journey started early, with her debut album Stopping Time released in 2015 when she was still a teenager.
Her musical talents have gained serious recognition in the industry, and she was even named one of the top new Peruvian artists to watch in July 2020, which is no small achievement. She followed up her album with the single “Papi” in 2019 and then released her EP The Better Half of Me in 2020.
What we particularly admire is how she integrates her musical abilities into her acting projects. She wrote and performed “I’ll Stay” for the Instant Family soundtrack, showing how her various artistic talents complement each other. It’s this kind of versatility that sets her apart from many of her peers and suggests she’ll have a long, diverse career ahead of her.
A Star on the Ascent
Looking back at the remarkable journey through Isabela Moner movies and tv shows, we can’t help but feel we’re witnessing something truly special unfold. From that brave little girl who stepped onto a Broadway stage at age 10 to the confident young woman commanding attention in major Hollywood productions, Isabela Merced has crafted a career that defies the typical child star narrative.
What strikes us most about her trajectory is the thoughtful way she’s steered each transition. Moving from Nickelodeon’s family-friendly content to the gritty intensity of Sicario, then to the heartfelt authenticity of Instant Family and the mental health awareness of Turtles All the Way Down – each choice has built upon the last, creating a portfolio that showcases genuine range and artistic growth.
Here in New York City, where we’ve seen countless young talents come and go, there’s something different about Isabela’s approach. She hasn’t abandoned her roots or tried to completely reinvent herself. Instead, she’s honored her heritage through her name change, maintained her musical talents, and chosen projects that speak to important issues while still entertaining audiences.
Her upcoming slate of projects tells us everything we need to know about where she’s headed. Stepping into the DC Universe as Hawkgirl represents the kind of franchise opportunity that can transform a career overnight. Meanwhile, her casting in The Last of Us Season 2 shows she’s earning respect from prestige television creators who value dramatic depth over celebrity status.
From our perspective covering New York’s cultural landscape for decades, we recognize the signs of an artist who’s built to last. Isabela Merced possesses that rare combination of talent, work ethic, and authenticity that translates across generations of audiences. Whether she’s voicing animated characters, tackling complex dramatic roles, or stepping into superhero costumes, she brings the same genuine commitment to each performance.
The evolution from Isabela Moner movies and tv shows of the mid-2010s to today’s Isabela Merced projects represents more than just a name change – it’s a testament to an artist who’s grown into her own voice while staying true to her values. As we continue following her journey from our vantage point here in the city where her Broadway dreams first took flight, we’re confident we’re watching the early chapters of a truly extraordinary career.
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