Isabela Merced has quietly become one of Hollywood's most promising young talents, but her journey from a Nickelodeon comedy series to major blockbusters like Transformers and Superman might surprise you. Born Isabela Yolanda Moner, she grew up hearing stories about her late Peruvian grandmother, Yolanda Merced Salazar Pittman, who died when Isabela's mother was just 15. This grandmother was described as a "force of nature" who sacrificed everything to bring her family to America so they could have opportunities others didn't. In 2019, Isabela made the deeply personal decision to change her professional name from Moner to Merced, honoring the woman who made her American dream possible and saying "without my grandmother, I wouldn't be here."
Whether you know her as CJ from "100 Things to Do Before High School" or just discovered her in recent hits like "Alien: Romulus" this complete guide covers every movie and TV show in her career so far. We'll help you figure out which are worth your time, what roles showcase her best performances, and how she's evolved from a teenage TV star into a serious actress taking on everything from intense thrillers to superhero epics. No spoilers, just honest reviews and everything you need to know about Isabela Merced's impressive career.
🎬 FILMS
The House That Jack Built (2013)
What happens when a young man's big dream of buying a house for his family runs into the crazy reality of actually living with them all under one roof? This small indie movie follows Jack as he tries to build the perfect life in the Bronx, but his family has other plans. Will his dream house become his nightmare?
Isabela Merced plays Young Nadia in one of her very first movie roles. You only see her for a short time, but you can already tell she's got natural talent. The movie moves slowly and focuses more on feelings than big action scenes. It's worth watching if you want to see where Isabela's acting career started, but it's pretty quiet and artsy, so it might not be for everyone.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Splitting Adam (2015)
What if a shy kid could split himself into different versions - each one with a different personality? This Nickelodeon comedy asks that exact question when Adam discovers he can make copies of himself. But when all these Adams start doing their own thing, who's really in charge?
Isabela Merced brings heart and charm to this fun teen comedy, keeping the crazy story from getting too wild. The movie moves fast with lots of laughs and silly moments, just like you'd expect from Nickelodeon. It's worth watching if you're young or want to see Isabela's early comedy skills, but don't expect anything too deep - it's all about having fun.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016)
What if breaking every school rule wasn't just being bad - but was actually art? When a creative sixth-grader goes to war with the meanest principal ever, his drawings come to life and his pranks become legendary. But when fighting the system starts hurting people he cares about, what will he choose?
Isabela Merced plays Jeanne and really shines in this bigger role, showing she can be funny and sweet at the same time. This movie helped her move from TV to movies, and you can see her star power growing. The movie moves quickly with bright colors and lots of middle school humor. It's definitely worth watching for families and fans who want to see Isabela take on a bigger part with both laughs and heart.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
When old secrets show that Earth and the Transformers have been connected for hundreds of years, both humans and robots are in serious danger. But in this scary world where no one trusts anyone, can a tough orphan who's learned to live with the giant robots help save everyone?
Isabela Merced is amazing as Izabella, a brave survivor who lost her parents in a robot battle and now lives among the Transformers. Her character brings real feelings to all the explosions and action, proving she can handle big blockbuster movies. The film is full of action with Michael Bay's signature style - loud, flashy, and always intense. You don't need to watch the other Transformers movies because this one kind of starts fresh with new characters and a different story, though fans of the series will catch some references. Worth watching for Isabela's great performance and if you love massive sci-fi action, but get ready for non-stop noise and explosions.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
When the drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border gets out of control, the government decides to use dirty tricks to fight back. Their plan involves kidnapping a drug lord's teenage daughter to start a war between cartels. But when the mission goes horribly wrong and she becomes more than just a pawn in their game, who will protect her when everyone around her has their own deadly agenda?
Isabela Merced gives her best performance yet as Isabel Reyes, the drug lord's daughter who becomes the heart of this intense thriller. She's both scared and strong, making all the political stuff feel real and human. The movie builds tension slowly through character moments instead of constant action. You don't need to see the first Sicario movie because this one focuses on different characters and a new mission, though watching the first one will help you understand some of the returning characters better. Absolutely worth watching for Isabela's incredible acting and if you like smart, complex thrillers that stay with you.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Instant Family (2018)
When a couple thinks they're ready to help one child through foster care, they end up with three siblings who've been hurt by adults before. These kids have learned that grown-ups make promises they don't keep and that "forever families" don't always last. Can two people handle kids who try to push them away because they're scared of being hurt again?
Isabela Merced gives a beautiful, honest performance as Lizzy, the protective big sister who's built walls because of past hurt. She perfectly shows a teenager who really wants a stable home but tests every adult who promises one. The movie balances huge laughs with really touching moments at a pace that feels real and natural. This is absolutely worth watching - it's both hilarious and deeply moving, with Isabela giving one of her most grown-up and touching performances.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Let It Snow (2019)
When a Christmas Eve snowstorm shuts down an entire small town, a group of teenagers find their lives crossing paths in unexpected ways. Old friendships get tested, new romances bloom, and everyone faces choices that could change everything. But with only one night before normal life returns, will anyone be brave enough to take the chances that could make this their best Christmas Eve ever?
Isabela Merced brings warmth and realness to Julie, a character dealing with family pressure and personal dreams during this important night. Her story adds depth to the group, mixing holiday romance with real feelings about growing up and choosing your own path. This movie has the cozy feel of best holiday romantic comedies, connecting multiple stories smoothly. Worth watching for fans of feel-good holiday movies and those who like seeing Isabela make familiar romantic stories feel fresh and real.
Watch on Netflix
Sweet Girl (2021)
When a father loses the most important person in his life because of a greedy drug company's lies, he makes a promise: he will get justice no matter what it takes. But as he hunts down the people responsible, the danger keeps getting bigger and the enemies keep getting deadlier. How far will he go to keep his promise, and what will happen to his teenage daughter who's all he has left?
Isabela Merced anchors the film as Rachel, giving an emotionally powerful performance that changes a lot throughout the story. Her relationship with Jason Momoa creates the heart of this action-thriller, making their father-daughter bond the reason audiences care through intense scenes. The movie builds steadily from personal tragedy to high-stakes thriller, with some surprising twists that change the whole tone. Worth watching for Isabela's committed performance and if you enjoy action films with real emotional stakes, though be ready for some story surprises that divide audiences.
Watch on Netflix
Father of the Bride (2022)
When a father's daughter announces she's getting married, he thinks he's ready to handle the wedding planning. But between clashing traditions, family drama, and his own struggle to let his little girl grow up, everything starts falling apart. Can he learn to accept that his daughter's happiness might look different from what he always imagined, or will his need to control everything, ruin her special day?
Isabela Merced brings energy and modern thinking as Cora, the younger daughter who often helps bridge the gap between her father's traditional views and her family's changing ways. While not the main bride, her presence adds humor and heart to family scenes, showing her ability to make group storytelling better. The film moves with light charm, balancing wedding comedy with genuine cultural celebration. Worth watching for its fresh take on family dynamics and to see Isabela excel in a supporting role that still lets her personality shine.
Watch on Amazon Prime
Rosaline (2022)
What happens when you're dumped by your boyfriend and then watch him fall head-over-heels for someone else in 5 minutes? Rosaline thought Romeo was her soulmate until he met Juliet and forgot she even existed. Now she has to decide: should she fight to win him back, or use this heartbreak as a chance to figure out who she really is when she's not trying to be someone's perfect girlfriend
Isabela Merced transforms Juliet from tragic character to bright, confident young woman who brings fresh energy to Shakespeare's most famous romance. Her chemistry and modern style make this retelling feel current and alive, proving she can bring new life to even the most well-known characters. The film moves with witty romantic comedy pace that keeps things light while still honoring the emotional truth of young love. Definitely worth watching - it's smart, funny, and gives Isabela a chance to show her range in a role that could have been boring but becomes memorable in her hands.
Watch on Apple TV
Madame Web (2024)
In a world where seeing the future is both a gift and a curse, what happens when someone glimpses a web of destiny that threatens to trap everyone she cares about? This Marvel story looks at the weight of knowing what's coming and the impossible choice between changing fate or accepting it. But when the future itself becomes the battlefield, who decides which timeline gets to survive?
Isabela Merced steps into the Marvel universe as Anya Corazon/Araña, bringing youthful energy and hero potential to this supernatural thriller. Her role positions her as part of a new generation of heroes, setting up interesting possibilities for future Marvel projects. The film moves at a slow pace, building its mystical world while balancing character development with action scenes. Not worth watching and to be warned - the movie received terrible reviews and many fans consider it one of the worst superhero films ever made, so lower your expectations significantly.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Alien: Romulus (2024)
When a group of young space workers/settlers find an empty space station, they think they can steal some valuable stuff to make their lives better. But something scary has been hiding there, and now they're stuck with a monster that wants to kill them. With no way to escape and no one coming to help, can they stay alive long enough to find a way out?
Isabela Merced joins the group cast as one of the young settlers thrown into the nightmare, bringing both fear and fierce determination to the survival horror. Her performance adds emotional stakes to the terror, making audiences genuinely care about who makes it out alive. The film returns to the franchise's claustrophobic, tension-building roots with careful pacing that makes every shadow potentially deadly. Absolutely worth watching - it's a return to form for the Alien franchise that works as both a standalone thriller and a worthy addition to the series, with Isabela proving she can excel in intense sci-fi horror.
Watch on Hulu
Superman (2025)
When the weight of being humanity's symbol of hope becomes almost too much to handle, how does someone balance saving the world with simply being human? This fresh take on the Man of Steel looks at what it really means to stand for truth and justice in a world that often seems beyond saving. But when even Superman faces his greatest challenge, who will believe that heroes can still make a difference?
Isabela Merced enters the DC world as Hawkgirl, bringing fierce independence and warrior spirit to this new era of superhero storytelling. Her casting shows DC's commitment to building a diverse, connected universe where she won't just be supporting Superman but establishing her own heroic legacy. The film promises a balance of personal character moments with spectacular superhero action. Highly anticipated and worth watching - this represents Isabela's biggest blockbuster role yet and could define her career path in major superhero franchises. For our complete thoughts on how the film turned out, check out our Superman (2025) movie review.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
📺 TELEVISION
100 Things to Do Before High School (2014-2016)
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What if you had one last chance to experience everything middle school had to offer before the social rules of high school changed everything forever? Three best friends create the ultimate bucket list, but as they check off experiences from making new friends to conquering their biggest fears, they discover that growing up means some friendships might not survive the journey. Will their bond be strong enough to handle whatever high school throws at them?
Isabela Merced stars as CJ Martin, the show's energetic heart whose endless optimism and determination drive every adventure. This was her true breakout role, showing her natural charisma and ability to carry a series while connecting with young audiences. The show moves at a lively pace perfect for its target audience, packed with colorful energy and positive messages. Absolutely worth watching for fans wanting to see where Isabela's career truly began - her performance established her as a rising star and remains one of her most purely joyful roles.
Watch on Amazon Prime or Apple TV
Growing Up Fisher (2014)
What happens when a family's biggest adjustment isn't the parents' divorce, but learning to navigate life with a father who refuses to let blindness slow him down? This heartwarming comedy looks at how families adapt, support each other, and find humor in unexpected places. But when everyone's still figuring out their new normal, can they discover that different doesn't mean broken?
Isabela Merced appears as Jenny in a recurring role that showed her early television presence and natural comedic timing. Though not a main character, her appearances show the charm and screen presence that would later make her a star. The series moves with gentle comedy that focuses on family warmth over high-stakes drama. Worth checking out for Isabela completists and those who enjoy family comedies with heart - it's a sweet time capsule that shows her talent emerging even in smaller roles.
The Last of Us (Season 2)
Based on the popular video game, The Last of Us is about a world where a deadly outbreak has turned most people into zombie-like monsters. The TV show follows survivors trying to stay alive in this dangerous world. In season 2, Ellie, a brave teenage girl played by Bella Ramsey, will meet Dina, played by Isabela Merced, who might become really important to her story. But when the world is so dangerous and everyone has lost people they loved, is it worth risking your heart to care about someone again?
Isabela Merced steps into this critically acclaimed series as Dina, a character beloved by fans of the original game for her complexity, warmth, and emotional depth. This casting choice shows the show's commitment to honoring the source material while bringing fresh energy to Ellie's evolving story. The series maintains its careful, character-driven pacing that made the first season so emotionally devastating and beautiful. Highly anticipated and worth watching - this could become Isabela's most career-defining performance, joining one of television's most critically acclaimed and emotionally powerful series.
Watch on Hulu