Ranking the Best Movies and TV Shows of Lauren Lyle

Article Overview

Scottish actress Lauren Lyle has made a mark in showbusiness with her ability to play diverse characters and showcase her comedic chops.

Lyle's rise in the industry is evident as she has already started to secure leading roles in both TV shows and movies. Although she is best known for her role in Outlander, her talent shines through in her top-billing performance in the independent slasher film Mercy Falls, despite the script's lack of depth.

Scottish actress Lauren Lyle has already left a mark on the showbiz industry with notable roles in series like Outlander and Karen Pirie. Starting in the mid-2010s, Lyle showcased her versatility and comedic skills through various supporting roles on British television. Gradually, she transitioned into more serious and diverse characters, establishing herself as a well-rounded dramatic performer by the 2020s. While she has yet to make her way to the United States, it is only a matter of time before she does.

Despite her growing repertoire of roles, Lyle is primarily recognized for her portrayal in Outlander, where she made a lasting impression during her three-season stint on the historical fiction series. However, it is unlikely that she will solely be defined by this role. Already, Lyle has started to land leading roles in both TV shows and movies, indicating her potential to ascend among the impressive young talents emerging from the UK.

8. Radges (2015)

Lauren Lyle as Lauren

By 2015, Lauren Lyle had already started securing significant supporting roles, setting her apart from other young actors who often struggle in relative anonymity. In the sitcom Radges, a group of unruly teenagers navigates life in a small Scottish town. Lyle portrayed the character of Lauren, a bright and mature teenager, although her character had limited involvement in the show. While the pilot episode featured on the BBC series Comedy Feeds, the program never made it to become a full-fledged series. In hindsight, it may have been a stroke of luck that the show wasn't picked up, as Lyle would soon find herself landing a much more substantial role on Outlander.

Radges is currently not available to stream

7. Holby City (1999-2022)

Lauren Lyle as Katherine Rice

In her early career, Lauren Lyle was primarily recognized for her comedic acting skills, exemplified by her brief appearance on the medical drama Holby City. This long-standing series follows the lives of healthcare professionals, patients, and employees at Holby City Hospital, navigating various medical emergencies. Lyle portrayed Katherine Rice, a teenage girl preoccupied with her cell phone, who experiences complications after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, in the thirteenth season episode titled "Who Are You". Despite the somewhat exaggerated nature of her character, Lyle demonstrated exceptional talent and made the most of her limited screen time.

Holby City is currently not available to stream

6. Mercy Falls (2023)

Lauren Lyle as Rhona

Lauren Lyle takes on a leading role in the independent slasher film Mercy Falls, signifying her rise in the industry. Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, the movie centers around Rhona (played by Lyle) as she guides her friends through a perilous journey in search of her family's long-lost cabin. Although filled with typical horror elements, Mercy Falls does not offer much beyond the usual slasher tropes. However, Lyle's performance as the tormented and enigmatic Rhona brings a level of depth not originally present in the script. Without a doubt, Lyle fully deserves her status as a rising star in this somewhat lackluster horror flick.

Watch on Tubi.

5. Tell It to the Bees (2018)

Lauren Lyle as Annie

The Fiona Shaw novel adaptation Tell It to the Bees received mixed reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it provided an opportunity for Lauren Lyle to showcase her talent. Set in 1950s Scotland, the story follows single mom Lydia (Holliday Granger) as she embarks on a love affair with local doctor Jean (Anna Paquin). Lyle's portrayal of Annie, a rebellious teenager, goes beyond the usual clichés by capturing the character's genuine desire to break free from her small-town life. While the performances were praised overall, the film fell short in capturing the original vision of Shaw due to a lack of clear motivation.

Stream On Hulu

4. Vigil (2021-Present)

Lauren Lyle as Jade Antoniak

Vigil

British murder mysteries are abundant, but Vigil, a captivating series, deviates from the familiar genre and presents Lauren Lyle with an extraordinary role. Detective Silva (played by Suranne Jones) is compelled to become part of the HMS Vigil crew to investigate a murder. Lyle's portrayal of Jade Antoniak, a radical environmentalist, is a departure from her previous characters, yet she convincingly portrays a complex antagonist. Although initially seeming like a short-lived sensation, Vigil defied expectations by returning for a second season, albeit without the presence of Lauren Lyle in the cast.

Watch Vigil on Peacock.

3. Broken (2017)

Lauren Kyle as Chloe Demichelis

Lauren Lyle proved herself as a talented supporting actress in the one-season series Broken, despite not being the main star. The series revolves around Father Michael Kerrigan in a parish and his struggles with personal demons while assisting his community. Sean Bean, who played Father Kerrigan, was recognized with a BAFTA award for his performance, while Lyle portrayed troubled teenager Chloe. Chloe's rebellious behavior stemmed from her mother's gambling problem, and she sought counseling from Father Kerrigan. Unlike Lyle's previous teenage roles, Chloe had additional reasons for her actions beyond typical teenage angst. Watch Broken on BritBox.

​​​​​​​

2. Karen Pirie (2022)

Lauren Lyle as DS Karen Pirie

Lauren Lyle, a renowned actress from the UK, has primarily been associated with murder mysteries and crime dramas throughout her career. However, her breakthrough came with the series Karen Pirie, where she landed the lead role. Playing the character of DS Karen Pirie, who is recently promoted to the Historical Crimes Unit, Lyle investigates a cold case from the 1990s that was marred by improper policing. This role enabled Lyle to develop a fully fleshed-out persona that could evolve, and her relatable and grounded demeanor made her both endearing and captivating. The show received critical acclaim, signaling a significant milestone in Lyle's journey towards stardom. Watch Karen Pirie on BritBox.

1. Outlander (2014-Present)

Lauren Lyle as Marsali MacKimmie Fraser

Outlander

Release Date: August 9, 2014

Cast: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, Duncan Lacroix, Graham McTavish, John Bell

Genres: Romance, Sci-Fi, Drama

Seasons: 7

Outlander surpasses Lauren Lyle's previous roles not only due to its immense popularity but mainly because Marali Fraser remains her most captivating character. This historical fantasy romance, spanning across generations, follows Claire, a 20th-century nurse, as she mysteriously travels back in time to the Scottish Highlands of the 18th century. Lyle's portrayal of the soft yet determined Marsali over three seasons, particularly her marriage to Fergus, provided enthralling television. It was a splendid opportunity for Lauren Lyle to showcase her acting abilities, revealing her dramatic prowess while also exhibiting a touch of humor.

Stream On Starz

​​​​​​​

Editor's P/S

Lauren Lyle is a highly talented and versatile actress who has made a name for herself in both film and television. She first gained recognition for her role as Marsali MacKimmie Fraser in the popular historical drama series Outlander, where she brought a fierce and independent spirit to the role. Lyle's performance in Outlander earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

In addition to her work on Outlander, Lyle has also starred in several other notable films and TV shows, including the independent slasher film Mercy Falls, the BBC drama series Karen Pirie, and the comedy-drama series Feel Good. In each of these roles, Lyle has demonstrated her ability to play a wide range of characters, from the strong and determined Marsali to the complex and troubled Karen Pirie.