When it comes to sci-fi royalty, few names resonate as strongly as Katee Sackhoff. Over the past two decades, she has firmly established herself as one of the queens of the genre, delivering powerful performances in iconic roles that have captured the hearts of fans. From the rugged pilot Kara “Starbuck” Thrace in Battlestar Galactica to her commanding portrayal of Bo-Katan Kryze in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, Sackhoff has become synonymous with complex, resilient characters in some of the most beloved franchises.
Her versatility shines across movies and TV, where she’s constantly pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a leading force in science fiction. In this gallery, we’ll take a look at her 12 best performances, showcasing the range and depth she brings to every role she takes on.
12. The Flash (2017-2018) – Amunet Black
Playing the villainous Amunet Black in The Flash, Sackhoff brought a mix of menace and charm to the role. Her magnetic performance added a fun, unpredictable edge to the popular superhero series.
11. The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013) – Joyce
In this horror sequel, Sackhoff played Joyce, a strong-willed woman dealing with ghostly apparitions and dark secrets. Her performance added both heart and grit to a film steeped in supernatural intrigue.
10. White Noise: The Light (2007) – Sherry Clarke
In this supernatural thriller, Sackhoff starred as Sherry Clarke, a nurse entangled in a life-and-death mystery involving near-death experiences. Her performance provided a sense of urgency and relatability to the chilling narrative.
9. Don’t Knock Twice (2016) – Jess
In the supernatural horror Don’t Knock Twice, Sackhoff played Jess, a mother trying to reconnect with her estranged daughter while battling a vengeful spirit. Her emotional depth carried this eerie tale, adding layers of complexity to the horror elements.
8. Another Life (2019-2021) – Niko Breckinridge
In Another Life, Sackhoff returned to space as Niko Breckinridge, the captain of a spaceship on a dangerous mission to save humanity. The series may have been divisive, but her strong, determined portrayal was one of its undeniable highlights.
7. 24 (2010) – Dana Walsh
In the action-packed series 24, Sackhoff portrayed the duplicitous Dana Walsh, a seemingly straightforward character who ends up being involved in a much more dangerous and complex plot. This role showed her ability to keep audiences on edge.
6. Oculus (2013) – Marie Russell
Sackhoff dove into the horror genre with Oculus, where she played Marie Russell, a woman haunted by supernatural forces. Her performance added depth and emotional weight to a chilling story of a family grappling with a cursed mirror.
5. Riddick (2013) – Dahl
In this action-packed sci-fi film, Sackhoff played Dahl, a tough-as-nails mercenary who hunts Vin Diesel’s Riddick. She brought both physicality and charisma to the role, proving once again she can handle any action-packed environment.
4. Longmire (2012-2017) – Victoria “Vic” Moretti
Stepping out of the sci-fi genre, Sackhoff showed her versatility in Longmire, playing the strong-willed sheriff’s deputy Vic Moretti. Her grounded, emotionally nuanced performance was a highlight in this contemporary Western series.
3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2012-2020) – Bo-Katan Kryze
Before her live-action debut, Sackhoff voiced Bo-Katan Kryze in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, creating a strong foundation for the character. Her vocal performance helped make Bo-Katan one of the most respected Mandalorian warriors in the galaxy.
2. The Mandalorian (2020-Current) – Bo-Katan Kryze
Sackhoff reprised her animated role as Bo-Katan Kryze in live-action for The Mandalorian, quickly becoming a fan-favorite in the Star Wars universe. Her character’s strength and leadership in the battle for Mandalore added depth to the series.
1. Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) – Kara “Starbuck” Thrace
No list of Katee Sackhoff’s best performances would be complete without her breakout role as Kara Thrace in Battlestar Galactica. Her portrayal of the brash, fearless, and emotionally complex Starbuck is nothing short of iconic, redefining what it means to be a sci-fi hero.