If you have a kid who has watched Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse more than once, they already know Greta Lee. She voices Lyla, Miguel O’Hara’s "LYrate Lifeform Approximation" (basically a futuristic, much cooler Siri with a personality).

Lyla isn't just a background character; she’s the one providing the dry wit and reality checks in the middle of high-stakes multiversal chaos. It’s a masterclass in voice acting that doesn't rely on being "cartoony." For kids, Lyla is a favorite because she’s smarter than the adults in the room. For parents, it’s a great entry point to talk about how characters are built through voice alone—and why Lyla is the only one who can actually keep the intense Spider-Man 2099 in check.

If your family is deep in the Spider-Verse, check out our full Spider-Man guide for the best way to navigate the different versions of these characters across movies and shows.

For families with older kids or teens, Past Lives is the Greta Lee performance that counts. It’s a quiet, literary film about two childhood friends who reconnect as adults.

This isn't a "kid movie" in the traditional sense, but for a middle or high schooler, it’s a brilliant study in what it looks like to grow up and how people change. It’s also a sneaky win for literacy—the film uses subtitles for the Korean dialogue, and the pace is deliberate. It requires a kid to actually watch and listen to the nuances of what’s being said (and what isn’t). If you have a teen who thinks they’re "over" movies that don't have explosions, this is the one to try. It’s sophisticated without being inaccessible.

Greta is set to star in The Nightbeast, a new Netflix thriller that has been buzzing in the trades. Based on the early premise, it looks like it will lean into her ability to play characters who are slightly unraveled but still highly competent.

Since it hasn't dropped yet, we’re looking at a release window later this year. From the trailer, it looks like it will be more in the "prestige mystery" lane—think less "slasher" and more "psychological puzzle." If your household likes a good mystery that you can dissect together after the credits roll, keep this one on the radar. It’s expected to be a major conversation starter about ambition and secrets.

In The Morning Show, Lee plays Stella Bak, a tech-savvy news executive who is essentially the only person in the building who understands how the modern world actually works.

This is definitely one for the parents and maybe the older teens. Stella is a great character to watch with a kid who is interested in leadership or "breaking the glass ceiling." She’s young, she’s female, and she refuses to play the old-school corporate games. It’s a sharp performance that shows off Lee’s ability to be the smartest person on screen without being a jerk about it.

We talk a lot about intentionality, and Greta Lee is an intentional actor. She doesn't do "slop." She doesn't do projects that feel like they were generated by an algorithm to sell toys. Even when she’s in a massive franchise like Tron: Ares, she brings a level of groundedness and reality that elevates the whole thing.

For a parent, "a Greta Lee project" is a shorthand for:

If your kid is obsessed with Lyla in the Spider-Verse, use that as a bridge to talk about how voice acting works. Watch a clip of her in Past Lives and then a clip of Lyla—it’s a great way to show how an actor uses their voice to create two completely different people.

For teens interested in the tech or media world, her role in The Morning Show is a perfect jumping-off point for conversations about how algorithms are changing the news and why people like Stella Bak are the ones fighting to keep it real.

Q: Is Greta Lee’s show Russian Doll okay for kids?

Russian Doll is fantastic, but it’s definitely for the 16+ crowd. It’s got heavy language, drug use, and some pretty existential themes about death and trauma. Greta is hilarious in it (her "Sweet birthday baby!" line is a whole meme), but save this one for your own binge-watch or for your older teens who can handle the "prestige TV" intensity.

Q: What age is Past Lives appropriate for?

Past Lives is rated PG-13. There’s nothing "inappropriate" in terms of content, but the themes are mature. A 10-year-old might find it "boring," but a 13-year-old who likes character-driven stories will get a lot out of it. It’s a great "first serious movie" for a kid moving out of the animation-only phase.

Q: Will Greta Lee be in the next Spider-Verse movie?

Yes, she is expected to return as Lyla in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Since that movie is still in production and doesn't have a firm release date yet, we’ll have to wait to see how her role expands, but Lyla is a key part of Miguel O'Hara’s team, so expect more snark and multiversal tech.

Greta Lee is the actor you want in your rotation because she makes everything she’s in better. She’s a "quality signal" for parents and a "cool signal" for kids. Whether you’re watching her voice an AI or lead a heartbreaking drama, you’re getting someone who treats the audience—and the work—with respect.