- From her breakout in Dash & Lily to her emotional turn in Grey’s Anatomy and her rising roles in 2025, Midori Francis’s career proves she’s a talent to watch.
- Midori Francis’s most iconic roles—from quirky Netflix star to her impactful performances in The Sex Lives of College Girls and After the Fire.
- Versatile, relatable, and endlessly talented, Midori Francis has built an impressive resume. Here’s a ranked list of her best performances so far.
From Dash & Lily to The Sex Lives of College Girls: Midori Francis's Best Performances 🎭✨
Midori Francis is THAT actress—versatile, emotional, and completely magnetic on-screen. From indie hits to streaming faves, she’s been steadily building a career that proves she’s one of Hollywood’s most underrated gems. Whether you first fell in love with her in a quirky Netflix holiday rom-com (hello, Dash & Lily) or caught her slaying dramatic moments in Grey’s Anatomy, Midori knows how to bring depth to every character she touches.
Now, in 2025, her career is hitting new levels, with fresh roles that show off just how dynamic she can be. Let’s look back (and fangirl a little) at some of Midori’s most iconic performances ranked.
7. Good Boys (2019)
Okay, Good Boys is technically a raunchy tween comedy, but Midori’s role as Lily was pure scene-stealing gold. While most of the film centers on a group of middle school boys learning what adulting (kinda) means, Midori brought a hilarious and unexpected edge to her character. She didn’t get a ton of screen time, but every moment she was on, you couldn’t look away.
Why it slaps: It gave us a taste of Midori’s comedic timing, and TBH, she nailed it.
6. Grey's Anatomy (2022–2024)
When Midori Francis joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mika Yasuda, she instantly breathed fresh life into the legendary medical drama. Mika Yasuda, a scrappy and relatable surgical intern in the show’s rebooted residency program, quickly became a fan favorite. Midori brought a perfect balance of humor, charm, and raw vulnerability to the role, making Mika feel like someone you’d root for IRL. She was ambitious, determined, and often hilariously out of her depth—whether it was navigating intense surgeries, messy friendships, or the inevitable hospital drama.
What set Mika apart was her relatability. She was someone who worked multiple jobs to pay the bills, took on way too much, and still managed to throw herself into her work with passion and grit. Midori infused her with so much heart that you couldn’t help but cheer for her through every mistake and victory. And let’s not forget those emotional moments—Mika had plenty of teary monologues and big scenes that showcased Midori’s range as an actress.
Why it slaps: It’s Grey’s Anatomy—a show known for its drama, heartbreak, and epic character arcs. Despite being part of an ensemble cast, Midori managed to shine brightly, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
5. Afterlife of the Party (2021)
This Netflix comedy-drama gave Midori a chance to flex both her comedic chops and her ability to bring real heart to a role. She played Lisa, the grounded and thoughtful best friend to Cassie (Victoria Justice), who’s navigating life—and death. Midori’s performance balanced humor and grief in a way that felt totally authentic.
Why it slaps: The friendship dynamic between Lisa and Cassie was everything, and Midori brought so much emotional weight to the story’s more serious moments.
4. The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021–2025)
Let’s just say it—Midori Francis as Alicia is one of the standout stars of The Sex Lives of College Girls. Playing the cool, artsy lesbian who immediately catches Leighton’s eye, Midori brought layers of charm, confidence, and vulnerability to the role. Alicia wasn’t just a love interest; she was a fully realized character who stood out in her own right. Whether she was running the women’s center with effortless chill or having deeply emotional moments with Leighton, Alicia was a character you couldn’t help but root for.
What made Alicia so special was the chemistry Midori brought to the role—especially with Renee Rapp, who played Leighton. Their dynamic was electric, capturing all the messiness, excitement, and realness of a college relationship. Midori’s performance gave Alicia depth, turning what could’ve been a one-note role into someone fans truly connected with. She wasn’t just "the girlfriend"; she was a strong, grounded character who challenged and supported Leighton while navigating her own struggles.
Why it slaps: Midori gave Alicia so much heart and authenticity that she became a fan favorite. Plus, her Gen Z vibes were spot-on, making Alicia relatable, empowering, and unforgettable. 🔥
3. Dash & Lily (2020)
This is the role that officially put Midori Francis on everyone’s radar. In Netflix’s holiday rom-com Dash & Lily, she played Lily, a quirky, optimistic, and slightly awkward teen navigating love and self-discovery during the magical chaos of Christmas in New York City. The show, based on the popular YA book series, followed Lily as she traded a red notebook filled with dares and dreams with the cynical Dash (played by Austin Abrams). The result? A whirlwind holiday adventure that was as sweet as it was heartwarming.
Midori brought so much charm and emotional depth to Lily, making her more than just a rom-com character. She gave Lily a realness that made viewers see parts of themselves in her—the girl who’s hopeful, a little shy, and just trying to figure life out. Her chemistry with Austin Abrams was undeniable, and together, they delivered a love story that felt fresh, cozy, and fun to watch unfold.
Why it slaps: Midori made Lily’s character shine with her infectious energy and genuine awkwardness. Her performance turned what could’ve been a predictable holiday story into a must-watch. Even years later, Dash & Lily remains a seasonal binge-worthy fave, proving that Midori was the perfect casting choice to bring this lovable character to life. 🎄✨
2. South Mountain (2019)
If you missed South Mountain, it’s time to add it to your watchlist. This understated indie drama tells the story of Lila, a woman navigating heartbreak and betrayal within her family. Midori Francis plays Jonah, Lila’s daughter, in a performance that’s subtle yet deeply impactful. While her role isn’t front and center, Midori brings a quiet strength and emotional depth to Jonah, providing a grounded contrast to the more turbulent characters around her.
Her portrayal is filled with small but powerful moments that make you feel the tension and love between mother and daughter. Even in a supporting role, Midori shines, proving her ability to bring authenticity and nuance to any project.
Why it slaps: Indie films like South Mountain show off Midori’s range, highlighting her talent for adding depth to complex family dynamics. It’s a quieter role compared to her better-known work, but it’s proof of her skill as a versatile actress who can make even the smallest moments unforgettable.
1. The Wolves (Off-Broadway, 2017)
Before Netflix deals and Hollywood scripts became part of her world, Midori Francis was already turning heads on stage. Her performance in The Wolves, an Off-Broadway play about a high school girls’ soccer team, was nothing short of iconic. The play dives deep into the lives, friendships, and struggles of the team, capturing the raw, emotional, and sometimes messy reality of growing up. In the middle of it all, Midori stood out, delivering a performance that was equal parts fiery, vulnerable, and deeply relatable.
Critics couldn’t get enough of her. Midori’s ability to tap into the emotional layers of her character while still bringing a sense of humor and authenticity earned her rave reviews. She captured the nuances of teenage life so effortlessly that even audiences who didn’t know soccer found themselves glued to her every word.
Why it slaps: This wasn’t just another play—it was Midori’s big moment. Her work in The Wolves laid the foundation for everything that came next. It proved she wasn’t just a performer; she was a star in the making, with the kind of talent that could move seamlessly between stage and screen. And honestly? It’s still one of her most unforgettable roles.
Midori Francis has proven she’s not just another name in Hollywood—she’s a talent with serious staying power. Whether she’s making you laugh, cry, or root for her characters, her performances always feel real and relatable. From her early viral hits like Dash & Lily to more recent standouts like After the Fire, Midori’s journey is a mix of hard work, versatility, and undeniable charm.
But here’s the thing: she’s just getting started. With 2025 looking like another game-changing year in her career, there’s no telling what amazing roles are next for Midori Francis. Whether it’s more heartfelt dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, or a surprise return to the stage, one thing’s for sure—she’ll bring her A-game every single time.
So, what’s your favorite Midori Francis role so far? Let us know, and stay tuned for more updates on the stars who are shaping the future of film and TV, only at Woke Waves Magazine. 🎬✨
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