Long before Alexandra Daddario became a household name through The White Lotus, starred in blockbuster disaster film San Andreas or appeared in HBO's acclaimed crime drama True Detective, she was introducing audiences to the world of Greek mythology as Annabeth Chase in the Percy Jackson films.
Now, more than a decade after the fantasy franchise first hit cinemas, the films that helped launch her Hollywood career are enjoying an unexpected revival. Following their arrival on Netflix, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and its sequel Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters have climbed the streaming platform's charts, bringing renewed attention to one of Daddario's most important early roles.
According to FlixPatrol rankings reported in June 2026, The Lightning Thief reached No. 1 among Netflix's children's films and No. 2 among movies overall. Its 2013 sequel also secured a place among the platform's most-watched titles, suggesting audiences are rediscovering the franchise that first introduced Daddario to the mainstream.
The Role That Put Alexandra Daddario On Hollywood's Radar
Released in 2010, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief arrived during a period when studios were eager to find the next major young-adult fantasy phenomenon following the success of franchises such as Harry Potter.
Directed by Chris Columbus, who also helmed the first two Harry Potter films, the movie followed Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is the son of Poseidon and part of a hidden world populated by gods, monsters and demigods.
Daddario starred as Annabeth Chase, the daughter of Athena and one of the story's most intelligent and capable characters. While Percy was the hero, Annabeth quickly became a fan favourite thanks to her strategic thinking, bravery and leadership.
For Daddario, the role marked a major turning point.
Reflecting on the experience in a 2021 interview with TheWrap, the actress revealed she had little idea how significant the opportunity would become.
'I loved Percy Jackson,' she said. 'When I stepped into Percy Jackson and got that job, I had no idea what it was. I was a bit-part actor in New York City. I was working at a bar.'
She described the project as an invaluable learning experience, adding that it helped provide the foundation for the career she would go on to build.
Why Annabeth Chase Still Resonates With Fans
Part of the reason viewers continue returning to the films is the enduring popularity of Annabeth Chase.
Unlike many female characters in fantasy films of the era, Annabeth was not simply a supporting figure or romantic interest. As the daughter of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, she often relied on intelligence rather than brute force.
Her quick thinking and confidence made her one of the franchise's standout characters, and many fans saw her as a refreshing representation of a strong female heroine.
The role also showcased qualities that would later become associated with Daddario's performances: confidence, determination and a commanding screen presence.
Netflix Gives The Franchise A Second Life
Although the Percy Jackson films developed a loyal fanbase, the franchise never expanded beyond two instalments.
While the films achieved moderate commercial success, they received mixed reviews and plans to adapt the remaining books in Rick Riordan's series were ultimately abandoned.
Yet the rise of streaming has changed how audiences engage with older films.
Rather than disappearing into obscurity, franchises can now find entirely new audiences years after their original release. That appears to be exactly what is happening with Percy Jackson, as viewers revisit the films or discover them for the first time through Netflix.
The timing is particularly significant given the recent success of Disney+'s Percy Jackson and the Olympians television adaptation, which has introduced Riordan's world to a younger generation.
With a third season reportedly moving forward, interest in the wider franchise has never been stronger.
From Camp Half-Blood To The White Lotus
The renewed popularity of Percy Jackson also serves as a reminder of how far Daddario's career has come.
Following her breakthrough role, she went on to secure parts in a range of high-profile projects, including HBO's True Detective and the disaster blockbuster San Andreas opposite Dwayne Johnson.
However, it was her performance as Rachel Patton in The White Lotus that introduced her to a new wave of viewers and earned widespread critical acclaim.
As audiences discover or revisit Daddario's recent work, many are now looking back at the project that started it all.
The success of the Percy Jackson films on Netflix highlights the lasting appeal of both the franchise and the actress who helped bring it to life. More than 15 years after The Lightning Thief first arrived in cinemas, Annabeth Chase remains one of Daddario's most memorable roles — and proof that some breakout performances never lose their impact.
