Matthews continued to pursue the stage life by studying acting at New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

[2] In college, Matthews became friends with fellow actress Camila Mendes, who would become her roommate upon returning to Los Angeles, and musician Maggie Rogers, who would feature both in her music video "Give a Little".

[3] In 2017, Matthews had her film debut in Happy Death Day, directed by her uncle Christopher Landon, playing sorority house president Danielle Bouseman,[4] a role she would play again in the 2019 sequel Happy Death Day 2U.

[6] Matthews starred in country singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson's music video "Watermelon Moonshine", released in July 2023.

[7] In June 2024, Matthews co-founded production company Honor Role with Camila Mendes.