Watling began her acting career in theatre and made her big screen debut when she was 15 with Jardines colgantes by Pablo Llorca. After that she participated in several TV series, such as Hermanos de leche, Farmacia de guardia or Querido Maestro, but her most successful role was in the series Raquel busca su sitio with Cayetana Guillén Cuervo. In 1998, she was nominated for a Goya award for her role in La hora de los valientes, and was named as one of European films 'Shooting Stars' by European Film Promotion in 1999. In 2002, she was nominated again for a Goya for her role in A mi madre le gustan las mujeres.