Best Scarlett Johansson Movies: Her Most Iconic Roles You Need To Watch

Introduction: Why Scarlett Johansson’s Movies Continue To Shine

Few stars in Hollywood have a career as diverse, powerful, and admired as Scarlett Johansson. From her early days as a child actor to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in global cinema, Johansson’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her movies range from quiet, emotional dramas to thrilling superhero adventures, proving that she can bring depth and charm to any role she plays.

Over the years, Scarlett Johansson movies have earned critical acclaim, box office success, and a loyal fan following. With more than $14 billion in global earnings, she stands among the highest-grossing actors of all time. But beyond the numbers, what makes her filmography so captivating is her ability to embody vastly different characters—sometimes vulnerable and introspective, other times fierce and unstoppable.

This article explores the best Scarlett Johansson movies that define her career, reveal her range as an actress, and showcase why she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Scarlett Ingrid Johansson
Date of Birth: November 22, 1984
Place of Birth: New York City, U.S.
Nationality: American
Profession: Actress, Singer, Producer
Years Active: 1994–Present
Breakthrough Role: Lost In Translation (2003)
Major Franchise: Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Black Widow)
Total Box Office Gross: Over $14.3 Billion Worldwide
Awards: Tony Award, BAFTA Award, Multiple Oscar and Golden Globe Nominations
Spouse: Colin Jost (married 2020)

The Rise Of A Hollywood Powerhouse

Scarlett Johansson’s acting journey began when she was just a child. She made her film debut in North (1994) and soon gained attention for her natural talent and emotional maturity. Roles in Manny & Lo (1996), The Horse Whisperer (1998), and Ghost World (2001) showcased her early promise. But it was her transition to adult roles in the early 2000s that marked the start of something remarkable.

Johansson’s rise in Hollywood was swift yet steady. By the time she starred in Lost in Translation and Girl with a Pearl Earring in 2003, she had already proven that she was far more than just a talented young actress—she was a force of nature destined for greatness. Her performances displayed an emotional intelligence that few actors her age possessed, setting the tone for a career filled with versatility and bold choices.

Lost In Translation (2003): A Defining Moment

Lost in Translation, directed by Sofia Coppola, remains one of the most acclaimed Scarlett Johansson movies to date. Starring opposite Bill Murray, Johansson played Charlotte, a young woman struggling with loneliness and identity while visiting Tokyo. Her performance was quiet yet deeply expressive, resonating with audiences worldwide.

The film became a critical success, earning Johansson a BAFTA Award for Best Actress and her first major step toward international fame. What made this role special was her ability to communicate so much emotion through silence—her eyes, expressions, and pauses told stories beyond words. It remains one of her most memorable performances and a turning point in her career.

Girl With A Pearl Earring (2003): Timeless Beauty On Screen

In Girl with a Pearl Earring, Johansson portrayed Griet, the mysterious muse of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, played by Colin Firth. Set in 17th-century Delft, the film is visually stunning and emotionally restrained, with Johansson’s delicate performance anchoring the story.

Her portrayal captured the quiet intensity and vulnerability of a young woman caught between class, art, and desire. The role earned her nominations for both Golden Globe and BAFTA Awards, solidifying her as one of the most gifted actresses of her generation. This film proved that Johansson could hold her own in sophisticated period dramas, blending grace with authenticity.

Match Point (2005): A Dark And Seductive Turn

In Woody Allen’s Match Point, Scarlett Johansson stepped into a darker, more complex role as Nola Rice, an aspiring actress entangled in a dangerous affair. Her performance was seductive, emotional, and unpredictable—an impressive shift from her earlier characters.

Critics praised Johansson for capturing the film’s tension and moral ambiguity with remarkable confidence. This role earned her yet another Golden Globe nomination and marked the beginning of several collaborations with Allen. It also revealed her ability to bring psychological depth to any genre, from romance to thriller.

The Marvel Era: Becoming Black Widow

Perhaps no role defines Scarlett Johansson’s mainstream success more than her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff, better known as Black Widow, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. First appearing in Iron Man 2 (2010), Johansson brought intelligence, strength, and vulnerability to a character who quickly became one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes.

Over the next decade, she appeared in multiple Marvel blockbusters, including The Avengers (2012), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and her own solo movie Black Widow (2021). These films made her an international icon and one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.

Johansson’s Black Widow wasn’t just an action hero—she was a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and redemption. Her performances combined emotional storytelling with thrilling action, making the character unforgettable in modern cinema.

Her (2013): Emotion Without A Face

Her, directed by Spike Jonze, stands as one of the most unique Scarlett Johansson movies. Remarkably, Johansson never appears on screen—she lends only her voice to Samantha, an artificial intelligence who develops a romantic relationship with a lonely man played by Joaquin Phoenix.

Through only her voice, Johansson created a character full of warmth, curiosity, and humanity. Critics called her performance mesmerizing, proving that true acting isn’t just about being seen but about being felt. Her highlighted Johansson’s extraordinary range and earned her critical acclaim across the board.

Under The Skin (2013): A Bold And Unforgettable Performance

In Under the Skin, Johansson took one of the most daring roles of her career—an alien creature preying on men in Scotland. The film’s eerie atmosphere and experimental style made it both fascinating and haunting.

Her performance was raw, fearless, and deeply introspective. Johansson’s portrayal went beyond dialogue; it relied on emotion, silence, and physical expression to convey the alien’s evolving sense of humanity. Under the Skin may not be a traditional blockbuster, but it remains one of her most artistically acclaimed projects.

Lucy (2014): Intelligence Meets Action

With Lucy, Scarlett Johansson proved she could carry a high-concept action film entirely on her own. Directed by Luc Besson, the movie follows a woman who gains extraordinary mental abilities after a scientific experiment goes wrong.

Johansson’s performance combined emotional intensity with commanding physical presence. The film grossed over $460 million worldwide, showing her power as a global box office draw. More importantly, Lucy expanded her image from dramatic actress to full-fledged action star capable of anchoring major sci-fi thrillers.

Marriage Story (2019): Raw Emotion At Its Finest

In Marriage Story, Scarlett Johansson delivered what many consider the finest performance of her career. Playing Nicole Barber, a woman navigating a painful divorce, she brought heartbreaking honesty to every scene. Starring opposite Adam Driver, Johansson portrayed the emotional complexity of love, resentment, and personal growth with remarkable authenticity.

Her work in this film earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Critics and audiences praised how she captured both strength and vulnerability, reminding everyone that beneath her blockbuster fame lies one of Hollywood’s most talented dramatic actresses.

Jojo Rabbit (2019): Love And Courage In Wartime

In Taika Waititi’s satirical World War II film Jojo Rabbit, Johansson played Rosie, a kind-hearted mother secretly protecting a Jewish girl while raising her son in Nazi Germany. Her performance was both tender and courageous, providing the film’s emotional core.

Johansson received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for this role. She portrayed compassion and humor amid tragedy, reminding audiences of her rare ability to balance tone and emotion effortlessly.

Final Thoughts: The Enduring Power Of Scarlett Johansson Movies

From soulful dramas to electrifying blockbusters, Scarlett Johansson movies reflect an actress who constantly challenges herself. Her filmography is a journey through different eras, emotions, and genres, each performance revealing something new about her craft. Whether she’s lending her voice to a futuristic AI, leading a superhero team, or bringing raw humanity to a small domestic drama, Johansson continues to prove that she is one of the most versatile and captivating performers of her time.

As of 2025, Scarlett Johansson remains an enduring presence in Hollywood—a star who shines not only through fame but through her genuine artistry, intelligence, and passion for storytelling. Her movies will continue to inspire, entertain, and remind audiences worldwide of what great acting truly looks like.

FAQs About Scarlett Johansson Movies

What Was Scarlett Johansson’s First Movie?
Her first movie was North (1994), where she appeared as a child actor.

Which Scarlett Johansson Movie Made Her Famous?
Lost in Translation (2003) was her breakout film, earning her major critical acclaim and international recognition.

How Many Marvel Movies Has Scarlett Johansson Appeared In?
She has appeared in eight Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Iron Man 2, The Avengers, and Black Widow.

What Is Scarlett Johansson’s Most Critically Acclaimed Role?
Her performances in Marriage Story and Lost in Translation are widely regarded as her most critically acclaimed roles.

Has Scarlett Johansson Ever Won An Oscar?
As of 2025, Scarlett Johansson has been nominated twice but has not yet won an Academy Award.

Which Scarlett Johansson Movie Earned The Most Money?
Avengers: Endgame (2019) is her highest-grossing film, earning over $2.7 billion worldwide.

What Makes Scarlett Johansson Movies So Popular?
Her films are loved for their emotional depth, strong storytelling, and her ability to connect with audiences on a human level, whether she’s playing a superhero, an AI, or an ordinary woman.

People Also Read: Kevin Hart Net Worth 2025: How The Comedy King Built His $400 Million Empire