15 Best Emma Stone Movies, Ranked

Directed by Tate Taylor and based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help is a period drama set in the 1960s Mississippi during the civil rights movement. Emma Stone stars as Skeeter Phelan, an aspiring journalist who decides to write a book from the perspective of African-American maids working in white households. Stone’s portrayal of Skeeter is both sensitive and powerful, showcasing her ability to handle complex social issues with grace and authenticity in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

The film itself was praised for its compelling story and strong performances, including Stone’s. She successfully navigates the nuances of her character’s personal growth and the moral complexities of the era. Her performance, while overshadowed by co-stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, is an integral part of the film’s impact, providing a necessary counterbalance to the more dramatic elements of the story in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

While The Help received mixed reviews regarding its handling of racial issues, Stone’s performance was universally acknowledged as a highlight. Her ability to convey vulnerability and determination through her role was crucial to the film’s success and remains a testament to her skill as an actress.

Birdman, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, is a dark comedy-drama that explores the life of a washed-up actor trying to revive his career by directing and starring in a Broadway play. Emma Stone plays Sam Thomson, the daughter of Michael Keaton’s character, who is struggling with her own personal issues and serves as a grounding force for the protagonist in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Stone’s role in Birdman is a departure from her usual comedic fare, showcasing her ability to dive into complex emotional terrain. Her performance is marked by its raw honesty and intensity, providing a stark contrast to the surreal and often chaotic environment of the film. The film’s unique narrative style, including its single continuous shot appearance, provides a backdrop that enhances Stone’s performance.

Birdman was highly acclaimed, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Stone’s role, though not the central focus, was essential in adding depth to the film’s exploration of personal and professional crises in one of the best Emma Stone movies. Her performance contributed significantly to the film’s critical success and her growing reputation as a versatile actress.

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Easy A, directed by Will Gluck, is a modern take on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. Emma Stone stars as Olive Penderghast, a high school student who becomes the subject of gossip and scandal after a false rumor about her losing her virginity spreads, making for one of the best Emma Stone movies. Stone’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and charisma.

The film is praised for its clever script and Stone’s standout performance. Her portrayal of Olive is both humorous and empathetic, capturing the character’s journey from social pariah to self-empowered individual. Stone’s ability to bring depth to a comedic role is a testament to her acting skills.

Easy A was a critical and commercial success, with Stone’s performance receiving widespread acclaim in one of the best Emma Stone movies. The film’s success helped establish Stone as a leading actress in Hollywood and showcased her talent for balancing comedy with more nuanced character work.

In Crazy, Stupid, Love., directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Emma Stone stars opposite Ryan Gosling in this romantic comedy. Stone plays Hannah, a young woman who becomes romantically involved with Gosling’s character, Jacob. The film is notable for its clever script, humorous situations, and the chemistry between Stone and Gosling in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Stone’s portrayal of Hannah is both charming and relatable, capturing the complexities of modern relationships with wit and warmth. Her comedic timing shines in this film, providing a delightful counterbalance to the more dramatic moments. The film’s ensemble cast, including Steve Carell and Julianne Moore, adds to its appeal, but Stone’s performance is a standout feature.

The film was well-received for its humor and engaging storyline, and Stone’s role was instrumental in its success. Her ability to blend comedy with genuine emotion demonstrated her range and solidified her position as a leading actress in romantic comedies with one of the best Emma Stone movies.

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Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite is a historical drama set in the early 18th century, focusing on the power struggles within the court of Queen Anne. Emma Stone plays Abigail Masham, a cunning servant who becomes embroiled in a battle for the Queen’s favor in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Stone’s role in The Favourite is one of her most complex and multifaceted performances. She portrays Abigail with a blend of charm, ambition, and vulnerability, navigating the intricate dynamics of court politics. Her performance is a stark departure from her more light-hearted roles, showcasing her ability to tackle period drama with nuance and intensity.

The film was a critical success, receiving numerous accolades and nominations, including several Academy Awards. Stone’s performance was widely praised for its depth and sophistication, further demonstrating her range as an actress.

La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle, is a modern musical that explores the dreams and romance of aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). Stone’s portrayal of Mia earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, a testament to her exceptional performance.

Stone’s role in La La Land is a showcase of her musical and dramatic talents in one of the best Emma Stone movies. Her portrayal of Mia captures the character’s ambition, vulnerability, and the struggles of balancing personal dreams with romantic relationships. The film’s musical numbers, including the iconic “City of Stars,” highlight Stone’s ability to perform in a genre that requires both acting and singing prowess.

The film’s critical acclaim, including six Academy Awards, reflects the impact of Stone’s performance and the film’s overall quality in one of the best Emma Stone movies. La La Land remains a defining role for Stone, showcasing her ability to excel in a major musical and romantic film, and solidifying her place as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

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Zombieland, directed by Ruben Fleischer, is a horror-comedy film that follows a group of survivors navigating a zombie apocalypse. Emma Stone plays Wichita, a savvy and resourceful character who joins forces with Jesse Eisenberg’s Columbus and Woody Harrelson’s Tallahassee in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Stone’s performance in Zombieland is a blend of humor, toughness, and charm. Her character is integral to the film’s balance of comedy and action, and Stone’s ability to bring depth to a genre film is evident throughout. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast enhances the film’s appeal, making it a standout entry in the zombie genre.

The film was well-received for its fresh take on the zombie apocalypse and its comedic elements in one of the best Emma Stone movies. Stone’s role contributed significantly to its success, showcasing her ability to excel in both comedy and action genres.

The Croods, directed by Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco, is an animated film about a prehistoric family navigating a changing world. Emma Stone provides the voice for Eep, the teenage daughter who is eager for adventure and new experiences.

Stone’s voice work in The Croods is energetic and expressive, capturing Eep’s adventurous spirit and her struggle to break free from her family’s traditional ways. Her performance adds depth to the character, making her relatable and engaging for both children and adults.

The film was praised for its animation, humor, and heartwarming story in one of the best Emma Stone movies. Stone’s contribution as the voice of Eep was a key element of the film’s success, demonstrating her versatility as an actress in animated roles.

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Directed by Greg Mottola, Superbad is a coming-of-age comedy that features Emma Stone in a supporting role as Jules, a high school student who becomes the romantic interest of one of the film’s main characters. The film follows two friends navigating their final days of high school and attempting to buy alcohol for a party in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Stone’s role in Superbad is a memorable one, despite being relatively small. Her performance as Jules is both charming and authentic, providing a refreshing contrast to the film’s primarily male-centric storyline. Her chemistry with the cast and her ability to bring depth to a secondary role are notable highlights.

The film itself was a critical and commercial success, with Stone’s performance contributing to its overall appeal in one of the best Emma Stone movies. Superbad helped establish her as a rising star in Hollywood and showcased her talent for comedy.

Magic in the Moonlight, directed by Woody Allen, is a romantic comedy set in the 1920s. Emma Stone plays Sophie, a clairvoyant who becomes the subject of skepticism from Colin Firth’s character, a magician and debunker of paranormal phenomena in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Stone’s performance as Sophie is enchanting and captivating, bringing a sense of mystery and charm to the film. Her ability to portray both whimsy and depth adds to the film’s romantic and comedic elements. Stone’s chemistry with Firth is a highlight of the film, and her performance is central to its success.

The film was noted for its period setting, charming performances, and lighthearted storyline. Stone’s role was a significant part of its appeal, showcasing her ability to excel in romantic comedies with a touch of magical realism.

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In The Amazing Spider-Man, directed by Marc Webb, Emma Stone stars as Gwen Stacy, the love interest of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man in one of the best Emma Stone movies. The film is a reboot of the Spider-Man franchise and explores the early years of Peter Parker’s superhero journey.

Stone’s portrayal of Gwen Stacy is both strong and endearing, capturing the character’s intelligence, bravery, and romantic chemistry with Parker. Her performance adds emotional depth to the film and provides a strong counterbalance to the action and superhero elements.

The Amazing Spider-Man was praised for its fresh take on the Spider-Man story and the chemistry between Stone and Garfield. Her role was a standout feature of the film, demonstrating her ability to contribute significantly to a major franchise in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Cruella, directed by Craig Gillespie, is a live-action prequel to Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, exploring the origin story of the iconic villain Cruella de Vil. Emma Stone stars in the titular role, bringing a new dimension to the character known for her fashion and cruelty in one of the best Emma Stone movies.

Stone’s performance in Cruella is a tour de force, showcasing her ability to inhabit a complex and iconic character. Her portrayal of Cruella is both glamorous and menacing, capturing the essence of the character’s transformation from a rebellious young woman to a notorious fashionista in one of the best Emma Stone movies. The film’s 1970s punk rock aesthetic and Stone’s captivating performance make it a standout entry in the Disney live-action remake genre.

The film received praise for its stylish visuals, engaging storyline, and Stone’s dynamic performance. Her ability to bring depth and complexity to a well-known villain was a highlight of the film and further demonstrated her range as an actress.

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Battle of the Sexes, directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, is a biographical sports drama based on the real-life tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs and one of the best Emma Stone movies. Emma Stone stars as Billie Jean King, portraying the legendary tennis player’s struggles for gender equality and her historic match against Riggs.

Stone’s performance as King is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the emotional and social stakes of the film in one of the best Emma Stone movies. Her portrayal highlights King’s determination, resilience, and the personal and professional challenges she faced. The film’s exploration of gender politics and Stone’s commitment to the role earned widespread acclaim.

The film was praised for its performances, particularly Stone’s portrayal of King, and its timely examination of gender issues in sports. Stone’s role was central to the film’s impact and success, showcasing her ability to take on historically significant and challenging roles.

In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Emma Stone reprises her role as Gwen Stacy, continuing her relationship with Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man in one of the best Emma Stone movies. The film explores the challenges faced by the couple as they deal with new villains and personal struggles.

Stone’s performance in the sequel is as compelling as in the first film, with her portrayal of Gwen Stacy deepening as the character faces greater challenges. Her chemistry with Garfield and her ability to convey the emotional weight of the story add depth to the film’s superhero narrative.

The film was noted for its visual effects and performances, with Stone’s role once again being a highlight in one of the best Emma Stone movies. Her continued portrayal of Gwen Stacy showcases her ability to build upon and evolve a character across multiple films.

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Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a fantastical and darkly comedic film that presents a unique twist on the Frankenstein story. Emma Stone stars as Bella Baxter, a woman who is brought back to life by a scientist and begins a journey of self-discovery and liberation.

Stone’s performance in Poor Things is both daring and transformative, making for the best Emma Stone movies. Her portrayal of Bella is a showcase of her range and willingness to take on unconventional and challenging roles. The film’s blend of absurdity, dark humor, and poignant moments provides a perfect canvas for Stone to demonstrate her versatility as an actress.

The film has been praised for its originality among the best Emma Stone movies, bold storytelling, and Stone’s exceptional performance. Her ability to navigate the film’s complex and often surreal narrative while delivering a deeply engaging performance is a testament to her talent. Poor Things stands out as a defining role in Stone’s career, further cementing her status as one of the most remarkable actresses of her generation.

Emma Stone’s career is marked by a remarkable range of performances across various genres, demonstrating her versatility and depth as an actress. From her comedic beginnings to her dramatic and musical achievements, Stone has consistently delivered standout performances that have captivated audiences and critics alike.

The 15 best Emma Stone movies ranked in this article highlight different facets of Stone’s talent, from her comedic timing in Easy A and Crazy, Stupid, Love. to her dramatic prowess in The Help and Battle of the Sexes. Each film showcases a different aspect of her acting abilities and contributes to her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most exceptional talents.

As Emma Stone continues to evolve as an actress, her filmography will undoubtedly expand with more remarkable roles and performances. For now, these 15 best Emma Stone movies offer a comprehensive look at her career achievements and the impressive range of characters she has brought to life on screen.