10 Best Emma Stone Movies, Ranked (#1 Is Still Basically Perfect)

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Emma Stone is widely considered one of Hollywood’s most talented and successful actors. She started her career with a memorable role in the hit 2007 comedy Superbad, and quickly became a standout performer. Since then, she’s starred in everything from big-budget blockbusters to independent films and award-winning dramas.

Emma Stone shines in every genre – from lighthearted romantic comedies and mind-bending sci-fi to deeply emotional dramas and musicals. She’s given some truly outstanding performances, making it hard to choose her best work. Simply looking at the movies she’s been in proves she’s one of the most talented actors today.

Even good movies like Zombieland, The Amazing Spider-Man, Battle of the Sexes, and Kinds of Kindness aren’t necessarily Emma Stone’s best work, and that says a lot. She’s been consistently excellent since she first appeared in films almost twenty years ago.

Emma Stone’s most acclaimed films are a diverse group – including award-winners, Best Picture nominees, and roles where she fearlessly transformed herself, even singing and completely shaving her head. Despite this variety, she’s consistently delivered strong performances throughout her career.

10. Cruella (2021)

As a huge movie fan, I’ve been pretty hit-or-miss with Disney’s live-action remakes lately, but Cruella really stood out. It doesn’t actually retell the story of 101 Dalmatians; instead, it gives us the backstory of Cruella de Vil, a character famously played by Glenn Close in the original film. Emma Stone absolutely nailed the role, and I honestly think it’s one of her strongest performances yet.

This film was one of the first big releases after the pandemic lockdowns, and while it didn’t perform spectacularly at the box office, critics generally liked it. Emma Stone gave a compelling performance, expertly portraying a character who is both sympathetic and ultimately villainous, earning her a Golden Globe nomination.

9. Superbad (2007)

It’s rare for an actor to start their career with a hit movie like Superbad, but Emma Stone is a special talent. The popular teen comedy centers around two best friends trying to get alcohol for a party so they can impress their crushes before heading off to college. Although the film primarily follows Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, Stone delivers a memorable performance in a supporting role as Jules, who captures the attention of Hill’s character.

Jules isn’t a major role, and Emma Stone has delivered stronger performances in other films. However, Superbad was a pivotal moment in her career; even with limited screen time, you can see glimpses of the talent that would make her a star. Plus, the film itself was both critically and commercially successful, and remains a classic of its time, helping to launch Stone into the spotlight.

8. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Many consider Crazy, Stupid, Love to be one of the best romantic comedies in recent years. The film tells several connected love stories, primarily following Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) as he navigates life after discovering his wife (Julianne Moore) has been unfaithful. He receives unexpected guidance from Jacob (Ryan Gosling), a charming and confident man who unexpectedly develops feelings for Hannah (Emma Stone).

The movie Crazy, Stupid, Love received a lot of positive attention for its strong cast and clever writing. But what people really remember about it is a surprising plot twist centered around Emma Stone’s character. This film also marked the beginning of a successful working relationship between Stone and Ryan Gosling, who later starred in three more movies together.

7. The Help (2011)

Many of Tate Taylor’s films have received critical acclaim, including Academy Award nominations for Best Picture. His first film to achieve this was The Help, which is based on the popular novel of the same name. The movie tells the story of a young white journalist who writes a book featuring the experiences of two Black maids, revealing the racism and discrimination they encounter.

Emma Stone stars as Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, the main character in the film, which received critical acclaim and several award nominations. Octavia Spencer won an Oscar for her performance, and Viola Davis and Jessica Chastain also received nominations, but Stone herself wasn’t nominated for an Oscar or Golden Globe. Despite this, the film clearly showed she was prepared to take on more serious, dramatic roles in the future.

6. Bugonia (2025)

Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos have a successful creative partnership, consistently delivering unique and critically acclaimed films. Their new movie, Bugonia, is surprisingly their most straightforward story. It follows Michelle Fuller (played by Stone), the head of a large pharmaceutical company, who is kidnapped by two men convinced she’s an alien.

The movie mainly features conversations between just three characters, but it’s surprisingly captivating. Both Emma Stone and her co-star, Jesse Plemons, were recognized for their performances with nominations for major awards, including the Actor Awards and Golden Globes. Stone also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress – her fifth overall.

5. Easy A (2010)

Although she’s well-known for her supporting roles in movies like Superbad and Crazy, Stupid, Love, Emma Stone truly shined when she got to lead a teen comedy of her own. In Easy A, she became a star thanks to her fantastic performance as Olive, a character inspired by The Scarlet Letter.

Olive pretends to have hooked up with a gay friend as a favor, but this quickly sparks rumors and gives her a reputation as someone who’s promiscuous. The movie is very funny and stars a talented cast including Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, Penn Badgley, and Amanda Bynes.

4. Birdman (2014)

Emma Stone has received five Academy Award nominations for her acting, beginning with her work in Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). That film won the Oscar for Best Picture, along with other awards, and follows a former movie star trying to revive his career with a Broadway production.

Michael Keaton plays the father in the film, and Emma Stone portrays his daughter, Sam. Their relationship is strained, particularly because Sam is working through recovery from drug addiction. Stone delivers a captivating performance in every scene, shining even alongside established actors like Keaton and Edward Norton.

3. The Favourite (2018)

The film The Favourite was the first collaboration between Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos, showcasing their shared talent for creating unique and compelling stories. The movie takes place in early 18th-century Great Britain and focuses on the complex relationship between Queen Anne and two cousins, Sarah and Abigail, as they compete for her attention and favor.

Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz deliver outstanding performances as Abigail and Sarah, earning them both Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress. Olivia Colman, playing Anne, took home the Best Actress award, highlighting the overall strength of the acting throughout the film.

2. Poor Things (2023)

Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone achieved their biggest success together with the 2023 film, Poor Things. It’s a fresh and unusual spin on the classic Frankenstein tale, telling the story of Bella Baxter (played by Stone), a woman brought back to life with the brain of a baby.

This role could be Emma Stone’s best work to date. She brilliantly portrays a character who thinks like a child, capturing both her sweetness and unpredictable behavior. Stone’s performance earned her an Academy Award, along with wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs.

1. La La Land (2016)

Emma Stone rightfully earned her first Oscar for La La Land, a film that showcased her fantastic chemistry with Ryan Gosling. It was their third time working together, and many consider it their best collaboration. The movie tells the story of Mia, an aspiring actress, and Sebastian, a jazz musician, as they pursue their dreams and fall in love in Los Angeles.

The connection between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling is fantastic throughout the movie, making every scene feel vibrant and exciting. The musical performances are delightful and full of charm, and the film culminates in a deeply moving ending. All of this makes La La Land one of the most memorable films of the 2010s and a career highlight for Emma Stone.

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2026-05-02 19:38