Scarlett Johansson’s career is a fascinating mix of bold artistic choices and blockbuster dominance. She has seamlessly navigated between indie dramas, critically acclaimed arthouse films, and billion-dollar franchises. While many actors find themselves typecast, Johansson has proven time and again that she can be just as compelling in an experimental sci-fi film as she is in an action spectacle. Her performances are often physical with sharp emotional intelligence making her one of the most well-rounded actors of her generation. This year, her continued collaboration with directorWes Andersonwill see her star inThe Phoenician Scheme. She will also be starring in this summer’s blockbuster hopeful,Jurassic World: Rebirth.
This list highlights Johansson’s most essential performances, which not only showcase her range but also define key moments in her career. From her breakout work inLost in Translationto her iconic turn as the Marvel superspy Natasha Romanoff, these films demonstrate why she has remained a Hollywood mainstay. Regardless of the genre, Johansson brings her talent for audiences to enjoy with performances that remain memorable after the credits roll.
10’The Nanny Diaries' (2007)
Directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
Based on a bestselling novel,The Nanny Diariesfollows Annie Braddock (Scarlett Johansson), a recent college graduate who stumbles into a job as a nanny for a wealthy Upper East Side family. She initially takes the job as a temporary escape from her uncertain future but she soon finds herself trapped in the dysfunctional world of her employers, Mr. and Mrs. X (Paul GiamattiandLaura Linney). As Annie struggles to balance her personal life, includinga romance with a charming Harvard grad(Chris Evans), she also becomes increasingly attached to the couple’s neglected young son.
Scarlett Johansson brings warmth and relatability to Annie, making her more than just an observer in the world of class and privilege. Johansson brings a natural charm to her performance, making her fish-out-of-water experience funny and emotional. Her chemistry with Linney, Evans, and Nicholas Art, who played the young boy she looked after, adds depth to the character journey. While Annie didn’t set out to be a nanny, she becameone of cinema’s best nannies. ThoughThe Nanny Diarieswasn’t a massive hit, Johansson’s performance helped make it a thoughtful and engaging film, setting the foundations for her to take on more grounded leading roles.
The Nanny Diaries
9’Girl with a Pearl Earring' (2003)
Directed by Peter Webber
Girl with a Pearl Earringbrings to life the imagined story behind one of Johannes Vermeer’s most famous paintings. Set in 17th-century Delft, the film follows Griet (Johansson), a quiet and observant young maid who is hired to work in the Vermeer household. She soon catches the attention of the master painter (Colin Firth), who recognizes her keen eye for art and light. As their relationship grows, Vermeer begins using Griet as an assistant and eventually as the model for his now-iconic portrait, sparking tension within the household.
Johansson delivers an understated yet mesmerizing performance in thisone of the best period dramas of the 2000s. With minimal dialogue, she conveys a lot of emotions through her expressions, embodying Griet’s quiet intelligence, curiosity, and inner conflict. Her chemistry with Firth is filled with unspoken tension, making each moment with both of them precious.The film’s relaxed pacingmirrors the process of creating a masterpiece, and the film’s beautiful production garnered three Oscar nominations in the technical categories. At just 20 years old, Johansson was nominated at the BAFTA for Best Actress for this role.
Girl with a Pearl Earring
8’Under the Skin' (2013)
Directed by Jonathan Glazer
Directed byJonathan Glazer(The Zone of Interest),Under the Skinfollows a mysterious alien in human form (Johansson) who prowls the streets of Scotland, luring and seducing unsuspecting men. As she carries out her enigmatic mission with eerie detachment, her interactions with humans, especially a man who shows her kindness, begin to awaken something within her. She gradually begins to develop a sense of self-awareness and empathy, leading to an existential crisis that challenges her original purpose.
Johansson exchanges her movie star persona for a chilling, detached character in this film. It is probablyher most daring performance to date, taking on an experimental and ambiguous film,very different from her usual big-budget Hollywood films. Her alien character starts as a predator, but through her subtle shifts in behavior, she slowly conveys a growing sense of curiosity, confusion, and vulnerability.Under the Skinmay not have been a success, but it has since become a cult classic, praised for itsdisturbing atmosphere, stunning visuals, and Johansson’s fearless performance.
Under the Skin
7’Her' (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze
Herfollows Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely writer in a near-future world where artificial intelligence has become the norm. Theodore purchases a new AI operating system, Samantha (voiced by Johansson), to get over his loneliness after his failed marriage. His conversations with Samantha slowly blossoms into a deep emotional connection. Over time, their relationship becomes complicated as Samantha’s intelligence and self-awareness grow beyond human limitations.
Despiteonly contributing through her voice, Scarlett Johansson delivers an affecting performance in this film. Her voice work as Samantha is warm, playful, and engaging, making her feel as real and emotionally present as any human character. Her voice is livelier than Siri, so it’s understandable for someone to fall in love with the AI. Her chemistry with Joaquin Phoenix is palpable, even without physical presence.Heris a visionary film that explores love and human connection inthe digital age. This film’s influence is obvious, as most recently OpenAI unlawfully used Johansson’s voice for their AI, triggering an instant lawsuit from the owner of the voice herself.
6’Captain America: The Winter Soldier' (2014)
Directed by The Russo Brothers
Captain America: The Winter Soldiersees Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Black Widow (Johansson) teaming up as they go on the run after finding out that S.H.I.E.L.D. is compromised from within. As they uncover a sinister, decades-long conspiracy, they also have to face the Winter Soldier, an unstoppable assassin who turns out to be Bucky Barnes, Steve’s best friend who was considered dead during the war. The film brought new energy to theMarvel Cinematic Universe, mashing up big-budget superhero spectacle with a political thriller.
Scarlett Johansson’s return as Natasha Romanoff is one of the film’s highlights, as she practically is the co-lead in this movie, with more depth and screen time than ever before. Unlike her previousappearances, this film letsher character shine beyond just being a skilled fighter.Johansson’s chemistry with Chris Evansis effortless, making their partnership feel natural and engaging. This film proved that Black Widow wasn’t just a supporting player but a fully realized hero in her own right, paving the way for her expanded role in later films and ultimately,her solo adventure.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
5’Jojo Rabbit' (2019)
Directed by Taika Waititi
Jojo Rabbittells the story of Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a young boy growing up in Nazi Germany who idolizes Adolf Hitler and has him as his imaginary friend,played satiricallyby directorTaika Waititi. Jojo’s world is turned upside down when he discovers that his mother, Rosie (Johansson), has been hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie), in their home. While his mother brings him warmth, his relationship with Elsa forces him to rethink everything he thought he knew.
Scarlett Johansson delivers one of her most touching performances as Rosie, a fiercely independent and compassionate mother trying to shield her son from the horrors of war while secretly acting against the regime. Johansson brings a playful yet poignant energy to the role, especially in her interactions with Jojo, where she balances motherly affection with tough love. Asthe emotional compass of the film, her portrayal was nominated for an Oscar. Thiswar comedy from a child’s perspectivethrives on its ability to mix satire with sincere emotion, and Johansson’s radiant presence helps make it one of the most memorable films of her career.
Jojo Rabbit
4’Ghost World' (2001)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff
Ghost Worldfollows Enid (Thora Birch) and Rebecca (Johansson), two cynical teenagers navigating the uncertain period between high school and adulthood. While Rebecca is eager to move forward—finding a job and planning for their future—Enid remains aimless, drawn to the strange and unconventional. Their friendship begins to fracture when Enid forms an unexpected bond with Seymour (Steve Buscemi), a lonely, eccentric record collector.
In this offbeatcoming-of-age film, Scarlett Johansson plays Rebecca with naturally that contrasts Enid’s rebellious energy. While Birch’s character is more confrontational, Johansson’s Rebecca is more reserved and pragmatic, making for an interesting dynamic. Her natural chemistry with Birch makes their friendship feel authentic, and even inher early career, Johansson’s ability to deliver dry humor and subtle emotional beats was already evident. Based on a comic book,Ghost Worldhas become a cult classic for itsbrutally honest take on youth. It was also deservedly nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Ghost World
3’Vicky Cristina Barcelona' (2008)
Directed by Woody Allen
As the title vaguely suggests,Vicky Cristina Barcelonafollows two American women, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Johansson), in Barcelona. Their holiday becomes unexpected as they become entangled in a complicated romance with the charming yet unpredictable artist Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem). Vicky, who is engaged to be married, resists his advances, while Cristina eagerly embraces the affair. The situation takes an even more unexpected turn when his fiery ex-wife, María Elena (Penelope Cruz), re-enters his life, creating an intense atmosphere between them.
In her secondWoody Allenfilm afterMatch Point, Scarlett Johansson shines as Cristina. She holds her own when paired with the charismatic Bardem andthe powerful, scene-stealing Cruz. While Johansson plays the least dramatic character in the ensemble, her portrayal of Cristina’s open-hearted, wandering spirit makes her a unique variable inMaria Elena and Juan Antonio’s unconventional relationship. Their chemistry is simply irresistible and passionate, and paired with the beautiful Spanish setting, the film is just a joy to watch.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
2’Marriage Story' (2019)
Directed by Noah Baumbach
Marriage Storychronicles the painful divorce of Nicole (Johansson) and Charlie (Adam Driver), a once-loving couple navigating the brutal realities of separation and custody battles. Whentheir marriage breaks down, an initially amicable separation turns into an emotionally charged legal battle as they struggle to co-parent their young son, Henry. Written and directed byNoah Baumbach, the film shows the breakdown of a relationship through small, accumulated wounds and unspoken resentments.
With ample material allowing her to access raw emotions, Scarlett Johansson delivers her most powerful performance as Nicole. Johansson’s chemistry with Adam Driver is electric, particularly in the film’s iconic scene, where their simmering emotions finally explode into a painful confrontation. Together, they make the heartbreaking story come to life,making audiences everywhere cry. She also has a standout monologue about feeling lost in her marriage, which is also a highlight. Johansson was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars in 2020, making hera double nominee in the same yearas she was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress forJojo Rabbit.
Marriage Story
1’Lost in Translation' (2003)
Directed by Sofia Coppola
Lost in Translationfollows Bob Harris (Bill Murray), a fading Hollywood actor in Tokyo for a whiskey commercial, and Charlotte (Johansson), a young woman accompanying her husband on a business trip. Adrift in a foreign city and struggling with their own personal problems, the two form an unexpected bond, sharing late-night conversations and quiet moments of understanding. Their connection, whilenever explicitly romantic, carries a quiet intimacy that makes their fleeting time together profoundly moving.
This film catapulted Johansson onto everyone’s radar. Her performance as Charlotte is subtle yet deeply affecting, perfectly capturinga second coming-of-age tale. Her chemistry with Bill Murray is unexpected but undeniably compelling, thatthe film’s final unheard whisperis still being discussed by audiences today.Sofia Coppola’s minimalistic style captures the isolation of being in an unfamiliar place, using Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and hotel corridors to mirrorthe emotional distance both characters feelin their own lives.Lost in Translationbecame a defining moment for Johansson, opening new doors in her career.
