Emma Stone’s 10 best movie moments, ranked

Emma Stone has a unique charm that draws you in. It might be her expressive eyes, her sharp comic timing, or how she makes even a simple line feel meaningful. Whether she’s singing in a musical or firing off sarcastic one-liners, she’s built one of the most versatile careers in Hollywood today. And let’s be honest - who hasn’t tried (and failed) to sing her “City of Stars” duet in the shower?

Stone’s filmography is packed with iconic moments that range from hilarious to heartbreaking - with more than a few that leave you yelling, “Give her the Oscar.” From teen comedies to psychological thrillers and period dramas, her ability to disappear into wildly different roles is nothing short of spellbinding.

So let’s walk down memory lane and rank Emma Stone’s ten best movie moments - the scenes that remind us why we keep rooting for her on screen (and maybe wish she were our best friend off it).

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Emma Stone’s 10 best movie moments, ranked

10) Olive’s Scarlet Letter Video Confession - Easy A (2010)

In the final scene of Easy A, Olive Penderghast sets the record straight through a cheeky, fourth-wall-breaking webcam monologue. Equal parts witty, vulnerable, and self-aware, Emma Stone holds the screen effortlessly - no special effects, just pure charisma. This was the scene that made Hollywood stop and take notice. A sharp, clever teen comedy that simply wouldn’t have worked as well without her magnetic performance.

9) Jealousy in the Car - Zombieland (2009)

Long before she was winning Oscars, Emma Stone was stealing hearts...and cars - as Wichita in Zombieland. One standout moment? The deliciously awkward car ride where Wichita watches Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) flirt with Madison. Her sideways glances, pursed lips, and perfectly timed sarcasm deliver more sass than a shotgun blast. It’s a masterclass in comedic understatement, and it showed that even surrounded by zombies, Stone could slay… with just an eye-roll.

8) Gwen Stacy’s Death - The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

No matter how many times you’ve seen it, this scene still hits like a gut punch. As Gwen falls from the clock tower and Spider-Man dives to save her, everything slows. His web reaches her a split second too late - and the resulting thud is deafening. Her lifeless stillness in Peter’s arms is devastating, but it’s the earlier moments - her calm bravery, her goodbye kiss - that make this death scene unforgettable. She wasn’t just a love interest, she was the heart of the story. And when it stops beating, so does the film.

7) Crushing the Rabbit – The Favourite (2018)

In a film filled with barbed words and psychological warfare, this silent, sinister act says more than any line could. After rising through the ranks and solidifying her influence over Queen Anne, Abigail (Stone) quietly crushes one of the Queen’s cherished pet rabbits beneath her heel. It’s a cold, calculated move - one that marks the point of no return for Abigail’s transformation from victim to villain. Stone’s blank expression as she commits the act is haunting, adding a shocking jolt to a film already soaked in tension.

6) Making an Entrance as Cruella - Cruella (2021)

Emma Stone’s dramatic entrance at the Baroness’ black-and-white ball, wearing a fiery red dress that burns away a white cloak, is pure spectacle. The outfit, her attitude, and the boldness of it all make it clear - we’re meeting a new kind of antihero. In that moment, Stone fully leans into the campy, stylish chaos of Cruella with total confidence. It’s over-the-top in the best way, and she pulls it off effortlessly - making the scene unforgettable.

5) Hair Salon Scene - Battle of the Sexes (2017)

In a film full of big tennis matches and loud moments, it’s this quiet scene that stays with you. Billie Jean King (Stone) sits nervously as Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough) does her hair, and something soft and emotional starts to build between them. The way Stone plays it - with shy looks, long silences, and quiet vulnerability - makes the attraction feel real and honest. It’s not just a key moment for her character, but one of the most quietly powerful scenes in Stone’s career.

4) The Audition (The Fools Who Dream) - La La Land (2016)

This song. That emotion. Mia (Stone) sings a heartfelt ballad about her aunt, and the camera doesn’t budge - it stays focused on her face as she trembles, smiles, and fights back tears. No flashy extras, no glitz - just Stone, raw and radiant, showing us exactly why she won Best Actress. It’s easily one of the most emotional moments in the entire film.

3) Confrontation with Dad - Birdman (2014)

In one of Birdman’s most intense scenes, Stone’s character, Sam, lashes out at her father (Keaton) with brutal honesty. “You’re not doing this for the art, you’re doing it because you want to feel relevant again.” Her raw, near-spitting delivery stole the scene, and for a film bursting with big performances, that’s saying something!

2) The Dancing Scene - Poor Things (2023)

In one of the most memorable moments from Poor Things, Emma Stone’s character, Bella, dances with unabashed freedom and a wild energy that’s both enchanting and electric. Set to a catchy tune, her quirky, spontaneous dance is a perfect mix of eccentricity and innocence. Stone effortlessly blends vulnerability with boldness, creating a joyful and unrestrained moment. It’s a standout scene in a film full of unique moments, proving once again that Emma can transform into anything - even if it means dancing like nobody's watching!

1) Final Montage - La La Land (2016)

The alternate-reality sequence at the end of La La Land, where Mia and Sebastian imagine what could’ve been, is pure cinematic magic. With no words, Emma Stone conveys a thousand emotions - regret, nostalgia, love, and acceptance. As she smiles faintly at Ryan Gosling’s character in the final seconds, it’s clear: this isn’t just one of her best moments. It’s one of the best movie endings of the decade, and her performance is the soul of it.

From indie gems to blockbuster hits, Emma Stone has built a career full of unforgettable moments, blending emotional depth, sharp wit, and fearless transformation. Whether she’s capturing hearts in a musical, scheming in a royal court, or reinventing villainy with fashion and flair, Stone nails it every time. These scenes aren’t just “good Emma Stone moments” - they’re perfect examples of how one actor can elevate every genre. Here’s to many more!