Top 10 Florence Pugh movies that showcase her versatility

Florence Pugh is now one of the most renowned and esteemed actors of her generation. She was born in Oxford in 1996. She began her on-screen career in 2014 in the film The Falling. Within a period of less than a decade, she was a widely recognized name, receiving top billing in independent films and major Hollywood blockbusters and being nominated for an Academy Award.

Most actors she's collaborated with—and critics—appreciate that she portrays both vulnerability and strength in her performances. Scarlett Johansson, with whom she worked in Black Widow, told Harper's Bazaar:

“She’s so keyed in. It’s an emotional availability. It’s a really rare quality, and it’s the star quality she has”.

Pugh's list of roles is amazingly diverse. She's had roles in everything from Shakespeare and Marvel superheroes to leads in horror movies to historical dramas.

She has been in a host of genres—horror, drama, action, comedy, and animation—and always brings intensity and emotion to her roles.

Pugh has been nominated for and won several awards, including an Oscar nomination for Little Women.

Film writer Anna Smith, who presents the Girls On Film podcast, explained to the BBC:

"Audiences seem to respond to her authenticity - while she's very versatile, I think she brings a warmth and wit to many of her roles that people can relate to. It's not overly 'Hollywood'."

Let's explore the top ten movies that best display Florence Pugh's impressive acting range.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this list are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of SoapCentral.

---

Top 10 Florence Pugh movies showcasing her versatility

1. Midsommar

Midsommar, directed by Ari Aster, is considered one of the greatest contemporary horror movies. One major reason for that is Pugh's impressive performance as Dani Ardor.

The film tells the story of Dani, a young woman struggling with a horrible family tragedy. She accompanies her distant and uncaring boyfriend to a summer festival in Sweden. But the festival becomes bizarre and terrifying, with sinister pagan rituals.

Pugh’s performance is the heart of the film. She shows Dani’s pain, fear, and sadness very realistically. From the shocking start to the eerie ending, every scene shows her strong commitment and emotion.

---

2. Little Women

Greta Gerwig's Little Women is among the most beloved adaptations of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel. Here, Pugh portrays Amy March, a character many people previously disliked. But here, she provides depth to Amy and makes her look real, intelligent, and emotional.

She displays both Amy's ambition and her vulnerable side. Her performance earned her an Oscar nomination.

Stylist praised her performance, writing:

“With Gerwig's script and Pugh's bright and confident performance, Amy is given a depth that she has never had onscreen before.”

---

3. Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth, directed by William Oldroyd, is regarded as Pugh's breakthrough role. She plays Katherine Lester, a young lady trapped in an unpleasant marriage in the English countryside in the early 1800s.

Her performance is intense, placid on the surface but seething with anger below.

Critics described her as the highlight of the film. Variety writes:

"Florence Pugh announces herself as a major talent to watch in William Oldroyd's impressively tough-minded Victorian tragedy."

---

4. Fighting with My Family

Stephen Merchant directed Fighting with My Family, a sports drama-comedy film based on Saraya "Paige" Knight's true story. She is a young lady from a family of British wrestlers who becomes a WWE superstar.

Paige is portrayed by Pugh, and she fully inhabits the role—black hair, goth dress, and uncompromising attitude.

Geoffrey Macnab of The Independent stated Pugh was "completely convincing as the wrestler" and appreciated her blend of toughness, charm, and humour.

The most appreciated moment of the film is where Paige video calls her parents after getting emotional. Pugh portrays her fatigue, her desire to impress her family, and her internal conflicts—all through subtle and genuine expressions.

---

5. A Good Person

A Good Person was written and directed by Zach Braff. Pugh stars as Allison, a woman whose world collapses after she's involved in a car accident.

Allison starts off happy—she's engaged to her high school sweetheart, Nathan. But things go awry after a horrific car accident kills Nathan's sister and her husband.

Allison is racked with guilt and also in pain, so she begins taking painkillers and becomes addicted. This spirals her into depression and damages her relationship with her mother and other people in her life.

Her performance is full of pain, confusion, and resilience. Critics praised her performance as raw and emotionally resonant.

---

6. Black Widow

Black Widow marks Pugh's entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She starred alongside Scarlett Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff.

She played the role of Yelena Belova, Romanoff's younger "sister." Pugh provided humor and heart to the action film.

Her scenes were usually memorable, even alongside stars such as Johansson. Critics commended her timing and emotional depth, and her quick wit and action prowess were adored by fans.

In an interview with Total Film back then, Pugh spoke of her character, stating:

"She’s unapologetic, and confident in herself, and curious, and brave, and emotionally brave – far more than I ever was. And that stuff all comes through. It’s wonderful to feel like you’re witnessing something great happening."

---

7. Don't Worry Darling

Don’t Worry Darling is a science fiction psychological thriller directed by Olivia Wilde. Florence plays Alice, a 1950s housewife in a perfect town that gradually becomes strange.

Alice begins as a contented, happy housewife. But gradually, she starts to realize that something is amiss. She gets frightened, then fearless, as she resists the strange and domineering world around her.

Florence Pugh brings out all of Alice's feelings—her happiness, fear, and courage—in a very realistic and forceful manner.

IndieWire writes:

“Most of 'Don’t Worry Darling' is told through Alice’s perspective and thank goodness for that, because she’s the film’s unmitigated highlight. Pugh always delivers, even when the material is beneath its star.”

---

8. The Wonder

The Wonder was directed by Sebastián Lelio and was based on Emma Donoghue’s novel. Set in 19th-century Ireland, this movie is about a nurse named Lib Wright (played by Florence) who investigates a girl who has not eaten for months.

Florence's acting is composed, reflective, and emotive. She portrays the role with silent strength.

A reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes says:

"The atmosphere's absorbing and the story is fascinating, but The Wonder of this period drama really lies in Florence Pugh's remarkable performance."

---

9. Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer is a biographical epic directed by Christopher Nolan. Pugh plays the role of Jean Tatlock, who was a woman close to J. Robert Oppenheimer. She doesn't get much screen time, but she makes an impact.

She embodies Jean's passion, pain, and emotional depth. She is the standout in her small role amidst a large cast.

Florence Pugh and Cillian Murphy share great chemistry on screen. Their scenes together—particularly the emotional and intimate ones—help reveal the intense struggles within Oppenheimer and the cost he pays for his grand ambitions.

---

10. The Falling

The Falling, directed by Carol Morley, marks Pugh's professional acting debut. She had played Abbie, a schoolgirl who had a strong and odd presence.

Although it was a supporting role, she demonstrated genuine talent. Critics immediately took notice of her for her understated power and screen presence.

Screen Anarchy writes:

"Her character was one that shocked me, because of the direction her character takes. I truly never saw it coming and her role in The Falling took me completely off guard."

Read More: We Live in Time: 5 movies to watch if you loved the Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh romantic comedy