Top seven Florence Pugh performances, ranked

Florence Pugh isn’t just an actress- she’s a cinematic force. With a career that jumps from intimate indie heartbreakers to big-budget blockbusters, she’s proven there’s no role too raw, too wild, or too weird for her to absolutely crush. Whether she’s a grief-stricken cult victim, a sharp-tongued Marvel assassin, or a Victorian-era wife with fire in her eyes, Florence brings a mix of vulnerability, power, and that signature frown that somehow says more than a page of dialogue ever could. She’s unpredictable in the best way, always walking the line between quiet devastation and full-blown chaos- and somehow making both look effortless.

As her filmography grows, so does our obsession. In honor of our favorite Brit stealing scenes, breaking hearts, and being one of the best things to happen to modern cinema, here’s a ranking of her top seven performances- the roles that turned heads, cemented her status and proved once and for all that Florence Pugh is that girl.

Note: This article reflects the author's personal opinions.

7. Don't Worry Darling

In Don't Worry Darling, Florence Pugh portrays Alice Chambers, a 1950s housewife enjoying what could only be described as a perfect '50's life in a quaint community lined with palm trees. As the story goes on, Alice begins to understand that the scenery- including the husband she believes she is married to, and her fellow suburban neighbors- is not what it may seem.

Pugh's performance anchors the film, showing Alice's transformation from this perfect wife to a woman who wants nothing more than to find the truth. While the film itself left audiences divided, and its performance was affected by off-screen drama between the stars, Pugh was one of the best things about the film and was absolutely brilliant in every scene she was in.

6. Lady Macbeth

In Lady Macbeth, Florence Pugh plays Katherine Lester, a young woman confined in a claustrophobic, oppressive marriage with an age gap. What starts as the story of a meekly obedient woman soon becomes decidedly darker as it goes on. Pugh steps into Katherine with an eerie stillness, allowing us to witness the transformation of a woman who, at first, is limited by circumstance and the expectations of society, and begins to discover her own frightening power.

The plot is loosely based on Shakespeare's Macbeth and draws inspiration from its heroine- Lady Macbeth. Pugh's portrayal is captivating and chilling, demonstrating her acting prowess even if she had just started in the industry, and continues to remain one of her best performances to date.

5. Black Widow

Florence made a stunning debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova and has since become one of the best female characters in the MCU after Scarlett Johansson's Natasha Romanoff. As Natasha's sister and the new Black Widow, Florence brought in something completely fresh with Yelena- the character is tough, funny, and unapologetically herself, but also has to bear a lot of weight emotionally. There's a distinction to Yelena that allows her to feel genuine and grounded instead of just another action figure.

She has continued to play Yelena in Marvel's Hawkeye and the brand-new Thunderbolts* and is most likely to be a central figure in the MCU as it continues its saga.

4. We Live In Time

In We Live In Time, Florence Pugh plays Almut Brühl, a talented chef whose life spirals out in unexpected ways. She falls in love with Andrew Garfield's Tobias Durand, and the film explores their complex relationship in a non-linear way. Instances of their relationship in the past and the present are shown throughout the movie to show the differences between their dynamics throughout the plot. As they navigate through their bond, Almut is diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, making her stand in the middle of some deep choices she has to make for her future.

The film stands out in its nature as it's a different genre than the one Garfield and Pugh usually go for, but their chemistry is undeniable. The film's exploration of their relationship is nothing short of perfect. It leaves you with some deep questions about the perplexities of life, death, and time when you're at a crossroads of whether to live in time or look ahead.

Also Read: We Live In Time ending explained: Does Almut win the cooking competition and eventually survive her cancer?

3. Little Women

Greta Gerwig's modern take on Louisa May Alcott's Little Women sees Pugh playing Amy March- the often ignored sister who gets overshadowed by Jo March's brilliance and centrality. But in this iteration, Amy receives the depth and nuance she thankfully finally deserves. Florence does not maintain the bratty, jealous younger sibling we often have seen in Amy; she brings intelligence, ambition, and heartbreak to the role. Her Amy is sharp, self-aware, and deeply human - a girl who wants beauty, love, and success and is somehow admitting it without fear. It is a performance that truly changes how we see Amy, returning her to the position of sympathy and making her admirable.

One particularly impactful scene sees Amy in a powerful monologue where she finally speaks her truth to Laurie about love, ambition, respect, and the unfair choices women face. It's a role that Pugh has owned to perfection, showing us that Amy March is just as worthy of our attention as any other March sister- if not more.

2. Midsommar

In Midsommar, Florence Pugh delivers a hauntingly unforgettable performance as Dani Ardor, a young woman reeling from unimaginable loss. As she joins her emotionally distant boyfriend on a trip to a Swedish commune, Dani’s grief simmers beneath the surface until it erupts in the most surreal, disturbing ways.

Pugh has often called Midsommar her most challenging role, and it shows. She had to live in Dani’s skin, carrying a constant undercurrent of grief, anxiety, and emotional isolation. It’s not just horror. It’s grief in flower crowns. And Florence makes sure you feel every aching beat of it.

1.Thunderbolts*

Undoubtedly, Pugh's best role is her continuation of Yelena Belova in Marvel's Thunderbolts*, and word is on the street that she's one of the best things in the film that features a stunning ensemble where Yelena is a totally relevant leader. The story examines Yelena in a nuanced manner, looking at a full arc of her grief, trauma, and potential redemption. Pugh's performance illustrates the kind of nuance and emotion of the character, so much so that Yelena feels like an evolution to the original character and also resonates increasingly with the audience.

It would certainly be interesting to witness the turns her character takes in the MCU as she moves forward as the leader of the New Avengers.

Thunderbolts* is in theaters now.