You must watch these 9 Dakota Johnson movies if you love the actress

"Highest 2 Lowest" Red Carpet - The 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty
"Highest 2 Lowest" Red Carpet - The 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival - Source: Getty

Dakota Johnson has quietly become one of the most fascinating actresses of her generation. While many people first noticed her in the Fifty Shades trilogy, she went on to far exceed in the showcase of talent and versatility. From deeply emotional dramas to fluffy comedies and even experimental independent films, Dakota has range, all of which puts an added value on the career.

What makes her outstanding is an innate screen presence. She doesn't try much, yet her presence is deeply felt. Performances that either make you laugh or cry, or think, always have some touch of genuineness within them.

Over the years, Dakota has made films with great directors and actors, gaining recognition for her nuanced performances. Now, listed are 9 of her greatest, most memorable movies that are worthy of any fan's attention to see how Dakota Johnson gave life to each one in her own way.


You must watch these 9 Dakota Johnson movies if you love the actress

1. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) | Image Source: Universal Pictures
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) | Image Source: Universal Pictures

Dakota Johnson gained international recognition for portraying Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey. The movie received mixed reviews, but Dakota's performance was lauded as honest and felt natural in physical portrayals of character. Dakota represented innocence, strength, and a quiet confidence, allowing audiences to connect with the character. The film grossed over $500 million globally, and Dakota became a star overnight. Although it was a very bold role, she demonstrated grace and professionalism throughout it.

It is literally the film that introduced Dakota to the world, and is an important film to watch as it goes back to the beginning of Dakota's journey into Hollywood.


2. The Lost Daughter (2021)

The Lost Daughter (2021) | Image Source: Netflix
The Lost Daughter (2021) | Image Source: Netflix

In The Lost Daughter, Dakota Johnson stars as a young mother named Nina. Nina appears to have an ideal life externally, but internally, she is full of struggles. Dakota Johnson's scenes with Olivia Colman were full of quiet tension. Dakota, who plays Nina, displays a new depth and emotional edge that she's never portrayed before.

This film has received ample enthusiasm at the festival circuit, while she has shown great promise with her performance, as she is able to take on serious and multilayered characters. It's not a loud role, even though it is one that sticks with you.


3. How to Be Single (2016)

How to Be Single (2016) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
How to Be Single (2016) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Pictures

In How to Be Single, Dakota Johnson stars as Alice, a young woman who takes a break from her long-term boyfriend to have time to really figure out who she is as an individual. The film is comedic and light, with entertaining perceptions of life experiences that many people in their twenties have lived! Dakota brings charm and a sense of fun to the character and creates a lovable and real Alice.

The chemistry between Dakota and her wild best friend, Rebel Wilson, is great. How to Be Single is more than just a dating movie; it challenges you to learn how to love your solitary self! When you’re in need of a great laugh and some practical advice for life, How to Be Single is a great choice!


4. Suspiria (2018)

Suspiria (2018) | Image Source: Amazon Studios
Suspiria (2018) | Image Source: Amazon Studios

Suspiria takes Dakota Johnson into a dark world of dance and mystery. Dakota stars as Susie, a girl from the Midwest who comes to Berlin to dance at a dance academy, only to find out that something fairly strange is taking place there. Dakota trained hard for this role, and you can see her intensity in the dance performances. Dakota's performance is understated but powerful; she draws you in and does not say much.

The film is creepy, slow, and artistic; however, Dakota keeps your attention from start to finish. If you want to see Dakota in a bold and totally different movie, then Suspiria is a must-see.


5. Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) | Image Source: Apple TV+
Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022) | Image Source: Apple TV+

This indie darling stars Dakota Johnson as Domino, a young mother who finds an unexpected friendship with a much younger man. The film is sweet, tender, and filled with the awkwardness of real life. Dakota Johnson gives a warm and thoughtful performance that is infused with quiet power. Dakota's chemistry with the lead, Cooper Raiff, is authentic and very natural.

This is one of those beautiful Dakota roles where she doesn't need to tackle large amounts of drama to sparkle. Her calm demeanor, gentle stillness, and soft expressions speak volumes. This is a heartfelt watch for her fans.


6. Am I OK? (2022)

Am I OK? (2022) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Discovery
Am I OK? (2022) | Image Source: Warner Bros. Discovery

In the movie Am I OK?, Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, who realizes in her 30s that there may never really have been this thing she knew she could trust her sense of self on. It's a calm, thoughtful movie about finding out who you really are. Dakota shows this effortless naturalness and honesty as if it came from life itself and not just from acting.

This is an extraordinary film in how quietly it broaches the topic of self-acceptance, with hardly a bit of drama about it. If you want a simple story that packs an emotional punch, this would be a good fit.


7. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) | Image Source: Roadside Attractions
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) | Image Source: Roadside Attractions

This film is a lovely tale of friendship, dreams, and acts of kindness. Dakota portrays the role of Eleanor: gentle and caring, she joins two unlikely friends on a trip through the countryside. Eleanor's role is not really loud and dramatic, but absolutely heartfelt- she gives warmth and a calm strength to the story. Sharing the screen with Zack Gottsagen, who has Down syndrome, their chemistry is genuine and pure.

The movie carries a nice message about following your dreams, no matter who you are. This film really is one of those good feels in which Dakota's quiet presence speaks volumes.


8. A Bigger Splash (2015)

A Bigger Splash (2015) | Image Source: Fox Searchlight Pictures
A Bigger Splash (2015) | Image Source: Fox Searchlight Pictures

In A Bigger Splash, Dakota is playing Penelope, an unusual character for a young woman on vacation, who causes trouble without saying anything. Dakota gave a cool and relaxed performance with a couple of mysterious undertones. The film is slow and has a lot of uncommunicated feelings, and Dakota brings an energy through her playfulness that keeps you invested.

She is often not the main character but steals a number of scenes simply by being in them. Dakota has a way of giving an air of calm curiosity to Penelope that makes her a bit of a puzzle.


9. Persuasion (2022)

Persuasion (2022) | Image Source: Netflix
Persuasion (2022) | Image Source: Netflix

Dakota Johnson walks into a traditional Jane Austen universe as Anne Elliot, who is still in love with the man she turned down. The film adds a modern polish to the classic story, and Dakota gives the film charm with her soft wit and facial expressions. Some fans were divided about the modern elements, but Dakota's performance carried the emotion and honesty.

She embraces the sadness and hope of the character. The film is understated and not overly dramatized, but Dakota's face is enough to keep you engaged.


Dakota Johnson's career has been high on wings and memorable acts. The unusual trait with her is that she rarely goes for repeated roles; hence, seeing her perform is rare and exciting. In every movie, whether a big studio or a small indie one, she brings a new flair with genuine honesty and feminine charm.

For all the fans and those who may have just started watching her work, these 9 movies serve as a beautiful molecule through which one can understand her dimension.

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Edited by Sroban Ghosh