Florence Pugh‘s top non-MCU acting performances showcase her outstanding versatility and prove why she is celebrated far beyond her blockbuster appearances as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While her role as Black Widow’s sister elevated her status in Hollywood, Pugh’s career is rich with dynamic characters and memorable portrayals that have earned her the attention and admiration of audiences and critics alike.
Captivating Viewers in The Little Drummer Girl
Florence Pugh demonstrated her ability to embody complex characters in the 2018 miniseries Little Drummer Girl, based on John le Carré’s acclaimed novel. Set in the politically charged atmosphere of 1979, Pugh portrays Charmian ‘Charlie’ Ross, a young British actress drawn into the world of espionage by the Mossad. Tasked with infiltrating a European cell of a Palestinian terrorist group, her transformation from an aspiring actress to an undercover operative is both believable and gripping. Pugh’s performance stands out for its intensity and emotional depth, mirroring some of the qualities that she would later bring to her MCU role, but situated in a plot thick with psychological tension and intrigue.
Redefining Period Drama in Lady Macbeth
In Lady Macbeth (2016), Florence Pugh breathes new life into the narrative of a woman oppressed by her circumstances. Taking on the character of Katherine Lester, a wife trapped in an abusive marriage in 19th-century England, she provides a hauntingly nuanced depiction of resilience and resolve. Pugh’s ability to humanize Katherine, despite the film’s bleak and sometimes predictable plot, elevates the entire production, making Lady Macbeth a standout in her filmography and a testament to her power as a leading actress.
Breaking Hearts with We Live in Time
Pugh’s starring role in John Crowley’s 2024 romantic drama We Live in Time marks another impressive entry among Florence Pugh’s top non-MCU acting performances. She plays Almut, a passionate chef whose life changes after an accidental encounter with a divorced man, played by Andrew Garfield. The film delicately balances whirlwind romance and poignant tragedy, allowing Pugh’s character to evolve from optimistic and lively to deeply vulnerable. Her portrayal of Almut’s strengths and frailties, whether as a mother or a cancer survivor, is both sincere and magnetic, capturing audience attention even when the script edges into melodrama.
Standing Out in A Good Person
Although Zach Braff’s A Good Person (2023) may not have made waves in mainstream cinema, Pugh’s depiction of Allison, a woman grappling with loss and addiction after a life-altering accident, is nothing short of captivating. Starring alongside Morgan Freeman and Chinaza Uche, Pugh injects multi-dimensionality into Allison’s struggles. Her raw and empathetic performance enables viewers to connect with the emotional core of the film, showing that even in less celebrated projects, she is an undeniable force on screen.
Shining Through Animation in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Proving that her talents extend beyond live-action, Florence Pugh voiced Goldi in the animated adventure Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022). Set in the vibrant Shrek universe, the film follows Puss’s quest for the Wishing Star. Pugh’s Goldi leads a formidable bear crime family, and, despite limited screen time, her expressive voice-acting brings humor, warmth, and drama to the character. Goldi’s presence provides a lively, standout energy in a cast full of animated personalities.
Channeling Real-Life Courage in Fighting with My Family
In the 2019 biographical drama Fighting with My Family, Florence Pugh takes on the challenge of portraying Saraya ‘Paige’ Bevis, the youngest WWE Divas Champion. The film traces Paige’s rise through personal and professional hurdles, and Pugh immerses herself in the world of wrestling, capturing the physicality, emotion, and drive required to make it in the WWE. Sharing the screen with Lena Headey, Nick Frost, and Dwayne Johnson, Pugh anchors the film with a performance that is authentic, heartfelt, and full of charisma.
Delivering Suspense in Don’t Worry Darling
Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling (2022) offers a suspenseful, visually arresting dystopian thriller set in a stylized 1950s American suburb. Florence Pugh plays Alice, a housewife who begins to question the utopian world she inhabits. The film’s underlying tension and social commentary are amplified by Pugh’s intense and determined performance, as she leads an impressive ensemble cast through a maze of secrets and psychological twists. Pugh’s role demanded both vulnerability and strength, and she excelled at both, cementing her position as one of her generation’s compelling leading actors.
Bringing Depth to Historical Mystery in The Wonder
The Wonder (2022) sees Florence Pugh as Elizabeth ‘Lib’ Wright, a nurse dispatched to rural Ireland in 1862 to investigate the seemingly miraculous case of Anna O’Donnell, a girl claimed to survive without food. With tensions simmering between English outsiders and Catholic locals, Pugh’s understated yet commanding presence adds gravity to the story’s ethical and political undertones. Her sensitive performance unravels the intricacies of faith, science, and cultural discord, once again spotlighting her affinity for giving voice to strong, conflicted female protagonists in period pieces.
Stealing the Show in Little Women
In Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Florence Pugh offers a memorable portrayal of Amy March, the fiercely ambitious and often misunderstood sister among the March family. While the film features an ensemble of talent including Saoirse Ronan (Jo), Emma Watson (Meg), and Eliza Scanlen (Beth), it is Pugh’s performance that draws significant attention. Amy’s journey from a rebellious, impulsive youth to a mature, self-aware woman is rendered with nuance and complexity, earning Pugh an Academy Award nomination and cementing her place as a prominent young actress in Hollywood.
Delivering a Haunting Performance in Midsommar
Midsommar (2019) is frequently cited as one of Florence Pugh’s most powerful non-MCU acting performances. Under the direction of Ari Aster, Pugh plays Dani, a young woman reeling from family tragedy, who travels to Sweden for a rural festival that soon descends into horror. Surrounded by a cast that includes Jack Reynor, Pugh channels despair, fear, hope, and resilience as Dani is confronted by a mysterious commune’s unsettling rituals. Her layered, magnetic performance anchors the film’s emotional intensity, turning a stylized folk horror story into a poignant exploration of grief and identity.
The Enduring Impact of Pugh’s Non-MCU Roles
While Yelena Belova and her Marvel storylines have placed Florence Pugh firmly in the realm of modern blockbusters, her diverse non-MCU filmography underscores a rare combination of range and authenticity. From embodying historical heroines and contemporary everywomen to lending her voice to animated worlds, Pugh continuously demonstrates why she is regarded as one of the most dynamic and sought-after talents in today’s film industry. These top ten performances illustrate the depth and flexibility she brings to every project, and audiences can look forward to many more transformative roles as her career continues to flourish.
