Oscar nominee Ana de Armas stands out among her generation’s top actors, earning a reputation for her versatility across genres in Hollywood, from psychological thrillers to big action franchises. The
“Best Ana de Armas movies ranked and reviewed”
are highlighted here based on her impact, memorable screen presence, and the lasting impression she leaves, forging her path from Spanish cinema to blockbuster stardom alongside stars like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Wagner Moura, and Keanu Reeves.
Below, we explore her essential roles—both her most critically lauded and those in which she truly shined, revealing the breadth of her talent in everything from intimate dramas to high-octane action. This collection follows the evolution of Ana de Armas, showing how she became a standout in Hollywood’s crowded field and an increasingly influential force as her career grows.
10. Knock Knock (2015): Introducing Hollywood to Ana de Armas
Directed by Eli Roth, “Knock Knock” follows Evan, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, who is home alone for a rainy weekend when two strangers, Genesis (Lorenza Izzo) and Bel (Ana de Armas), unexpectedly arrive. Seeking shelter and help, the young women’s motives quickly shift, seducing Evan before refusing to leave and subjecting him to psychological torment.
This film marks Ana de Armas’s entrance into Hollywood and her early work in English-language cinema. Even as Bel might initially seem a one-note character, de Armas commands the viewer’s attention with a blend of naive innocence and subtle menace, creating unpredictability around her actions. Her on-screen magnetism lifts the character beyond expectations, and while the film divides audiences and critics over its tone and provocativeness, her performance stands as the highlight, signaling the start of her scene-stealing collaborations with Keanu Reeves—a partnership that would have further significance in her career.
9. Ghosted (2023): Playing a New Kind of Action Lead
Dexter Fletcher’s “Ghosted” centers on the smitten Cole (Chris Evans), who is determined to find Sadie (Ana de Armas) following a sudden end to their budding relationship. Discovering Sadie’s real identity as a CIA agent embroiled in a bioweapons chase, Cole becomes entangled in life-threatening espionage across London and beyond.
The film received mixed feedback for predictable storylines and inconsistent tone, with some pointing to limited chemistry between de Armas and Evans compared to their previous dynamic in other films. Still, Ana de Armas proves her mettle in action set pieces, combining physical prowess with charisma and a comedic touch. Despite the writing’s constraints, her capability to infuse Sadie with vulnerability and wit elevates the character, making this a significant stepping stone toward her transition to full-fledged action roles.
8. The Gray Man (2022): Bringing Depth to High-Octane Action
Anthony and Joe Russo’s “The Gray Man” tells the story of Court Gentry, alias Sierra Six (Ryan Gosling), a covert CIA assassin in possession of compromising evidence against his employer. With former agent Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans) hunting him around the world, Six’s only real ally is Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas), a fellow operative searching for honesty within the agency.
Despite criticisms of the film’s conventional plotting, Ana de Armas delivers much-needed grounding as Miranda, who is both practical and ethical in the midst of relentless fights and chaos. While her role is somewhat underdeveloped in the screenplay, de Armas’s determination and skill allow her to command the screen, nearly overshadowing leads Gosling and Evans. Her portrayal adds a layer of humanity to the otherwise adrenaline-driven thriller, making her presence undeniably memorable.
7. Deep Water (2022): Thriving in Volatile Intensity
Directed by Adrian Lyne, “Deep Water” revolves around the tumultuous marriage of Vic (Ben Affleck) and Melinda (Ana de Armas), with Melinda’s open infidelity serving as the relationship’s core tension. As Melinda introduces a series of lovers into their social world, the film delves into resentment and suspicious deaths, suggesting Vic might be involved.
Ana de Armas throws herself into the chaos of Melinda’s character, rendering her enthralling, reckless, and fiercely sensual. She makes Melinda both magnetic and agonizing for viewers to watch, her performance full of unpredictability and raw emotion. The on-screen relationship between de Armas and Affleck is intense and occasionally unsettling, fuelled in part by their real-life romance. Despite the narrative’s uneven execution, Ana’s spirited portrayal stands as the drama’s linchpin, lifting the adaptation from its muddled pacing to a deeper exploration of desire and danger.
6. Sergio (2020): Anchoring a Quiet Drama
“Sergio,” directed by Greg Barker, dramatizes the life of Brazilian UN diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello (Wagner Moura), especially moments following a fatal Baghdad bombing and his humanitarian work, including his relationship with UN economist Carolina Larriera (Ana de Armas).
The film leans more into romance and emotional stakes than in-depth political exploration, and its pacing is sometimes languid. Yet, Ana de Armas brings emotional resonance and believability as Carolina, sharing thoughtful and nuanced chemistry with Moura. While this streaming release didn’t earn major spotlight, de Armas demonstrates her growth as an actor, showing a quieter maturity and grounded realism that stands out among her filmography. “Sergio” also highlights the strong professional affiliations she’s built, with the project marking another collaboration with Wagner Moura.
5. Blonde (2022): Transforming into Marilyn Monroe
Directed by Andrew Dominik and adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’ fictional novel, “Blonde” chronicles the inner life of Marilyn Monroe (Ana de Armas), juxtaposing her alter ego Norma Jeane’s traumatic youth with Monroe’s manufactured persona. The film recreates Monroe’s key relationships—her troubled marriage to Joe DiMaggio (Bobby Cannavale), playwright Arthur Miller (Adrien Brody), and disturbing encounters with political figures—blurring reality and fiction.
Ana de Armas delivers a transformative and challenging performance, capturing both the glamour and vulnerabilities of Monroe. Her portrayal is intense, emotionally exhaustive, and brave, navigating the darkness of Monroe’s personal life and the unattainable myth she embodied for a generation. Critical responses noted the film’s controversial subject matter and exploitative tone; nonetheless, Ana’s work was broadly acknowledged as mesmerizing, culminating in an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress—only the second Cuban in history to achieve this distinction. The role cements her reputation for taking risks and demonstrates her exceptional ability to bring new life to iconic characters.
Alongside Ana de Armas, “Blonde” features Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Zavier Samuel, and Julianne Nicholson, building a complicated portrait of Monroe’s world and legacy.
4. Ballerina (2025): Ascending to Action Star Lead
“Ballerina,” directed by Len Wiseman, broadens the “John Wick” universe, following assassin Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), who seeks vengeance after witnessing her father’s murder by a shadowy group. Her journey for justice is aided by Winston (Ian McShane) of the Continental Hotels, drawing Eve into a perilous conflict between rival assassin factions.
This film solidifies Ana de Armas as a lead action star, expanding on glimpses of her potential shown in earlier work like James Bond’s “No Time to Die.” She executes complex fight choreography with conviction and versatility, whether using grenades or engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and humanizes Eve by expressing inner resolve as well as emotional depth. Supported by a connection to John Wick lore and strong performances from co-stars including Anjelica Huston, de Armas’s Eve emerges as a compelling protagonist in her own right, providing new energy to the ever-expanding franchise and marking a significant milestone in her career.
The story’s stakes are deeply personal, as Eve seeks vengeance against those responsible for her family’s ruin, weaving together classical revenge themes with contemporary blockbuster action.
3. No Time to Die (2021): Brightening the Bond Franchise
Cary Joji Fukunaga’s “No Time to Die” follows James Bond (Daniel Craig) on his final mission, caught between betrayal and a global threat engineered by Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek). In Havana, Bond teams up with Paloma (Ana de Armas), a dynamo CIA agent, for a brief operation with spectacular consequences.
Though Paloma appears only briefly—approximately ten minutes—she reinvigorates the film with remarkable charm, intuition, and sharp comedic timing. Ana de Armas breaks the mold of traditional Bond girls, infusing her role with freshness and ease, and her chemistry with Daniel Craig is instantly engaging and fun. Many viewers and critics hoped to see her return in future installments. Her ability to make such a striking impression in a limited role underscores her unique appeal, further cementing her connection to modern action cinema and influential franchises.
2. Blade Runner 2049 (2017): Making AI Feel Human
Denis Villeneuve’s “Blade Runner 2049” picks up thirty years after Ridley Scott’s original, with K (Ryan Gosling) tasked to eliminate rogue replicants as he uncovers a conspiracy that could change humanity and AI forever. On his journey, K is emotionally supported by Joi (Ana de Armas), a holographic AI companion.
Despite playing an artificial intelligence, Ana de Armas infuses Joi with remarkable warmth, sensitivity, and complexity. She crafts a touching relationship with Gosling’s K, complicating questions of programmed devotion versus genuine emotion. Through special effects and layered performance, de Armas makes Joi one of the most human elements in an otherwise cold dystopian setting. Although “Blade Runner 2049” did not achieve expected box office results, critics celebrated its visual splendor and rich storytelling, with de Armas’s portrayal helping to deepen the film’s emotional and philosophical resonance.
1. Knives Out (2019): Starring in a Modern Mystery Classic
Directed by Rian Johnson, the whodunit “Knives Out” begins with the apparent suicide of acclaimed mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) soon after his 85th birthday celebration. Private detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) investigates the dysfunctional Thrombey family, but much of the suspense soon centers on Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), Thrombey’s compassionate nurse, whose involvement with a medication mix-up and a crucial confession propels the plot.
As Marta, Ana de Armas moves to the front of this star-studded ensemble, blending vulnerability and resilience to portray a protagonist thrust into a whirlwind of family drama, suspicion, and moral ambiguity. Her warmth and authenticity ground the film’s social satire, making Marta relatable and engaging as the audience’s emotional anchor. De Armas’s lively interplay with Daniel Craig, and with actors like Chris Evans and Lakeith Stanfield, creates some of the movie’s most memorable moments. Her breakout performance in “Knives Out” earned her a Golden Globe nomination and affirmed her arrival as a major Hollywood talent.
This role propelled Ana de Armas into higher-profile projects and expanded her range, with audiences and critics alike recognizing her as not just a supporting player, but as a new leading force in contemporary cinema.
Ana de Armas’s career trajectory, as seen in these films, reflects her continuous ascent in the international film scene. From intimate dramas to spectacle-filled action and world-famous franchises, she consistently reinvents herself on screen. With upcoming projects and prominent roles like “Ballerina,” de Armas’s imprint on the industry is set to endure, confirming her status as a dynamic, memorable presence in modern film.
