Rachel Brosnahan captivates audiences as Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman film set to release on July 11, 2025. Fans eager to experience more from this versatile actress can explore seven Rachel Brosnahan must-watch movies that showcase her broad range of talents across different genres.
A Look at Brosnahan’s Career Before Superman
Rachel Brosnahan rose to fame with her breakout role as Miriam “Midge” Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and has since expanded her repertoire significantly. Her portrayal of Lois Lane in James Gunn’s Superman marks a pivotal moment, as she embraces one of DC’s most beloved characters, the renowned investigative journalist from the Daily Planet. Early reviews and screenings suggest Brosnahan might deliver the most personal and profound performance of her career in this role.
To appreciate her journey and versatility, here are seven films featuring Brosnahan in compelling characters, spanning from empathetic figures to intense leading roles and action-packed thrillers.
7. The Finest Hours (2016): A Heroic Rescue Against the Elements
Directed by Craig Gillespie, The Finest Hours dramatizes a 1952 Coast Guard rescue mission during a vicious nor’easter off New England. With a stellar cast including Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, and Eric Bana, the action-thriller centers on four coast guards battling severe storms to save survivors of the SS Pendleton oil tanker that unexpectedly split apart.
Rachel Brosnahan plays Bea Hanson, a compassionate widowed sister to one of the Coast Guard members, who provides crucial support by saving Miriam, the main character’s love interest, from a snowbank. Although a supporting part, Brosnahan’s warm and empathetic portrayal stands out, adding emotional depth to the story.
The film earned mixed reviews, holding a 63% critical and 66% general audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It is currently available to stream on Disney+.
6. Louder Than Bombs (2015): Navigating Family Secrets and Loss
In this drama directed by Joachim Trier, Brosnahan appears as Erin, an ex-girlfriend who offers emotional support in the life of her former partner Jonah. The film’s layered narrative revolves around ace war photographer Gene Reed and the complex family dynamics triggered by the death of his wife.
The cast includes Jesse Eisenberg, Gabriel Byrne, Isabelle Huppert, and Amy Ryan. Louder Than Bombs explores grief and reconciliation, having premiered in competition for the Palme d’Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and featured in the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.
Critics responded positively, with a 73% Rotten Tomatoes score, making it a worthwhile pick for fans of emotional, character-driven storytelling. It streams on Apple TV+.
5. Dead for a Dollar (2022): A Western of Moral Conundrums
Walter Hill’s western action film Dead for a Dollar features Brosnahan as Rachel Kidd, whose abduction in Chihuahua, Mexico, sparks a tense and dangerous rescue mission. The film explores the journey of veteran bounty hunter Max Borlund, played amidst a cast including Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, and Benjamin Bratt.
The plot thickens when Borlund discovers Rachel’s escape from an abusive marriage complicates his mission, forcing him to choose between fulfilling his contract or protecting her against vengeful mercenaries. Premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, the film received generally favorable but mixed reviews, with a 54% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and 61 on Metacritic.
Viewers can watch Dead for a Dollar on Apple TV+.
4. Patriots Day (2016): Portraying Survival and Resilience After Tragedy
This gripping action-thriller directed by Peter Berg recounts the real-life events of the Boston Marathon Bombings and the manhunt that followed. Mark Wahlberg stars as an FBI agent, Tommy Saunders, collaborating with law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Rachel Brosnahan’s role as Jessica Kensky, a bombing survivor who lost a leg, is brief but memorable, adding a poignant human element to the film’s portrayal of trauma and recovery. The film boasts an all-star cast, including Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, and J.K. Simmons.
Patriots Day earned strong acclaim with an 80% critic and 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It is accessible for streaming on Apple TV+.
3. The Amateur (2025): An Emotional Spy Thriller
One of Brosnahan’s recent leading roles is in The Amateur, directed by James Hawes. Based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, the movie stars Rami Malek as Charlie Heller, a CIA decoder who embarks on a global mission to hunt down those responsible for his wife’s death in a London terrorist attack. Brosnahan plays Sarah Heller, whose tragic death catalyzes the action.
The film also features Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Laurence Fishburne. Despite mixed critical reviews, The Amateur has found strong favor with audiences, scoring 61% on the Tomatometer and 88% on the Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes. It is currently streaming on Apple TV+.
2. The Courier (2020): A Spy Drama Rooted in History
This historical spy thriller, directed by Dominic Cooke, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Greville Wynne, a British businessman who becomes an unsung hero during the Cold War. The film traces Wynne’s secret collaboration with Soviet officer Oleg Penkovsky, which helped prevent a nuclear disaster during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Rachel Brosnahan takes on the role of CIA officer Emily Donovan (also known as Helen Talbott), playing a key part in this tense intelligence operation. The Courier was met with critical acclaim, boasting an 85% critic approval and 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a must-watch for fans of gripping historical dramas. It streams on Apple TV+.
1. I’m Your Woman (2020): A Gritty, Neo-Noir Crime Tale
In the 2020 crime thriller I’m Your Woman, Brosnahan delivers one of her most intense performances as Jean, a woman forced to flee with her infant after her husband’s betrayal puts them in danger. Directed by Julia Hart, the film combines a neo-noir aesthetic with emotional depth and suspenseful storytelling.
The supporting cast includes Arinzé Kene, Marsha Stephanie Blake, and Bill Heck, who enhance the film’s tense and intimate atmosphere. With an 82% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie highlights Brosnahan’s ability to handle complex and emotionally demanding leading roles. The film is available on Prime Video.
Brosnahan’s Personal Connection to Lois Lane and What to Expect
Rachel Brosnahan has described her role as Lois Lane as the one that feels
“the closest to myself I’ve ever played,”
revealing a deep bond with the character. Speaking to The Washington Post, she expressed both admiration and intimidation at inhabiting such a multifaceted role.
The scariest part about this project is that [Lois Lane] feels the closest to myself I’ve ever played. Not in all the ways. I hesitate to say that, because I feel like that’s so easily taken out of context. [I and Lois] are not the same [but] I get so many different parts of her, and was a little intimidated by that.
—Rachel Brosnahan, Actress
This candid comment highlights Brosnahan’s commitment to bringing nuance and authenticity to Lois Lane, promising audiences an unforgettable performance that could redefine the character for a new generation.
As Superman premieres on July 11, 2025, viewers can anticipate seeing Brosnahan at the height of her craft as she balances complexity, emotion, and resilience in her portrayal. Meanwhile, revisiting these seven Rachel Brosnahan must-watch movies offers a comprehensive glimpse at the talent and range that have made her one of today’s most compelling actresses.
