Scarlett Johansson, widely recognized as one of the most talented actresses in the industry, continues to captivate audiences with her diverse roles. From her early beginnings in New York City to starring roles in Hollywood blockbusters and independent films, her career spans critically acclaimed movies and major franchises. This article ranks Scarlett Johansson’s best movies, showcasing her range from Marvel hits to standout indie gems.
Early Beginnings and Career Overview
Born in New York City, Scarlett Johansson first appeared on screen in the 1994 film “North.” Since then, she has built a versatile career, appearing in notable films directed by Woody Allen, such as “Match Point” and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” as well as projects with Wes Anderson including “Asteroid City” and the upcoming “The Phoenician Scheme.” Johansson is also famous for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has earned two Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nods for her performances to date.
Scarlett Johansson’s Latest Release: Jurassic World Rebirth
In her newest role, Johansson stars as Zora Bennett in “Jurassic World Rebirth,” directed by Gareth Edwards and opening July 2, 2025. Set five years after the events of “Jurassic World Dominion,” her character leads a secret mission to secure genetic material from some of the largest dinosaurs, only to uncover a hidden and dangerous secret on an isolated island. This film adds another high-profile blockbuster to Johansson’s portfolio, continuing her streak of dynamic and high-stakes characters.
Ranking the Top 20 Scarlett Johansson Movies
20. Iron Man 2 (2010)
In “Iron Man 2,” Johansson appears alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark, who battles pressure from government forces and powerful adversaries as he navigates his dual identity as Iron Man. Johansson’s role as Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) marks the start of her integral contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“It’s not the armor that makes the hero, but the man inside.”
—Iron Man 2
19. The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Johansson plays a traumatized teenager supported by her mother, played by Kristin Scott Thomas, who seeks help from a gifted horse trainer portrayed by Robert Redford. This emotional drama marked one of Johansson’s earliest performances hinting at her future depth as an actress.
18. The Avengers (2012)
Scarlett Johansson returned as Black Widow in “The Avengers,” a film where Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, assembles a team of superheroes to face a global threat. This milestone Marvel film solidified her status as a key player in the superhero genre.
17. Ghost World (2001)
In this cult classic, Johansson stars alongside Thora Birch as two cynical teenagers grappling with life after high school. Their friendship is tested after a prank on a quirky record collector evolves into an unexpected connection.
16. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
The stakes rise in “Avengers: Infinity War” as the ensemble cast confronts the cosmic threat of Thanos, played by Josh Brolin. Johansson’s Black Widow fights alongside other heroes to prevent the collection of the Infinity Stones and the destruction of reality as they know it.
15. Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)
As covert operations expert Zora Bennett, Johansson leads a top-secret mission to recover dinosaur genetic material. The operation leads to a suspenseful encounter with unexpected dangers, propelling this blockbuster into a new era of the beloved franchise.
14. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
This Marvel film explores the fallout of the Sokovia Accords, dividing the Avengers into opposing factions led by Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans). Johansson’s Black Widow is caught amid this ideological clash that pits former allies against one another.
“United we stand. Divided we fall.”
—Captain America: Civil War
13. Match Point (2005)
Directed by Woody Allen, this psychological thriller presents Johansson as Nola, the fiancée of a wealthy young man, who becomes the object of obsession for a former tennis player, creating a tense love triangle filled with secrets and suspense.
12. The Prestige (2006)
In this story of rivalry between two magicians, Johansson takes on a compelling supporting role in a narrative marked by obsession and deceit. The film explores the dangerous consequences of competition and the cost of ambition.
11. The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
This upcoming Wes Anderson project centers on family and business dynamics. Johansson’s involvement lends anticipation to this stylish, character-driven story.
“If something gets in your way: flatten it.”
—The Phoenician Scheme
10. Black Widow (2021)
Johansson’s first solo Marvel film delves into Natasha Romanoff’s past as she confronts dangerous conspiracies tied to her former life as a spy. The story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, deepening the character’s narrative within the MCU.
“Her world. Her secrets. Her legacy.”
—Black Widow
9. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
In this Woody Allen romantic drama, Johansson plays Cristina, one of two friends vacationing in Spain who become entangled with a passionate painter and his tempestuous ex-wife. The film looks at love’s complexities and the unpredictable nature of relationships.
“Life is the ultimate work of art.”
—Vicky Cristina Barcelona
8. Her (2014)
In an unconventional love story, Johansson voices an advanced operating system that develops a romantic relationship with a lonely writer played by Joaquin Phoenix. The film blends science fiction and human emotion, probing how technology shapes connections and isolation.
7. Hail, Caesar! (2016)
In the comedic drama set during Hollywood’s Golden Age, Johansson appears as part of a star-studded cast navigating the mystery of a disappeared film star. The movie satirizes the meticulous world of filmmaking.
6. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Johansson reprises her Black Widow role alongside Chris Evans’ Captain America as they uncover a vast conspiracy within S.H.I.E.L.D. Facing deadly enemies, they must protect global security and uncover hidden threats, joined by Anthony Mackie’s Falcon.
5. Lucy (2014)
In this high-concept action thriller, Johansson plays a woman who gains extraordinary abilities after being caught in a dangerous deal. Her transformation into a formidable fighter explores themes of human potential and survival.
“The average person uses 10% of their brain capacity. Imagine what she could do with 100%.”
—Lucy
4. Jojo Rabbit (2019)
This World War II satire features Johansson as a single mother hiding a Jewish girl from the Nazi regime. The story, told through the eyes of a boy with an imaginary Adolf Hitler friend, examines blind nationalism and innocence amidst chaos.
“It’s definitely not a good time to be a Nazi.”
—Jojo Rabbit
3. Marriage Story (2019)
In this emotional drama, Johansson portrays an actress undergoing a difficult divorce with a stage director played by Adam Driver. The film explores the complexities of love, separation, and personal growth with profound intensity.
“Where there’s a love, there’s a way.”
—Marriage Story
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Following the devastating losses caused by Thanos, the Avengers unite in “Endgame” to undo his actions and restore balance to the universe. Johansson’s Black Widow plays a crucial role in this epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga.
1. Lost in Translation (2003)
Often considered Johansson’s breakthrough role, “Lost in Translation” features her as a young wife feeling disconnected while in Tokyo, forming a unique bond with a fading movie star played by Bill Murray. The film poignantly captures themes of loneliness and human connection.
“Everyone wants to be found.”
—Lost in Translation
The Enduring Impact of Scarlett Johansson’s Filmography
Scarlett Johansson’s trajectory from indie films to blockbuster franchises showcases her extraordinary range and ability to embody complex characters. Her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has defined a new era of superhero storytelling, while her independent roles continue to earn critical acclaim. As she takes on new projects like “The Phoenician Scheme” and “Jurassic World Rebirth,” Johansson’s presence remains a significant force in contemporary cinema, promising further compelling performances to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson split?
A. This celebrity news is old, as both individuals are now happily with other people. Scarlett Johansson recently hinted at why her marriage to Ryan Reynolds ended. She suggested their relationship failed due to being too competitive with each other.
Q. What is Scarlett Johansson’s religion?
A. She is from a Jewish family that escaped from Poland and Russia, with their original last name being Schlamberg. She has an older sister, Vanessa, who is an actress, an older brother named Adrian, and a twin brother named Hunter.
Q. What is the religion of Scarlett Johansson?
A. Her family, originally with the last name Schlamberg, escaped from Poland and Russia. She identifies as Jewish. Her older sister, Vanessa, is also an actress. She has another older brother named Adrian and a twin brother named Hunter.
