Margot Robbie has forged a remarkable acting career that surpasses the typical path of relying solely on looks, earning critical acclaim and shaping a portfolio marked by depth and variety. As her latest film, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, reaches audiences, examining the Best Margot Robbie Performances reveals the range and dedication behind her growing legacy.
Robbie’s Noteworthy Roles Highlight Versatility and Intensity
Margot Robbie demonstrates a rare balance between charisma and compelling emotional depth. Her work in Barbie stands out for seamlessly blending humor with heartfelt moments. As noted in one review,
“Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are phenomenal here, each as good as they’ve ever been. Gosling is a comedic goldmine and deserves legitimate Best Supporting Actor consideration. The amount that he throws himself into this role is staggering and staggeringly delightful. The commitment itself is hilarious, let alone his comic timing. Robbie is funny too, but has the dramatic high points, potentially making you roll a tear by the end. I know I did. The other Barbies and Kens have their moments, for sure, but Gosling and Robbie are the highlights,”
reflecting the emotional and comedic range Robbie delivers alongside her co-star.” — Reviewer
Her performance in Babylon further cements her status as an electrifying presence. Sharing the screen with Diego Calva and Brad Pitt, Robbie emerges as
“best in show and an absolute spitfire.”
The portrayal is described as a “force of nature” that captures the audience’s full attention.
“Diego Calva, Brad Pitt, and especially Margot Robbie lead a game ensemble cast. Calva and Robbie are best in show, while Pitt is just having a ball. Calva is our audience surrogate, really embracing the wonder, as well as the compromised values, that mark his journey. His final scene hammers home not just the strength of the performance but the themes of the movie as well. Pitt is having fun and going on the most predictable arc, but he’s a blast to follow along with. Then, there’s Robbie, who is best in show and an absolute spitfire. She’s a force of nature here and impossible not to be captivated by.”
— Reviewer
Ranking the Most Impactful Performances of Margot Robbie
Critics and fans agree that Robbie’s roles in Barbie and I, Tonya represent the pinnacle of her career, with a strong case for either being ranked as her best. The variety in her performances extends beyond these highlights to include a wide array of characters that showcase her adaptability.
Her portrayal of Harley Quinn in both Birds of Prey and The Suicide Squad demonstrates Robbie’s ability to command the screen with a playful yet dangerous energy. In addition, Bombshell and The Wolf of Wall Street highlight her skill with complex, dramatic roles, while the lesser-known but critically appreciated Z for Zachariah reveals a more subtle and nuanced side of her acting capabilities.
Below is a detailed list of what are arguably her Best Margot Robbie Performances, ranked:
Honorable Mentions: About Time, Amsterdam, Focus, Goodbye Christopher Robin, and Mary Queen of Scots
10. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Robbie once again embodies Harley Quinn with a wild, unrestrained edge that balances chaos and charm, enriching an already vibrant ensemble.
9. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (2016)
In this dark comedic drama, Robbie delivers a grounded yet spirited performance as a journalist navigating the complexities of war-torn Afghanistan.
8. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Her role adds historical and emotional texture, portraying a figure intertwined with the glitz and grit of late 1960s Hollywood.
7. Birds of Prey (2020)
Robbie’s return as Harley Quinn features irreverence and fierce independence, presenting a character increasingly layered and empowered.
6. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Her breakthrough role as Naomi Lapaglia showed her ability to shine next to Leonardo DiCaprio, delivering both glamour and grit.
5. Bombshell (2019)
In this ensemble drama, Robbie’s fiery performance captures the urgency and anger of women confronting corporate abuses, standing out amid a powerful cast.
4. Z for Zachariah (2015)
An underrated gem, this post-apocalyptic drama features Robbie as a complex survivor, portraying vulnerability and strength in delicate balance.
3. Babylon (2022)
Robbie plays an uncontainable presence in this period drama, illustrating the turbulent transition in Hollywood with fierce energy.
2. Barbie (2023)
Her titular role blends whimsical charm with poignant moments, wielding humor and emotional insight that define this modern classic.
1. I, Tonya (2017)
The peak of Robbie’s career so far, the portrayal of Tonya Harding is a tour de force of intensity, complexity, and empathy, earning critical acclaim and award buzz.
The Lasting Impact and Future of Margot Robbie’s Career
Margot Robbie’s steady rise through diverse and memorable roles exemplifies a dedication to challenging, meaningful performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike. Her ability to inhabit widely different characters—from the tragic and intense to the wildly comedic—positions her as one of Hollywood’s most promising talents moving forward. With A Big Bold Beautiful Journey soon to expand her portfolio, fans and industry watchers alike eagerly anticipate the continued evolution of her craft and further acclaimed work.
