Margot Robbie has emerged as one of the most successful alumni of Neighbours, transforming from the quirky teen Donna Freedman on the Australian soap opera into a leading Hollywood star. In 2024, fans can revisit some of the best Margot Robbie films, showcasing her skill across genres from period dramas to comic book adventures, reaffirming her role as a defining figure in contemporary cinema.
This year, Robbie captivates audiences as Catherine Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell’s bold adaptation of Wuthering Heights. But her acclaimed filmography includes titles spanning intense thrillers, lighthearted comedies, and powerful biopics that have firmly established her reputation as a versatile and compelling actress.
A Forgotten Gem Set in the Dustbowl: Dreamland
Dreamland, released quietly in 2020 amid the pandemic, is a gender-reversed reimagining of Bonnie and Clyde, set in a small 1930s town. Robbie stars as Allison Wells, a notorious bank robber on the run alongside Finn Cole’s naive petty thief who discovers her hideout. Her authentic Southern accent and convincing marksmanship highlight her range as she builds a complex dynamic with the young man she influences.
The film’s haunting dustbowl visuals and avant-garde soundtrack elevate it beyond typical outlaw tales, offering something unique and atmospheric. Though it flew under the radar, Dreamland remains a captivating piece worthy of rediscovery.
Currently available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Stylish Crime Comedy: Focus
Despite mixed critical reception, Focus was a commercial success, tripling its $50 million budget with Margot Robbie sharing the screen with Will Smith. Robbie replaced Kristen Stewart late in production and instantly won over audiences with her femme-fatale charisma, effortlessly overshadowing her co-star in this slick con artist story.
Her chemistry with Smith, usually not known for romantic leads, added an engaging dynamic that brought much of the film’s entertainment value. While it leans toward lightness, it remains a fun addition to her catalog.
Watch Focus streaming now on Netflix and Prime Video.
Quiet, Post-Apocalyptic Drama: Z for Zachariah
Choosing a more thoughtful turn after Hollywood success, Robbie starred in Z for Zachariah, adapted from Robert C. O’Brien’s novel. The film explores isolation and human connection following a nuclear apocalypse, with Robbie as Ann Burden, potentially the last woman alive, whose solitude is disrupted by two men portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine.
Robbie sheds her typical blonde bombshell image here, delivering a subtle and haunting performance that grounds this slow-burning, introspective narrative.
Available to buy on Apple TV, YouTube, and Prime Video.
Regal Rivalries in Mary, Queen of Scots
Robbie took on the significant role of Queen Elizabeth I in Mary, Queen of Scots, following her previous period performances including Suite Française and Goodbye Christopher Robin. Stepping into the shoes previously worn by Cate Blanchett, she captured the tension and nuance of Elizabeth’s early reign, particularly her rivalry with Mary Stuart, played by Saoirse Ronan.
Robbie’s transformation involved hours in makeup to embody the iconic monarch, but it’s her portrayal of Elizabeth’s complex psyche during high-stakes moments that truly resonates.
The film streams on Netflix and Prime Video.
Harley Quinn’s Spotlight: Birds of Prey
Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn found new life in Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn), a film that allows her character to fully shine after the mixed reception of Suicide Squad. Free from the overshadowing tone of previous DC films, this spinoff throws Robbie into an anarchic, vibrant world where she clearly enjoys the unbridled chaos and humor.
Although James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad is often praised as the better superhero sequel, it’s in Birds of Prey where Robbie’s energy is most extravagant and thrilling.
Now streaming on Now.
A Cautionary Tale of Hollywood’s Past: Babylon
Directed by Damien Chazelle, Babylon pays homage to 1920s cinema but diverged from the success of La La Land. Despite mixed reviews and box office disappointment, Robbie’s performance as Nellie LaRoy, a silent film star struggling with talkies, is the film’s emotional core.
Her portrayal stands out amid a star-studded cast including Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, and Olivia Wilde, bringing depth to a character inspired by Clara Bow.
Available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Sky Store, Curzon, and Apple TV.
Spotlight on the #MeToo Movement: Bombshell
In Bombshell, Robbie delivers a compelling, multi-layered portrayal of Kayla Pospisil, a Fox News employee caught in the rising storm against Roger Ailes’s misconduct. While her co-stars Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman depicted real people, Robbie’s composite character offers an emotionally grounded viewpoint on the workplace harassment scandal.
Her role earned her a second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, highlighting the film’s urgent message despite occasional narrative smoothing.
Streaming on Prime Video.
Reimagining 1960s Hollywood: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Though her role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was limited in screen time and dialogue, Robbie’s presence as Sharon Tate was unforgettable. Through subtle expressions, she humanized a figure often overshadowed by her tragic fate amidst the Manson Family murders.
The film’s memorable moments include Tate’s joyful cinema outing, contrasting with the violent climax. Robbie held her own alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, proving her star quality without uttering many lines.
Available on Prime Video.
Breakthrough Role in The Wolf of Wall Street
Robbie’s career-defining breakthrough arrived with Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, in which she played Naomi Lapaglia, the tough and commanding wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. Her audition, which famously included slapping DiCaprio, captured the attention of Hollywood and audiences alike.
At just 22, Robbie embodied a Brooklyn ‘mutt’ who could match the flaws and excesses of her husband, delivering a fierce and unforgettable performance.
Currently streaming on Prime Video.
The Cultural Phenomenon of Barbie
Robbie’s role in Barbie went beyond acting, as she personally acquired the rights from Mattel, championed Greta Gerwig as director, and proposed its subversive themes to Warner Bros. The film’s candy-toned visuals, pop soundtrack, and meta-humor made it a surprising box office hit, ultimately exceeding a billion dollars worldwide.
Robbie’s layered portrayal anchored the film’s playful yet poignant narrative, though she was overlooked during awards season.
Available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Sky Store, and Apple TV.
A Defining Performance in I, Tonya
I, Tonya marked a pinnacle in Robbie’s career, a film she helped develop that explores Tonya Harding’s troubled life, her abusive upbringing, and infamous scandal involving rival Nancy Kerrigan. Robbie trained rigorously on ice and met the real Harding to prepare for the role, capturing the complexity of a woman battling prejudice and scandal.
Her portrayal shines as a whirlwind of sympathy and intensity, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s finest actresses despite narrowly missing an Oscar win. The film remains a high point in her career.
Streaming on Netflix and Now.
Margot Robbie’s 2024 film lineup highlights her versatility and fierce dedication to challenging roles, whether in intense dramas, bold comic book parts, or historical epics. Her status as a major Hollywood player is underscored by her ability to both star in and produce innovative projects, suggesting that her influence will only continue to grow in the years ahead.
