Margot Robbie’s Top 11 Performances Ranked You Can’t Miss

Margot Robbie has captivated global audiences since she left Australia over a decade ago to pursue a career in Hollywood. Known for her dedication to fully embodying her roles — including intense physical training and deep psychological research — Robbie has delivered some of the most authentic portrayals in recent cinema. From playing real-life figures like Tonya Harding and Sharon Tate to bringing complex fictional characters to life, her commitment has made her one of the most compelling actresses of her generation, firmly establishing her presence in the film industry. This article explores the Margot Robbie best performances that showcase her range and talent through a carefully curated ranking of her top roles.

Margot Robbie’s Underrated Turn as a Bank Robber in ‘Dreamland’ (2019)

In the lesser-known film Dreamland, set in 1930s Texas, Margot Robbie plays Allison Wells, a fugitive bank robber who intrigues a teenage boy, Eugene Evans (Finn Cole), who soon becomes her accomplice. Unlike the traditional gender roles seen in similar crime stories, this film flips the narrative to focus on a female outlaw. The chemistry between Robbie and Cole delivers an authentic feel that anchors the film’s emotional core. In Allison’s climactic scene, Robbie’s performance deeply conveys vulnerability and complexity as she pleads with Eugene not to abandon their shared plans. Her line,

“I didn’t make you into anything you didn’t already want to be,”

encapsulates the layered relationship she builds throughout the film.

Though it premiered at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, Dreamland had a limited theatrical release during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and did not receive the recognition it deserved, despite Robbie’s compelling portrayal and Lyle Vincent’s impressive cinematography. This performance highlights her ability to bring both charisma and raw emotion to a nuanced character.

The Emotional Depth in ‘Z for Zachariah’ (2015)

One of Margot Robbie’s more overlooked roles comes from the post-apocalyptic drama Z for Zachariah, where she plays Ann, a young woman isolated on her family’s farm, believing she may be the last survivor after a nuclear catastrophe. In this minimalist cast of three, Robbie’s nuanced performance shines without the distractions of glamour or fast-paced action, focusing on her character’s intense emotional journey amid loneliness and the human need for connection. She balances innocence with an evolving complexity as Ann becomes the center of a tense love triangle with Caleb (Chris Pine) and Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

Robbie superbly depicts Ann’s internal struggle, from yearning for companionship to the pain of heartbreak and jealousy, demonstrating her range beyond her typical “bombshell” image. This film underscores her capacity to deepen a simple premise through heartfelt acting.

Portraying Royalty with Complexity in ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ (2018)

Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots offers a vulnerable and humanized take on the monarch. Playing against Saoirse Ronan’s Mary Stuart, Robbie infuses Elizabeth with doubt, envy, and insecurity regarding her hold on power as a childless, unmarried queen. The film’s pivotal moment is their first and only meeting, loaded with tension and subtle emotion expertly conveyed through the performances of both actresses.

Robbie’s dedication extended beyond acting into an intense transformation process, involving over three hours a day in hair and makeup to recreate Elizabeth’s iconic look, including the effects of historical illnesses like smallpox. While screen time is limited compared to Ronan’s Mary, every moment Robbie appears commands attention, showcasing her skill at making an impression in a demanding period drama.

Reimagining a Classic in ‘Wuthering Heights’ (2026)

Robbie takes a bold and provocative approach as Catherine Earnshaw in the 2026 adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell. Reuniting with the director after producing Saltburn, Robbie explores themes of obsession and class tension through a sensual and unruly performance opposite Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff. Their characters’ childhood friendship evolves into a passionate yet destructive relationship, portrayed with intensity and rawness.

Despite online criticism over Robbie’s age and appearance compared to the original depiction of Cathy as a brunette teenager, she confronts the backlash publicly while embracing the challenge. This role marks Robbie’s most vulnerable and daring work since The Wolf of Wall Street, following the birth of her first child. Her portrayal captures Catherine’s heartbreak and toxic tendencies, compelling viewers to engage deeply with her emotional turmoil. This performance signals an expansion of Robbie’s range into darker, more complex territory.

A Brief but Memorable Performance as Sharon Tate in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ (2019)

Although Margot Robbie’s screen time in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is limited, her portrayal of Sharon Tate leaves a lasting impression. The film carefully avoids focusing on the tragic Manson Family murders and instead celebrates Tate’s vibrant personality and charm. Robbie embodies this by radiating joy and innocence in scenes where Tate dances or visits the cinema to watch herself on screen.

Robbie prepared meticulously, consulting with Tate’s family and immersing herself in the actress’s films and life. She even tuned out distractions on shooting days to remain fully in character. The controversy that arose over her limited dialogue prompted Tarantino to firmly reject critics’ questions, emphasizing Robbie’s magnetic presence despite the constraints of her role. Her ability to captivate viewers alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio speaks volumes about her star power.

Channeling Courage and Pain in ‘Bombshell’ (2019)

In Jay Roach’s Bombshell, which loosely addresses the #MeToo movement, Margot Robbie plays Kayla Pospisil, a fictional Fox News associate producer inspired by real women who endured harassment under Roger Ailes. Unlike her co-stars Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman, who portray recognizable news personalities, Robbie’s character represents the collective experience of those affected.

Robbie delivers some of the film’s most emotionally intense scenes, including a silent elevator moment with Theron and Kidman that captures the isolating fear surrounding coming forward, and a shattering scene in which Kayla faces Ailes’s humiliating and manipulative conduct. Her breakdown confiding in her colleague Jess Carr (Kate McKinnon) showcases her raw talent and earned Robbie a well-deserved Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Unleashing Energy and Tragedy in ‘Babylon’ (2022)

Margot Robbie shines in Damien Chazelle’s Babylon, a dramatized tribute to Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies in the 1920s. As Nellie LaRoy, a rising star with a penchant for partying, Robbie captures the highs and lows of a rapidly changing industry. Nellie’s inability to adapt culminates in a dramatic meltdown that spells the end of her career.

Despite mixed critical reception owing to its long runtime and indulgent narrative, Robbie’s performance was widely praised. Her electrifying dance sequences, chaotic reactions to on-set mishaps, and ability to cry on demand — a skill she honed during her time on the Australian soap Neighbours — make her scenes the film’s most captivating moments. Robbie has expressed wonder whether Babylon might find greater appreciation years from now, fitting the film’s theme of shifting eras.

Global Stardom and Record-Breaking Success with ‘Barbie’ (2023)

Robbie’s leading role as Barbie elevated her to unprecedented box office success, with the 2023 film surpassing $1.4 billion worldwide and becoming Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing title. Far from shallow, the film weaves serious themes about women’s societal pressures into a vibrant, comedic adventure. Robbie’s performance balances the doll’s classic perfection with nuanced humanity as Barbie confronts the challenges of the real world, a journey underscored by America Ferrera’s impactful monologue on unrealistic expectations.

The actress underwent rigorous physical training and dance lessons for the film’s standout party scene, demonstrating her commitment to every aspect of the role. While Barbie received eight Oscar nominations, it only won for Best Original Song, and Robbie’s omission from the Best Actress category sparked notable disappointment. Nevertheless, the film’s resounding success cements her status as a cinematic leading lady and fuels anticipation for an eventual sequel.

Margot Robbie’s Breakthrough Role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

The Wolf of Wall Street introduced Margot Robbie to the world as Naomi, the fiery wife of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio). Her audition famously involved slapping DiCaprio, a bold move that secured her the role and showcased an early willingness to take risks. Though Naomi primarily serves as a foil to her husband’s excesses, Robbie infused her with emotional depth and sharp wit, delivering lines that have since become iconic in popular culture, including

“Who? Who? What are you, a fucking owl?”

when suspecting infidelity.

Robbie’s final scenes, including her plea for divorce and fear of losing custody of her child, revealed her dramatic capabilities beyond being simply a glamorous supporting character. Despite no Oscar nomination coming for this role, and even Robbie herself doubting her performance at times, it marked the beginning of her lasting film career.

Mastering Independence in ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad represents the character fully realized and independent, breaking free from her co-dependent past with The Joker. Compared to earlier versions in 2016’s Suicide Squad and 2020’s Birds of Prey, this performance is marked by undeniable energy, wit, and emotional range. Robbie not only delivered a captivating presence but also designed and performed her own stunt choreography, including an explosive escape scene that highlights her physical commitment to the role.

As the DC Universe evolves, Robbie remains central to Harley Quinn’s future, giving fans a version of the character that is both fierce and unpredictable. Her embodiment of Harley Quinn has become definitive among comic book adaptations of recent years.

The Defining Performance That Changed Her Path in ‘I, Tonya’ (2017)

Margot Robbie’s starring and producing roles in I, Tonya marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her ability to carry a film and completely immerse herself in character. Portraying Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding, the actress trained intensively for five months, even on the day before her wedding, to master ice skating techniques, including the challenging triple Axel.

The film delves into Harding’s turbulent life, from her rise in competitive skating to the scandal involving the attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan, along with the domestic abuse she endured from her mother and ex-husband Jeff Gillooly. Robbie’s silent moment of self-reflection in front of a mirror, improvised by the actress herself, conveys raw emotion without a single word, capturing Harding’s lifelong struggle with self-worth. This role earned Robbie her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress, a recognition many felt was well deserved despite her loss to Allison Janney.