Top 10 Scarlett Johansson Performances

Scarlett Johansson is currently one of the most versatile actresses in the Hollywood film industry. Her acting skills and selection of characters have certainly improved in the last few years. She stepped into the world of acting at the age of 11. Her debut film was Manny & Lo (1996). Since then, she has appeared in numerous movies. She is prominent for starring in high-budget instalments as well as independent projects. The year 2020 was the most crucial part of her outstanding career as she featured in two Oscar-nominated movies, Jojo Rabbit and Marriage Story. Despite getting nominated for both of them, she was unable to bag an Academy Award. At present, she is one of the highest-earning actresses worldwide.

Here are the top 10 Scarlett Johansson performances!

The Horse Whisperer

The Horse Whisperer (1998)

Do you know that Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) was not the first collaboration between Johansson and legend Robert Redford? Many years ago, both of them starred in this sweet drama film. Its extended runtime and slow pace may frustrate some viewers. But it beautifully displays the talents of the lead cast. Particularly of 14-year-old Scarlett! She was among the top child artists back then. But this Redford project gave her an excellent chance to shine in her role.

Don Jon

Don Jon (2013)

Scarlett Johansson’s Jersey accent might have stolen most of the limelight from her. Still, she looked in pretty fine form here. Her comedic role definitely entertained everyone. Her character is largely inspired by the conventional romantic comedies where the actress usually finds her right man. On the other hand, her man, Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), is only satisfied with good porn. Fans really loved her spirited avatar in this movie.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Javier Bardem has made a name in Hollywood for delivering amazing performances. But this movie completely belonged to his wife, Penelope Cruz, and Scarlett Johansson. Both ladies gave their absolute best in this Woody Allen project. Cruz might have bagged the Academy Award for her role, but we cannot just ignore Johansson’s performance here. Her acting was smooth and sweet in this film.

Lucy

Lucy (2014)

This Luc Besson’s project looks way over-the-top and nonsensical at times. But thanks to the charm of its leading lady, it gets the job done! The concept of the 10% usage of our brain seems intriguing. But its entanglement with the overall plot of the movie appears a bit strange sometimes. However, Johansson looked pretty badass here! Her transition from a weak and scared girl to a cold-hearted psychokinetic woman impresses everyone.

Her

Her (2013)

Scarlett Johansson’s flawless voice performance perfectly balances the devastating portrayal of Theodore done by Joaquin Phoenix. He might have led this movie, but we cannot ignore Samantha (Johansson) here. Her voice consisted of just enough amounts of sweetness, lust, care, manipulation, and fear. Despite being a part of artificial intelligence, she turns out to be the perfect partner for Theodore. Director Spike Jonze went on to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Black Widow (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Black Widow

Just like the character of Black Widow is incomplete without Scarlett Johansson, the latter is also incomplete without the key member of The Avengers. We never doubted Johansson’s talents before Iron Man 2 (2010). But this role took her to brand new heights of global popularity. The growth and development of this avenger are astonishing. From being a personal secretary to Mr Stark to sacrificing herself for the Soul Stone, Widow has surely travelled a long and unforgettable journey. So did Scarlett!

Johansson is set to portray this iconic role for the last time in the upcoming Black Widow movie this year.

Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation (2003)

This masterpiece provides the career-best performance of Bill Murray. Bob’s vulnerable and heart-touching persona flawlessly blends with Charlottle’s disoriented sense and insecurities. Despite having a big age difference, their chemistry looks mesmerizing. They both suffer the consequences of failed marriages. Yet, they manage to form a strong bond between them. Sofia Coppola has constantly received strong criticism for her wooden acting abilities. But she damn sure won the hearts of the viewers by her direction in this elegant cinematic beauty!

Under the Skin

Under the Skin (2013)

The year 2013 became a crucial one for Scarlett Johansson in terms of bestowing marvellous performances. Under the Skin is one of her underrated projects ever. Her enchanting and haunting portrayal of otherworldly female in this movie still terrifies us. She utilizes her attractive appearance to hunt men and drown them in thick black liquid. It excels in terms of visuals. But at the same time, it also manages to derange our minds.

Jojo Rabbit

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Jojo Rabbit is undoubtedly one of the best movies of 2019. Other than Taika Waititi’s creative and comedic directional approach, it was widely praised for the performances of its cast. Particularly of Scarlett Johansson! Despite receiving very low screentime compared to other performers, she skillfully showcases her wide range of acting abilities. She plays the character of a single German mother who raises a boy filled with Hitler’s ideologies. Soon, her boy finds out that she is hiding a young Jewish girl in their house.

Marriage Story

Marriage Story (2019)

Marriage Story seems like a modified version of Kramer vs Kramer (1979) in many ways. But it still manages to stand strong. Largely due to Noah Baumbach’s incredible direction and the bravura performances of its cast. The movie slowly builds up the tension between its leads, only to provide an explosion of all their acting talents at the end. Both Driver and Johansson dispatched their career-best performances in it. They even got nominated for the categories of Best Actor and Best Actress respectively at the Academy Awards.