’s career is a fascinating mix of bold artistic choices and blockbuster dominance. She has seamlessly navigated between indie dramas, critically acclaimed arthouse films, and billion-dollar franchises. While many actors find themselves typecast, Johansson has proven time and again that she can be just as compelling in an experimental sci-fi film as she is in an action spectacle. Her performances are often physical with sharp emotional intelligence making her one of the most well-rounded actors of her generation. This year, her continued collaboration with director will see her star in . She will also be starring in this summer's blockbuster hopeful, .

This list highlights Johansson’s most essential performances, which not only showcase her range but also define key moments in her career. From her breakout work in Lost in Translation to her iconic turn as the Marvel superspy Natasha Romanoff, these films demonstrate why she has remained a Hollywood mainstay. Regardless of the genre, Johansson brings her talent for audiences to enjoy with performances that remain memorable after the credits roll.

Based on a bestselling novel, follows Annie Braddock (), a recent college graduate who stumbles into a job as a nanny for a wealthy Upper East Side family. She initially takes the job as a temporary escape from her uncertain future but she soon finds herself trapped in the dysfunctional world of her employers, Mr. and Mrs. X ( and ). As Annie struggles to balance her personal life, including a romance with a charming Harvard grad (), she also becomes increasingly attached to the couple’s neglected young son.

Scarlett Johansson brings warmth and relatability to Annie, making her more than just an observer in the world of class and privilege. Johansson brings a natural charm to her performance, making her fish-out-of-water experience funny and emotional. Her chemistry with Linney, Evans, and Nicholas Art, who played the young boy she looked after, adds depth to the character journey. While Annie didn't set out to be a nanny, she became one of cinema's best nannies. Though The Nanny Diaries wasn’t a massive hit, Johansson’s performance helped make it a thoughtful and engaging film, setting the foundations for her to take on more grounded leading roles.

brings to life the imagined story behind one of Johannes Vermeer’s most famous paintings. Set in 17th-century Delft, the film follows Griet (Johansson), a quiet and observant young maid who is hired to work in the Vermeer household. She soon catches the attention of the master painter (), who recognizes her keen eye for art and light. As their relationship grows, Vermeer begins using Griet as an assistant and eventually as the model for his now-iconic portrait, sparking tension within the household.

Johansson delivers an understated yet mesmerizing performance in this one of the best period dramas of the 2000s. With minimal dialogue, she conveys a lot of emotions through her expressions, embodying Griet’s quiet intelligence, curiosity, and inner conflict. Her chemistry with Firth is filled with unspoken tension, making each moment with both of them precious. The film’s relaxed pacing mirrors the process of creating a masterpiece, and the film's beautiful production garnered three Oscar nominations in the technical categories. At just 20 years old, Johansson was nominated at the BAFTA for Best Actress for this role.

Directed by (), follows a mysterious alien in human form (Johansson) who prowls the streets of Scotland, luring and seducing unsuspecting men. As she carries out her enigmatic mission with eerie detachment, her interactions with humans, especially a man who shows her kindness, begin to awaken something within her. She gradually begins to develop a sense of self-awareness and empathy, leading to an existential crisis that challenges her original purpose.

Johansson exchanges her movie star persona for a chilling, detached character in this film. It is probably her most daring performance to date, taking on an experimental and ambiguous film, very different from her usual big-budget Hollywood films. Her alien character starts as a predator, but through her subtle shifts in behavior, she slowly conveys a growing sense of curiosity, confusion, and vulnerability. Under the Skin may not have been a success, but it has since become a cult classic, praised for its disturbing atmosphere, stunning visuals, and Johansson’s fearless performance.

follows Theodore Twombly (), a lonely writer in a near-future world where artificial intelligence has become the norm. Theodore purchases a new AI operating system, Samantha (voiced by Johansson), to get over his loneliness after his failed marriage. His conversations with Samantha slowly blossoms into a deep emotional connection. Over time, their relationship becomes complicated as Samantha’s intelligence and self-awareness grow beyond human limitations.

Despite only contributing through her voice, Scarlett Johansson delivers an affecting performance in this film. Her voice work as Samantha is warm, playful, and engaging, making her feel as real and emotionally present as any human character. Her voice is livelier than Siri, so it's understandable for someone to fall in love with the AI. Her chemistry with Joaquin Phoenix is palpable, even without physical presence. Her is a visionary film that explores love and human connection in the digital age. This film's influence is obvious, as most recently OpenAI unlawfully used Johansson's voice for their AI, triggering an instant lawsuit from the owner of the voice herself.

sees Steve Rogers () and Black Widow (Johansson) teaming up as they go on the run after finding out that S.H.I.E.L.D. is compromised from within. As they uncover a sinister, decades-long conspiracy, they also have to face the Winter Soldier, an unstoppable assassin who turns out to be Bucky Barnes, Steve's best friend who was considered dead during the war. The film brought new energy to the , mashing up big-budget superhero spectacle with a political thriller.

Scarlett Johansson’s return as Natasha Romanoff is one of the film’s highlights, as she practically is the co-lead in this movie, with more depth and screen time than ever before. Unlike her previous appearances, this film lets her character shine beyond just being a skilled fighter. Johansson’s chemistry with Chris Evans is effortless, making their partnership feel natural and engaging. This film proved that Black Widow wasn’t just a supporting player but a fully realized hero in her own right, paving the way for her expanded role in later films and ultimately, her solo adventure.

tells the story of Jojo (), a young boy growing up in Nazi Germany who idolizes Adolf Hitler and has him as his imaginary friend, played satirically by director . Jojo’s world is turned upside down when he discovers that his mother, Rosie (Johansson), has been hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (), in their home. While his mother brings him warmth, his relationship with Elsa forces him to rethink everything he thought he knew.

Scarlett Johansson delivers one of her most touching performances as Rosie, a fiercely independent and compassionate mother trying to shield her son from the horrors of war while secretly acting against the regime. Johansson brings a playful yet poignant energy to the role, especially in her interactions with Jojo, where she balances motherly affection with tough love. As the emotional compass of the film, her portrayal was nominated for an Oscar. This war comedy from a child's perspective thrives on its ability to mix satire with sincere emotion, and Johansson’s radiant presence helps make it one of the most memorable films of her career.

follows Enid () and Rebecca (Johansson), two cynical teenagers navigating the uncertain period between high school and adulthood. While Rebecca is eager to move forward—finding a job and planning for their future—Enid remains aimless, drawn to the strange and unconventional. Their friendship begins to fracture when Enid forms an unexpected bond with Seymour (), a lonely, eccentric record collector.

In this offbeat coming-of-age film, Scarlett Johansson plays Rebecca with naturally that contrasts Enid’s rebellious energy. While Birch’s character is more confrontational, Johansson’s Rebecca is more reserved and pragmatic, making for an interesting dynamic. Her natural chemistry with Birch makes their friendship feel authentic, and even in her early career, Johansson’s ability to deliver dry humor and subtle emotional beats was already evident. Based on a comic book, Ghost World has become a cult classic for its brutally honest take on youth. It was also deservedly nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.

As the title vaguely suggests, follows two American women, Vicky () and Cristina (Johansson), in Barcelona. Their holiday becomes unexpected as they become entangled in a complicated romance with the charming yet unpredictable artist Juan Antonio (). Vicky, who is engaged to be married, resists his advances, while Cristina eagerly embraces the affair. The situation takes an even more unexpected turn when his fiery ex-wife, María Elena (), re-enters his life, creating an intense atmosphere between them.

In her second film after , Scarlett Johansson shines as Cristina. She holds her own when paired with the charismatic Bardem and the powerful, scene-stealing Cruz. While Johansson plays the least dramatic character in the ensemble, her portrayal of Cristina’s open-hearted, wandering spirit makes her a unique variable in Maria Elena and Juan Antonio's unconventional relationship. Their chemistry is simply irresistible and passionate, and paired with the beautiful Spanish setting, the film is just a joy to watch.

chronicles the painful divorce of Nicole (Johansson) and Charlie (), a once-loving couple navigating the brutal realities of separation and custody battles. When their marriage breaks down, an initially amicable separation turns into an emotionally charged legal battle as they struggle to co-parent their young son, Henry. Written and directed by , the film shows the breakdown of a relationship through small, accumulated wounds and unspoken resentments.

With ample material allowing her to access raw emotions, Scarlett Johansson delivers her most powerful performance as Nicole. Johansson’s chemistry with Adam Driver is electric, particularly in the film’s iconic scene, where their simmering emotions finally explode into a painful confrontation. Together, they make the heartbreaking story come to life, making audiences everywhere cry. She also has a standout monologue about feeling lost in her marriage, which is also a highlight. Johansson was nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars in 2020, making her a double nominee in the same year as she was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Jojo Rabbit.

follows Bob Harris (), a fading Hollywood actor in Tokyo for a whiskey commercial, and Charlotte (Johansson), a young woman accompanying her husband on a business trip. Adrift in a foreign city and struggling with their own personal problems, the two form an unexpected bond, sharing late-night conversations and quiet moments of understanding. Their connection, while never explicitly romantic, carries a quiet intimacy that makes their fleeting time together profoundly moving.

This film catapulted Johansson onto everyone's radar. Her performance as Charlotte is subtle yet deeply affecting, perfectly capturing a second coming-of-age tale. Her chemistry with Bill Murray is unexpected but undeniably compelling, that the film's final unheard whisper is still being discussed by audiences today. Sofia Coppola’s minimalistic style captures the isolation of being in an unfamiliar place, using Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and hotel corridors to mirror the emotional distance both characters feel in their own lives. Lost in Translation became a defining moment for Johansson, opening new doors in her career.

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