Few stars have risen as swiftly and brilliantly as Ana de Armas in Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape. Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1988, de Armas began her acting career at a young age and has since transitioned from Cuban and Spanish cinema to Hollywood.

It was a bold move when she moved to Los Angeles in 2014, despite knowing very little English. Yet, the move marked a turning point in her career after she mastered the language in just two years. The Cuban star quickly established herself as a versatile and captivating actress, proving her ability to deliver praiseworthy performances across any genre.

From sci-fi epics to gripping thrillers, witty comedies, and poignant dramas, Ana de Armas has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, making her one of the most exciting talents of her generation. As the actress prepares to star in Ballerina, a John Wick spin-off, we explore five of her best movies to date, which are a must-watch!

Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is a modern whodunit masterpiece that blends sharp wit, classic mystery tropes, and a stellar ensemble cast. Ana de Armas stars as Marta Cabrera, the compassionate nurse to the wealthy Thrombey family patriarch, Harlan (Christopher Plummer), who is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Enter Daniel Craig‘s brilliant detective, Benoit Blanc, and soon it leads to a chilling and entertaining trail of murder mystery, making it a must-watch for those who love some clever storytelling. The chemistry between de Armas and Chris Evans further adds to the appeal of the film.

Ana de Armas proved not only her acting talent but also her knack as an action star. Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond, No Time to Die, delivers high-stakes action and emotional closure to the iconic franchise, and one of the most memorable parts of the film is de Armas’ Paloma. A CIA operative and Bond’s ally, her character’s blend of charm, wit, and combat prowess steals the show during a thrilling sequence in Cuba. Critics noted that de Armas’ performance was a highlight, with her energetic and charismatic portrayal leaving audiences wanting more.

Blonde, directed by Andrew Dominik, is a polarizing yet ambitious fictionalized biopic of Marilyn Monroe, based on Joyce Carol Oates’ novel. Ana de Armas is both captivating and haunting in her role as the late actress, delivering a performance that captures the charm, vulnerability, and inner turmoil of the late actress quite enchantingly. Despite the film’s mixed reception due to its controversial portrayal of Monroe’s life, de Armas’ portrayal was widely praised, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress—the first for a Cuban actress.

Directed by the Russo Brothers, The Gray Man is a high-octane Netflix action thriller featuring a star-studded cast, including Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. The leading men whisperer, de Armas stars as a CIA agent named Dani Miranda, who helps Gosling’s character as he navigates a deadly chase after uncovering agency secrets. While the film received mixed reviews from critics (45% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences embraced its relentless pace and thrilling set pieces, giving it a 90% audience score. Shining in her action-heavy role, the actress does not fade away despite having two A-listers as co-stars, yet proves herself with her ability to hold her own.

In this Hulu psychological thriller, Ana de Armas stars alongside Ben Affleck as Melinda, one half of an unhappily married couple entangled in a web of jealousy, manipulation, and dark secrets. Even though the film garnered mixed reviews due to its complex and unsettling setting, de Armas’ ability to convey emotional depth captivated audiences, showcasing her range. Proving that she can go deep while being both charming and menacing, Deep Water is a gripping watch for those who enjoy tense, character-driven dramas.