Few actresses have earned appreciation of Scarlett Johansson. Ever since the 1990’s, Johansson has become an icon. Whether it’s women in broken marriages, furious warriors or lost lovers, Johansson has played many characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Marriage Story
Divorce is a devastating process that causes families to face stress. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt experience a broken marriage causing damage. I recall the night when she had a heated argument with her husband that proved to be a shocking sight. In a sad incident, my aunt had tense arguments with husbands causing resentment. Following the separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured marriages ending in tragedy as powerfully as “Marriage Story”. Released in 2019, Scarlett Johansson’s movie did an extraordinary job of depicting a broken marriage facing tragedy. In the greatest role of her career, Johansson embodies a woman facing a broken marriage that’s a burden to bear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Working alongside Adam Driver who is also excellent, Johansson created a realistic portrait of a broken marriage. Johansson has always had an aptitude for conveying emotions through her strong expressions, and “Marriage Story” showcased her strengths as an actress. For instance, the scene in which Charlie and Nicole have an excruciating argument in their apartment demonstrated the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” Scarlett Johansson’s greatest movie is its realism. It offers the most realistic depiction of a divorce that I’ve ever seen in a movie. The film delivers a heartbreaking message which would resonate with everyone that has ever witnessed a broken marriage. A devastating depiction of the divorce process causing families to face stress, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has achieved success whose movies always impress.
2. Her
Technology addiction has shaped my identity. As far as I can remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. At an early age, I formed a strong addiction to technology gadgets that shaped my personality. In an attempt to feel less alone, I often turned towards my phone. My addiction to technology is fuelled by a desire for connection that I can’t find in reality. As someone that’s always been a heavy technology user, I identified deeply with “Her”. Released in 2013, Scarlett Johanssson’s masterpiece examined the impact technology has on romantic relationships. In the most thoughtful role of her career, Johansson captures the voice of an operating system that has fallen in love with a human. It’s a challenging role that required the actress to convey emotions solely through her voice without being visible, but she succeeded. Johansson has always had flair for conveying strong emotions through her soothing voice, and her vocal talents are evident in “Her”. Despite the fact that she is not visible on screen, Johansson leaves a lasting impression through her powerful voice. For instance, the scene in which Samantha breaks up with Theodore showcases the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Her” one of Scarlett Johansson’s greatest movies is its message. It delivers a heartbreaking message about technology addiction which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of dangers posed by technology addiction causing relationships to deteriorate, it’s an inspiring reminder of a celebrated actress whose movies audiences celebrate.
3. Lost in Translation
Loneliness is a painful emotion that has shaped my personality. Many years ago, I faced sorrow when my family immigrated to Toronto. A life-changing decision, immigration forced me to part ways with beloved companions that I regarded with affection. Following immigration, my life became lost in translation. Facing loneliness, I mourned sad absence of friends that had contributed to my happiness. As someone impacted by immigration, I adored “Lost in Translation”. Released in 2003, Scarlett Johansson’s movie captured loneliness faced by individuals lost in translation in a big city. In her most subtle role, Johansson embodies the loneliness experiennced by a woman without a goal. Johansson has spent most of her career playing larger-than-life women with personalities. With “Lost in Translation”, however, she showcased rare subtlety. For instance, the ending scene in which Bob and Charlotte bid farewell to each other is one of the highlights of the actress’ commemorated career. Ultimately, what makes “Lost in Translation” one of Scarlett Johansson’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a profound message about loneliness that would resonate with everyone. A lovely depiction of loneliness faced by lovers whose lives are lost in translation, it’s a strong reminder of an astonishing actress whose movies are worthy of celebration.
4. Jojo Rabbit
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that fascinated my teacher. In college, I attended classes taught by a professor with knowledge about a genocide causing damage. I cherished a Jewish teacher that educated students about a genocide in which his people perished. He believed the Holocaust was a serious subject matter that didn’t lend itself towards humour. As someone treasuring a teacher that was fascinated with the genocide, I loved “Jojo Rabbit”. Released in 2019, Scarlett Johansson’s satire did an excellent job of tackling a dire genocide disaster with a sharp sense of humour. In the most caring role of her career, Johansson embodies a German mother witnessing genocide that’s a burden to bear. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase a compassionate side to herself that audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the scene in which Rosie has a tender conversation with Jojo showcased the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Jojo Rabbit” a great movie about the Holocaust is its humour. It’s not easy to infuse humour into a genocide disaster, but the film succeeds. A gorgeous depiction of a gruesome genocide, it’s a powerful reminder of an actress whose movies have always left audiences satisfied.
5. Black Widow
Few comic-book heroines created several years ago are as beloved as Black Widow. Years ago, I bonded with a friend that was a fan of the feminist hero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a heroine that made him feel heard. While Black Widow was a heroine he grew up to value, my friend often criticized her sexist depiction in the MCU. As someone treasuring fond memories of a companion that loved Black Widow years ago, I adored “Black Widow”. Released in 2021, Scarlett Johansson’s movie did a fantastic job of bringing feminism to the famous comic-book heroine. In her most feminist role, Johansson transforms into an empowering comic-book heroine with a strong drive to achieve her goal. Johnasson expertly uses her strong demeanour to create a compelling feminist character. For instance, the scene in which Natasha has a fierce fight with her sister Yelena when they reunite after several years of separation showcased the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Black Widow” one of Johansson’s best movies is its message. It delivers a profound message about family which would resonate with everyone that has bonded with siblings at an early age. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated heroine that has become a symbol of feminism, it’s a spellbinding reminder of an actress whose movies audiences treasure with wisdom.
6. Under the Skin
Scarlett Johansson has always been one of those actresses with strong sex appeal. Since her career began years ago, Johansson has built a reputation for playing hyper-sexualized women. Johansson’s ability to get under the skin of viewers through her sheer beauty is clearly evident in her film “Under the Skin”. Released in 2013, Scarlett Johnasson’s movie found the actress playing an extra-terrestrial alien with dangerous intentions. In the most provocative role of her career, Johansson embodies a dangerous alien that uses her sexuality to prey upon men. It’s a role that gave Johansson a chance to showcase her strong sex appeal as an actress. An unforgettable depiction of extra-terrestrial aliens that get under the skin of men in ways that are sexual, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose movies audiences consider to be special.
7. The Prestige
Few filmmakers in Hollywood have earned the recognition of Christopher Nolan. With their non-linear storytelling, dazzling practical effects and phenomenal acting, Nolan’s movies have earned a massive fan following. In 2005, Nolan showcased his prestige as a filmmaker when he cast Scarlett Johansson is in his movie “The Prestige”. In the most complex role of her career, Johansson embodies a woman that pursues a romantic affair with a magician that’s a heavy burden to bear. Johansson turns what could have been a stereotypical love interest into a compelling woman with a strong personality. A powerful portrait of prestigious magicians performing magic tricks that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of an adventurous actress that thrives playing mysterious characters in movies audiences consider to be precious.
8. Match Point
Tennis is a great game that shaped my friend’s identity. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl that was fond of playing tennis. Fond of holding a tennis racket, she treasured a game she grew up to respect. As someone treasuring a girl that loved playing tennis from a positive viewpoint, I adored “Matchpoint”. Released in 2005, Scarlett Johansson’s movie celebrated the game of tennis shaping womens’ identity. In her most athletic role, Johansson embodies an adventurous woman pursuing a romantic affair with a famous tennis player. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her commendable athletic skills that she hadn’t shown in her career before. A terrific tribute towards the game of tennis, it’s a tremendous reminder of an actress that has transformed into a commemorated icon in the entertainment business.
9. Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock is a legendary filmmaker that I’ve always loved dearly. An icon in Hollywood, Hitchcock made movies that shaped my childhood. With their awe-inspiring action, suspenseful storytelling and timely themes, Hitchcock’s movies are regarded as celebrated classics today. In 2012, Scarlett Johansson did an extraordinary job of portraying the iconic director’s life in her film “Hitchcock”. In her most psychotic role, Johansson embodies a famous actress that worked with a fantastic filmmaker to create movies that are iconic. Drawing from her own personal experience as a famous actress, Johansson embodies a real-life diva with success. Nearly 90 years after Alfred Hitchcock became a famous filmmaker in Hollywood, it’s an inspiring reminder of an actress that thrives portraying real-life celebrities whose lives are misunderstood.
10. Avengers: Endgame
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start off on a high note. However, franchises rarely come to a satisfying closure. The final film in a franchise rarely ever sticks the landing creating a satisfying ending. That being said, “Avengers: Endgame” is an exception. Released in 2019, Scarlett Johanson’s blockbuster brought the Avengers franchise to a satisfying closure. In her final outing as Black Widow, Johansson brought out an emotional side to the heroine audiences hadn’t seen before. Johansson brought vulnerability to the character absent from previous films in the MCU. A fantastic farewell to a famous superhero team, it’s a strong reminder of a supreme actress whose films appealing to mainstream audiences I will forever cherish for leading me to achieve my film criticism dream.
The Film Buff 
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