Michelle Yeoh’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actresses that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Michelle Yeoh. Since the 1990’s, Yeoh has turned into an Asian icon. Whether it’s fierce mothers, political leaders or kung-fu fighers, Yeoh has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies that she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Everything Everywhere All At Once

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared complicated bonds with my mother. An authoritative parent, her strict nature nagging me to do things is commonly irritating. Despite strict nature of parenting, I have always admired a mother I find inspiring. Through her wise words of wisdom, I was motivated to make my film criticism dreams come true. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured roles mothers play offering guidance to children shaping their life experience as powerfully as “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, Michelle Yeoh’s best movie captured an Asian-American mother struggling raising her family in a multi-verse. In the greatest role of her career, Yeoh portrays a fierce mother struggling to care for her family in a multi-verse causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. With “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone by playing a mother facing a multi-verse. It’s not easy for actors to portray multiple characters in a single movie with different appearances, but Yeoh succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Evelyn first becomes aware that she is stuck in a multi-verse causing her family to face despair is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Everything Everywhere All At Once” Michelle Yeoh’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the multi-verse, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about motherhood which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary portrait of mothers struggling to raise families in multi-verses whose relationships deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an Asian-American actress that hasn’t lost her abilities to captivate by producing great movies audiences appreciate.

2. Crazy Rich Asians

Wealthy Asian families shaped my friend’s identity. In high school, I met an Asian kid from a wealthy background. He would often boast about how his family lived a life of luxury without facing any adversity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a friend that belonged to a family of rich Asians, I adored “Crazy Rich Asians”. Released in 2018, Michelle Yeoh’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about rich Asian families. In the most authoritative role of her career, Yeoh portrays a rich Asian matriarch that disapproves of her son’s girlfriend causing despair. With “Crazy Rich Asians”, the actress took a step out of her comfort zone playing a villainous matriarch of a wealthy family. Working alongside Constance Wu who is also amazing, Yeoh created an Asian family that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Eleanor accuses Rachel of being a liar causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Crazy Rich Asians” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most Asian-American films, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. An awe-inspiring portrait of an Asian family that’s rich, it’s an astonishing reminder of an actress that has produced movies audiences often relish.

3. A Haunting in Venice

Agatha Christie is a legendary author whose literature always impressed by teacher. Several years ago, my teacher loved Hercule Poirot. I remember my English teacher was a huge fan of the author. He praised the unique writing style of an author writing stories about the Nile river that left him with a lasting smile. In 2023, Michelle Yeoh honoured the author’s haunting stories in her movie “A Haunting in Venice”. In the most frightening role of her career, Yeoh portrays a psychic that causes supernatural spirits to appear causing despair. With “A Haunting in Venice”, Yeoh showcased flair for making horror movies that scare which she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Kenneth Branagh who is also amazing, Yeoh honoured literature. For instance, the scene in which Joyce summons supernatural spirits causing Poirot and the suspects to face fear is one of the scariest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “A Haunting in Venice” a great adaptation is its broad appeal. Viewers don’t need to be fans of Agatha Christie to appreciate it. Centuries after an author published timeless literature about haunting murder, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Shang-Chi is a legendary Asian-American superhero that shaped my friend’s identity. I remember forming a friendship with an Asian kid that adored the comic-book character. Taking pride in his Asian identity, he would always speak fondly about a superhero he loved dearly. In 2021, Michelle Yeoh honoured the legendary hero with rings in her film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”. In the most heroic role of her career, Yeoh portrayed the mother of an Asian superhero facing despair. Yeoh has an aptitude for playing strong women, and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Ying Nan reunites with her nephew Shang-Chi following several years of separation is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles meaningful themes everyone would relate to. An awe-inspiring tribute towards an Asian-American hero, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actress whose unforgettable movies give audiences dreams to follow.

5. Wicked

The Wizard of Oz is a musical that my grandmother considered special. Years ago, my grandmother adored a musical about women going somewhere over the rainbow. Drawn to the land of Oz, she would always give a musical without flaws a round of applause. Fascinated with the Wicked Witch of the West, she praised a musical that left her impressed. In 2024, Michelle Yeoh honoured the musical about wicked witches in her film “Wicked”. In the most magical role of her career, Yeoh portrayed the headmistress of a magical school in a land facing despair. It gave the actress chances to showcase talent for singing that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Jeff Goldblum who is also amazing, Yeoh honoured a musical about witches that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Madame Morrible sings about her obsession with the Wizard is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Wicked” a wonderful musical is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about acceptance that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Elphaba’s desire to become the Wicked Witch of the West, it’s a wonderful reminder about one of the world’s best actresses whose movies leave audiences impressed.

6. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Michelle Yeoh has always excelled at playing martial arts fighters. Yeoh has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing martial arts fighters with courage. Yeoh’s strength for playing martial arts fighters with determination is clearly evident in her movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. Released in 2000, Ang Lee’s martial arts epic showcased the actress at her best. In the most courageous role of her career, Yeoh portrayed a martial arts fighter facing a heavy burden to bear. It’s a physically demanding role that required the actress to perform stunts but she succeeded. Working alongside Chow Yun-fat who is also amazing, Yeoh showcased her talent for martial arts fighting. A marvellous martial arts epic, it’s a magnificent reminder of a fantastic actress whose commemorated movies have always captivated the public.

7. Tomorrow Never Dies

James Bond is a legendary spy that has built a lasting legacy. Since his creation in the 1960’s, Ian Fleming’s spy has appeared in several memorable movies. In 1997, Michelle Yeoh honoured the spy with the abilities to surprise in her movie “Tomorrow Never Dies”. In the most adventurous role of her career, Yeoh embodied a female agent that has a romantic affair with James Bond causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing strong action heroines. Yeoh managed to create a compelling Bond girl in a genre where women aren’t always treated fairly. Working alongside Pierce Brosnan who is also amazing, Yeoh honoured a legendary spy in pop culture. A spectacular tribute towards a spy, it’s a sensational reminder of an actress that has made memorable movies which always satisfy.

8. Memoirs of a Geisha

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about geishas in China, it’s worth discussing Memoirs of a Geisha. Since its publication in 1997, Arthur Golden’s book has become a literary classic. In 2005, Michelle Yeoh honoured the classic book about geishas facing a dilemma in her movie “Memoirs of a Geisha”. In the most aristocratic role of her career, Yeoh portrayed a geisha facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing strong Chinese women in positions of power. Working alongside Zhang Ziyi who is also amazing, Yeoh honoured a classic book about geishas that’s compelling. A captivating adaptation of a celebrated book about geishas in China, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated actress with charisma making movies which are worth watching in the Cinema.

9. The Lady

Few political leaders in Asian history are as renowned as Aung San Suu Kyi. A Burmese politician, Kyi built a strong reputation as a leader of her nation. In 2011, Michelle Yeoh honoured the legendary lady of Burma in her movie “The Lady”. In the most political role of her career, Yeoh portrays a renowned icon in Burma that struggles to care for a nation facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to step out of her comfort zone by playing a politician that’s well-known. Yeoh captured the larger-than-life nature of a renowned political leader. Working alongside David Thewlis who is also amazing, Yeoh honoured a Burmese politician that’s inspiring. A breathtaking tribute to Burmese politician, it’s a brilliant reminder of an actress with strong dedication whose unforgettable movies are worthy of celebration.

10. The Mummy: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Michelle Yeoh hasn’t always made great movies that compel. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Mummy: The Tom of the Dragon Emperor” falls into the latter category. Released in 2008, Yeoh’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Yeoh portrayed a magical queen facing despair. Yeoh brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Mummy: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is a disastrous movie, it honoured Yeoh’s legendary legacy. As powerful as the mummy, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated actress that has built a lasting legacy making memorable movies that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.