Not many actresses that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Florence Pugh. Since her rise to fame in the 2000’s, Pugh has become an icon. Whether it’s feminist writers, political leaders or spies facing dangers, Pugh has portrayed many characters. Given the number of movies 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. Little Women
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. At an early age, I developed lifelong passion for writing words on the page. During my childhood, I began the hobbies of writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing grim obstacles of cyberbullying, nothing in the world has ever stopped me from pursuing my big passion for writing. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured my passion for writing as powerfully as “Little Women”. Released in 2019, Florence Pugh’s best movie captured the lives of female writers. In the greatest role of her career, Pugh embodied a woman forming strong bonds with sisters that are a heavy burden to bear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Pugh has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines with sympathetic personalities in period pieces. With “Little Women”, however, the actress took a huge step out of her comfort zone by playing a legendary literary character that’s well-known. Working alongside Saoirse Ronan who is also amazing, Pugh honoured a book about women that are inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Amy burns Jo’s writing in a fit of jealousy causing her sister to experience despair is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Little Women” Florence Pugh’s best movie is its bold appeal. Despite focusing on women in the 19th Century, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to today. It delivers a strong message about siblings that would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the publication of a book about little women pursuing writing passion, it’s a bold reminder about an actress with strong dedication to her craft whose great movies are definitely worthy of celebration.
2. We Live in Time
Terminal illness has impacted my family. Several years ago, my family learned that our beloved uncle had been diagnosed with grim Cancer that caused sorrow. I recall that my uncle was a great person that looked at the world from a positive view. His sad death left my family mourning. As someone treasuring memories of an uncle that had short time to live, I adored “We Live in Time”. Released in 2024, Florence Pugh’s movie captured lovers with terminal illness causing tragedy. In the most tragic role of her career, Pugh portrayed a terminally ill woman in a doomed marriage facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase emotional range she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Andrew Garfield who is also amazing, Pugh created a portrait of terminal illness that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Almut finds she has Cancer causing despair is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “We Live in Time” a great movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Cancer, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of terminal illness causing romance to deteriorate, it’s a bold reminder of a commemorated actress that audiences appreciate.
3. Thunderbolts
Teamwork is a skill that has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have often struggled to work well within teams causing disaster. I recollect memories of a tense group project in school that left me feeling upset. As someone that has often struggled to collaborate with groups causing revolts, I adored “Thunderbolts”. Released in 2025, Florence Pugh’s movie celebrated superhero teams facing adversity. In the most heroic role of her career, Pugh portrayed a feminist heroine seeking to collaborate with a superhero team causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside David Harbour who is also amazing, Pugh honoured a superhero team that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Yelena grieves the loss of her sister causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Thunderbolts” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary superhero team, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured movies which inspire audiences to achieve their dream.
4. Midsommar
Religious cults causing danger always fascinated my teacher. In college, I formed a strong bond with a professor that was fascinated by cults causing damage. He would love discussing religious cults holding a place in his heart that was precious. My teacher often sought to educate his classes about cults he would appreciate. As someone treasuring a teacher that adored cults causing disaster, I appreciated “Midsommar”. Released in 2019, Florence Pugh’s movie depicted a woman joining a religious cult. In the most provocative role of her career, Pugh portrayed a grief-stricken woman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under intense stress. Working alongside Will Poulter who is also amazing, Pugh created a portrait of cults that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Dani joins the religious cult becoming aware of its harmful practices causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Midsommar” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most horror movies, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Dani’s desire to join a frightening religious cult that’s dangerous, it’s a fantastic reminder of a world-famous actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies audiences consider precious.
5. Black Widow
Black Widow is a feminist heroine that inspired my friend several years ago. I remember a friend that was a huge fan of a comic-book character he would treasure. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a heroine that made him feel heard. In 2021, Florence Pugh honoured the iconic widow heroine in her movie “Black Widow”. In the most fierce role of her career, Pugh portrayed a woman that engages in tense sibling rivalry with a superhero sister causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a feminist superhero that’s well-known. Working alongside Scarlett Johansson who is also outstanding, Pugh honoured a comic-book heroine that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Yelena reunites with Natasha following several years of separation causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Widow” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated heroine that has become a symbol of feminism, it’s a bold reminder of an actress whose movies audiences treasure with wisdom.
6. The Wonder
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about hunger, it’s worth discussing The Wonder. Since its publication in 2016, Emma Donoghue’s book has become a literary classic. In 2022, Florence Pugh honoured the iconic literature in her movie “The Wonder”. In the most conflicted role of her career, Pugh portrayed a compassionate nurse seeking to care for a fasting girl causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing strong feminist heroines in positions of power. Working alongside Tom Burke who is also amazing, Pugh honoured a commemorated book about fasting. A beautiful adaptation of beloved literature about hunger, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has established a successful career making memorable movies throughout her life that audiences treasure.
7. Oppenheimer
Few historical figures that designed bombs in American history are as beloved as Oppenheimer. During WWII, Oppenheimer designed the atomic bomb with consequences that were tragic. An awe-inspiring inventor, Oppenheimer built a lasting legacy. In 2023, Florence Pugh honoured the historical figure in her movie “Oppenheimer”. In the most sexual role of her career, Pugh portrayed a woman that engaging in a doomed love affair with a physicist causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Cillian Murphy who is also extraordinary, Pugh honoured Oppenheimer’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Oppenheimer designed an atomic bomb that was catastrophic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic actress that has captivated the public.
8. Lady Macbeth
Florence Pugh has always excelled at playing powerful women with strong presence. Pugh has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing emotional heroines facing damage. Pugh’s strength for playing emotional heroines under stress is clearly evident in her movie “Lady Macbeth”. Released in 2016, William Oldroyd’s period drama showcased the actress at her best. In the most old-fashioned role of her career, Pugh portrayed a woman facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing heroines in positions of power. Working alongside Naomie Ackie who is also amazing, Pugh created a period drama that’s engaging. As powerful as Lady Macbeth’s desire for control, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has poured her soul into every role in memorable movies that touch the soul.
9. Dune: Part Two
Dune is a legendary science-fiction book that won’t be forgotten soon. Since its publication in the 1960’s, Frank Herbert’s book has built a lasting legacy. With its timeless characters, strong storytelling and compelling themes, the book is beloved today. In 2024, Florence Pugh honoured the iconic book of value in her movie “Dune: Part Two”. In the most supportive role of her career, Pugh portrayed a majestic queen seeking control over a planet facing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing strong women in positions of power. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also outstanding, Pugh honoured a science-fiction book that’s inspiring. A dazzling adaptation of a book about dune planets beneath the moon, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress whose movies won’t be forgotten soon.
10. Don’t Worry Darling
Florence Pugh hasn’t always made great movies attracting an audience. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Don’t. Worry Darling” falls into the latter category. Released in 2022, Olivia Wilde’s movie was a disaster. In the most wooden role of her career, Pugh embodies a housewife that becomes part of a mysterious community causing despair. Pugh brought charisma to the role standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Don’t Worry Darling” is a disappointing movie, it honours Florence Pugh’s legacy. As strong as Alice’s love for the town of Victory, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has made engaging movies throughout her impressive career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I value dearly.
The Film Buff 