Not many actresses have earned the recognition of Rebecca Ferguson. Since the 1990’s, Ferguson has become a feminist icon. Whether it’s spies in dangers, messianic figures or political leaders, Ferguson has created several strong characters. Given the sheer 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. Dune: Part Two
The Middle East is a misunderstood country that shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a Middle Eastern neighbourhood. Whether it’s prosperous oil economy or vast deserts, I grew up to value a country I love dearly. I’ve always believed movies are an art that have rarely captured the beauty of a great country that holds a special place in my heart. As someone that grew up to value the Middle East, I adored “Dune: Part Two”. Released in 2024, Rebecca Ferguson’s best movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about Arabian countries. In the greatest role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a mother struggling to care for her messianic son on doomed planets facing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most memorable role. Ferguson has always had aptitude for playing bold feminist women in positions of power with success, and “Dune: Part Two” showcased her strengths as an actress. As Lady Jessica, Ferguson did an extraordinary job of portraying a legendary literary character. Working alongside Timothee Chalamet who is also amazing, Ferguson honoured a beloved science-fiction book today. For instance, the scene in which Lady Jessica drinks the grim Water of Life seeking to prepare for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Dune: Part Two” Rebecca Ferguson’s best movie is universal appeal. Unlike most science-fiction movies, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate wth everyone. Nearly 60 years after the publication of a groundbreaking science-fiction book about dusty dune planets that glimmer beneath the moon, it’s a riveting reminder of a bold actress that has made timeless movies which won’t be forgotten soon.
2. Doctor Sleep
“The Shining” is a classic horror movie that my mother always found inspiring. I remember a mother that loved a classic film about children whose lives are in grave danger. She would often love to tell stories about the Overlook Hotel that put her under a magical spell. In 2019, Rebecca Ferguson honoured the classic horror film about writers that struggle to sleep in her movie “Doctor Sleep”. In the most frightening role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a supernatural woman that possesses rare powers causing despair. Ferguson has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines with sympathetic personalities. With “Doctor Sleep”, however, the actress showcased a villainous side to herself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Ewan McGregor who is also outstanding, Ferguson honoured a classic horror movie. For instance, the opening scene in which Rose the Hat lures a young girl into her death causing fear is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Doctor Sleep” a horror classic is its universal appeal. Unlike Stanley Kubrick’s original film, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. As powerful as the Overlook Hotel, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated actress with timeless stories to tell that has made memorable movies which excel.
3. Dune
Dune is a legendary science-fiction series that my grandfather always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a grandpa that adored a book in the sci-fi genre. He admired a series about doomed planets destined to die soon. Fond of Arrakis, he loved a series that held a place in his heart which was precious. In 2021, Rebecca Ferguson honoured the iconic sci-fi series about dusty dune planets in her movie “Dune”. In the most authoritative role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a majestic queen seeking to care for a doomed planet facing despair. Ferguson has always been an actress with a larger-than-life screen presence, and her strengths are evident in “Dune”. For instance, the scene in which Lady Jessica expresses astonishment when her son defeats enemies in warfare becoming a religious messiah causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Dune” a commemorated science-fiction masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. As precious as spice on the planet of Arrakis, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured movies audiences consider precious.
4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Mission: Impossible is a spectacular franchise that always earned my father’s appreciation. I remember my father once appreciated a franchise about hunted spies facing danger. A huge fan of Tom Cruise, he appreciated movies that changed his worldviews. In 2015, Rebecca Ferguson honoured the iconic spy franchise that earned my father’s appreciation in her movie “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”. In the most heroic role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a courageous female spy that becomes involved in an impossible mission causing despair. Ferguson has always excelled at playing strong feminist heroines, and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Tom Cruise who is also amazing, Ferguson created a female heroine that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Ilsa Faust rescues Ethan Hunt from an attack at the Opera causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Rogue Nation” a commemorated movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. As memorable as missions Ethan Hunt seeks to accomplish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences cherish.
5. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
It isn’t easy to recover from a leg injury. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I suffered a devastating leg injury causing sorrow. A result of excessive exercise, the leg injury left me unable to engage in physical activity that I had grown to prize. As someone that suffered severe leg injuries causing a fallout, I appreciated “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”. Released in 2018, Rebecca Ferguson’s sixth Mission: Impossible movie captured the lives of agents with serious injuries. In the most emotional role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a female agent facing despair. With “Fallout”, the actress brought emotional vulnerability to the character that audiences hadn’t seen before. In a franchise dominated by men, she managed to create a compelling feminist heroine. For instance, the scene in which Ilsa Faust reunites with Ethan Hunt after several years of separation in a nightclub causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about consequences of decisions which would resonate with everyone. A spectacular tribute towards a franchise about spies facing a fallout, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actress that has manufactured great movies which deserve to be talked about.
6. Florence Foster Jenkins
Few female singers in British history are as beloved as Florence Foster Jenkins. In 1940’s New York City, Jenkins sought to become a famous singer. Despite being ridiculed, Jenkins never gave up dreams of becoming a singer. In 2018, Rebecca Ferguson honoured the opera singer in her movie “Florence Foster Jenkins”. In the most glamorous role of her career, Ferguson portrayed the mistress of a famous British actor with a love for Shakespeare. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone playing a figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Hugh Grant who is also amazing, Ferguson honoured a singer that’s inspiring. As melodious as songs Florence Foster Jenkins seeks to orchestrate, it’s a fantastic reminder about an actress that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate making movies audiences appreciate.
7. The Greatest Showman
When it comes to the greatest showmen in American history, it’s worth discussing P.T. Barnum. During the 19th Century, Barnum was a beloved entertainer that built a strong legacy. In 2017, Rebecca Ferguson honoured the greatest showman in her movie “The Greatest Showman”. In the most musical role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a singer that has a romantic affair with a showman causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress the rare chance to showcase aptitude for singing melodies she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Hugh Jackman who is also amazing, Ferguson honoured a showman that’s inspiring. A touching tribute towards a showman with talent for performing, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that thrives playing characters with showmanship whose movies are worth celebrating.
8. The Girl on the Train
Rebecca Ferguson has always excelled at playing emotional women that face tension. Ferguson has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing heroines facing damage. Ferguson’s strength for playing women that face pain is evident in her movie “The Girl on the Train”. Released in 2016, Tate Taylor’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most conflicted role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a real estate agent that becomes involved in a missing person case causing despair. It gave the actress a chance to showcase her strength for playing tormented women. Working alongside Emily Blunt who is also amazing, Ferguson honoured a classic mystery book. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about girls on a train, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has produced memorable movies which entertain.
9. Life
Space is a compelling setting that has made for entertaining movies. Since aliens attacked spaceships in the 1980’s, space has often played a pivotal role in movies. In 2017, Rebecca Ferguson captured the enduring appeal of space as a setting bursting with life in her movie “Life”. In the most tragic role of her career, Ferguson portrayed an astronaut that discovers evidence of extra-terrestrial life on a planet causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a fearful character that feels alone. Working alongside Jake Gyllenhaal who is also amazing, Ferguson created a space blockbuster that’s compelling. As powerful as extra-terrestrial life found in space, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences embrace.
10. The Snowman
Rebecca Ferguson hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actress has made have been appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “The Snowman” falls into the latter category. Released in 2017, Tomas Alfredson’s crime thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Ferguson portrayed a woman that becomes victim of serial killers committing murders causing despair. Ferguson brought her usual gravitas to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “The Snowman” is a bad movie, it honoured Ferguson’s legacy. As memorable as murders the Snowman seeks to commit, it’s a bold reminder of a great actress that has made timeless movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong habit of writing movie reviews that I will never quit.
The Film Buff 
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