My Favourite Scarlett Johansson Films

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 marriages that caused damage. I recall the sad night when she had heated arguments with her husband proving shocking sights. In a sad incident, my aunt faced bad arguments with her husband that caused resentment. Following separation, it was challenging 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 a great job of depicting a broken marriage that faces tragedy. In the greatest role of her career, Johansson embodies a woman that faces 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 proved the actress’ strengths. Ultimately, what makes “Marriage Story” Scarlett Johansson’s greatest movie is its broad appeal. Unlike most movies about divorce, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a heartwarming message which would resonate with everyone that has ever witnessed a bad marriage. A devastating depiction of the divorce process causing families to experience stress, it’s a groundbreaking reminder of an actress that has accomplished success manufacturing movies that undeniably impress.

2. 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 experienced 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies about loneliness, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about connection 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 immense celebration.

3. 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 universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Nazi Germany’s history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. 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 groundbreaking reminder of an actress whose movies have always left audiences undeniably commonly satisfied.

4. 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”. 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 commonly celebrate.

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. Johansson expertly uses her strong demeanour to create a compelling feminist character. For instance, the scene in which Natasha has a frightening 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 universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated heroine that has become a groundbreaking symbol of feminism, it’s a spellbinding reminder of an actress whose movies audiences treasure with tremendous 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 extremely 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 extremely precious.

8. 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 celebrities whose lives are commonly misunderstood.

9. 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 Johansson’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 that has manufactured commemorated films appealing to mainstream audiences inspiring audiences to accomplish dream.

10. Iron Man 2

Scarlett Johansson hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have often left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Iron Man 2” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Jon Favreau’c comic-book sequel was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Johansson portrayed the seductive secretary of a famous millionaire. Johansson brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Iron Man 2” is a bad movie, it honoured Johansson’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Tony Stark’s desire to become a billionaire, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has built an impressive career making rare movies which i will forever hold dear for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking about which I deeply care.