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Ana de Armas has swiftly emerged as one of the most magnetic and multifaceted talents in modern cinema. Hailing from Cuba, her journey from local soap operas in Havana to top-billed roles in major Hollywood productions is nothing short of cinematic itself. Her unique combination of classic beauty, multilingual versatility, and emotional range has cemented her as a global star to watch.
Her breakout moment in Hollywood came with her critically lauded role in Knives Out (2019), which set her on a path that includes starring in a James Bond film, embodying a pop culture icon in Blonde, and sharing screen time with heavyweights like Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. What sets Ana apart isn’t just her on-screen presence—it’s her ability to immerse herself in complex, layered characters that leave lasting impressions.
This article explores Ana de Armas’ best performances, ranking her most acclaimed roles by their impact on her career and box office success. Whether they wowed audiences in theaters or trended globally on streaming platforms, these films showcase the best of her evolving filmography.
Best Ana de Armas movies that shaped her Hollywood journey
Knives Out (2019): A breakout role that proved her star power
Synopsis:
Rian Johnson’s Knives Out is a modern whodunit that unravels the death of a wealthy crime novelist. Ana de Armas stars as Marta Cabrera, the nurse with a heart of gold, caught in the web of a dysfunctional family’s secrets.
Performance review:
Ana’s performance as Marta was both nuanced and commanding. Her portrayal balanced vulnerability with moral strength, making Marta the emotional anchor of a twist-laden plot. Her ability to carry the narrative amid an ensemble of A-listers like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis was a revelation.
Box office performance:
The film grossed over $312 million globally against a $40 million budget—an enormous success. It also became a viral hit on streaming platforms post-theatrical release.
Critical acclaim:
Ana was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress (Musical or Comedy) and received widespread critical acclaim. IndieWire wrote, “De Armas is the heart of the film, turning a simple nurse into a powerful protagonist.”
Career impact:
This role officially introduced Ana to mainstream Hollywood. It redefined her trajectory from supporting parts to leading lady status, proving she could carry a high-stakes narrative with grace and strength.
Blonde (2022): A controversial yet daring portrayal of Marilyn Monroe
Synopsis:
Blonde, directed by Andrew Dominik and released on Netflix, is a fictionalized chronicle of Marilyn Monroe’s internal struggles, fame, and identity.
Performance review:
Despite the film’s polarizing reception, Ana’s performance was universally praised. She embodied Monroe’s physicality and emotional depth with stunning dedication, undergoing a full transformation that critics called “haunting” and “brave.” Her accent drew debate, but her vulnerability was undeniable.
Streaming performance:
According to Netflix, Blonde logged over 186 million viewing hours globally in its first weeks. The film sparked massive online conversations, making Ana a topic of critical and cultural discourse.
Awards/nominations:
Ana earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination, a BAFTA nomination, and a Golden Globe nomination, solidifying her arrival among Hollywood’s elite.
Career impact:
This role catapulted her into awards season conversations and elevated her status as a serious dramatic actress, willing to take risks and tackle emotionally demanding roles.
No Time to Die (2021): Ana de Armas in a Bond universe
Synopsis:
In Daniel Craig’s final Bond outing, Ana appears as Paloma, a CIA agent assisting Bond in a high-octane mission in Cuba.
Performance review:
Though her screen time was limited to about 10 minutes, Ana stole the show. Her scene mixed action, charm, and humor, leaving fans and critics clamoring for a spinoff. She shattered the typical “Bond girl” trope with elegance and firepower.
Box office success:
No Time to Die grossed $774 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
Critical acclaim:
Empire Magazine wrote, “De Armas injects energy and flair into every frame she’s in. She’s a scene-stealer, no question.”
Career impact:
Her performance proved she could excel in blockbuster action roles, paving the way for her involvement in future action thrillers like The Gray Man.
Deep Water (2022): Exploring dark themes in a psychological thriller
Synopsis:
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, Deep Water explores a toxic marriage between Vic and Melinda Van Allen (Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas) filled with infidelity, mind games, and murder.
Performance review:
Ana portrayed Melinda with seductive coldness, making her both mysterious and dangerously charismatic. Her chemistry with Affleck added a magnetic tension to the narrative, blurring the lines between love and manipulation.
Streaming performance:
Released on Hulu and Amazon Prime internationally, the film quickly became one of the most-streamed thrillers of 2022.
Critical reception:
While reviews were mixed for the film itself, Ana’s performance was often singled out. The Guardian noted, “De Armas electrifies every scene she’s in.”
Career impact:
This role showcased her ability to dominate darker, more adult-themed stories—continuing her evolution from ingénue to complex femme fatale.
The Gray Man (2022): Action-packed Netflix hit
Synopsis:
In the Russo Brothers’ globe-trotting spy thriller, Ana plays Dani Miranda, a CIA agent partnering with Ryan Gosling’s fugitive agent to survive a deadly manhunt orchestrated by Chris Evans’ psychopathic antagonist.
Performance review:
Ana delivered an intense and physically demanding performance, showing her range in hand-to-hand combat, stunts, and emotionally driven scenes. She balanced stoicism with compassion, lending gravitas to the character.
Streaming performance:
The Gray Man was a global Netflix sensation, logging over 253 million hours viewed in its first 28 days, becoming one of the platform’s top-performing films of the year.
Critical response:
Though the film received mixed reviews overall, Ana’s performance was praised for elevating the material. Variety wrote, “De Armas brings intelligence and urgency to a genre that often sidelines its female leads.”
Career impact:
Her role solidified her reputation as an international action star, capable of commanding global streaming audiences and tackling roles in big-budget franchises.
More top Ana de Armas movies ranked by acclaim and influence
War Dogs (2016): A Hollywood introduction
Synopsis:
In Todd Phillips’ crime comedy-drama, Ana plays Iz, the girlfriend of Jonah Hill’s co-lead, in a story based on real-life arms dealers.
Performance review:
Though not the lead, Ana brought warmth and complexity to a supporting role. Her chemistry with Miles Teller and emotional clarity hinted at her potential as more than a side character.
Box office success:
The film earned $86 million globally on a $40 million budget—modestly successful, particularly for a non-franchise film.
Career impact:
War Dogs marked one of Ana’s first American studio films, helping her gain exposure to wider audiences and opening doors for future roles.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017): A visual and emotional standout
Synopsis:
In Denis Villeneuve’s stunning sci-fi sequel, Ana played Joi, a holographic AI who becomes emotionally entangled with Ryan Gosling’s character.
Performance review:
Ana brought an emotional soulfulness to Joi that contrasted sharply with the film’s sterile, dystopian setting. Her performance was both delicate and profound, offering a new dimension to the “AI companion” trope.
Box office/critical reception:
The film earned $267 million globally and was a critical triumph, winning two Oscars for visual effects and cinematography.
Career impact:
This role was a visual and emotional milestone, demonstrating Ana’s ability to stand out even in a supporting part within a visually overwhelming cinematic landscape.
Ana de Armas’ filmography analysis: How each role marked a milestone
Looking at her filmography, a pattern emerges: Ana chooses roles that challenge industry norms, redefine genre roles, and consistently push her acting boundaries. From small, emotionally rich parts (Blade Runner 2049) to action-heavy blockbusters (The Gray Man, No Time to Die), she has created a portfolio that is both diverse and critically respected.
Her roles have:
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Crossed genres (thriller, drama, action, sci-fi, biopic)
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Spanned platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, theatrical blockbusters)
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Connected with global audiences across English- and Spanish-speaking markets
Ana de Armas’ evolving legacy in Hollywood
Ana de Armas has transformed from a rising Cuban actress into a Hollywood A-lister whose name now appears alongside Oscar winners and box office giants. Her most powerful performances—from the vulnerable Marta in Knives Out to the emotionally tormented Monroe in Blonde—demonstrate a rare capacity to embody both fragility and strength.
She has not only succeeded commercially, with multiple films surpassing $200 million in box office or streaming views, but also earned critical validation, including an Academy Award nomination. As she continues to take on daring and unconventional roles, Ana’s legacy is being shaped as one of the most versatile and globally impactful actresses of her generation.
With upcoming projects likely to deepen her global imprint, Ana de Armas stands as a beacon of international talent, proving that the road from Havana to Hollywood is not only possible—it can be iconic.