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Introduction: The Rise of a Cinematic Chameleon
Anya Taylor-Joy’s movies have taken the cinematic world by storm over the past decade. Born in Miami and raised in Argentina and the UK, Taylor-Joy’s multicultural background has lent a unique depth to her craft. Bursting onto the scene with her haunting debut in The Witch, she quickly became one of the most in-demand talents in Hollywood. Her ability to shift seamlessly between arthouse dramas and big-budget blockbusters has earned her widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated global fan base.
From psychological thrillers and historical epics to horror masterpieces and stylised period pieces, Taylor-Joy’s filmography showcases a rare versatility. In this guide to the top Anya Taylor-Joy movies, we’ll explore the films that define her career, offering a comprehensive performance review of her most memorable roles. Whether you’re a new fan or a longtime admirer, these titles represent the best movies of Anya Taylor-Joy and why she remains a defining actress of her generation.
The Witch (2015) Review: The Birth of a Star
Anya Taylor-Joy performance in The Witch
Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout role as Thomasin in The Witch is often cited as one of the most powerful debuts in modern horror cinema. Her portrayal of a Puritan teenager facing supernatural forces in 17th-century New England is raw, nuanced, and deeply unsettling.
Plot summary of The Witch
Directed by Robert Eggers, The Witch tells the story of a devout Christian family that is banished to the edge of a mysterious forest. As sinister events unfold, Thomasin becomes the scapegoat, leading to a chilling confrontation with evil.
Why The Witch is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
The film cemented Taylor-Joy’s reputation as a fearless performer. Her ability to command the screen without overacting showed remarkable maturity. As one of the most critically acclaimed Anya Taylor-Joy films, The Witch earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination and the attention of top directors.
Split (2016) Review: A Standout in a Genre Hit
Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in Split
In M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, Taylor-Joy plays Casey Cooke, a kidnapped teen with a traumatic past. Her subdued yet emotionally rich performance offered a striking counterbalance to James McAvoy’s intense portrayal of a man with dissociative identity disorder.
Plot summary of Split
Casey and two classmates are abducted by Kevin, a man with 23 personalities. As they attempt to escape, Casey’s backstory and psychological resilience come into play, adding depth to the suspense.
Why Split is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
Taylor-Joy’s compelling performance elevated Split from a standard thriller to a psychologically engaging drama. Her chemistry with McAvoy added layers to the narrative, making this one of the top Anya Taylor-Joy movies in terms of commercial success and critical buzz.
Emma. (2020) Review: A Modern Take on a Classic
Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in Emma.
In this adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel, Taylor-Joy takes on the role of the charming but meddlesome Emma Woodhouse. Her performance strikes a delicate balance between wit and vulnerability, offering a fresh interpretation of a well-known literary figure.
Plot summary of Emma.
Emma, a wealthy and beautiful young woman in 19th-century England, plays matchmaker for her friends while being oblivious to her romantic prospects. The film is both visually stunning and sharply written.
Why Emma. is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
Taylor-Joy’s ability to embody period elegance with modern sensibility makes Emma. a standout. It’s a testament to her range and ability to carry a film with charisma and comedic timing.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020) Note: A Series Worth Mentioning
Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in The Queen’s Gambit
While not a film, The Queen’s Gambit deserves mention in any discussion of Anya Taylor-Joy’s filmography. As chess prodigy Beth Harmon, she delivered a career-defining performance that captivated millions worldwide.
Why The Queen’s Gambit is essential to Anya Taylor-Joy’s legacy
The series’ global popularity brought Taylor-Joy mainstream fame and multiple awards, including a Golden Globe. It solidified her reputation as a leading actress capable of carrying complex narratives.
The Northman (2022) Review: Myth and Majesty
Anya Taylor-Joy performance in The Northman
Reuniting with Robert Eggers, Taylor-Joy plays Olga of the Birch Forest, a Slavic sorceress who aids a Viking prince on his quest for revenge. Her performance is both ethereal and grounded, adding mystical allure to the brutal epic.
Plot summary of The Northman
The film follows Amleth, a prince seeking vengeance against the uncle who murdered his father. With vivid visuals and a Shakespearean narrative, The Northman is both visceral and poetic.
Why The Northman is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
Taylor-Joy’s otherworldly screen presence made her a perfect fit for the mythological setting. Her role, though supporting, was pivotal and memorable, further cementing her as a favourite in critically acclaimed Anya Taylor-Joy films.
Last Night in Soho (2021) Review: A Stylised Thriller
Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in Last Night in Soho
Taylor-Joy plays Sandie, a glamorous singer in 1960s London who appears in the dreams of a modern-day fashion student. Her magnetic performance blurs the line between dream and nightmare.
Plot summary of Last Night in Soho
Directed by Edgar Wright, the film follows Eloise, who begins to experience visions of Sandie’s life and untimely demise. As past and present collide, dark secrets are revealed.
Why Last Night in Soho is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
This film showcases Taylor-Joy’s star power and singing ability. Her role is integral to the movie’s hypnotic aesthetic, making it a standout in her filmography.
The Menu (2022) Review: Dark Satire and High Stakes
Anya Taylor-Joy performance in The Menu
Taylor-Joy shines as Margot, a skeptical diner invited to an exclusive restaurant on a mysterious island. Her performance mixes defiance with empathy, making her the audience’s emotional anchor.
Plot summary of The Menu
A group of wealthy elites arrives at a secluded island for a luxurious dining experience curated by celebrity chef Julian Slowik. However, things quickly take a dark turn.
Why The Menu is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
Taylor-Joy’s dynamic role in The Menu allowed her to explore themes of class, authenticity, and survival. Her character’s defiance drives the film’s tension, earning it a place among the top Anya Taylor-Joy movies.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) Review: The Road to Legend
Anya Taylor-Joy performance in Furiosa
Taking over from Charlize Theron, Taylor-Joy steps into the iconic role of Furiosa. Her intense physicality and emotional depth redefine the character for a new generation.
Plot summary of Furiosa
Furiosa delves into the origin story of the fierce warrior introduced in Mad Max: Fury Road. As a child abducted from the Green Place, she fights to survive and forge her path.
Why Furiosa is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
With Furiosa, Taylor-Joy proves her ability to lead major action franchises. The film highlights her fearless transformation and cements her status in blockbuster cinema.
Thoroughbreds (2017) Review: Dark Comedy at Its Finest
Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in Thoroughbreds
As Lily, a privileged teenager plotting murder with her emotionally detached friend, Taylor-Joy exudes chilling calm and manipulative control.
Plot summary of Thoroughbreds
Two wealthy teens rekindle their childhood friendship and conspire to kill Lily’s stepfather. The film explores morality, privilege, and psychological decay.
Why Thoroughbreds is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
Taylor-Joy’s calculated performance elevated this indie noir to cult status. Her work in Thoroughbreds remains one of the most critically underrated Anya Taylor-Joy films.
Glass (2019) Review: A Superpowered Ensemble
Anya Taylor-Joy performance in Glass
Reprising her role as Casey Cooke, Taylor-Joy brings emotional continuity to M. Night Shyamalan’s trilogy conclusion. Her presence serves as a moral compass amid the chaos.
Plot summary of Glass
The film unites characters from Unbreakable and Split as they are confined in a psychiatric facility. As secrets unravel, the world questions the existence of real-life superheroes.
Why Glass is among the best Anya Taylor-Joy films
Though not the lead, Taylor-Joy’s portrayal adds depth and resonance, tying together character arcs. Her commitment to the role enhances the emotional stakes of the story.
Conclusion: The Defining Roles of a Generation
The top Anya Taylor-Joy movies offer more than just a showcase of talent—they reveal an actress who challenges herself with each role. From indie horror to psychological thrillers, period dramas, and action epics, she remains a dynamic force in global cinema. Her filmography is a masterclass in range and reinvention, with performances that leave lasting impressions.
Whether it’s her chilling debut in The Witch, her magnetic turn in Last Night in Soho, or her fierce embodiment of Furiosa, Anya Taylor-Joy continues to prove that she belongs among the industry’s elite. With upcoming projects and continued collaborations with visionary directors, the best movies of Anya Taylor-Joy are yet to come.
Stay tuned for more critically acclaimed Anya Taylor-Joy films as her star continues to rise.