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Emma Stone has become a household name in Hollywood, captivating audiences with her undeniable charm, impeccable timing, and striking emotional depth. From her early comedic roles to her award-winning dramatic performances, Stone’s career is a testament to her versatility and dedication to her craft. Over the years, she has worked with acclaimed directors, starred in both box office hits and critical darlings, and has garnered numerous accolades. In this detailed guide, we explore the top movies of Emma Stone, delving into her most iconic roles and why her work continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Best performances by Emma Stone
Emma Stone’s filmography is filled with standout roles that highlight her exceptional range. Here, we take a closer look at some of her best performances that have defined her illustrious career.
Easy A (2010) – Directed by Will Gluck
Plot:
“Easy A” is a modern-day reimagining of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, centring on high school student Olive Penderghast, who finds herself the subject of her school’s rumour mill.
Emma Stone’s role:
Stone plays Olive with a perfect balance of wit, vulnerability, and charisma, cementing her status as a leading lady in Hollywood.
Critical reception:
Critics lauded Stone’s performance as a breakout moment. Roger Ebert noted, “Emma Stone is a star, and after this movie, she’ll have the roles to prove it.”
Box office performance:
The film was a sleeper hit, grossing over $75 million worldwide against a modest budget.
Awards and nominations:
Stone received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, a pivotal moment early in her career.
La La Land (2016) – Directed by Damien Chazelle
Plot:
A musical romance that follows the dreams and heartbreaks of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician in Los Angeles.
Emma Stone’s role:
As Mia Dolan, Stone delivered a career-defining performance, blending singing, dancing, and deep emotional resonance.
Critical reception:
Stone’s portrayal was universally praised. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote, “Stone gives a performance that is both gossamer light and soul-shakingly profound.”
Box office performance:
“La La Land” was a massive success, earning over $446 million globally.
Awards and nominations:
Emma Stone won the Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for Best Actress, solidifying her place among Hollywood’s elite.
The Favourite (2018) – Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Plot:
Set in early 18th-century England, “The Favourite” is a darkly comedic period piece centred on the power struggle between two cousins vying for the favour of Queen Anne.
Emma Stone’s role:
Stone portrayed Abigail Masham, a cunning servant who rises through the court’s ranks with wit and ruthlessness.
Critical reception:
Stone’s sharp and layered performance was widely acclaimed. The Guardian described her as “gleefully mischievous and utterly magnetic.”
Box office performance:
The film grossed over $95 million worldwide, a strong performance for an arthouse release.
Awards and nominations:
Stone received Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress.
Birdman (2014) – Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu
Plot:
“Birdman” tells the story of a faded actor, famous for playing a superhero, as he struggles to mount a Broadway play and reclaim his relevance.
Emma Stone’s role:
She played Sam, the troubled daughter and personal assistant of Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton).
Critical reception:
Critics praised Stone’s intense and raw portrayal, especially highlighting a powerful monologue scene that showcased her dramatic prowess.
Box office performance:
“Birdman” earned $103 million worldwide and became a critical darling.
Awards and nominations:
Stone earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) – Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Plot:
This romantic comedy weaves together the stories of several characters dealing with love, heartbreak, and redemption.
Emma Stone’s role:
Stone played Hannah Weaver, a witty and independent young woman who turns the tables on the suave Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling).
Critical reception:
Stone’s natural chemistry with Gosling was praised, leading to their subsequent successful on-screen partnerships.
Box office performance:
The film grossed over $145 million globally.
Awards and nominations:
While not an awards magnet, the film reinforced Stone’s status as a romantic comedy darling.
Emma Stone’s top-rated movies
The following films not only showcase Emma Stone’s range but also rank among her highest-rated projects according to critics and audiences alike.
Zombieland (2009) – Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Plot:
A post-apocalyptic comedy about a ragtag group of survivors navigating a zombie-infested America.
Emma Stone’s role:
Stone played Wichita, a tough, street-smart survivor who is fiercely protective of her younger sister.
Critical reception:
The film received positive reviews for its humour and inventive approach to the zombie genre, with Stone’s performance singled out as particularly strong.
Box office performance:
“Zombieland” grossed $102 million worldwide.
Awards and nominations:
Though not a major awards contender, the film’s cult status contributed significantly to Stone’s early career momentum.
Battle of the Sexes (2017) – Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton
Plot:
Based on the real-life 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs.
Emma Stone’s role:
Stone portrayed King, capturing her strength, vulnerabilities, and the social pressures she faced as a pioneering female athlete.
Critical reception:
Stone was widely praised for her physical and emotional commitment to the role. Variety called her performance “inspirational and humanising.”
Box office performance:
While modest at the box office with a $18.6 million gross, the film was a critical success.
Awards and nominations:
Stone earned another Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
The Help (2011) – Directed by Tate Taylor
Plot:
Set in 1960s Mississippi, “The Help” explores the relationship between African American maids and the white families they work for.
Emma Stone’s role:
She played Skeeter Phelan, an aspiring writer who exposes the injustices faced by the maids.
Critical reception:
The film and Stone’s performance were warmly received, though it also sparked debates about racial representation.
Box office performance:
“The Help” grossed a remarkable $216 million worldwide.
Awards and nominations:
The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, with Stone’s performance considered a major highlight.
Must-watch Emma Stone movies you shouldn’t miss
For those exploring the top movies of Emma Stone, these additional titles are essential viewing.
Maniac (2018) – Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (Netflix limited series)
Plot:
Though technically a series, “Maniac” showcases Stone’s extraordinary range as she plays multiple characters in a surreal, dystopian world.
Emma Stone’s role:
She portrayed Annie Landsberg, a woman battling personal demons and participating in a mysterious pharmaceutical trial.
Critical reception:
Stone’s performance was described as “hypnotic and haunting” by The New York Times.
Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) – Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Plot:
A sequel to the beloved “Zombieland,” following the original group a decade later as they encounter evolved zombies and new survivors.
Emma Stone’s role:
Stone reprised her role as Wichita with the same sharp wit and tenacity.
Critical reception:
While not as universally acclaimed as its predecessor, Stone’s performance was a consistent highlight.
Box office performance:
The sequel grossed $125 million globally.
Conclusion: Emma Stone’s remarkable impact on modern cinema
Emma Stone’s filmography is a testament to her extraordinary talent, range, and versatility. From her infectious comedic timing in “Easy A” to her heart-wrenching dramatic turns in “La La Land” and “The Favourite,” Stone has crafted a career that few can rival. Her performances continue to captivate audiences and critics alike, earning her a place among the most respected actors of her generation.
Whether you are revisiting her classics or discovering her work for the first time, the top movies of Emma Stone offer a masterclass in acting, storytelling, and emotional depth. Each role she undertakes adds a new layer to her already impressive legacy. Make sure to explore these films and experience the magic that Emma Stone consistently brings to the silver screen.