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Margot Robbie has swiftly ascended to the pinnacle of Hollywood stardom, earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic and fearless actresses of her generation. From breakout roles in high-octane blockbusters to nuanced performances in critically acclaimed dramas, Robbie’s versatility is nothing short of extraordinary. Her evolving Margot Robbie filmography reflects a rare blend of charisma, emotional depth, and sharp creative instincts, making her a global icon and a producer with a keen eye for powerful storytelling.
This list of must-watch Margot Robbie films highlights the range and talent that cement her status as Hollywood royalty. Whether portraying real-life figures or fictional characters with striking authenticity, these top Margot Robbie performances showcase her ability to transform every role into something unforgettable.
1. I, Tonya (2017, directed by Craig Gillespie)
Plot summary
Based on the life of figure skater Tonya Harding, I, Tonya is a darkly comic and emotionally charged biopic that dives into the infamous 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan. The film follows Harding’s troubled upbringing, toxic relationships, and controversial fall from grace.
Margot Robbie’s performance
Robbie delivers a powerhouse performance as Harding, capturing her complexity, vulnerability, and unrelenting drive. Her physical transformation and skating scenes added authenticity, but it was her emotional intensity that truly dazzled.
Why this movie stands out in her career
This film earned Robbie her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, firmly establishing her as a serious talent beyond the beauty of her earlier roles. It remains one of the best Margot Robbie movies for its bold storytelling and her fearless portrayal.
2. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013, directed by Martin Scorsese)
Plot summary
A high-energy financial drama, this film follows Jordan Belfort’s rise and fall in the world of stock market manipulation and excess. Robbie stars as Naomi Lapaglia, Belfort’s wife, navigating his chaotic world of drugs, power, and corruption.
Margot Robbie’s performance
In her breakout role, Robbie commands the screen with magnetic presence. Her Brooklyn accent, confidence, and layered vulnerability marked her as a scene-stealer even against Leonardo DiCaprio.
Why this movie stands out in her career
This was the role that introduced Margot Robbie to the global stage. Her unflinching performance announced her arrival and secured her a spot among the industry’s rising stars, laying the foundation for an exceptional Margot Robbie filmography.
3. Barbie (2023, directed by Greta Gerwig)
Plot summary
In a vibrant and satirical take on the world’s most iconic doll, Barbie explores themes of identity, gender, and existential purpose. Barbie and Ken venture into the real world, challenging societal norms along the way.
Margot Robbie’s performance
As the titular Barbie, Robbie balances comedy, empathy, and emotional introspection. Her performance is both playful and profound, serving as the emotional core of the film.
Why this movie stands out in her career
Barbie became a cultural phenomenon and Robbie’s highest-grossing film to date. It showcased her ability to lead a billion-dollar blockbuster while championing feminist storytelling — a crowning moment among must-watch Margot Robbie films.
4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019, directed by Quentin Tarantino)
Plot summary
Set in 1969 Los Angeles, the film follows a fading actor and his stunt double navigating the shifting tides of Hollywood. Robbie plays Sharon Tate, a rising star whose tragic fate looms over the narrative.
Margot Robbie’s performance
With minimal dialogue, Robbie conveys Tate’s warmth and optimism through subtle expressions and body language. Her performance is quietly moving and serves as a poignant tribute to the real-life actress.
Why this movie stands out in her career
Robbie’s portrayal of Sharon Tate demonstrated her ability to captivate without dominating screen time. Working under Tarantino’s direction, she added depth to her filmography with an emotionally rich, understated role.
5. Bombshell (2019, directed by Jay Roach)
Plot summary
A dramatization of the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News, Bombshell centres on the experiences of women confronting toxic workplace culture. Robbie plays Kayla Pospisil, a fictional composite character.
Margot Robbie’s performance
Robbie’s role is emotionally wrenching, especially during a powerful scene where she is harassed by network head Roger Ailes. She captures Kayla’s ambition, fear, and moral conflict with raw honesty.
Why this movie stands out in her career
Robbie received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film solidified her reputation for choosing bold, socially relevant projects and delivering some of the top Margot Robbie performances of recent years.
6. Mary Queen of Scots (2018, directed by Josie Rourke)
Plot summary
This historical drama explores the rivalry between Mary Stuart of Scotland and Elizabeth I of England. Robbie portrays Queen Elizabeth, caught in a complex web of political strategy and personal isolation.
Margot Robbie’s performance
Transformed by prosthetics and regal attire, Robbie portrays Elizabeth with dignity and inner turmoil. Her emotional scenes with Saoirse Ronan (as Mary) are a highlight of the film.
Why this movie stands out in her career
This film showed Robbie’s range in period dramas and her ability to humanise legendary figures. Her powerful presence among a cast of historical heavyweights makes this a must-watch Margot Robbie film.
7. Focus (2015, directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa)
Plot summary
A stylish romantic heist film, Focus follows Nicky (Will Smith), a seasoned con artist who trains and falls for Jess (Robbie), a gifted newcomer to the game. Their relationship grows complicated as trust becomes a dangerous game.
Margot Robbie’s performance
Robbie infuses the character of Jess with charm, confidence, and emotional depth. Her chemistry with Smith was widely praised and added energy to the film’s fast-paced storytelling.
Why this movie stands out in her career
This was Robbie’s first lead role post-Wolf of Wall Street. It proved she could carry a film and stand toe-to-toe with established stars, further enhancing her standing in Hollywood.
8. Suicide Squad (2016, directed by David Ayer)
Plot summary
A government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains for a black-ops mission in exchange for reduced sentences. Robbie stars as Harley Quinn, a psychotic former psychiatrist with a love for chaos.
Margot Robbie’s performance
Robbie’s electrifying performance as Harley Quinn became a cultural touchstone. With manic energy, dark humour, and vulnerability, she made the character iconic overnight.
Why this movie stands out in her career
Though the film received mixed reviews, Robbie’s Harley Quinn emerged as a standout, leading to spin-offs and becoming one of the best Margot Robbie movies for pop culture influence and fan recognition.
9. Birds of Prey (2020, directed by Cathy Yan)
Plot summary
A follow-up to Suicide Squad, this female-led superhero film sees Harley Quinn navigating life after breaking up with the Joker. She teams up with other women to protect a young girl from a brutal crime lord.
Margot Robbie’s performance
Robbie reclaims Harley’s narrative, delivering a more layered and self-aware performance. She blends humour, chaos, and pathos with precision, showing Harley’s journey toward self-liberation.
Why this movie stands out in her career
Robbie also served as a producer, helping to shape the film’s feminist tone and visual style. Her creative control and standout acting make it one of the top Margot Robbie performances in her growing catalogue.
10. Babylon (2022, directed by Damien Chazelle)
Plot summary
Set in 1920s Hollywood during the transition from silent films to talkies, Babylon is a frenetic, visually extravagant exploration of ambition, excess, and the cost of fame. Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy, an aspiring starlet.
Margot Robbie’s performance
Robbie is magnetic as Nellie, embodying wild ambition, self-destruction, and longing for belonging. Her portrayal of a woman fighting to rise in a brutal industry is both chaotic and heartbreaking.
Why this movie stands out in her career
Despite polarised reviews, Robbie’s performance was widely lauded. She stole the spotlight with unrelenting energy, and it remains a daring addition to her diverse Margot Robbie filmography.
Conclusion: A legacy written in bold roles and brilliance
From psychological thrillers to historical dramas and billion-dollar blockbusters, Margot Robbie’s filmography reflects her fearless choices and transformative talent. Her ability to lead, support, and elevate every film she touches proves why these titles are not just the best Margot Robbie movies, but also defining chapters in contemporary cinema.
Robbie’s evolution — from breakout star in The Wolf of Wall Street to cultural phenomenon with Barbie — shows an actress in control of her craft and career. As she continues to produce and act in genre-defying films, one thing is certain: these must-watch Margot Robbie films are only the beginning of an extraordinary legacy.