Emma Stoneis one of Hollywood’s best-known and hardest-working actresses, havingstarred in a number of greatfilms since she made her big screen debut in 2007’sSuperbad. Her role in the comedy quickly established the actress as a capable comedic talent and led to other parts in films such asThe Rocker,Zombieland,Easy A, andCrazy, Stupid, Love.In more recent years, however, Stone has shifted towards more dramatic roles, a decision that has led to an Oscar win and three further nominations.
Stone’s most recent film, Yorgos Lanthimos’Poor Things,was met with critical acclaim and is currently making a name for itself during this year’s awards season. With a Golden Globe win for her work in the film already under her belt and BAFTA and Oscar ceremonies just around the corner, it seems Stone’s career continues to go from strength to strength. So, with that in mind, here’s a look at Emma Stone’s best dramatic movies to date.
Update June 02, 2025: This article has been updated following Stone’s recent Oscar nomination forPoor Thingsto include even more great dramatic performances by the actress and where all of her films are currently streaming.
7The Help (2011)
Based on a novel of the same name written by Kathryn Stockett,The Helpwas one of two dramas starring Stone that premiered in 2011. The film centers around an aspiring author, Skeeter Phelan, played by Stone, who decides to write a book from the point of view of two black maids, Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis) and Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer) who work for wealthy white families in Skeeter’s social circle. Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, it focuses on Skeeta’s relationship with the women and her desire to shed light on the maids' hardships. Bryce Dalla Howard, Jessica Chastain, and Allison Janney also star.
What Makes It Great
When it was initially released in cinemas in 2011,The Helpproved to be both a hit with both critics and audiences, earning four Academy Award nominations and making an impressive $216 million at the worldwide box office. However, since its release, many ofthe film’s cast members have expressed regretabout starring in what they perceive to be a white savior story. While this assessment is certainly valid and something that should definitely be considered upon giving the film a watch, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Stone, along with Davis, Spencer, and their fellow co-stars, deliver some truly stunning performances throughout this movie. It’s also well-directed and has a gorgeous production design. Unfortunately, its out-of-touch attitude and white savior narrative means that The Help is a well-made but ultimately problematic period drama.Stream on Hulu
6Cruella (2021)
A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil. Starring Emma Stone.
Disney’sCruellaserves asa villain origin storyfor the Dalmatian-hating antagonist of the same name from the101 Dalmatiansfranchise. Set in London in the 1970s, the film tells the story of Estella Miller (Stone), a wannabe fashion designer who goes head-to-head with renowned haute couture designer, The Baroness (Emma Thompson), to be the best in the industry. Estella’s determination to get one over on her rival leads her to become the criminal mastermind known as Cruella de Vil. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film also stars Joel Fry, Mark Strong, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste. It was met with generally positive reviews, anda sequel is currently in the works.
Cruellais a film that, on paper, shouldn’t work. After all, it’s not like anyone was desperate for a Cruella de Vil origin story to be made. However, against all odds, the film is a highly entertaining and surprisingly emotional delve into the iconic character’s complicated past. Undoubtedly, the best parts of the film are the performances of the two leads, with both Stone and Thompson delivering wonderfully eccentric and committed performances as well as offering up a fizzling chemistry. Dazzlingly lavish and ridiculously good fun,Cruellajustifies it’s own existence with how fun it is and how Stone truly chews every bit of scenery in the best way.Stream on Disney+
Related:Emma Stone’s Funniest Movie Roles, Ranked
5Battle of the Sexes (2017)
Battle of the Sexes
Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, the 2017 sports film,Battle of the Sexesrevolves around the real-life 1973 tennis match between competitive rivals, Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Stone plays King oppositeSteve Carellas Riggs, with the film exploring the struggles each player faced in their personal life, as much as their professional career. The film also features a supporting cast made up of well-known acting talents, including Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, Alan Cumming, Bill Pullman, and Elisabeth Shue. Despite performing poorly at the box office,Battle of the Sexesgarnered generally positive reviews from critics, and saw both Stone and Carrell nominated for Golden Globe Awards.
Like others on this list, what makesBattle of the Sexesso watchable is the chemistry between Stone and her main co-star, Carell, in this case. Both play off each other really well and expertly manage to sell the idea that their characters are rivals. Stone, in particular, deftly captures King’s determination, as well as the pressure she feels. Add to this a smart script by writer Simon Beaufoy and some neat direction by Faris and Dayton, and you have a charming, if not slightly safe, biographical sports drama.Rent on AppleTV+
4Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Oscar-winning black comedy-drama,Birdman, sees Stone sharing the screen with an ensemble cast of big-name stars, including Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Ryan, and Noami Watts. Filmed to look like one long continuous take, it follows Riggan Thomson (Keaton), a washed-up superhero actor who attempts to revive his career by writing, directing, and starring in his own Broadway play. The film focuses on the backstage drama that unfolds during the rehearsals and opening night of the play, including Riggan’s relationships with both his girlfriend, Laura (Riseborough), and his daughter, Sam (Stone). Still haunted by the failures of his past, Riggan frequently visualizes himself as the character of Birdman, complete with powers of flight and telekinesis. The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards in total.
Birdmanis both a massive dramatic and technical achievement. From a filmmaking perspective, it’s an ambitious and beautifully rendered piece of cinema, complete with stunning cinematography and striking imagery. While, narratively speaking, it’s an engaging and almost Shakesperean-like tale of personal torment. The film’s script, whichmight be too dialogue-heavy for some, is rich and bursting with great lines and original ideas, while Iñárritu’s flawless direction literally guides the audience through the backstage maze of the theater setting, while metaphorically guiding them through the main character’s own personal struggles. With excellent performances from the cast, particularly Keaton and Stone,Birdmanis an audacious and thought-provoking film that’s like no other.Stream on Max
Related:These Are Michael Keaton’s Best Movies
3The Favourite (2018)
The Favourite
Stone’s first of two collaborations between Stone andacclaimed filmmaker, Yorgos Lanthimos, 2018’sThe Favouritecenters on the rivalry between two of Queen Anne’s closest allies as they both vie for her attention. Set in 18th century England, the film stars Stone as Abigail Hill, a palace scullery maid who develops a close relationship with the Queen (Olivia Colman), much to the annoyance of Abigail’s cousin and the Queen’s lover, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz). A critical darling,The Favouriteearned a total of nine Academy Award nominations at the 91st annual ceremony in 2019, including Best Supporting Actress for Stone.
Like Lanthimos’s other works,The Favouriteis enthused with a darkly comedic and offbeat tone that sets it apart from more traditional period dramas. It’s biting, sharp, and deliciously funny while also being a brilliant exploration of power and power struggles. Filled with lavish costumes, delicately designed sets, and a beautifully foreboding score,The Favouriteis a rare example of a film where each element of the production design works in perfect harmony to create a truly magnificent whole. Furthermore, with a witty script by writers Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, some inspired direction by Lanthimos, and a trio of stunning performances by the main cast,The Favouriteis a visually unique and tonally original period piece that’s deserving of every award it has won.Rent on AppleTV+
2Poor Things (2023)
Poor Things
Poor Things is a sci-fi romance film from The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos. The story focuses on the bizarre and fantastical world of Bella Baxter after a scientist named Dr. Godwin Baxter brings her back to life. The film is based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Alasdair Gray.
Read Our Review
2023’sPoor Thingsis the most recent addition to Stone’s glowing resume. The movie reunites the actress with director Yorgos Lanthimos for a darkly comedic fantasy adventure film that’s currentlytaking the award season by storm. Set in a steam-punk-like world mildly resembling our own, the film tells the story of Bella Baxter (Stone), a woman who is brought back to life by an eccentric scientist named Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) following her suicide. Resurrected with the brain of her unborn child, Bella must relearn what life is all about and, to that end, sets sail on a journey of self-discovery that will see her fall in love with life again. Mark Ruffolo portrays a seedy and slimy lawyer named Duncan Wedderburn, who accompanies Bella on her travels, while Ramy Youseff stars as Max McCandless, an assistant to Godwin tasked with observing Bella. The film has alreadywon Stone the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, and she is nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
In terms of genre,Poor Thingsis a difficult film to categorize. It’s part comedy, part drama, part fantasy, part adventure film, and more. It’s obscurity, however, is exactly what makes it such a great film; there’s nothing else like it. It’s a bonkers movie filled with breathtakingly beautiful yet weird imagery, a deliberately jarring score, and Lanthimos’s trademark offbeat humor dialed up to eleven. Yet, for all its quirkiness and humor,Poor Thingsis a rich story filled with oddly relatable themes of identity, empowerment, and self-discovery. Furthermore, witha spectacular central performance by Stone, who expertly portrays Bella’s naivety, vulnerability, and desire for knowledge,Poor Thingsis a visually captivating and wonderfully imaginative cinematic odyssey.Poor Thingsis currently playing in theaters.
Related:Best Willem Dafoe Movies, Ranked
1La La Land (2016)
La La Land
La La Landmarks Stone’s third and most recentcollaboration with Ryan Gosling, following their appearances together in 2011’sCrazy Stupid Love, and 2013’sGangster Squad. The musical romance sees Stone plays Mia, an aspiring actress living in Los Angeles whose life is changed when she meets and falls in love with-struggling jazz pianist Sebastian (Gosling). However, as their relationship blossoms, the pair soon discovers that their individual career goals are at odds with what they want from one another. Both a commercial and critical hit,La La Landwent on to make just over $470 million at the worldwide box office while also receiving a record number of Academy Award nominations.A Broadway adaptation of the film is currently in the works.
With an incredibly catchy soundtrack, vibrant production design, and an energetic tone,La La Landis an infectiously good throwback to classic movie musicals. With this film, directorDamien Chazellesolidified his position as one of Hollywood’s most exciting and original filmmaking talents by crafting a modern cinematic masterpiece that will be remembered fondly for years to come. A large part of the film’s success is owed to the performances of Stone and Gosling, who, individually, are incredibly watchable but, together, are simply irresistible.Their onscreen chemistry is some of the bestin film history, and in both Mia and Sebastian, they create two original and endlessly compelling characters. Lively, joyous, touching, and powerful,La La Landis the best entry in Stone’s impressive and constantly expanding filmography.Stream on Netflix
