Emma Stone is an actress with a versatile range, spanning across comedies, dramas, and everything in between. At just 35 years old, she has amassed a number of accolades, including a Best Actress Oscar, and has made her mark in some of the most beloved films of the last two decades. With so many standout performances, it’s no wonder we’re here to count down her top 10 films, ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes score. Let’s dive in!
Kicking off the list is the animated sequel to The Croods, a film that came out seven years earlier. Emma Stone returns as the voice of Eep, the adventurous daughter of a prehistoric family. With a star-studded cast including Nicolas Cage and Ryan Reynolds, The Croods: A New Age picks up where the first left off, this time with the family encountering another, more evolved group of people. Despite being released during the pandemic, the film still managed a decent box office return and earned a Golden Globe nomination.
In this romantic comedy, Emma Stone stars as Hannah, a law student who gets caught in the whirlwind of Steve Carell’s midlife crisis and Ryan Gosling’s womanizing ways. Stone and Gosling's chemistry shines, especially during the now-iconic Dirty Dancing lift scene. The film’s heartwarming storyline and fantastic ensemble cast, including Julianne Moore and Marisa Tomei, make this a standout in her career.
This sports biopic tells the story of the famous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). Emma's portrayal of King, one of the most iconic figures in tennis, was lauded for its authenticity and depth. Stone met with the real Billie Jean King to prepare for the role, and her commitment showed, as she gained critical acclaim and even some calling it her best performance at that time.
In Easy A, Emma Stone takes on the role of Olive, a high school student who pretends to have lost her virginity to gain social status, only to have the lie spiral out of control. Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, the film is filled with humor and sharp commentary on teenage life. Stone's witty, charismatic performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and cemented her status as a comedic powerhouse.
Stone’s breakout role came in the form of Jules in Superbad, a coming-of-age comedy about high school seniors trying to have one last memorable night. Though her screen time was limited, her role as Jonah Hill’s love interest was enough to earn her recognition as a rising star. Superbad has since become a cult classic, solidifying its place as one of the best comedies of the 2000s.
In this post-apocalyptic zombie comedy, Emma Stone plays Wichita, a con artist traveling with her younger sister, played by Abigail Breslin, and two other survivors (Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg). The film became a surprise hit and was followed by a sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap, with Stone reprising her role. The film’s unique blend of humor and horror made it a fan favorite.
One of the most iconic roles of Emma Stone’s career is Mia, the aspiring actress in La La Land. Her on-screen chemistry with Ryan Gosling shines once again in this modern-day musical, directed by Damien Chazelle. Stone’s performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, and the film itself went on to win six Oscars. Its themes of love, ambition, and sacrifice resonate deeply, and Stone’s heartfelt portrayal makes it a must-watch.
In Birdman, Emma Stone plays the daughter of a washed-up actor (Michael Keaton) attempting to stage a Broadway comeback. Stone’s character, Sam, is a recovering addict working as her father’s assistant, and she delivers some of the film’s most raw and intense moments. Birdman was praised for its innovative cinematography, designed to look like one continuous shot, and it went on to win four Oscars, including Best Picture.
In this dark period comedy, Emma Stone plays Abigail, a servant vying for the attention of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) alongside Rachel Weisz’s character. The film’s biting humor and intricate power dynamics earned it 10 Academy Award nominations, with Colman winning Best Actress. Stone’s sharp, cunning performance was one of the highlights, showing once again her range as an actress. We can see some of the Emma Stone Nude scenes in this movie which become very controversial later on in the media and social media