Florence Pugh has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses, known for her incredible ability to transform into diverse characters. With her natural charisma and emotional depth, she has delivered powerful performances in everything from period dramas to psychological thrillers and action-packed blockbusters. In this blog, we’ll delve into the 10 best Florence Pugh movies that showcase her versatility and solidify her as a true star of contemporary cinema.
1. Lady Macbeth (2016)
Description: A young woman trapped in a loveless marriage resorts to drastic measures to reclaim her freedom.
Overview and Features
Directed by William Oldroyd, "Lady Macbeth" marks Florence Pugh’s breakout role. Set in 19th-century rural England, the film follows Katherine (Pugh), a young woman sold into a marriage with an older man. As she becomes stifled by the constraints of her life, Katherine begins an affair with a servant, leading her down a path of manipulation and violence to gain control over her life.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Katherine is nothing short of mesmerizing, balancing vulnerability with a chilling ruthlessness. Her performance in Lady Macbeth was widely praised by critics, who saw it as the arrival of a major new talent. The film’s intense atmosphere and dark themes make it a gripping period drama that showcases Pugh’s ability to command the screen.
Unique Description: Pugh’s breakout role as a ruthless, complex heroine.
IMDb Score: 6.8
2. Midsommar (2019)
Description: A woman’s grief leads her into a disturbing cult during a midsummer festival in Sweden.
Overview and Features
Directed by Ari Aster, "Midsommar" is a folk horror film that takes place in a seemingly idyllic Swedish village. Florence Pugh stars as Dani, a woman struggling with profound loss and emotional trauma. When she and her boyfriend travel to a remote commune for a midsummer festival, they find themselves trapped in a bizarre and increasingly horrifying series of rituals. The film’s bright, pastoral setting contrasts starkly with its eerie, unsettling atmosphere.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Midsommar" is one of Florence Pugh’s most emotionally intense performances. She captures the depth of Dani’s grief and isolation, making her descent into the cult’s disturbing world both heartbreaking and terrifying. Pugh’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from despair to quiet strength, makes Midsommar a haunting and unforgettable experience.
Unique Description: Pugh’s chilling, emotional descent in this haunting folk horror.
IMDb Score: 7.1
3. Little Women (2019)
Description: A reimagining of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about four sisters coming of age during the Civil War.
Overview and Features
Directed by Greta Gerwig, "Little Women" features an ensemble cast, with Florence Pugh taking on the role of Amy March, the youngest of the March sisters. The film explores the dreams, relationships, and struggles of the sisters as they navigate life, love, and loss. Pugh’s portrayal of Amy is both fiery and vulnerable, adding layers of complexity to a character often seen as frivolous.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Florence Pugh’s performance in Little Women earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She brings a fresh perspective to Amy March, making her ambitions and desires deeply relatable. The film’s non-linear storytelling, combined with Pugh’s dynamic performance, makes this adaptation a standout in her filmography and a must-watch for fans of classic literature.
Unique Description: Pugh’s Oscar-nominated turn as a passionate, complex Amy March.
IMDb Score: 7.8
4. Fighting with My Family (2019)
Description: A true story about a British girl who becomes a WWE superstar.
Overview and Features
Directed by Stephen Merchant, "Fighting with My Family" is a biographical sports comedy-drama based on the life of Saraya "Paige" Knight, a professional wrestler who rises from a small town in England to the heights of WWE fame. Florence Pugh stars as Saraya, who faces the challenges of pursuing her dream while staying true to her family and roots.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Pugh’s performance as Saraya is filled with heart and humor, capturing the determination and vulnerability of a young woman chasing her dreams in a male-dominated industry. The film’s blend of comedy, drama, and wrestling action makes it an inspiring story about family, resilience, and the importance of following one’s passion.
Unique Description: Pugh shines as a real-life wrestling underdog in this inspiring drama.
IMDb Score: 7.1
5. Black Widow (2021)
Description: A former assassin confronts her past and reunites with her family to bring down a deadly conspiracy.
Overview and Features
Directed by Cate Shortland, "Black Widow" is a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film that explores the backstory of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and introduces her "sister," Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh. Yelena joins Natasha on a mission to take down the Red Room, a secret organization that trained them as lethal assassins.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Yelena Belova is a scene-stealer, balancing sharp wit with emotional depth. Her chemistry with Scarlett Johansson adds a layer of sisterly warmth to the film, and her humor brings a fresh energy to the MCU. Pugh’s role in Black Widow set the stage for future appearances in the franchise, making this a must-watch for Marvel fans.
Unique Description: Pugh’s dynamic debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
IMDb Score: 6.7
6. The Falling (2014)
Description: A mysterious fainting epidemic spreads through a British girls’ school.
Overview and Features
Directed by Carol Morley, "The Falling" is a psychological drama set in a 1960s British boarding school. Florence Pugh stars as Abbie, a popular student whose sudden and unexplained fainting spells spark a strange and contagious phenomenon among the other girls. The film explores themes of friendship, repression, and the complexities of adolescence.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"The Falling" marks Florence Pugh’s film debut, where she delivers a compelling performance that hints at her future potential. Her portrayal of Abbie, a character grappling with hidden desires and secrets, is both enigmatic and captivating. The film’s haunting atmosphere and exploration of the power dynamics among teenage girls make it an intriguing watch.
Unique Description: Pugh’s captivating film debut in this mysterious psychological drama.
IMDb Score: 5.4
7. Outlaw King (2018)
Description: A historical epic about Robert the Bruce’s struggle for Scottish independence.
Overview and Features
Directed by David Mackenzie, "Outlaw King" stars Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce, a Scottish nobleman who becomes the leader of a rebellion against English rule. Florence Pugh plays Elizabeth de Burgh, Robert’s wife, who stands by his side through the hardships of war and betrayal. The film combines sweeping battle scenes with moments of intimate drama.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Florence Pugh’s performance as Elizabeth de Burgh adds depth and emotional resonance to Outlaw King. She brings strength and dignity to the role, making Elizabeth more than just a supporting character. The film’s beautiful cinematography and epic scope, along with Pugh’s nuanced portrayal, make it a standout entry in the historical drama genre.
Unique Description: Pugh brings strength and grace to this historical epic.
IMDb Score: 6.9
8. Malevolent (2018)
Description: Siblings running a fake paranormal investigation service encounter real supernatural terror.
Overview and Features
Directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson, "Malevolent" stars Florence Pugh as Angela, who along with her brother Jackson, pretends to investigate haunted houses. However, their fraudulent business takes a terrifying turn when they encounter a real haunting in a remote mansion. As the spirits become more aggressive, Angela must confront her own past and the true horror within the house.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
While Malevolent didn’t receive the same attention as some of Pugh’s other films, her performance elevates this supernatural thriller. She brings a sense of vulnerability and determination to the role, making the film’s suspenseful moments even more gripping. It’s a must-watch for fans of haunted house stories and Florence Pugh’s early work.
Unique Description: Pugh faces real terror in this chilling haunted house tale.
IMDb Score: 4.8
9. Don’t Worry Darling (2022)
Description: A psychological thriller set in a 1950s-style utopian community hiding dark secrets.
Overview and Features
Directed by Olivia Wilde, "Don’t Worry Darling" features Florence Pugh as Alice, a housewife living in a seemingly perfect, isolated desert community with her husband Jack (Harry Styles). As Alice starts to notice strange occurrences, she begins to uncover disturbing truths about the community and the mysterious organization that controls it.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Florence Pugh’s performance as Alice anchors the film, delivering a captivating mix of paranoia, strength, and vulnerability. Her ability to convey the unraveling of Alice’s reality makes Don’t Worry Darling a gripping psychological thriller. The film’s stylish direction and unsettling atmosphere, combined with Pugh’s powerful portrayal, make it a compelling watch.
Unique Description: Pugh unravels dark secrets in this stylish thriller.
IMDb Score: 6.2
10. The Wonder (2022)
Description: A nurse is sent to a remote Irish village to investigate a miraculous event.
Overview and Features
Directed by Sebastián Lelio, "The Wonder" stars Florence Pugh as Lib Wright, an English nurse sent to a small Irish village to observe a young girl who claims to have survived for months without food. As she uncovers the truth behind the girl’s condition, Lib faces a crisis of faith and morality, challenging her understanding of miracles and science.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"The Wonder" allows Florence Pugh to explore themes of belief, ethics, and the power of storytelling. Her portrayal of Lib is both introspective and intense, capturing the conflict between scientific reason and the desire to believe in miracles. The film’s hauntingly beautiful setting and thought-provoking narrative make it a standout in Pugh’s recent work.
Unique Description: Pugh’s introspective performance in this haunting, thought-provoking drama.
IMDb Score: 6.5
FAQs
1. What are the best Florence Pugh movies?
Some of the best Florence Pugh movies include Midsommar, Little Women, Lady Macbeth, and Black Widow.
2. Has Florence Pugh won an Oscar?
Florence Pugh has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Little Women (2019).
3. What was Florence Pugh’s breakout role?
Pugh’s breakout role was in Lady Macbeth (2016), which brought her critical acclaim.
4. Is Florence Pugh in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
Yes, Florence Pugh plays Yelena Belova in the MCU, starting with Black Widow (2021).
5. Has Florence Pugh worked with acclaimed directors?
Yes, Pugh has worked with directors like Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Ari Aster (Midsommar), and Olivia Wilde (Don’t Worry Darling).
Florence Pugh’s filmography is a testament to her incredible range and talent as one of Hollywood’s most exciting actresses. From emotionally intense dramas like Midsommar to her scene-stealing role in the MCU, the 10 best Florence Pugh movies listed here highlight her ability to captivate audiences across genres. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or heartfelt period pieces, Pugh’s films offer something for everyone.
