Elizabeth Olsen's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - October 17th 2024, 20:00 GMT+2

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Elizabeth Olsen appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © Walt Disney Studios

Cropped Very Good Girls — 20. Very Good Girls (2013)

In *Very Good Girls*, Olsen plays Lilly, part of a duo of best friends who vow to lose their virginity during one memorable summer. While the premise screams indie coming-of-age, the execution left something to be desired. Olsen does her best with the material, but the film feels more like an awkward love triangle rather than an emotional exploration of adolescence. Olsen's performance shines through, but even she couldn't save this from being, well, "just okay girls." | © Tribeca Film

Cropped Oldboy — 19. Oldboy (2013)

*Oldboy* is a bold, violent remake of the original, and let’s just say, nobody asked for this one. Olsen’s character, Marie, was caught in a web of twisted, dark revelations – too bad the film was more puzzling than shocking. Her performance stands out, though, proving she can navigate even the messiest of plots. Still, the movie itself? Maybe better left locked up like the protagonist. | © FilmDistrict

Cropped I Saw the Light — 18. I Saw the Light (2015)

As Audrey Williams in *I Saw the Light*, Olsen plays the long-suffering wife of Hank Williams, but the film, much like its subject, struggles to stay in tune. Despite Olsen’s efforts to ground the story with her solid performance, the film itself is a bit of a drag, trying to hit all the right biopic beats without any real rhythm. It's a slow burn – one that unfortunately fizzles out rather than sparks. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped Ingrid Goes West — 17. Ingrid Goes West (2017)

*Ingrid Goes West* gives Olsen a chance to flex her comedy chops as Instagram influencer Taylor Sloane, and she nails the role. Olsen hilariously embodies the perfect, filtered life of a social media star while keeping it just vapid enough to make it painfully relatable. She captures the satirical essence of the character without going overboard, making this a highlight in her filmography. | © Neon

Cropped Peace Love Misunderstanding — 16. Peace, Love & Misunderstanding (2011)

This family drama puts Olsen in the role of a sweet, idealistic granddaughter visiting her hippie grandmother. While it’s full of heart and peace-sign clichés, the movie never quite hits the high notes. Olsen delivers a charming performance, but the movie as a whole feels more like a Hallmark card you’ve read too many times. Still, she does what she can with the feel-good fluff. | © IFC Films

Cropped Kill Your Darlings — 15. Kill Your Darlings (2013)

Olsen plays a minor role in *Kill Your Darlings*, but even in a supporting part, she brings depth to the screen. Set against the backdrop of the Beat Generation, she portrays Edie Parker, the girlfriend of Jack Kerouac. While the film focuses more on the male literary icons, Olsen adds a needed spark in her brief appearances, making you wish she had more screen time. | © Sony Pictures Classics

Cropped Red Lights — 14. Red Lights (2012)

In *Red Lights*, Olsen finds herself caught up in a supernatural thriller alongside big names like Sigourney Weaver and Robert De Niro. Unfortunately, the movie itself was more confusing than thrilling. Olsen does what she can with the material, but let’s be real – it’s hard to shine when the story is so dimly lit (pun intended). | © Millennium Entertainment

Cropped Liberal Arts — 13. Liberal Arts (2012)

In *Liberal Arts*, Olsen plays Zibby, a young college student who strikes up a relationship with an older man. While the movie is more about Josh Radnor’s midlife crisis than Olsen’s character, she still manages to bring an effortless charm to her role. Her portrayal of youthful idealism is sweet without being naive, making her the heart of this otherwise slow, introspective film. | © IFC Films

Cropped In Secret — 12. In Secret (2013)

Olsen dives into dark territory in *In Secret* as Thérèse, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who embarks on an illicit affair. It’s a period piece dripping with tension, but while Olsen brings intensity to her role, the film itself struggles to keep up. The melodrama at times feels overwrought, but Olsen’s performance is a highlight in an otherwise uneven story. | © LD Entertainment

Cropped Kodachrome — 11. Kodachrome (2017)

*Kodachrome* gives us a more subdued, emotional Olsen, playing a nurse who helps a father and son reconnect on a road trip. It’s a heartfelt, bittersweet movie, and Olsen grounds the story with a quiet, moving performance. While the film doesn’t break new ground, her character adds warmth and compassion, turning what could have been a simple drama into something more poignant. | © Netflix

Cropped Godzilla — 10. Godzilla (2014)

Elizabeth Olsen in a *Godzilla* movie? Yup, it happened, though her character isn’t exactly the centerpiece. Olsen plays the concerned wife role, and while she does it well, let’s face it – no one’s here for the humans. You’ll probably forget she was even in this one once the giant lizard shows up to wreak havoc. Still, Olsen gives her all, even if the movie doesn’t. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness — 9. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Olsen returns as Wanda Maximoff, but this time, she’s not playing nice. *Multiverse of Madness* leans into her darker side, and Olsen absolutely owns it. She steals the show with her intense portrayal of a broken mother driven to the edge, turning what could have been a simple superhero flick into something genuinely emotional. Doctor Strange who? This is Olsen’s movie. | © Walt Disney Studios

Cropped Avengers Age of Ultron — 8. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

In *Age of Ultron*, Olsen makes her debut as Wanda Maximoff, and while it’s a bit of a slow start, she quickly becomes a fan favorite. Her accent is a little all over the place (we forgive you, Marvel), but her character’s arc is compelling enough to keep us hooked. It’s a solid introduction to the Scarlet Witch, even if the movie itself is a bit chaotic. | © Walt Disney Studios Walt Disney Studios

Cropped Captain America Civil War — 7. Captain America: Civil War (2016)

*Civil War* gives Olsen’s Scarlet Witch more room to breathe, and she takes full advantage of it. Her internal struggle between being a hero and the weight of her destructive powers is palpable, and it’s here that Olsen starts to fully embody the role. She’s a force to be reckoned with, even if she’s not the main focus of the film. | © Walt Disney Studios

Cropped Avengers Infinity War — 6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

By *Infinity War*, Olsen’s Wanda has grown into one of the Avengers’ most powerful – and most tragic – members. Her chemistry with Vision (and their heartbreaking scenes together) add real emotional weight to the universe-spanning chaos. Olsen makes you feel every bit of Wanda’s pain, which is saying something in a movie filled with giant purple aliens and space battles. | © Walt Disney Studios

Cropped Avengers Endgame — 5. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Olsen’s screen time may be shorter in *Endgame*, but when she shows up, it’s a moment. Her showdown with Thanos is one of the highlights of the entire film, with Olsen delivering raw power and emotion in equal measure. She’s come a long way from her debut, and in *Endgame*, she proves she’s one of the MCU’s heavy hitters. | © Walt Disney Studios

Cropped Martha Marcy May Marlene — 4. Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

In *Martha Marcy May Marlene*, Olsen delivers one of her most haunting performances as a woman grappling with life after escaping a cult. It’s a slow-burn thriller, and Olsen’s portrayal of paranoia and trauma is chillingly real. This film put her on the map, and for good reason – she’s magnetic from start to finish, making it a must-watch for any Olsen fan. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cropped Wind River — 3. Wind River (2017)

Olsen teams up with Jeremy Renner in *Wind River*, a stark crime drama set in the snowy wilderness. Playing an FBI agent out of her element, she brings a toughness to the role that contrasts well with the harsh environment. It’s a somber, gripping film, and Olsen’s nuanced performance gives it a sense of humanity amid the bleakness. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped The Assessment — 2. The Assessment (2024)

In *The Assessment*, Olsen steps into a more introspective, dramatic role, playing a woman going through a deeply personal evaluation. The film’s quiet, slow pace allows her to truly showcase her range, but be warned – it’s not exactly light viewing. While the film may not be for everyone, Olsen’s grounded performance makes it worth the emotional investment. | © Number 9 Films

Cropped His Three Daughters — 1. His Three Daughters (2023)

In *His Three Daughters*, Olsen is part of a powerhouse trio navigating family dynamics and personal struggles. She brings a subtle strength to the role, balancing vulnerability and resilience. The film is more of a quiet family drama, and while it may fly under the radar, Olsen’s performance elevates it with grace and authenticity. | © Case Study Films

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Elizabeth Olsen has come a long way from her early beginnings, stepping out of the shadows of her famous older sisters to become a powerhouse in her own right. With her undeniable talent and a diverse range of roles, she’s captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. From indie gems to blockbuster hits, Olsen has showcased her ability to bring depth and complexity to every character she plays.

In this article, we’re ranking her top 20 movie roles, from her more humble beginnings to her most iconic performances, showing how she’s evolved into one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood. Let’s dive into her cinematic journey and see which films truly stand out!