Emily Blunt's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 26th 2024, 17:30 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Emily Blunt 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!

| © Emily Blunt

Cropped Into the Woods — 20. Into the Woods (2014)

As the Baker’s Wife, Emily Blunt charms audiences with her mix of humor, vulnerability, and impressive singing chops. Her comedic timing shines, especially in her dynamic with James Corden’s Baker, and she brings genuine heart to the story’s more emotional moments. However, while Blunt does her best to make her character relatable, the film’s uneven pacing and Disney-friendly treatment of the darker themes from the original musical limit its impact. Blunt is a bright spot in a movie that feels more like an ambitious stage adaptation than a cinematic triumph. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped The Huntsman Winters War — 19. The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016)

Emily Blunt takes on the role of Freya, a grief-stricken ice queen whose powers freeze everything but her potential to fully connect with the audience. While she looks stunning and delivers a few touching moments, the movie’s bloated storyline and lack of focus leave her character feeling underdeveloped. Blunt does her best to add depth to a fantastical world of melodrama, but even her icy presence can’t save this sequel from feeling like a cash grab. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Wild Mountain Thyme — 18. Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)

In *Wild Mountain Thyme*, Blunt stars as Rosemary, a lovesick Irish farmer embroiled in one of the most peculiar romantic dramas in recent memory. She commits wholeheartedly to the role, even tackling the infamous Irish accent with gusto, but the bizarre plot and jaw-dropping twist involving bees leave audiences scratching their heads. Blunt’s charm is undeniable, but even her magic can’t elevate this oddball script into something coherent. | © Bleecker Street

Cropped Wind Chill — 17. Wind Chill (2007)

This indie horror flick puts Blunt in the icy grip of supernatural forces as she plays a stranded college student facing otherworldly terrors. Blunt gives a commendable performance, imbuing her character with both fear and resilience, but the low-budget production and derivative scares prevent the film from being truly memorable. It’s a solid showcase of Blunt’s early talent, but it’s more of a cold curiosity than a career-defining moment. | © TriStar Pictures

Cropped The Fall Guy — 16. The Fall Guy (2024)

In this action-packed romp, Blunt plays a Hollywood makeup artist caught up in the chaotic world of stunts and espionage alongside Ryan Gosling. While the movie leans heavily on its action sequences, Blunt adds a touch of humanity and humor to the high-octane madness. Her chemistry with Gosling is delightful, but her character feels a bit underwritten amidst all the explosions. It’s fun and flashy, but not quite the nuanced showcase her fans might have hoped for. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Five Year Engagement — 15. The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

Blunt brings charm and relatability to Violet, a woman navigating career aspirations and relationship challenges in this romantic dramedy. Her chemistry with Jason Segel is heartwarming, and she handles the film’s comedic and emotional beats with ease. However, the movie’s overlong runtime and meandering subplots dilute its impact. Blunt shines as always, but the story itself struggles to maintain its momentum. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Adjustment Bureau — 14. The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

As Elise, a spirited dancer who becomes the love interest of Matt Damon’s politician, Blunt is magnetic in this sci-fi romance. Her chemistry with Damon is electric, and she brings a grounded sincerity to the film’s high-concept premise. While the movie’s themes of fate and free will are intriguing, the execution feels uneven at times. Blunt’s performance elevates the material, proving she can make even convoluted plots captivating. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Girl on the Train — 13. The Girl on the Train (2016)

Blunt delivers a powerhouse performance as Rachel, an alcoholic grappling with trauma and obsession. She fully commits to the raw vulnerability of the role, carrying the emotional weight of the story. Unfortunately, the film itself doesn’t quite live up to her intensity, with a script that feels more soap opera than psychological thriller. Blunt’s gripping portrayal is the standout, even if the movie as a whole doesn’t rise to her level. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Young Victoria — 12. The Young Victoria (2009)

In this lush period drama, Blunt shines as the young Queen Victoria, portraying her evolution from a sheltered royal to a confident ruler. Her performance is regal yet vulnerable, capturing Victoria’s struggles with love and leadership. The film’s historical scope is impressive, but its pacing can feel a bit slow. Still, Blunt’s portrayal elevates the material, proving her ability to carry a movie with grace and gravitas. | © Momentum Pictures

Cropped Mary Poppins Returns — 11. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

Stepping into Julie Andrews’ iconic shoes, Blunt brings a fresh take to the magical nanny in *Mary Poppins Returns*. Her portrayal is sharp, witty, and full of whimsy, making Mary feel both nostalgic and new. Her musical numbers sparkle, and she commands the screen with ease. However, the film itself struggles to recapture the magic of the original, often leaning too heavily on callbacks. Blunt is the highlight, carrying the movie with her undeniable star power. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Looper — 10. Looper (2012)

Blunt flexes her dramatic muscles as Sara, a single mother living on a secluded farm who gets entangled in a time-traveling assassin’s mission. Her performance grounds *Looper’s* high-concept sci-fi narrative with a quiet intensity, portraying a fiercely protective mother whose vulnerability feels entirely authentic. The film’s action-packed plot could have overshadowed her character, but Blunt holds her own, delivering emotional depth amidst the chaos. It’s a standout role that proves she can bring humanity to even the most mind-bending stories. | © TriStar Pictures

Cropped Sunshine Cleaning — 9. Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

In this quirky indie dramedy, Blunt plays Norah, the free-spirited, trouble-prone sister to Amy Adams’ more responsible Rose. Their chemistry is the heart of the film, with Blunt injecting humor and poignancy into her role as a woman grappling with grief and a lack of direction. The movie’s balance of dark humor and emotional moments gives Blunt the chance to shine, and she makes Norah endearing despite her flaws. It’s a small, heartfelt film that showcases her knack for making even messy characters relatable. | © Overture Films

Cropped Oppenheimer — 8. Oppenheimer (2023)

As Kitty Oppenheimer, Blunt delivers a fiery, emotionally charged performance that cuts through the dense historical drama of *Oppenheimer*. She plays the complicated wife of Cillian Murphy’s J. Robert Oppenheimer, shifting between frustration, loyalty, and anguish with remarkable intensity. Though her screen time is limited, Blunt commands every scene she’s in, especially during a pivotal courtroom moment that leaves audiences in awe. It’s a testament to her ability to leave a lasting impact, even in an ensemble cast of heavy hitters. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Edge of Tomorrow — 7. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Blunt proves she’s an action star to be reckoned with in *Edge of Tomorrow*, playing Rita Vrataski, the hardened “Angel of Verdun.” Her physicality and steely determination steal the show, even when paired with Tom Cruise. She balances the film’s relentless action with moments of vulnerability, creating a character who feels as real as she is badass. Blunt’s performance elevates the already gripping story, and her commanding presence is one of the film’s greatest strengths. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Charlie Wilsons War — 6. Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

Although Blunt’s role as Charlie Wilson’s secretary Jane is relatively small, she makes it memorable with her sharp wit and subtle comedic timing. Playing a character surrounded by political heavyweights, Blunt holds her own, adding charm to the ensemble cast led by Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. It’s not a major role in her career, but it’s a fun early example of her ability to make an impression even in limited screen time. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Your Sisters Sister — 5. Your Sister's Sister (2011)

Blunt delivers a wonderfully natural and heartfelt performance in *Your Sister’s Sister*, an indie gem that thrives on its raw, improvised feel. Playing Iris, a woman caught in a tangled web of emotions with her best friend and her sister, Blunt brings warmth, humor, and vulnerability to the role. The film’s intimate dialogue and character-driven story allow her to showcase her acting range, making Iris feel completely real. It’s a quietly powerful performance that resonates long after the credits roll. | © IFC Films

Cropped The Devil Wears Prada — 4. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

As the hilariously snarky Emily Charlton, Blunt steals nearly every scene she’s in, holding her own against Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Her razor-sharp delivery and over-the-top commitment to her character’s ambition make Emily unforgettable, even in a movie packed with iconic moments. Blunt brings humor and humanity to a character who could have been a caricature, turning her into one of the film’s most beloved figures. It’s no wonder this role launched her into the Hollywood spotlight. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped My Summer of Love — 3. My Summer of Love (2004)

Emily Blunt delivers a mesmerizing performance in *My Summer of Love*, portraying Tamsin, a mysterious and manipulative teenager who enters the life of a lonely working-class girl. Blunt brings an intoxicating mix of charm and danger to the role, keeping the audience guessing about her true intentions throughout. Her chemistry with co-star Natalie Press is electric, making their relationship as compelling as it is unsettling. This role is a fascinating early glimpse of Blunt’s ability to bring complexity and depth to morally ambiguous characters. It’s a haunting indie gem that firmly established her as a talent to watch. | © Focus Features

Cropped A Quiet Place — 2. A Quiet Place (2018)

Blunt is nothing short of extraordinary in *A Quiet Place*, where she plays Evelyn Abbott, a mother fighting to protect her family in a world where sound can be deadly. Her ability to convey a spectrum of emotions – fear, love, and sheer determination – without words is breathtaking. The nail-biting birth scene alone, filled with raw emotion and excruciating tension, is an acting masterclass. Blunt grounds this sci-fi horror film with her humanity, elevating it beyond mere suspense to a powerful story of survival and sacrifice. It’s no wonder she earned widespread acclaim for this unforgettable performance. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped Sicario — 1. Sicario (2015)

In *Sicario*, Blunt delivers a career-best performance as Kate Macer, an FBI agent whose idealism is challenged by the brutal realities of the drug war. She portrays Kate with a perfect balance of strength and vulnerability, capturing the moral conflict and emotional toll of her journey. Blunt’s nuanced performance anchors this tense thriller, making her a relatable guide through its murky ethical waters. Her ability to communicate so much with just her expressions and body language is remarkable, particularly in the film’s most harrowing moments. *Sicario* is a masterpiece, and Blunt’s performance is its beating heart. | © Lionsgate

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Emily Blunt has built an impressive career as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and magnetic performers. Whether she’s taking on thrilling action roles, delivering heartfelt emotional performances, or showcasing her sharp comedic timing, Blunt’s talent knows no bounds. From her breakout in The Devil Wears Prada to her captivating turn in A Quiet Place, she has proven time and again why she’s one of the most beloved actors of her generation.

In this article, we’re ranking Emily Blunt’s top 20 movie roles from worst to best, celebrating the highs and lows of her journey on the silver screen. Get ready to revisit some unforgettable performances – and maybe discover a few hidden gems along the way!