Mary Elizabeth Winstead's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to…

About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Mary Elizabeth Winstead 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!

| © Universal Pictures

20. Swiss Army Man (2016)

Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s appearance in Swiss Army Man is brief, but memorable – if only because it’s hard to forget being the object of Paul Dano’s intense longing. Playing a photo-perfect woman seen mainly in flashbacks, her character doesn’t offer much depth beyond being the idealized dream girl. While the film itself is a bizarre and poignant ride, Winstead’s role feels like a missed opportunity for someone of her caliber. Still, at least she adds a touch of humanity to all the corpse-farting madness. | © A24

19. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

A historical drama meets absurd fantasy, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter was destined to be divisive. Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Mary Todd Lincoln, bringing her usual grace to a film that has vampires exploding into ashes every five minutes. While she tries to ground the story in emotional reality, the script doesn’t give her much to work with beyond "loyal wife" vibes. Her performance is solid, but let’s be real – this one’s more about the axe-wielding than the acting. | © 20th Century Fox

18. Make It Happen (2008)

In Make It Happen, Mary Elizabeth Winstead trades her usual dramatic chops for a dance flick about chasing your dreams. Unfortunately, the plot is as cliché as they come, with predictable "follow your passion" montages and awkward dialogue. Winstead gives it her all, and her dance sequences are commendable, but the movie itself feels more like a made-for-TV guilty pleasure than a standout entry in her filmography. | © The Weinstein Company

17. Kill the Messenger (2014)

Winstead takes a backseat in this true-crime drama starring Jeremy Renner. As a journalist’s editor, she’s competent and believable, but her role is largely relegated to reacting to Renner’s increasingly paranoid behavior. While her presence adds credibility to the newsroom dynamic, she doesn’t get much room to shine, leaving her fans wanting more. It’s a good movie, but not exactly a career highlight for her. | © Focus Features

16. Final Destination 3 (2006)

Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s turn as a final girl in Final Destination 3 cemented her scream queen status early on. As Wendy Christensen, she’s relatable, resourceful, and nails the panicked "death is coming for us all" energy. The film itself is more of the same Rube Goldberg-style carnage the franchise is known for, but Winstead elevates the material with her earnest performance. Let’s just agree to skip tanning beds for a while after watching this. | © New Line Cinema

15. Sky High (2005)

A superhero school comedy, Sky High has Mary Elizabeth Winstead playing the not-so-nice Gwen Grayson, a villain hiding behind a perfect smile. It’s a fun twist on her usual roles, and she clearly has a blast playing the baddie. The film is lighthearted and quirky, but her performance adds just the right amount of sass and menace. It’s a nostalgic gem that proves Winstead can thrive in campy, over-the-top settings. | © Buena Vista Pictures

14. The Hollars (2016)

In The Hollars, Winstead is part of a heartfelt ensemble cast, playing a quirky ex-girlfriend in a dysfunctional family drama. While she isn’t the focal point of the story, her scenes bring humor and a touch of awkward charm. The film itself leans heavily on indie clichés, but Winstead manages to stand out with her warm and humorous take on a character who could’ve easily been forgettable. | © Sony Pictures Classics

13. Alex of Venice (2014)

This indie drama showcases a subdued Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a woman grappling with personal and professional upheaval. While her performance is nuanced and sincere, the film’s slow pace and underdeveloped supporting characters keep it from reaching its full potential. It’s a solid entry in her portfolio, but not one that will leave a lasting impression. | © Screen Media Films

12. Birds of Prey (2020)

As Helena Bertinelli/The Huntress, Winstead brings her trademark intensity to Birds of Prey. Her stoic, awkward humor is a refreshing contrast to the chaotic energy of Harley Quinn and company. While the film gives more spotlight to Margot Robbie, Winstead steals scenes with her deadpan delivery and badass combat moves. It’s not her deepest role, but she makes every moment count. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

11. Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

Playing Lucy McClane, the feisty daughter of Bruce Willis’ John McClane, Winstead proves she can hold her own in a high-octane action blockbuster. While her screen time is limited, she brings spunk and a no-nonsense attitude that adds to the film’s charm. It’s a solid action movie, and Winstead fits right into the chaos. | © 20th Century Fox

10. Gemini Man (2019)

In Gemini Man, Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Danny, an operative who gets caught up in Will Smith’s sci-fi action spectacle. While her chemistry with Smith is solid and she handles the action scenes well, the movie itself feels bogged down by its clunky dialogue and an over-reliance on visual effects. Winstead does her best to bring depth to a somewhat underwritten role, but even her charm can’t save this from feeling like a missed opportunity. | © Paramount Pictures

9. Kate (2021)

Kate places Winstead front and center as an assassin on a revenge mission, and she absolutely dominates the screen with her physicality and gritty determination. The neon-lit Tokyo setting and brutal fight scenes make for an engaging spectacle, but the story leans too heavily on tired tropes. While Winstead’s performance is top-notch, the predictable plot holds the movie back from being truly exceptional. | © Netflix

8. The Thing (2011)

As paleontologist Kate Lloyd, Winstead takes the lead in this prequel to John Carpenter’s iconic The Thing. While the film struggles to live up to its predecessor, Winstead delivers a strong performance as a capable, intelligent protagonist. She’s easily the best part of a movie weighed down by overdone CGI and a lack of originality. Still, her effort to carry the film is commendable. | © Universal Pictures

7. Smashed (2012)

In Smashed, Winstead dives into the complexities of addiction and recovery, delivering a raw, vulnerable performance that earned her critical acclaim. She portrays Kate, a schoolteacher struggling to rebuild her life after sobriety forces her to confront harsh truths about herself and her relationships. It’s a powerful, understated role that proves Winstead’s ability to anchor a drama with authenticity. | © Sony Pictures Classics

6. Death Proof (2007)

Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof gives Winstead the chance to show off her playful side as Lee, a cheerleader caught in a twisted cat-and-mouse game with Kurt Russell’s deranged stuntman. While she’s part of an ensemble, her charisma shines through in every scene. The film’s grindhouse style isn’t for everyone, but Winstead adds a touch of sweetness to the gritty chaos. | © Dimension Films

5. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

Winstead is riveting in 10 Cloverfield Lane, carrying much of the movie with her nuanced portrayal of Michelle, a woman trapped in a bunker with a potentially unhinged John Goodman. Her resourcefulness and determination make her a compelling protagonist in this tense, claustrophobic thriller. It’s a career highlight that showcases her ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. | © Paramount Pictures

4. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

As Ramona Flowers, Mary Elizabeth Winstead manages to embody the perfect mix of mystery, sass, and charm. Her portrayal of Scott Pilgrim’s enigmatic love interest is layered, giving depth to a character who could have been just another manic pixie dream girl. Winstead’s cool delivery and dry wit add nuance to Ramona, making her more than just a plot device. From wielding a massive hammer to rollerblading through subspace highways, she brings an effortless energy to Edgar Wright’s visually stunning cult classic. Ramona remains one of her most iconic roles, and rightfully so. | © Universal Pictures

3. The Spectacular Now (2013)

Winstead’s role in The Spectacular Now is understated but impactful, playing Sutter’s responsible older sister, Holly. In a film centered on youthful recklessness, she provides a grounded counterpoint, offering a glimpse of what maturity might look like for the troubled protagonist. Her scenes are brief but filled with warmth and a quiet sadness, hinting at her own struggles in dealing with their family dynamics. It’s a small but important performance that adds depth to the story, and Winstead makes the most of every moment on screen. | © A24

2. All About Nina (2018)

In All About Nina, Winstead delivers one of her most dynamic performances, portraying a stand-up comedian whose biting humor hides a world of pain. Nina’s journey is messy, raw, and heartbreakingly real, and Winstead doesn’t shy away from showing the character’s flaws. Her sharp comedic timing is matched by her ability to convey vulnerability, especially in scenes that explore trauma and the barriers to intimacy. It’s a deeply personal and emotionally charged performance that allows Winstead to showcase the full range of her talent, making this one of her most unforgettable roles. | © The Orchard

1. Faults (2014)

Winstead is nothing short of mesmerizing in Faults, a psychological thriller where she plays Claire, a woman seemingly trapped in the grasp of a dangerous cult. Her performance is a study in nuance – shifting seamlessly between vulnerability and quiet menace as the story unfolds. The film’s tension hinges on her ability to keep audiences questioning her true intentions, and she does so with an eerie, magnetic presence. Paired with Leland Orser’s equally gripping performance, Winstead delivers a character that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a brilliant showcase of her talent for complex, layered roles. | © Screen Media Films