Rachel Brosnahan is set to captivate audiences as Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman film, releasing on July 11, 2025. Before diving into her portrayal of this iconic investigative journalist, fans should explore seven Rachel Brosnahan must-watch movies that highlight the breadth and intensity of her acting abilities.
Exploring Rachel Brosnahan’s Range Before Lois Lane
Known primarily for her breakthrough as Miriam “Midge” Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Rachel Brosnahan has steadily built a diverse filmography. Her roles vary from empathetic supporting characters to gripping leads in thrilling dramas and action-packed films. In Superman, Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane—a fearless reporter and Clark Kent’s love interest—promises to be a defining moment in her career. Early reviews praise her nuanced performance, indicating a deeper emotional connection to the character than seen in her past roles.
To fully appreciate Brosnahan’s versatility and the intensity she brings to Lois Lane, viewers should revisit the following seven films representing her finest work before this highly anticipated DC Universe appearance.
1. I’m Your Woman (2020): A Gripping Crime Thriller
In this neo-noir crime drama, Rachel Brosnahan stars as Jean, delivering one of her most compelling performances. Directed by Julia Hart, the film follows Jean as she flees with her baby after her husband’s betrayal puts them all in grave danger. The storyline unravels with mounting suspense as Jean navigates life on the run amid unfolding criminal threats.
Alongside a strong supporting cast including Arinzé Kene and Marsha Stephanie Blake, Brosnahan’s portrayal was widely praised, earning an 82% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This film demonstrates her ability to anchor intense emotional narratives with subtle strength and vulnerability.
Catch I’m Your Woman now streaming on Prime Video.
2. The Courier (2020): Cold War Spy Drama
This historical spy thriller casts Brosnahan as CIA officer Emily Donovan (also known as Helen Talbott), supporting Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of British businessman Greville Wynne. Directed by Dominic Cooke, it recounts their covert efforts to prevent nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis through secret intelligence exchanges with Soviet sources.
The film blends tense political intrigue with personal stakes, highlighting Brosnahan’s skill in portraying composed, intelligent characters involved in high-risk situations. It received critical acclaim, scoring 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95% audience approval on the Popcornmeter.
You can stream The Courier on Apple TV+.
3. The Amateur (2025): An Intense Action Thriller
One of Brosnahan’s recent projects, The Amateur, directed by James Hawes, is based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel. Brosnahan plays Sarah Heller, the late wife of CIA decoder Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), whose death in a London terrorist attack propels him on a perilous quest for justice.
The film combines thrilling espionage with emotional depth, as Charlie uses his intelligence to hunt the perpetrators. Though met with mixed reviews, it maintains a respectable 61% critical score and an 88% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, confirming its appeal as an engaging spy drama.
Watch The Amateur on Apple TV+.
4. Patriots Day (2016): Portraying Strength Amid Tragedy
This action-thriller revisits the harrowing events of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and the FBI’s hunt for the terrorists responsible. Directed by Peter Berg, the film features a star-studded ensemble including Mark Wahlberg, Kevin Bacon, and John Goodman.
Rachel Brosnahan plays Jessica Kensky, a bombing survivor who lost a leg during the attack, embodying resilience in the film’s emotional core. Despite a smaller role, her portrayal left a memorable impact. The film holds an 80% critic score and an 86% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Patriots Day is currently available on Apple TV+.
5. Dead for a Dollar (2022): A Western with Complex Morality
This western action film by Walter Hill stars Brosnahan as Rachel Kidd, a woman held captive in Mexico who eventually reveals she escaped an abusive marriage. The plot follows bounty hunter Max Borlund’s journey to rescue her while confronting difficult moral choices.
The cast includes Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, and Benjamin Bratt. The story explores themes of loyalty and survival against the lawless backdrop of the Mexican territory. Premiering at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, the movie received mixed yet generally favorable reviews, with a 54% Rotten Tomatoes score and a Metacritic rating of 61/100.
Watch Dead for a Dollar on Apple TV+.
6. Louder Than Bombs (2015): A Drama of Family and Grief
Directed by Joachim Trier, this emotionally charged drama centers on the aftermath of a war photographer’s death and the impact on his family. Brosnahan portrays Erin, the empathetic ex-girlfriend of one of the sons, offering comfort during difficult moments.
The film showcases performances by Jesse Eisenberg, Gabriel Byrne, Isabelle Huppert, and others. Competing for the Palme d’Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, it holds a strong 73% critic approval.
Find Louder Than Bombs streaming on Apple TV+.
7. The Finest Hours (2016): A Harrowing Rescue Story
Set against the backdrop of the dangerous 1952 US Coast Guard rescue mission, this action-thriller features Brosnahan as Bea Hanson, a supportive widow who assists the loved ones of crew members caught in a deadly storm. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the movie stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, and Eric Bana.
The film dramatizes the courageous efforts to save survivors from a split oil tanker during a fierce nor’easter. Although Brosnahan’s role is supportive rather than central, her performance adds emotional depth. The movie received mixed reviews, earning a 63% critical and 66% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
You can watch The Finest Hours now on Disney+.
Rachel Brosnahan on Her Deep Connection to Lois Lane
Rachel Brosnahan has expressed that playing Lois Lane stands out as the most personally resonant role she has taken so far. In an interview with The Washington Post, she shared her mixed feelings on this connection, explaining the complexity of identifying with such an iconic character.
The scariest part about this project is that [Lois Lane] feels the closest to myself I’ve ever played. Not in all the ways. I hesitate to say that, because I feel like that’s so easily taken out of context. [I and Lois] are not the same [but] I get so many different parts of her, and was a little intimidated by that.
—Rachel Brosnahan, Actress
This emotional resonance suggests Brosnahan has delved deeply into understanding both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Lois Lane, promising a portrayal that could redefine the character for a new generation. With Superman’s release imminent, audiences eagerly anticipate witnessing her transformative performance.
As Rachel Brosnahan prepares to make her mark in the DC Universe, revisiting these seven films offers a compelling view of her ability to embody diverse and intense characters. Her evolving career hints at the powerful impact she will have as Lois Lane, bringing both authenticity and complexity to the famed Daily Planet journalist.
