Scarlett Johansson stands as the highest-grossing actress currently, ranking at the top in terms of box office results for her lead and supporting roles. This remarkable achievement is largely boosted by her prominent involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), along with notable performances in other genres. Exploring five essential Scarlett Johansson iconic movie masterpieces offers a deep dive into her range as an actress beyond just her blockbuster successes.
A Quiet Emotional Connection in Tokyo: ‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)
Directed by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation showcases a nuanced and understated performance from Johansson, who stars opposite Bill Murray. While Johansson was already a recognized actress by the time this film was released, this movie solidified her as a serious talent, offering a subtle but memorable role rather than a traditional breakout. The story focuses on two Americans in Tokyo who develop an unusual bond, capturing a sense of loneliness and fleeting connection.
The film is renowned for its atmospheric and emotional depth, presenting Tokyo’s unique ambiance in ways rarely seen in cinema. Its quiet, contemplative tone and minimalist plot serve to highlight the characters’ internal struggles, creating a cinematic experience that blends arthouse sensibilities with accessible storytelling. Coppola’s direction ensures the film remains a strong contender for her best work, praised for its evocative mood and evocative soundtrack that complements the narrative’s introspective nature.
The Grand Finale of the MCU’s First Saga: ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)
Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Endgame brought together the core heroes from the MCU’s first three phases for a monumental conclusion. Scarlett Johansson reprised her role as Black Widow, a character introduced earlier in the franchise with key appearances in Iron Man 2 (2010) and The Avengers (2012). The film, widely regarded as an immense box office success, masterfully balances an enormous ensemble cast and delivers a finale that resonates on both an emotional and epic scale.
Though Johansson had the chance to lead a solo film later in Black Widow (2021), it’s Endgame that truly stands out as the pinnacle of her MCU journey. Her presence and performance are crucial, especially in one of the film’s most talked-about scenes, reflecting the character’s complexity and sacrifice. While the MCU continues to expand, Endgame remains a landmark achievement and a testament to Johansson’s role in one of the most successful franchises in cinematic history.
Alien and Unsettling: The Unique Science Fiction of ‘Under the Skin’ (2013)
In Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin, Scarlett Johansson delivers one of her most enigmatic and compelling performances, playing an alien who assumes the form of a woman to journey through Scotland in search of human prey. Recognized by a New York Times poll as one of the greatest sci-fi films of the 21st century, this film blends horror and science fiction through an unsettling lens.
The movie defies conventional narrative structure and evokes a sense of unease that is as much about its atmosphere as its story. Johansson’s role is almost otherworldly, requiring an unusual and subtle acting approach that communicates through minimal dialogue and haunting imagery. Under the Skin stands apart as a rare and provocative film that challenges audiences, simultaneously expanding and underscoring Johansson’s diverse acting capabilities within a genre that rarely embraces such abstract storytelling.
A Voice That Defines Connection: ‘Her’ (2013)
Directed by Spike Jonze, Her explores a different kind of science fiction story, focusing on a romantic relationship between a lonely man, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and an artificially intelligent operating system voiced by Johansson. This voice-only role became one of Johansson’s most memorable performances, receiving widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and subtlety despite the absence of on-screen presence.
The film examines themes of love, loneliness, and human connection with a gentle yet profound tone. Johansson’s voice acting imbues the digital entity with warmth and complexity, elevating the film’s central concept beyond a simple sci-fi premise. Alongside Phoenix’s poignant performance, Her has earned a lasting reputation as a modern classic, praised for its visual beauty and the seamless chemistry communicated purely through voice work and evocative storytelling.
A Raw Portrayal of a Marriage’s End: ‘Marriage Story’ (2019)
Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story is a deeply moving drama that earned Scarlett Johansson her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Released the same year as Avengers: Endgame, it highlights a very different but equally powerful side of Johansson’s talent. The film deals with the emotional complexities of divorce, featuring Johansson and Adam Driver as a couple navigating their separation with heartbreak and intensity.
Praised for its precise writing and intimate direction, Marriage Story is heavily reliant on the strength of its performances. Johansson delivers a nuanced and authentic portrayal of a woman caught in the turmoil of ending a marriage, matched by Driver’s equally compelling role. The film’s raw emotional intensity and relatability have made it a standout drama and arguably the best work of Johansson’s career so far, showing her range and depth as an actress beyond commercial blockbusters.
Together, these five films represent some of Scarlett Johansson’s most iconic movie masterpieces, illustrating her ability to navigate vastly different genres and characters. While her roles in the MCU have cemented her superstar status, her performances in more intimate, experimental, and critically acclaimed films showcase a remarkable breadth of talent. Each of these movies offers a unique experience, either through storytelling, atmosphere, or acting, making them essential viewing for anyone interested in Johansson’s illustrious career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson split?
A. This story is old news in celebrity circles since both Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds are now happily married to other people. However, Johansson recently hinted at why her marriage to Reynolds ended. She suggested that they were too competitive with each other.
Q. What is Scarlett Johansson’s religion?
A. Her family, originally from Poland and Russia, has Jewish roots and once had the last name Schlamberg. She has an older sister, Vanessa, who acts as well, an older brother, Adrian, and a twin brother, Hunter.
Q. What is the religion of Scarlett Johansson?
A. Her family is Jewish and their ancestors escaped from Poland and Russia. Their original last name was Schlamberg. Johansson identifies herself as Jewish. She has an older sister, Vanessa, who acts as well. She also has an older brother named Adrian and a twin brother named Hunter.
