Before Elle Fanning’s highly anticipated film Predator: Badlands premieres on November 7, 2025, it is worth revisiting some of her most notable performances. Fanning’s varied roles across genres showcase her talent and help build excitement for her portrayal of a Weyland-Yutani android in this upcoming thriller. This guide highlights six of Elle Fanning’s best movies, illustrating her growth as an actress and her ability to hold her own alongside Hollywood legends.
The Impact of Innocence in Babel (2006)
Elle Fanning’s early role in Babel stands out as a significant introduction to her acting abilities, especially given the dark and intertwined narratives of the film. Set against the backdrop of Morocco and the US-Mexico border, the story involves a couple’s accidental shooting that triggers a chain of consequences linking multiple characters worldwide. Fanning’s role as Debbie, one of the children of the injured American couple, is crucial as she journeys with her Nanny and brother across the border.
Despite being only eight years old during filming, Fanning brings a palpable innocence and vulnerability to Debbie, which contrasts sharply with the movie’s heavy themes of miscommunication and tragedy. This young character anchors the story’s emotional core, representing how innocent lives can be entangled and impacted by far-reaching events. Her performance emphasizes the loss and confusion central to the film’s global message.
Babel remains available to stream on kanopy (USA), offering viewers a chance to witness Fanning’s early but poignant screen presence.
Elle Fanning’s Role as Young Daisy in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Another emotional and fantastical film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, features Fanning in the role of Daisy as a child. Opposite Brad Pitt, who plays Benjamin Button—a man who ages in reverse—the film explores love and loss through extraordinary circumstances. Fanning’s portrayal of seven-year-old Daisy establishes the foundation for the character’s lifelong bond with Benjamin.
Her chemistry with Pitt reflects a pure, unspoiled affection that highlights one of the movie’s central themes: the innocence and enduring nature of true love. Cate Blanchett later assumes Daisy’s character as she ages normally while Benjamin grows younger, deepening the complex emotional narrative. Fanning’s role may be brief but adds critical depth and tenderness to the story’s beginning. This film is also accessible on kanopy (USA).
Portraying Hope in We Bought a Zoo (2011)
In We Bought a Zoo, Elle Fanning plays Lily Miska, a shy and endearing teenager who works at a struggling zoo and forms a connection with Benjamin Mee’s son. Matt Damon stars as Benjamin Mee, a widowed father determined to rescue the rundown zoo and reopen it to the public. The film blends family drama and optimism, with Fanning’s character representing a source of warmth and community in an otherwise challenging narrative.
This role marked a breakthrough for Fanning, allowing her substantial screen time and demonstrating her ability to embody relatable, heartfelt parts. Her portrayal adds sincerity and a sense of hopefulness amid financial hardship and animal welfare challenges faced by the Mees. The movie is available to stream on Disney+ (USA).
Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora in Maleficent (2014)
Fanning’s role as Princess Aurora in Maleficent further cemented her image as the embodiment of innocence in Hollywood. The film reimagines the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, focusing on Maleficent’s backstory and her complex relationship with Aurora. Angelina Jolie plays Maleficent, whose curse threatens Aurora’s life, but a powerful maternal love grows between the two characters.
Fanning’s embodiment of Aurora shines through with grace and sincerity, highlighting the princess’s naïveté and kindness. The strong on-screen dynamic between Jolie and Fanning forms the emotional backbone of the movie, emphasizing themes of love, protection, and redemption. This film can also be streamed on Disney+ (USA).
The Haunting Allure of Youth in The Neon Demon (2016)
The Neon Demon marks a significant departure from Elle Fanning’s earlier roles, featuring her as Jesse, a 16-year-old model navigating the dark, competitive fashion industry in Los Angeles. This psychological horror delves into obsession, jealousy, and the fleeting nature of beauty, pushing the boundaries of Fanning’s acting range.
Her character’s youth and radiance drive the story, sparking envy and dangerous desires among other models. Fanning’s transformation from innocent newcomer to confident and at times unsettling figure anchors the film’s intense exploration of vanity and cruelty. Known for its provocative content, the film earned attention for its bold narrative choices. The Neon Demon is available on Prime Video (USA).
Exploring Complex Relationships in A Complete Unknown (2024)
In the upcoming film A Complete Unknown, Elle Fanning portrays Sylvie Russo, a character based on Suze Rotolo, who was an early muse and girlfriend to Bob Dylan. Directed by James Mangold and led by Timothée Chalamet playing Dylan, the story traces the emotional highs and lows of their relationship amid Dylan’s rising fame and creative struggles.
Fanning’s Sylvie is both supportive and gradually hardened, revealing the fading innocence within her character as she encourages Dylan’s musical ambitions but eventually faces the strain of their diverging paths. The film showcases a deeper, more nuanced side of Fanning’s acting, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and artistic conflict. This film will be available on Hulu (USA).
Preparing for Elle Fanning’s Bold Turn in Predator: Badlands
With her extensive and diverse filmography as a foundation, Elle Fanning is poised to take on a daring new role in Predator: Badlands. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, this film concludes his trilogy and stars Fanning as an android created by Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Her character is set to partner with a Predator to face a formidable adversary, adding an intriguing sci-fi edge to her repertoire.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release in late 2025, audiences look forward to witnessing Fanning’s adaptability and intensity in a genre new to her. This role could further elevate her standing in Hollywood, highlighting her ability to navigate suspenseful and action-packed narratives.
Fans and critics alike await how her performance will complement the established franchise. Meanwhile, revisiting these six standout films of Elle Fanning’s career offers valuable insight into her evolution as an actress and the range she brings to every role.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Elle Fanning have a baby?
A. Elle Fanning seemingly had her baby while working on her new Apple TV+ show, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.” The 26-year-old actress is filming with Michelle Pfeiffer, who portrays her mother on screen.
