Margot Robbie has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most compelling stars, known for her dynamic range across genres and complex characters. From her beginnings as Donna Freedman on the Australian soap opera Neighbours to her rise as a leading figure in global cinema, Robbie continues to captivate audiences with each role. This list of her best films highlights her ability to balance commercial hits with critically acclaimed performances.
A Delayed Gem in a 1930s Outlaw Tale: Dreamland
Released in late 2020 but largely overlooked due to the pandemic, Dreamland offers a unique take on the Bonnie and Clyde legend through a gender-swapped lens. Set in a small town during the Dust Bowl era, Robbie stars as Allison Wells, a notorious bank robber on the run who forms an unlikely alliance with a young thief played by Finn Cole. Her Southern accent and sharpshooting add layers to this gritty character, while the film’s hazy cinematography and avant-garde score create an evocative atmosphere that transcends typical outlaw stories.
The movie is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.
High-Stakes Charm in a Slick Crime Comedy: Focus
Despite mixed reviews, Focus earned over three times its budget thanks largely to Robbie’s magnetic presence alongside Will Smith. Initially a late casting replacement for Kristen Stewart, Robbie’s portrayal of a seductive con artist steals the spotlight, skillfully weaving chemistry and wit with Smith’s otherwise understated romantic lead. The film’s light-hearted, playful tone makes it an entertaining entry in her filmography.
You can stream Focus on Netflix and Prime Video.
Post-Apocalyptic Isolation Explored in Z for Zachariah
Rejecting outright blockbuster fare after her breakout, Robbie embraced a more meditative role in Z for Zachariah, adapted from Robert C. O’Brien’s novel. Set following a nuclear catastrophe, she plays Ann Burden, the presumed last woman on Earth, whose solitude is disrupted by two men portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Chris Pine. The film’s slow pacing and focus on human connection allow Robbie to shed her blonde bombshell image and deliver a haunting performance that anchors the somber narrative.
Z for Zachariah is available to buy on Apple TV, YouTube, and Prime Video.
Royal Tensions Portrayed in Mary, Queen of Scots
After roles in Suite Française and Goodbye Christopher Robin, Robbie strengthened her period drama credentials by stepping into the role of Queen Elizabeth I in Mary, Queen of Scots. Opposing Saoirse Ronan’s Mary Stuart, Robbie captured a younger version of the monarch contending for the English throne. Her makeup transformation was meticulous, involving hours in the chair to achieve Elizabeth’s iconic appearance, but it was her deep exploration of the queen’s inner conflict during tense confrontations that left a lasting impression.
This historical drama streams on Netflix and Prime Video.
Unleashing Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey
Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn reached new heights in Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), a spinoff that allowed the character to escape the shadow of the Joker and revel in chaotic freedom. The film’s irreverent tone contrasts sharply with the darker Suicide Squad, showcasing Robbie’s energetic performance and comedic timing. Though James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad may be considered superior in critical eyes, this film remains Robbie’s standout superhero moment full of wild charm and anarchic fun.
Birds of Prey is currently streaming on Now.
Glamour and Tragedy in the Hollywood Epic Babylon
Director Damien Chazelle’s ambitious homage to 1920s cinema, Babylon, was met with critical and commercial disappointment. Despite this, Robbie shines as Nellie LaRoy, a silent film star struggling with the arrival of talkies, drawing inspiration from real-life figure Clara Bow. Joined by an ensemble that includes Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire, and Olivia Wilde, Robbie’s radiant presence infuses the nearly 190-minute film with emotional depth and charisma, underscoring her star power amid adversity.
Babylon can be rented or purchased on Prime Video, Sky Store, Curzon, and Apple TV.
Powerful Performance in the #MeToo Era Film Bombshell
In Bombshell, Robbie delivers a nuanced portrayal of Kayla Pospisil, a young Fox News employee who confronts sexual harassment by Roger Ailes. Her role, though a composite character, offers an honest perspective amidst stories of real-life colleagues played by Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman. Robbie’s performance earned her a second Academy Award nomination in the Supporting Actress category, marking an important milestone in addressing workplace abuse through cinema.
Bombshell is available for streaming on Prime Video.
Capturing Sharon Tate’s Spirit in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist Hollywood story features Robbie as Sharon Tate, whose limited dialogue belies her strong screen presence. Despite minimal lines, she holds her own alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt while portraying Tate with a radiant innocence. The film’s most poignant moment comes when Tate joyfully watches her own movie in a theater shortly before the Manson Family murders, humanizing a woman often remembered only for her tragic death.
The film streams on Prime Video.
Breakout Role in The Wolf of Wall Street
Margot Robbie’s international breakthrough arrived with Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, where she played Naomi Lapaglia, the fiery second wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. Her audition, said to have included an unprompted slap of DiCaprio, launched her career and revealed her ability to command intense scenes. Her portrayal of Naomi as a tough, Brooklyn-bred woman defying her husband’s excesses remains a memorable highlight.
The Wolf of Wall Street is streaming on Prime Video.
Transforming Barbie into a Box Office Phenomenon
As the driving force behind the Barbie film, Robbie not only starred in the title role but also produced the project, acquiring rights from Mattel and bringing Greta Gerwig on board as director. Her ambitious vision transformed the iconic doll into a subversive and heartfelt story that surpassed box office expectations by hundreds of millions. Robbie’s layered performance blends humor, poignancy, and social commentary, making Barbie a standout achievement in her career despite missing out on an Oscar nomination.
Barbie is available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Sky Store, and Apple TV.
Portraying a Controversial Figure in I, Tonya
Robbie’s portrayal of Tonya Harding in I, Tonya remains her signature performance, earning widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Preparing intensely, including months of ice skating training and meeting the real Harding, she captured the complexities of a troubled athlete caught in scandal, abuse, and societal prejudice. Through shifts in audience sympathy, Robbie humanizes Harding beyond the tabloid headlines, solidifying the film as a critical and commercial success.
The film streams on Netflix and Now.
These eleven films illustrate Margot Robbie’s remarkable versatility, from gritty dramas to blockbuster spectacles and intimate character studies. As she continues to choose diverse and challenging roles, Robbie’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading talents grows ever stronger, promising more unforgettable performances in the years ahead.
