Florence Pugh best non-MCU movie performances have cemented her reputation as a versatile and electrifying presence on screen, drawing recognition well beyond her acclaimed role as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From unforgettable dramatic leads to powerful supporting roles, Pugh’s work continues to impress audiences and critics alike across the globe.
While many now associate Florence Pugh with her MCU persona, her career is marked by a range of dynamic performances that showcase her unique ability to inhabit diverse characters. Since her debut as Abby in The Falling (2014), she has taken on complex roles in both independent and major studio films, collaborating with renowned talents such as Andrew Garfield, Saoirse Ronan, Morgan Freeman, and directors like Greta Gerwig and Ari Aster. Here, we rank Pugh’s top ten non-MCU performances, each illustrating why she stands at the forefront of a new generation of Hollywood stars.
10. Little Drummer Girl (2018): Intensifying the Spy Thriller
Pugh starred as Charmian ‘Charlie’ Ross in this adaptation of John le Carré’s classic novel. Set against a tense political backdrop in 1979 Europe, she delivers a nuanced portrayal of a young actress recruited by Mossad to infiltrate a Palestinian terrorist cell. The intrigue and psychological complexity of the espionage world are matched by Pugh’s layered and emotional performance, foreshadowing the dramatic depths she would later bring to blockbuster roles.
Her compelling work as Charlie bridges vulnerability and cunning, placing her character at the core of an intricate spy narrative—offering a sense of resonance that echoes, but never mimics, her later typecasting as Black Widow in the MCU.
9. Lady Macbeth (2016): A Haunting Rebellion
In William Oldroyd’s period drama, Florence Pugh plays Katherine Lester, a woman locked in a loveless marriage somewhere in 19th-century England. The performance is remarkable for its raw authenticity and deep emotional undertones. Pugh’s Katherine quietly broods before erupting into stunning rebellion, giving life to a character who is as unsettling as she is sympathetic.
Her subtle approach highlights the suffocating social structures of her era, and, through her craft, she leaves an indelible mark on the audience—transforming the titular role into one of contemporary cinema’s most memorable antiheroines.
8. We Live in Time (2024): Modern Romance and Endurance
John Crowley’s We Live in Time casts Pugh as Almut, a passionate chef whose life intertwines with Andrew Garfield’s character after a chance encounter involving a car accident. This recent drama is a masterclass in chemistry and emotional honesty. Pugh embodies Almut’s resilience, from her playful energy to her quieter moments as a mother and cancer survivor, maintaining authenticity throughout the narrative’s highs and lows.
Thanks to Pugh’s empathetic performance, the film transcends genre conventions, giving both heartbreak and joy a tangible presence on screen. Her ability to portray all layers of Almut’s personality ensures that the story resonates beyond its romantic framework.
7. A Good Person (2023): Guilt, Healing, and Strength
In Zach Braff’s A Good Person, Florence Pugh takes on the challenging role of Allison, a woman confronting guilt and addiction following a tragic accident. The story, shared with a formidable cast including Morgan Freeman and Chinaza Uche, could have faded into obscurity if not for Pugh’s dedicated work. Allison’s struggle is deeply felt, her journey woven with empathy and raw vulnerability.
Pugh’s portrayal elevates the character beyond a conventional victim, offering audiences a nuanced exploration of recovery and redemption. The relatability and emotional honesty she brings to Allison make her performance the standout element of the film.
6. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022): Animated Dynamism
Pugh displays her range in animation by voicing Goldi, the sharp leader of the Bear crime family, in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Her vocal work breathes life into a character driven by ambition and loyalty, standing out even among an ensemble cast and fast-paced comedic action.
The role may be supporting, but Pugh’s performance is anything but secondary—transforming Goldi into an unexpectedly compelling figure who outshines many others in the Shrek universe’s latest adventure.
5. Fighting with My Family (2019): Wrestling with Legacy
Based on the inspirational true story of Saraya ‘Paige’ Bevis, Florence Pugh delivers a performance that captures both the strength and vulnerability of a young woman striving for glory in the WWE. Her physical commitment to portraying Paige’s wrestling journey is only one part of her success; the emotional connection to her family, including on-screen parents played by Lena Headey and Nick Frost, grounds the film in authenticity.
Florence Pugh confidently holds her own even alongside Dwayne Johnson, making Fighting with My Family as much a celebration of familial support as it is an underdog sports drama.
4. Don’t Worry Darling (2022): Psychological Unraveling
Olivia Wilde’s 1950s-set thriller puts Pugh at the center as Alice, a housewife who suspects that the perfection of her community, where all men are employed by a mysterious company, masks sinister secrets. The film, despite its off-screen controversies, became a standout of 2022 thanks largely to Pugh’s performance.
Her portrayal balances suspicion, courage, and desperation, anchoring a large ensemble cast and keeping the audience enthralled throughout the escalating mind games and revelations.
3. The Wonder (2022): Unveiling Mysteries in Post-Famine Ireland
Set in 1862 Ireland, The Wonder features Florence Pugh as Elizabeth “Lib” Wright, an English nurse tasked with investigating a supposed miracle: a young girl who appears to live without food. Her quiet but fierce determination drives the narrative, as Pugh exposes both the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by an outsider in a tight-knit, superstitious community.
Her powerful presence unveils the hidden tensions of the period, confirming her ability to command attention in even the most restrained roles.
2. Little Women (2019): Redefining a Classic Sister
Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel brings together a formidable cast to tell the story of the four March sisters in patriarchal Massachusetts. Pugh plays Amy, often dismissed in previous versions as naïve or spoiled, but here given full depth and vitality.
Saoirse Ronan’s Jo leads the tale, but it’s Florence Pugh’s Amy—driven, flawed, and fiercely intelligent—who surprises many viewers. Her unforgettable portrayal earned an Academy Award nomination, demonstrating her power to revitalize classic characters for new generations.
1. Midsommar (2019): Horror and Transformation
Florence Pugh’s most powerful non-MCU performance arrives in Ari Aster’s folk horror, Midsommar. She takes on the emotionally exhausting role of Dani, a woman mourning profound family tragedy who travels with her boyfriend (Jack Reynor) and friends to a festival in Sweden, only to become entangled in the rituals of a mysterious commune.
Pugh’s layered performance guides viewers through grief, cultural alienation, and ultimately, unsettling transformation. With remarkable control and intensity, she commands each scene—even as events grow increasingly bizarre—making Dani one of the most memorable horror heroines in recent cinema.
Florence Pugh’s best non-MCU movie performances make her a standout figure in contemporary film, consistently delivering emotional depth and compelling character studies. As she continues to embrace diverse projects—from prestige dramas to voice acting and psychological thrillers—her artistic impact is poised to grow, offering audiences new reasons to anticipate each role she chooses next.
