AceShowbiz - Margot Robbie has captivated audiences worldwide since her Hollywood debut over a decade ago, delivering a wide array of memorable performances. From her breakout in The Wolf of Wall Street to her transformative roles in biopics and blockbuster franchises, Robbie’s career is marked by dedication, versatility, and an impressive work ethic.

The Australian actress has become known for immersing herself fully into her characters, often engaging in rigorous preparation such as mastering ice skating, performing her own stunts, and conducting detailed psychological research. This commitment shines through whether she portrays real-life figures like Tonya Harding or Sharon Tate, or fictional characters such as Nellie LaRoy and her iconic Harley Quinn, whose portrayals have become fan favorites. Beyond acting, she has also earned three Oscar nominations, including a 2024 nod as a producer for Barbie, further demonstrating her multifaceted talents in the industry.

Even in films where she plays supporting roles or has limited screen time, like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood or The Big Short, Robbie leaves a lasting impression. The following is a ranked overview of some of her best performances, highlighting her growth and range as an actress.

Dreamland (2019)

In Dreamland, a lesser-known gem set in 1930s Texas, Robbie delivers a captivating performance as Allison Wells, a fugitive bank robber who disrupts the life of a small-town teenager, Eugene Evans, played by Finn Cole. The film flips the typical Bonnie and Clyde narrative by focusing on the female outlaw, with Robbie bringing a unique blend of charisma and vulnerability to the role. Her chemistry with Cole is striking, making their partnership believable and emotionally charged.

The film’s emotional core culminates in a poignant final scene where Allison desperately pleads with Eugene not to abandon their plans, revealing the complexity of her character’s motivations and emotional state. Despite premiering at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, Dreamland did not receive wide theatrical distribution and struggled at the box office due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Robbie’s performance and the film’s atmospheric cinematography by Lyle Vincent make it a standout in her filmography that deserves more recognition.

Z for Zachariah (2015)

Often overlooked in discussions of Robbie’s career, Z for Zachariah offers one of her earliest departures from glamorous roles. Portraying Ann, a young woman who believes she is the last survivor after a nuclear disaster, Robbie strips away all pretense to deliver a raw and intimate portrayal of solitude and emotional vulnerability. The film’s minimalist cast—just three characters—places significant weight on the actors’ performances to convey the story’s tension and emotional depth.

Ann’s story unfolds as she becomes entangled in a tense love triangle between Caleb (Chris Pine) and Loomis (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Robbie skillfully expresses Ann’s yearning for connection amidst isolation, highlighting the delicate balance between hope and despair. Her portrayal captures the fragility of human relationships in extreme circumstances, making the film an intriguing early showcase of her dramatic abilities.

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Period dramas are often a proving ground for actors, and Robbie’s role as Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots is no exception. Though the film centers on Saoirse Ronan’s Mary Stuart, Robbie shines in the limited screen time she commands, portraying Elizabeth with a nuanced blend of vulnerability, envy, and regal complexity.

The film’s climax, featuring the historic meeting between the two queens, showcases Robbie’s ability to convey internal conflict and insecurity beneath the monarch’s stoic exterior. She committed extensively to the role, enduring over three hours of daily hair and makeup to replicate Elizabeth’s iconic look, including the white facial powder that concealed smallpox scars, adding authenticity to her performance. This role highlights Robbie’s skill in portraying historical figures with subtlety and depth.

Wuthering Heights (2026)

Most recently, Robbie took on one of literature’s most complex characters in the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. Released on Galentine’s Day 2026, this film reunites her with director Emerald Fennell, who helmed Saltburn. The adaptation explores themes of obsession and class tension with an unflinching portrayal of passion and toxicity.

Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw opposite Jacob Elordi’s Heathcliff, embodying a tumultuous relationship filled with desire and destruction. Despite initial backlash over casting due to Catherine being a brunette teenager in the novel while Robbie is a blonde 35-year-old, the actress embraced the role’s challenges head-on. Her performance is marked by raw vulnerability and emotional intensity, depicting Catherine’s heartbreak and regret with compelling authenticity.

This role is particularly significant as it marks Robbie’s first major project after becoming a mother and was filmed during her pregnancy. Her portrayal leans into the character’s darker impulses, showcasing a more provocative and daring side of her acting. The film and her performance have sparked discussions about courage in casting and artistic risk-taking, positioning Robbie as an actress unafraid to explore complex, morally ambiguous roles.

Throughout her career, Margot Robbie has shown an impressive ability to balance blockbuster appeal with intimate, character-driven work. From her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street to her compelling portrayals in period dramas and indie films, she continues to evolve, delivering performances that are both emotionally resonant and captivating. Whether leading a film or enhancing a smaller role, her dedication to authenticity and depth has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses.