Emma Stone was destined to be a successful Hollywood actress after her 2010 leading role in the movie Easy A, which brought her a lot of praise from critics. She is able to play in many different genres, from films that have singing and dancing to comedy, drama, horror, and action. She can do it all. Therefore, TechTrends decided to make a list of the best Emma Stone movies of all time.
Emma Stone has established herself as one of the most well-known, successful, and adored actresses of her time. Moreover, when she is present in a movie or TV show, it guarantees immense quality. The 33-year-old actress has won an Academy Award and got many nominations for her talent in acting. She had her first leading role in the movie Easy A in 2010, proving that she has many skills. Then in 2017, Stone won an Academy Award for Best Actress when she played in the movie La La Land as Mia. Her most recent project is Cruella, the antagonist in Disney’s animated classic 101 Dalmatians. However, she is not a villain in this movie. Stone showcases her utmost commitment and authenticity in this role, as well as in all the other movies she has appeared in. Now, without further ado, let’s get to the best must-see Emma Stone performances.
Best Emma Stone Movies of All Time
As one of the most talented actresses in the movie industry, Emma Stone has built a successful career. In addition, she has received critical acclaim, countless awards, and become a versatile actress in Hollywood. She is capable of doing magic with whatever material she is given. With such a varied filmography, you might wonder what Emma Stone’s greatest movie roles are. We made a chronological list of her best work and included the Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb ratings. Let’s get to it.
Superbad 2007
- Genre: Comedy/Teen
- Director: Greg Mottola
- Stars: Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogen, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Martha MacIsaac
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 87%, IMDb 7.6
The movie Superbad revolves around two high school students who are co-dependent. Their plan to secure alcohol for a party goes wrong, and the movie is one of the classic ones from the 2000s. Emma Stone had her feature film debut in this movie, starring alongside Jonah Hill and Michael Cera and proving that she can keep up with those amazing actors. She plays the role of Jules, Seth’s (Hill) partner in home economics, who hosts the party. Moreover, she becomes Seth’s love interest. Although she had little screen time, she still shone. This is among the best Emma Stone movies of all time.
Zombieland 2009
- Genre: Horror/Comedy
- Director: Ruben Fleischer
- Stars: Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, Bill Murray, Amber Heard
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 89%, IMDb 7.6
For this variation of the zombie apocalypse, Emma Stone adds her quirky, feminine hero and bravery to the role she plays. Jesse Eisenberg, playing as Columbus, finds himself in a world of flesh-eating zombies, doing all he can to get from the college dorm to his hometown to check on his parents. He has a number of rules that keep him alive. Then, he meets Tallahassee, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, and the two decide to go together. However, when they stop at a grocery store, two sisters, Wichita and Little Rock, featured by Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin, respectively, con them out of their car and weapons. Nevertheless, they meet again and suggest a truce, heading to LA hoping to find shelter. Zombieland has smart writing, and its hilarious effects make it a must-watch. This is also one of the best Emma Stone movies ever.
Read more: Best Horror Movies of All Time
Easy A 2010
- Genre: Comedy/Romance
- Director: Will Gluck
- Stars: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Stanley Tucci, Lisa Kudrow
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 85%, IMDb 7
Emma Stone had her first leading role in the 2010’s Easy A, performing as Olive Penderghast. Stone skyrocketed to fame for this role. The 17-year-old student is highly intelligent but ferociously independent. She manipulates word-of-mouth to better her social standing. She uses the rumor mill at school to improve her social status. However, things take a turn, and she has to reevaluate her new stand. Stone’s sassy performance has an irresistible charm to it, and it is the movie that turned her into a star. Although the writing and direction of the film were great, the performances are enough reason for you to add this to your watchlist. Easy A is indeed one of the best Emma Stone movies of all time.
Crazy Stupid Love 2011
- Genre: Romance/Comedy
- Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
- Stars: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Lio Tipton, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 79%, IMDb 7.4
This amazing comedy movie got elevated by Ryan Gosling’s effortless charm and his chemistry with Emma Stone. The story is about a middle-aged man, played by Steve Carell, who recently got separated. His new friend Jacob, portrayed by Gosling, shows him how to pick up women at bars. Emma Stone shines bright in Crazy Stupid Love as a young attorney who is stuck with the wrong guy and his crazy family. However, when her character decides to have a one-night stand with Gosling’s, things take a turn. The sexual chemistry between the two actors also helped them a few years later when they performed remarkably in the movie La La Land. So, this has also made it to our list of the best Emma Stone movies of all time. We strongly recommend it.
Read more: Best Comedy Movies of All Time
The Help 2011
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Director: Tate Taylor
- Stars: Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Lowell
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 76%, IMDb 8.1
The Help, which is based on a bestselling novel written by Kathryn Stockett, is set in pre-Civil Rights Mississippi. Moreover, it follows the story of a journalist and two black maids. It focuses on the trials and tribulations of African-American maids in a community that was tight-knit. The maids are Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson. At first, they are not willing to share their experience. However, they change their mind and talk to writer Skeeter Phelan, played by Emma Stone. Her character is hoping to expose the racism they struggle with as they work with white families where they are categorized as The Help, also the title of the movie. The Help is a must-watch among the best Emma Stone films of all time.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2012
- Genre: Drama/Romance
- Director: Tate Taylor
- Stars: Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Lowell
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 76%, IMDb 8.1
In Marc Webb’s movie of Spider-Man, Peter Parker, played by Andrew Garfield, is forced to go to his aunt’s house by his parents, who mysteriously disappear later. As he grows up, he finds out secrets about his father. He then discovers that his father worked with a geneticist named Curt Connors on genetic mutation. When he visits Connors in his laboratory, Parker gets bitten by a spider that was genetically modified. After that, he starts to gain superhuman powers. Emma Stone plays his love interest as Gwen Stacy. Her intelligence and charisma are enough to make the movie romantic. This version of the movie is less complicated, and we strongly recommend it if you are a superhero movie fan. Moreover, it is one of the best Emma Stone movies of all time.
Read more: Best Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies of All Time
Birdman 2014
- Genre: Drama/Comedy
- Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
- Stars: Emma Stone, Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, Naomi Watts
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 91%, IMDb 7.7
Emma Stone got nominated for an Academy Award for the first time in her career for the movie Birdman. Michael Keaton plays the role of Riggan Thomson, who is a fading actor trying to have a return by featuring in a Broadway play. It is not an easy task for him to rebuild his career and reconnect with his loved ones. Birdman is one of the best Emma Stone movies of all time. She acts as Riggan’s daughter Sam who is a recovering drug addict. For her remarkable performance, Stone was praised by many critics. In addition to all the nominations Stone received for this role, the movie itself won the Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture SAG Award. Along with the Best Picture Academy Award, Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s film won 3 more Oscars.
La La Land 2016
- Genre: Musical/Romance
- Director: Damien Chazelle
- Stars: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, J.K. Simmons, John Legend
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 91%, IMDb 8
La La Land is arguably Emma Stone’s best movie to date, where she plays the role of Mia. Stone and Gosling returned to the screen, and with their chemistry and skills, they proved why they are successful actors in the industry. Mia is an aspiring actress that has reached a dead-end, and Sebastian (Gosling) is a romantic who is obsessed with classic jazz. The two go on to create absolute magic. Justin Hurwitz wrote the song, and they go on to be instantly recognizable to you. Moreover, the colors used in the movie will dazzle you. As for the story, it breaks your heart and puts it back together all at the same time. La La Land won an Oscar for Best Picture, and Stone won hers just a few minutes before that. It is a must-watch and one of the best Emma Stone movies of all time.
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Battle of the Sexes 2017
- Genre: Sport/Drama
- Directors: Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton
- Stars: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 84%, IMDb 6.7
Battle of the Sexes is yet another one of the best Emma Stone films ever. The movie is inspired by Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs’ sporting rivalry and their infamous match in 1973. Stone plays the role of tennis legend King. However, the story is so bizarre that it could only be based on a true life experience. King started the Women’s Tennis Association in the 1970s, trying to prove that women deserved equal pay and respect in the sport. Bobby Riggs, the self-proclaimed loudmouth chauvinist, challenged King to say that males have the dominant. Stone’s performance is engaging, showcasing the character’s strength, compassion, and humor that made King more than just a tennis player.
The Favorite 2018
- Genre: Drama/Comedy
- Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
- Stars: Emma Stone, Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 93%, IMDb 7.5
In the black comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone plays the role of Abigail Masham, who is one of the three cousins in 18th century Britain pushing to be Queen Anne’s favorite. The favorite got ten nominations for the Academy Award as well as many others in other festivals around the world. Stone was praised for her portrayal of the character, earning her second nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the Academy Awards. Her character starts a rivalry with her cousin Sarah Churchill, who is the Queen’s adviser and lover. They do everything they can to become her favorite. The Favorite is another one of the best Emma Stone movies of all time.
Read more: Best Emma Watson Movies of All Time
Cruella 2021
- Genre: Comedy/Crime
- Director: Craig Gillespie
- Stars: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, John McCrea, Mark Strong, Paul Walter Hauser
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 74%, IMDb 7.3
The movie Cruella is inspired by The Hundred and One Dalmatians novel written by Dodie Smith in 1956. Emma Stone plays the titular role and is interested in the fashion industry. The movie took a glamourous look at the most fashionable Disney villain. Moreover, when Stone’s character locks horns with Emma Thompson’s, it is quite entertaining. We strongly recommend watching this one on our list of the best Emma Stone movies of all time. Because of her strong performance and how well-received the movie turned out to be, this powerful Disney villain, which is not a villain in this version of the story, comes back for a sequel as it is in work already. Cruella is one of the best Emma Stone movies of all time.