8 Most Underrated Scarlett Johansson Movies, Ranked

Scarlett Johansson is a huge star, but many of her films don’t get the recognition they deserve. She quickly became a leading actress and has remained popular for over twenty years. Johansson is incredibly versatile, equally comfortable in smaller films and large blockbuster movies.

Scarlett Johansson, a two-time Oscar nominee, has earned numerous awards throughout her career, but she’s truly a box office powerhouse. Her films have collectively earned almost $20 billion worldwide, with several exceeding $1 billion in revenue. While she’s appeared in critically acclaimed movies that didn’t perform well financially, Johansson consistently delivers success, no matter the project.

Many of Scarlett Johansson’s lesser-known films either didn’t get much attention when they came out or received negative reviews. Now that she’s become a popular actress, some of her strongest work remains hidden from those who only know her mainstream hits. A movie can be underrated even if it initially received poor reviews, particularly if it’s become a beloved cult favorite or holds up well over time.

While Scarlett Johansson starred in many popular films, some of her lesser-known work has faded from memory. During the 2000s, she appeared in several movies each year, meaning some truly good ones were overlooked. Despite this, these underrated films still showcase her impressive acting talent and successful career.

8. The Nanny Diaries (2007)

By the mid-2000s, Scarlett Johansson was becoming a major star. The Nanny Diaries was a key film in her career, showing her move away from roles aimed at younger audiences. In the movie, she plays a graduate student who takes a job as a nanny for a rich family. The film combines social observations with romantic comedy and was a commercial success.

Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson star together in this charming comedy, actually filmed a few years before they became famous as Marvel superheroes. The Nanny Diaries remains an enjoyable watch thanks to Johansson’s captivating presence and its overall warm, comforting feel. However, it’s ranked lowest on the list because it doesn’t quite live up to the potential of the original, much sharper and more realistic novel. The movie feels a little too gentle compared to the book’s strong voice.

7. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)

Released during the peak of romantic comedy popularity in the late 2000s, He’s Just Not That Into You is a film that often gets overshadowed by other movies from the same time. The movie follows Anna, played by Scarlett Johansson, a yoga instructor who begins a relationship with a married man, Ben (Bradley Cooper). Her story is just one of several that come together to paint a picture of the ups and downs of love and marriage.

Despite earning over $140 million, the movie is quickly being forgotten. It featured a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Aniston. While reviews weren’t great – which is common for romantic comedies – it’s actually a pretty enjoyable film and offers a nostalgic feel for classic moviegoing experiences.

Scarlett Johansson is charming and playful in this film, though the role itself isn’t particularly demanding. While it’s one of her lesser-known movies, it’s still worth watching. The film tries to juggle too many storylines and feels a little too long for a typical romantic comedy.

6. Lucy (2014)

Despite being misunderstood by many critics who missed its playful humor, Lucy is a surprisingly good film. The story follows Lucy (Johansson) who accidentally takes a drug that unlocks the full potential of her brain, giving her extraordinary abilities. Director Luc Besson creates a fast-paced and mind-bending experience that’s sure to leave you thinking.

Scarlett Johansson is well-cast as the action hero in Lucy, and the role gives her more to work with than many of her Marvel movies. Her serious performance is a bonus to an already fun and exciting sci-fi film. However, the movie does lose some momentum in the middle, and despite being a hidden gem, it’s not quite perfect.

5. Under The Skin (2013)

Under the Skin is a challenging and unsettling science fiction movie that really highlights Scarlett Johansson’s acting talent. She plays an alien who takes on the form of a woman and abducts men. Unlike typical sci-fi films, it’s a minimalist and often frightening experience. Despite Johansson’s star power, the film wasn’t a commercial success.

The movie received rave reviews and is frequently considered a standout science fiction film from the 2010s. However, it remains surprisingly overlooked, often overshadowed by Scarlett Johansson’s more popular work. This is probably because it’s a thought-provoking film that demands a lot from the audience. It’s a bleak and somber movie, filled with dark visuals and a depressing conclusion.

This movie is great for viewers who enjoy thought-provoking films, but it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for something light and easy. It’s unlike anything else in Scarlett Johansson’s career, and often considered an outlier, but it remains one of her strongest performances and a film that will likely be remembered for years to come.

4. The Girl With A Pearl Earring (2003)

While Lost in Translation is often credited with showcasing Scarlett Johansson’s growth as an actress, The Girl with a Pearl Earring is equally noteworthy. In the film, Johansson plays Griet, who captures the attention of the painter Vermeer, both as a muse and a romantic interest. It’s a beautifully styled period drama that relies on subtle passion rather than explicit sensuality.

Visually, The Girl with a Pearl Earring takes inspiration from the paintings of Vermeer, using similar colors and artistic styles. Scarlett Johansson gives a nuanced performance, skillfully portraying a character that feels both dramatic and believable, which complements the film’s overall atmosphere. Given the current popularity of historical dramas, this film is ripe for a renewed audience.

3. The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001)

Scarlett Johansson has a relatively small role in one of the Coen brothers’ lesser-known films, The Man Who Wasn’t There. The movie, set in the 1940s, centers on a barber (Billy Bob Thornton) who tries to get rich by blackmailing his wife’s employer. Johansson plays Birdy Abundas, a young pianist who has a brief connection with Thornton’s character, Ed.

The film The Man Who Wasn’t There doesn’t simply evoke classic noir films—it flawlessly captures their style and mood. It powerfully portrays the bleakness following the war, while also offering a surprisingly contemporary perspective. The characters are deeply cynical, sometimes to an overwhelming degree, and the story’s core explores themes of hopelessness and despair.

It’s understandable that many people miss Johansson’s brief appearance in the film, making it a lesser-known role for her. However, The Man Who Wasn’t There remains an important film by the Coen brothers. While it’s not as lighthearted as some of their other movies, it paved the way for their later, more serious dramas like No Country for Old Men.

2. Match Point (2005)

Following her role in Lost in Translation, Scarlett Johansson appeared in several successful films that quickly boosted her career. One of these was Match Point, a clever and alluring thriller about a tennis instructor (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) whose carefully planned marriage is jeopardized when he begins an affair with Nola (Johansson).

Johansson and Meyers have fantastic on-screen chemistry, making the movie feel vibrant and energetic. While it appears to be a typical sensual thriller, Match Point actually offers insightful commentary on social class, going beyond what you’d expect from a fast-paced thriller. Johansson delivers Woody Allen’s quick-witted dialogue perfectly and truly shines as a rising star throughout the film’s two-hour duration.

Though initially popular, Match Point hasn’t stuck around in the public consciousness like some other thrillers. It’s often forgotten even when people discuss Scarlett Johansson’s work with Woody Allen. However, it’s still one of her strongest films outside of a series, and it holds up well even after twenty years.

1. Ghost World (2001)

Many consider Ghost World to be Scarlett Johansson’s best film based on a comic book, and it doesn’t get nearly enough attention. She plays Rebecca, a young woman who feels like an outsider and begins to drift away from her close friend, Enid (Thora Birch). The movie, based on a comic by Daniel Clowes, perfectly captures the feeling of the late 1990s.

Despite being a darkly humorous film, it’s also a raw and honest story about growing up in a time when society felt stuck and impersonal. While Johansson’s character isn’t the main focus – that’s Birch as Enid – she plays a key role in how the story unfolds. Her character represents the pull to conform, making her a contrast to Enid’s rebellious spirit.

It’s rare to find a movie that’s both unusual and deeply human, but Ghost World manages to do just that. Don’t miss it – it’s a special film, and features a fantastic performance by Scarlett Johansson. In a world filled with forgettable superhero movies, Ghost World feels like a breath of fresh air.

2026-05-05 01:13