Scarlett Johansson’s 10 Best Movie Roles That Aren’t Black Widow

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Scarlett Johansson is undeniably a major Hollywood star. She’s a household name, having starred in many of the most successful films ever made and received numerous prestigious award nominations. She’s particularly well-known for her role as Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I’ve been a huge fan of Scarlett Johansson for years, and seeing her as Black Widow in seven different movies has been amazing! She really made that character, especially with her own solo film. Films like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Infinity War are just incredible, and she’s fantastic in them. But what’s really cool is looking back at everything else she’s done. It’s easy to forget she started with smaller, independent films, and built up her career with voice work and those early roles that first showed everyone just how talented she is. It’s those performances that really made me a fan!

Scarlett Johansson’s biggest strength is her incredible range as an actress. She’s proven this by succeeding in diverse roles – from captivating audiences with just her voice, to earning Oscar nominations for both funny and heartbreaking performances, and even holding her own alongside some of the most celebrated actors in the industry.

10. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) – Cristina

The film Vicky Cristina Barcelona truly shines because of its actors. Scarlett Johansson, alongside married couple Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, creates a remarkable connection with both of them, which is a difficult feat.

The movie features Scarlett Johansson as Cristina, who spends a romantic summer with an artist (Javier Bardem) alongside her friend Vicky (Rebecca Hall). Things get complicated when the artist’s ex-wife (Penélope Cruz) unexpectedly appears. The film was praised for its performances and script, and it also did reasonably well in theaters.

9. Ghost World (2001) – Rebecca Doppelmeyer

Though Scarlett Johansson wasn’t yet a household name, her role in Ghost World hinted at her future success. The film, adapted from a popular 1990s comic book, tells the story of two teenage best friends whose relationship is tested when one begins dating an older man.

Scarlett Johansson plays Rebecca and Thora Birch plays Enid, and their chemistry is fantastic. Although the movie wasn’t a big hit when it came out, it’s since gained a dedicated following and received positive reviews. Johansson’s performance as Rebecca was particularly praised and earned her recognition from many film critics.

8. Girl With A Pearl Earring (2003) – Griet

The movie Girl with a Pearl Earring is based on the 1999 novel of the same name and stars Scarlett Johansson as Griet, a maid working for the painter Johannes Vermeer while he creates his famous painting of the same name.

Though perhaps not her most famous role, Girl with a Pearl Earring really highlights Scarlett Johansson’s acting ability. She had fantastic chemistry with her fellow actors, like Colin Firth, and earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for her work in the film. It was a key moment in her rise to prominence in 2003.

7. Isle Of Dogs (2018) – Nutmeg

Scarlett Johansson is a surprisingly talented voice actor, and it’s something people often overlook. She’s brought characters to life in several animated films, playing everyone from a cheerful hero in Transformers One to a scary snake in The Jungle Book. While it’s tough to choose, her work in Isle of Dogs is particularly memorable.

This Wes Anderson film follows a pack of dogs who team up with a boy to find his lost puppy. They’ve all been sent to an island due to a dog flu outbreak. Scarlett Johansson plays Nutmeg, a former show dog who still maintains her glamorous look even while living on the island. Johansson brings a charming and dignified quality to the character, making her a proud and resilient pup.

6. The Prestige (2006) – Olivia Wenscombe

Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige is considered one of his finest films, even though it was made relatively early in his career. The story follows two magicians whose friendship collapses into a fierce rivalry with increasingly risky consequences. Scarlett Johansson plays Olivia Wenscombe, a woman caught in the middle of their conflict.

Olivia finds herself caught between two magicians, developing feelings for one while assisting another, which creates a lot of conflict. Scarlett Johansson was early in her career but impressed audiences, acting alongside established stars like Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, and almost outshone them.

5. Jojo Rabbit (2019) – Rosie Betzler

2019 was a fantastic year for Scarlett Johansson, who received two Academy Award nominations – a rare achievement! She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Jojo Rabbit, a particularly quirky and comedic film in her body of work.

The film tells the story of a boy raised in the Hitler Youth who discovers his mother, played by Scarlett Johansson as Rosie, is secretly hiding a Jewish girl in their home. Johansson delivers a powerful performance as a caring mother, and the bond between her and the boy is genuinely touching. She’s at the heart of the movie’s most moving scene.

4. Lost In Translation (2003) – Charlotte

Scarlett Johansson became well-known after starring in Lost in Translation, and it’s easy to see why. The film centers around an aging movie star experiencing a personal crisis while traveling in Tokyo. He forms an unlikely friendship with a young woman who has just gotten married.

Bill Murray is a well-respected actor, but Scarlett Johansson matched his talent in every scene of this highly praised film. The subtle connection between them is a key reason why the movie is considered a modern classic and showcases Johansson’s incredible acting ability.

3. Her (2013) – Samantha

Scarlett Johansson’s voice acting is often overlooked, but her performance in Her is arguably her best. The film isn’t a cartoon – it’s a story about a man who develops a relationship with an artificially intelligent operating system he downloads, and Johansson provides the voice for that system.

The voice of Samanta, brought to life by Scarlett Johansson, is truly exceptional. Her performance is flawless, delivering each line with a comforting and affectionate tone. It’s remarkable how she carries the entire film through her voice alone, even though she never appears on screen.

2. Under The Skin (2013) – The Female

What’s remarkable about Scarlett Johansson’s role in Under the Skin is how little dialogue she has. In this science fiction film, set in Scotland, she portrays an alien—referred to only as The Female—who hunts men at night.

I was really struck by how different Johansson’s performance is in this role. She usually relies so much on her expressions, but here, she mostly has this incredibly intense, almost empty stare. It’s mesmerizing – I found myself completely drawn in and unable to look away. Even with very little dialogue, she absolutely owns every scene. I honestly think it’s her most demanding role yet.

1. Marriage Story (2019) – Nicole Barber

In 2019, Scarlett Johansson received another Academy Award nomination for her role in the comedic drama Jojo Rabbit. Unlike that film, which balanced humor with heartfelt scenes, Marriage Story is a deeply emotional and dramatic experience.

This intense drama features Scarlett Johansson as Nicole, a woman navigating a particularly difficult and increasingly complicated divorce. The film doesn’t shy away from the painful and often brutal confrontations between Nicole and her soon-to-be ex-husband, played by Adam Driver. Johansson delivers a remarkably powerful performance, showcasing a depth we haven’t always seen from her, and it’s a key reason she received an Oscar nomination.

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2026-05-15 19:22