Scarlett Johansson is one of those actors who seems to be everywhere. You see her in big action movies where she is kicking bad guys and saving the world. You also see her in quiet, thoughtful movies where she says very little but still makes you feel everything she is going through. Over the years she has built a film career that is both huge and very different from one movie to the next. She has done romantic dramas, science fiction, superhero films, comedies, and even voice acting where you never actually see her on screen. Because she has done so many kinds of movies, it is interesting to look at her work and try to figure out which ones stand out the most. This is a long look at some of the best Scarlett Johansson movies, ranked from very good all the way up to the ones that feel like they changed the way people see her as an actor.
Let us start with a movie that many people know but that is not always the first one that comes to mind when thinking about her best work. Ghost in the Shell from 2017 is a big science fiction film based on a famous Japanese anime. Johansson plays Major Mira Killian, a woman who is more machine than human, living in a future where technology and bodies are mixed together. The movie looks amazing with its futuristic cities, glowing lights, and advanced technology. Johansson gives a strong performance as someone who is trying to figure out who she really is. She is calm, focused, and carries the weight of the story well. The film itself got mixed reactions from critics and audiences, but it is still a visually impressive movie and shows Johansson in a very different kind of role than some of her others. It is not perfect, but it is definitely one of the more interesting sci fi films she has done.
Another big action movie that stands out is Captain America The Winter Soldier from 2014. This is one of the Marvel movies where Johansson plays Natasha Romanoff, also known as Black Widow. In this film she is not just a side character. She is right there in the middle of the story, working closely with Steve Rogers as they uncover a huge conspiracy. The movie is tense, fast paced, and full of great action scenes. Johansson is sharp, quick, and very capable. She also brings a lot of personality to the role, showing that Natasha is not just a fighter but also someone with a complicated past and a strong sense of right and wrong. Her chemistry with Chris Evans is excellent and makes their partnership feel real. This movie helped raise her profile even more in the Marvel universe and showed that she could carry big action sequences while still giving depth to her character.
Then there is Captain America Civil War from 2016. This is another Marvel film that is more like a superhero war than a simple team-up. The story is about a split among the Avengers over whether they should be controlled by the government. Johansson is again Natasha Romanoff, and this time she has to choose sides. She is smart, loyal, and very aware of the consequences of every decision. The movie is full of big names and big fights, but Johansson still manages to stand out. She is not the loudest or the most powerful character, but she is one of the most grounded. Her performance shows that Natasha is not just a fighter but also a thinker, someone who understands politics, loyalty, and the cost of war. The film is long and packed with action, but Johansson’s role is one of the more consistent and thoughtful parts of it.
Avengers Age of Ultron from 2015 is another big Marvel film where Johansson plays Black Widow. This time the team faces a robot villain they created themselves, and the stakes are very high. The movie is full of big battles, flying cities, and powerful heroes clashing with each other. Johansson again brings a lot of strength and emotion to the role. There is a scene where she talks about her past in a very honest and painful way, and that moment stands out because it shows a side of Natasha that is not often seen. She is not just a spy or a fighter. She is someone who has lived through terrible things and is still trying to make sense of them. That scene adds a lot of weight to her character and makes her feel more real. The movie itself is very busy, but Johansson’s performance is one of the more grounded and emotional parts of it.
Moving to a different kind of Marvel film, there is Avengers Infinity War from 2018. This is one of the biggest superhero movies ever made, with almost every major Marvel character appearing. Johansson is again Natasha Romanoff, and this time she is part of the team trying to stop Thanos from collecting all the Infinity Stones. The movie is dark, emotional, and full of big moments. Johansson is strong, determined, and very loyal to her friends. She fights hard, makes tough choices, and shows that she is willing to sacrifice everything for the people she cares about. Her scenes with other characters, especially with Steve Rogers and Bruce Banner, feel very real and full of history. The film is a massive event, but Johansson’s performance keeps her character feeling personal and important even in the middle of all that chaos.
Then comes Avengers Endgame from 2019. This is the movie that many people waited years for, the final chapter in a long story. Johansson returns as Natasha Romanoff, and this time her role is even more central. She is one of the leaders of the remaining Avengers, trying to find a way to bring back the people who were lost. The movie is long, emotional, and full of big moments, but Johansson’s performance is steady and powerful. She shows grief, determination, and a deep sense of responsibility. There is a moment that many people remember, a sacrifice that changes everything. Johansson plays that scene with quiet strength and dignity, making it one of the most powerful moments in the entire Marvel series. Her work in this film is not flashy, but it is deeply felt and very important to the story.
Before the Marvel movies, Johansson was already known for her work in smaller, more serious films. One of those is Girl with a Pearl Earring from 2003. This is a historical drama set in 17th century Holland. Johansson plays Griet, a young maid who becomes the model for a famous painting by the artist Johannes Vermeer. The movie is quiet, slow, and full of beautiful images. Johansson is very good as a quiet, observant girl who is caught between her own feelings and the strict rules of the time. She does not say much, but her face tells the whole story. Her performance is subtle, thoughtful, and very moving. This was one of the first times many people really noticed her as a serious actress, not just a young talent. It showed that she could carry a film with very little dialogue and still make it feel powerful.
Another early film that stands out is Lost in Translation from 2003. This is a quiet, dreamy movie about two people who meet in Tokyo and form a deep but complicated connection. Johansson plays Charlotte, a young woman who feels lost and unsure about her life and marriage. Bill Murray plays Bob, an older actor who
