Top 10 Films Of Dakota Johnson According To IMDB

Dakota Johnson is one of Hollywood’s hottest actresses right now. Her starring role in the 2024 Marvel superhero movie, Madame Web, has the potential to be her biggest box office success to date.

Apart from having movie star parents – Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith – she’s most famous for starring in the sexually-charged film adaptations of E. L. James’s 50 Shades books. Her other notable movies include Black Mass (2015), A Bigger Splash (2015), How to Be Single (2016), Suspiria (2018), Bad Times at the El Royale (2018).

Dakota Johnson’s star keeps rising

Dakota Johnson at the premiere of Madame Web | IMAGE: Getty Images

While Dakota’s early foray into the film industry began with a familial collaboration in the movie Crazy in Alabama in 1999, directed by her stepfather, Antonio Banderas, it wasn’t until later that she fully embraced her passion for acting and modelling.

Dakota’s breakthrough came with her role in David Fincher’s acclaimed film The Social Network (2010), a box office success that garnered multiple Oscar nominations. This marked the beginning of a series of diverse roles in films such as Beastly (2011), 21 Jump Street (2012), and Need for Speed (2014), showcasing her versatility and range as an actress.

Dakota Johnson in the sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey

However, it was her portrayal of Anastasia Steele in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) that propelled Dakota to global stardom. Despite the controversial nature of the movie, her performance earned her widespread acclaim and accolades, including a People’s Choice Award for Favourite Dramatic Movie Actress.

Dakota has since continued to challenge herself with a variety of roles, from portraying a grieving mother in Black Mass (2015) to embodying a seductive temptress in A Bigger Splash (2015). She has also ventured into comedy with films like How to Be Single (2016), demonstrating her ability to navigate different genres with finesse.

Honourable Mention

The Social Network

Dir. David Fincher (2010)

Only a small part for Johnson but The Social Network remains the highest-rated film on her CV. In David Fincher’s critically-acclaimed effort she plays Amelia Ritter, a young student from Stanford University, who sleeps with Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) one night after meeting him at a bar.

The best Dakota Johnson movies according to IMDB

Here we take a look at Dakota Johnson’s best films according to IMDB user ratings. We’ve listed the film in which she has a more prominent or lead role as opposed to bit-parts like The Social Network.

10. A Bigger Splash

Dir. Luca Guadagnino (2015)

In A Bigger Splash, Johnson enjoys her first collaboration with director Luca Guadagnino and opposite the incomparable Tilda Swinton. In this cinematic rendezvous, Penelope disrupts the tranquil Sicilian retreat of rock star Marianne Lane (Swinton) alongside music producer Harry (Ralph Fiennes), who she recently discovered is her father.

Penelope exudes an irresistible allure, her smirk and provocative charm captivating everyone in her orbit, including her newfound paternal figure. Their unsettlingly intimate karaoke duet serves as a catalyst for Lane’s moral reckoning, prompting her to probe into the depths of Penelope’s enigmatic persona.

Johnson’s portrayal is mesmerising, as she effortlessly wields her character’s sensuality to assert dominance over Lane, a renowned yet voiceless icon. The tension between them reaches a climax in the film’s gripping finale, marked by a shocking revelation and the unforgettable confrontation.

Through Johnson’s nuanced performance, Penelope emerges as a magnetic force, blurring the lines between truth and deception, desire and manipulation. In this seductive dance of power dynamics, the actress delivers a tour de force performance that leaves an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.

9. The Lost Daughter

Dir. Maggie Gyllenhaal (2021)

The Lost Daughter features arguably Johnson’s finest career performance in her supporting role as Nina in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, adapted from Elena Ferrante’s work. This portrayal marks a significant progression in Johnson’s career, demonstrating her adeptness at portraying complex characters.

Johnson’s casting as Nina is spot-on, serving as a catalyst for lead character Leda (played by Olivia Colman) to confront her own tumultuous journey as a mother while vacationing on a Greek island. Johnson strikes a delicate balance, exuding just enough menace to validate Will’s (Paul Mescal) warning about Nina and her family’s dubious reputation, thereby heightening the film’s underlying tension. Yet, she also infuses Nina with deep sensitivity and an air of knowing, hinting at a shared experience with Leda that remains elusive to the audience.

8. Suspiria

Dir. Luca Guadagnino (2018)

Derived from the 1977 Italian film of the same title, Suspiria delves into the narrative of Susie (Johnson), a young dancer embarking on a journey to Berlin to join an enigmatic dance company, potentially steeped in cult-like practices.

The role stood out as Johnson’s most formidable challenge, as her character Susie serves as the central figure in Luca Guadagnino’s blend of supernatural and psychological horror.

Johnson’s portrayal is a testament to her acting prowess, skilfully navigating Susie’s relentless pursuit of excellence alongside her unsettling exploration of her own psyche as weird, chilling events unfurl within the confines of the Markos Dance Company. Moreover, she holds her own opposite the formidable Tilda Swinton, a feat that speaks volumes about her talent and versatility as an actress.

7. Am I OK?

Dir. Stephanie Allynne & Tig Notaro (2022)

The story revolves around Lucy, portrayed by Johnson, a 32-year-old woman who finds herself questioning why her romantic encounters never progress beyond a certain point. After some online research, she begins to contemplate whether she might be gay. Screenwriter Lauren Pomerantz drew inspiration from her own journey of coming out.

6. Black Mass

Dir. Scott Cooper (2015)

In Black Mass, Johnson takes on the role of Lindsey Cyr, the wife of Whitey Bulger and mother of his only son. Though her screen time is limited, Johnson delivers an outstanding performance that leaves a lasting impression.

Preparing for her role, Johnson said she understood the importance of mastering a Boston accent. To immerse herself in the local dialect, she adopted a hands-on approach.

“I’d listen to people. I have a knack for tuning into conversations,” Johnson shared with People at the Boston premiere of the film. “So, I’d casually eavesdrop on conversations in restaurants. Additionally, I collaborated with a dialect coach and dedicated myself to practicing as much as possible.”

5. Bad Times At The El Royale

Dir. Drew Goddard (2018)

With a southern accent that may not entirely convince but nonetheless adds to her charm, Johnson delivers a triumphant performance as Emily Summerspring in Bad Times at the El Royale.

The film introduces us to four enigmatic characters, including Johnson’s Emily, portrayed alongside Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, and Jon Hamm, as they check into the El Royale, a once-glamorous hotel now faded on the California-Nevada border. Emily embodies the essence of Johnson’s strengths as an actress: she’s a woman of few words with a rich inner world, a sharp wit, and a hidden past.

4. Our Friend

Dir. Gabriela Cowperthwaite (2019)

Drawing from the real-life story of Nicole Teague, a mother battling terminal ovarian cancer, Our Friend presents an ideal platform for Johnson to showcase her acting prowess. She effortlessly captivates audiences with her magnetic charm and steady, maternal presence. Her portrayal convinces us of the deep bond she shares with her partner Matt (Casey Affleck) and best friend-turned-caregiver Dane (Jason Segel), evoking genuine empathy as Nicole’s health deteriorates.

3. Cha Cha Real Smooth

Dir. Cooper Raiff (2022)

In Cha Cha Real Smooth, Johnson plays Domino, a refreshingly unconventional mother figure. Unlike the typical mom archetype, Domino is adorned with tattoos, sporting bangs, and earns the disdain of most other local moms.

The film is helmed by Cooper Raiff. He also writes and stars as Andrew, a recent college graduate yearning to leave his job at Meat Sticks. He encounters Domino, a Manic Pixie Dream Mom, when he becomes involved with Lola (Vanessa Burghardt), an autistic teenager.

Cha Cha Real Smooth explores the transformative power of seemingly insignificant moments and tackles tough subjects in a manner characteristic of a compelling coming-of-age story. However, it occasionally does so at the expense of fully developing Domino’s character. Despite this, Johnson’s portrayal is captivating, imbuing Domino with depth and authenticity.

Johnson’s performance is so compelling that it successfully sells the unlikely attraction between the enigmatic Domino and the awkward yet earnest Andrew.

2. Daddio

Dir. Christy Hall (2023)

In this riveting debut by writer-director Christy Hall, Daddio unfolds entirely within the confines of a taxi on a congested highway, making its slow journey from JFK airport to Manhattan. Hall crafts a captivating two-character drama between a seasoned New York cabbie, who has witnessed it all, and a young woman grappling with her own dilemmas.

Sean Penn delivers a masterful performance, showcasing his prowess as a gritty, no-nonsense working-class man overflowing with opinions and anecdotes, adept at drawing out his passengers. Meanwhile, Johnson shines as the determined passenger, gradually opening up to the cabbie’s probing questions, transforming the taxi into an impromptu confessional.

Penn’s portrayal captures the essence of a seasoned New Yorker, while Johnson’s portrayal adds depth to her character’s emotional journey. Together, they create a dynamic interplay that’s a must-see for fans of character-driven chamber pieces and single locations films.

1. The Peanut Butter Falcon

Dir. Tyler Nilson & Michael Schwartz (2019)

The Peanut Butter Falcon is a 2019 American comedy-drama film marking the directorial debuts of Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. The movie features Johnson alongside Zack Gottsagen, Shia LaBeouf and John Hawkes.

Centered around a young man with Down Syndrome who flees from an assisted living facility, the story unfolds as he forms an unlikely friendship with a troubled fisherman on the run. As their connection deepens, they find themselves pursued by a determined social worker.

Despite the controversy surrounding it, The Peanut Butter Falcon emerges as a remarkably charming film. Johnson delivers a captivating performance as Eleanor. While she is constrained by minimal dialogue, her presence is impactful, and through subtle character development, Eleanor transforms from a mere plot device into a fully realised individual.

Eleanor, the sensible caretaker at the retirement home, embarks on a quest to find Zak after his disappearance, only to find herself caught up in the whirlwind adventure alongside the unlikely duo of the troubled Tyler (played by LaBeouf) and Zak (Gottsagen).

Despite her limited lines, Johnson’s portrayal speaks volumes, adding depth and nuance to Eleanor’s journey as she navigates unexpected challenges and discovers unexpected truths about herself.

While Eleanor may play second fiddle to her male counterparts, Johnson’s performance elevates her character beyond mere supporting role status, showcasing the power of quiet strength and resilience in the face of adversity.