Ana de Armas’ Career: From ‘Knock Knock’ to ‘Ballerina’
Ana de Armas has had a remarkable journey, transitioning from Cuban and Spanish cinema to becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars. Her career is defined by a series of dynamic roles that showcase her incredible range and screen presence. She quickly proved her ability to handle diverse genres with compelling performances.
From suspenseful thrillers to blockbuster action films and intense biographical dramas, she consistently brings depth and nuance to her characters. Her rise to international fame has been swift, marked by several pivotal roles that captured the attention of both audiences and critics. This look at her filmography highlights the key projects that have shaped her path.
‘Knock Knock’ (2015)
In this psychological thriller, she plays Bel, one of two young women who show up at a married man’s home on a rainy night. After he lets them in, they seduce him and then begin to systematically destroy his life as a form of twisted punishment.
Her character shifts from a seemingly innocent and vulnerable woman into a menacing and manipulative figure. The role was one of her first in an American film and demonstrated her ability to portray a complex and unpredictable antagonist.
‘Exposed’ (2016)
She portrays Isabel de la Cruz, a young woman who witnesses a miracle. The crime thriller’s plot revolves around a police detective who investigates his partner’s death while Isabel experiences strange occurrences that seem to defy explanation.
Her character’s story is a central part of the film’s supernatural subplot. She is depicted as a devout and gentle person who finds herself at the center of inexplicable events following a mysterious encounter on a subway platform.
‘Hands of Stone’ (2016)
In this biographical sports film, she plays Felicidad Iglesias, the wife of legendary Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán. The movie chronicles Durán’s life and career, including his famous fights with Sugar Ray Leonard and his tumultuous journey.
Her role provides insight into the private life of the famous boxer, showing the supportive and resilient partner who stood by him through his triumphs and struggles. She portrayed the emotional anchor in the turbulent life of a world champion.
‘War Dogs’ (2016)
She appears as Iz, the girlfriend of one of the two main characters, an international arms dealer. The film is a biographical black comedy based on the true story of two young men who won a major U.S. military contract to supply ammunition in Afghanistan.
Her character serves as the moral compass for her boyfriend, growing increasingly concerned about the legality and danger of his business. She represents the stable, normal life that he puts at risk with his illegal activities and constant deception.
‘Overdrive’ (2017)
In this action thriller, she plays Stephanie, the girlfriend of one of two car-thief brothers who specialize in stealing luxury vehicles. The pair travel to the south of France for new opportunities but run afoul of a local crime boss.
Her character is not just a romantic interest but is also involved in the heists and action. She is a skilled driver and a key member of the team, participating in the planning and execution of their high-stakes car thefts against a powerful adversary.
‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017)
She took on the role of Joi, a holographic AI companion to the main character, a replicant blade runner. This science fiction sequel is set thirty years after the original film and explores themes of what it means to be human and the nature of memory.
Her performance was widely praised for bringing emotional depth and warmth to a non-human character. Joi’s journey and her evolving relationship with the protagonist became a central and poignant part of the film’s narrative about loneliness and love.
‘The Informer’ (2019)
She plays Sofia Koslow, the wife of an ex-convict working undercover for the FBI. Her husband gets entangled in a dangerous plot involving the Polish mafia and corrupt federal agents, putting his and his family’s lives at risk.
Her character and their young daughter become the primary motivation for the protagonist’s desperate actions. The role highlights the immense pressure and fear faced by the family of someone trapped between law enforcement and the criminal underworld.
‘Wasp Network’ (2019)
In this spy thriller based on a true story, she portrays Ana Margarita Martinez. The film tells the story of a group of Cuban intelligence officers who infiltrated anti-Castro exile groups in the United States during the 1990s.
Her character is the wife of one of the key figures in the network, and she is left to grapple with the consequences of his secret life and apparent defection. Her journey showcases the personal and emotional toll of espionage on families left behind.
‘Knives Out’ (2019)
She had her breakout role as Marta Cabrera, the kind-hearted nurse and confidante of a wealthy mystery novelist who dies under suspicious circumstances. When a detective is hired to investigate, Marta finds herself at the center of the mystery.
The entire film revolves around her character, who is unable to lie without becoming physically ill. Her performance was critically acclaimed for being the moral and emotional heart of the star-studded ensemble cast, earning her global recognition.
‘Sergio’ (2020)
She stars as Carolina Larriera, a brilliant economist and the partner of United Nations diplomat Sérgio Vieira de Mello. This biographical drama is based on the life of the diplomat and focuses on his final assignment in Baghdad, Iraq.
Her portrayal captures the deep personal and professional connection between Larriera and Vieira de Mello. The film uses their relationship as a central thread to explore the human side of a man dedicated to diplomacy in the world’s most dangerous places.
‘The Night Clerk’ (2020)
She plays Andrea Rivera, a mysterious hotel guest who befriends a night clerk with Asperger’s syndrome. After a murder occurs at the hotel, the clerk becomes the primary suspect, and Andrea’s true intentions are called into question.
Her character is a classic femme fatale figure in this neo-noir thriller. She draws the protagonist into a web of deceit and danger, and her performance keeps the audience guessing about her loyalties and motivations until the end.
‘No Time to Die’ (2021)
She appeared as Paloma, a CIA agent based in Cuba who assists James Bond on a mission. Although her screen time was limited, her character made a significant impact in the spy film with her memorable action sequence.
Her character was praised for being a capable and charismatic agent who was both highly skilled in combat and charmingly enthusiastic. The role showcased her action-heroine potential and became a fan-favorite part of the movie.
‘Deep Water’ (2022)
She stars as Melinda Van Allen in this erotic psychological thriller. Her character is in a loveless open marriage with her husband, who allows her to have affairs to avoid a divorce, but he soon becomes the prime suspect when her lovers start disappearing.
She portrayed a complex and provocative character who constantly tests the boundaries of her marriage. The role required her to convey a sense of emotional detachment and manipulative charm, driving the film’s central psychological conflict.
‘The Gray Man’ (2022)
In this action thriller, she plays Dani Miranda, a CIA agent who ends up helping an elite operative after he goes on the run from the agency. The film is a globetrotting adventure filled with large-scale action sequences and intense fights.
Her role as a skilled and resourceful agent was a significant one, putting her at the center of the action alongside the male leads. She proved her capabilities as an action star, performing many of her own stunts for the physically demanding part.
‘Blonde’ (2022)
She took on the challenging role of Norma Jeane Mortenson, famously known as Marilyn Monroe. This biographical psychological drama offers a fictionalized look at the inner life of the Hollywood icon, from her difficult childhood to her tragic end.
Her transformative performance was the subject of widespread discussion and earned her significant critical acclaim. She captured the voice, mannerisms, and vulnerability of Monroe, portraying the stark contrast between her public persona and private struggles.
‘Ghosted’ (2023)
She stars as Sadie Rhodes, a highly skilled secret agent. The action romantic comedy begins when a regular guy falls for her and decides to travel to London to surprise her, only to be swept up in her dangerous world of international espionage.
In this role, she also served as an executive producer. Her character subverts typical genre expectations, being the capable action hero who has to protect the less-experienced male lead throughout their adventure across the globe.
‘Eden’ (2024)
She is part of an ensemble cast in this survival thriller about a group of people who turn their backs on society to build a new life on a remote island in the Galápagos. The film is based on real events and explores what happens when a utopian dream goes wrong.
Her character is one of the newcomers to the island whose arrival disrupts the established order. The story focuses on the psychological drama and shifting power dynamics as the small community faces internal conflicts and the harsh realities of nature.
‘Ballerina’ (2025)
She takes the lead role in this action film set within the John Wick universe. She plays Rooney, a young woman trained as an assassin and ballerina, who is on a mission to hunt down the people who murdered her family.
The film is expected to expand the world of the franchise by focusing on a new protagonist while still connecting to its established lore. The role requires intense physical training for the complex fight choreography and stunt work the series is known for.
Let us know which Ana de Armas role is your favorite in the comments.
