10 Overrated Scarlett Johansson Movies You Might Skip

Scarlett Johansson has worked across genres for more than two decades, from indies to massive franchise entries. If you are trimming a watchlist, it helps to know the basics about story setup, creative teams, and where each film sits in her career so you can choose what fits your time.

Below you will find ten titles with quick reference facts on roles, directors, production notes, and release context. Use these snapshots to spot the projects that align with your interests and to understand how each one was made and marketed.

‘Lucy’ (2014)

Luc Besson directs this science fiction thriller about a student in Taipei who is forced to carry an experimental substance and then undergoes dramatic changes. Scarlett Johansson plays the title character and shares the screen with Morgan Freeman and Choi Min Sik in a story that moves from Taiwan to France as the plot escalates.

The production used locations in Taipei and Paris with large scale visual effects that depict the character’s evolving abilities. The film was released by Universal Pictures in the summer window and became a strong worldwide performer relative to its mid range budget.

‘The Island’ (2005)

Michael Bay’s science fiction action film follows residents of a sealed facility who believe they are survivors of a global disaster. Scarlett Johansson appears as Jordan Two Delta opposite Ewan McGregor’s character and the story explores identity and biomedical ethics once the truth about the facility emerges.

Large action set pieces combined practical stunts with digital extensions, including a freeway chase that relied on physical effects. The movie was backed by DreamWorks and Warner Bros and filmed largely in California with sleek near future production design and extensive second unit work.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (2017)

This adaptation of the Japanese manga presents a cybernetic operative who leads an elite task force in a near future city. Scarlett Johansson portrays Major Mira Killian in a narrative that features cybercrime investigations and questions about memory and self.

Principal photography took place in New Zealand and Hong Kong with major contributions from Weta Workshop and other effects houses to realize the thermoptic camouflage and urban landscapes. Paramount released the film in the spring frame with a global rollout and an emphasis on high end visuals and sound design.

‘Iron Man 2’ (2010)

Jon Favreau’s sequel continues the story of Tony Stark as he faces a new antagonist and public scrutiny of his technology. Scarlett Johansson debuts as Natasha Romanoff who operates undercover before revealing her skills in several action sequences.

The movie expanded the shared universe by introducing additional S H I E L D elements and characters such as Justin Hammer and Whiplash. It featured scenes set at the Monaco Grand Prix and was produced by Marvel Studios with location work in California and significant stage builds for armored suit choreography.

‘The Black Dahlia’ (2006)

Brian De Palma adapts the James Ellroy novel in a period crime drama set in Los Angeles following two detectives working a notorious murder case. Scarlett Johansson plays Kay Lake alongside Josh Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart, and Hilary Swank in a story that interweaves corruption and Hollywood intrigue.

The production recreated 1940s Los Angeles with a mix of Los Angeles locations and European stages and placed strong emphasis on costume and set detail. The film premiered on the festival circuit and received recognition for its cinematography with an Academy Award nomination.

‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ (2009)

This ensemble romantic dramedy tracks intersecting relationships among Baltimore residents as they navigate misread signals and modern dating. Scarlett Johansson appears as Anna across several linked storylines that also feature Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Bradley Cooper.

The film is based on a popular relationship book and uses a multi thread structure that cuts between characters while returning to recurring advice motifs. New Line Cinema released the movie during the February corridor and it performed well internationally as a star driven ensemble title.

‘The Nanny Diaries’ (2007)

Based on the best selling novel, this comedy drama centers on a recent college graduate who becomes a caregiver for an Upper East Side family. Scarlett Johansson plays Annie Braddock with Laura Linney as the employer known as Mrs X and Chris Evans as the neighbor who complicates Annie’s plans.

Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini directed the adaptation and shot on location in New York City with recognizable Manhattan settings. The production focuses on class and workplace dynamics through voiceover and diary entries while presenting a polished version of everyday domestic routines.

‘The Spirit’ (2008)

Frank Miller brings Will Eisner’s classic comic to the screen with a story about a masked vigilante protecting a stylized city against a flamboyant nemesis. Scarlett Johansson portrays Silken Floss who serves as a key associate to Samuel L Jackson’s character and appears in several visually heightened sequences.

The film used extensive green screen stages and a digital backlot approach that resembles the look seen in ‘Sin City’. Lionsgate handled the holiday season release and the production leaned on graphic novel framing, hard edged lighting schemes, and a noir influenced palette.

‘We Bought a Zoo’ (2011)

This family drama follows a widower who purchases a struggling wildlife park and tries to reopen it with his children and a dedicated staff. Scarlett Johansson plays Kelly Foster who manages daily animal care and provides operational expertise as the team works toward a public opening.

Cameron Crowe directed the adaptation of Benjamin Mee’s memoir and shifted the setting to Southern California. The production built a working zoo set that housed numerous species under strict safety protocols and the soundtrack features original music by Jónsi of Sigur Rós.

‘Black Widow’ (2021)

This standalone entry places Natasha Romanoff between the events of ‘Captain America: Civil War’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ as she reconnects with figures from her past. Scarlett Johansson leads the cast with Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz while the story explores a covert program that trained young recruits.

Cate Shortland directed the film with action sequences staged across multiple international settings and a mix of practical stunt work and visual effects. The release used a hybrid model with a theatrical rollout and premium streaming access during the pandemic period and later became part of a notable legal dispute that was resolved through a settlement.

Share your own take on which Scarlett Johansson films you might skip and why in the comments.