Margot Robbie’s Best Roles

Margot Robbie has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses, known for her incredible range and captivating performances. From her breakout role as the unforgettable Naomi Lapaglia in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ to her transformative portrayal of Tonya Harding in ‘I, Tonya’, she has consistently proven her ability to tackle complex and diverse characters. Her talent isn’t just limited to dramatic roles; she’s also showcased her comedic timing and action prowess in major blockbusters, making her a true force in the film industry.

What makes Robbie’s career so impressive is her dedication to her craft and her fearless approach to choosing roles. She’s not afraid to take on challenging projects that push her boundaries as an actor. Whether she’s playing a historical figure, a comic book anti-hero, or a fictional movie star, she brings a level of depth and authenticity that resonates with audiences. Her filmography is a testament to her versatility and her commitment to bringing memorable characters to life on the big screen.

‘Asteroid City’ (2023)

In Wes Anderson’s visually distinctive film ‘Asteroid City’, Margot Robbie appears in a brief yet pivotal role. Her character is an actress who was cut from the play-within-the-film, and she shares a poignant scene with Jason Schwartzman’s character, Augie Steenbeck. They interact through their respective windows, discussing the meaning of the play and their own lives, creating a memorable and emotionally resonant moment.

Though her screen time is limited, Robbie’s performance adds a layer of depth to the film’s exploration of grief and connection. Her character’s monologue about her role being cut from the play serves as a metaphor for loss and the unseen parts of people’s lives. This thoughtful and melancholic scene is a standout moment, showcasing Robbie’s ability to make a significant impact even in a small role.

‘Z for Zachariah’ (2015)

‘Z for Zachariah’ is a post-apocalyptic science fiction film that features Margot Robbie as Ann Burden, a young woman who believes she is the sole survivor of a disaster that has wiped out most of civilization. She lives a solitary life on her family’s farm, which is located in a valley with its own weather system that has protected it from the outside world’s radiation. Her world is turned upside down when she encounters a scientist, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The arrival of another survivor, a miner played by Chris Pine, creates a tense and complicated dynamic. The film explores themes of survival, trust, and the complexities of human relationships in a world stripped bare. Robbie’s performance is central to the film, as she portrays Ann’s journey from isolation to navigating the challenges of forming a new society with two very different men.

‘The Big Short’ (2015)

In ‘The Big Short’, a film that breaks down the complex events leading to the 2008 financial crisis, Margot Robbie makes a memorable cameo appearance as herself. The movie utilizes a unique narrative technique of having celebrities explain complicated financial concepts directly to the audience, breaking the fourth wall. Robbie’s scene involves her explaining subprime mortgages while in a bubble bath, sipping champagne.

This clever and humorous approach makes a dense and potentially dry subject matter more accessible and entertaining for the average viewer. Her cameo is one of the most talked-about moments in the film, effectively using her celebrity status to demystify the jargon of Wall Street. The scene is a perfect example of the film’s creative storytelling and has become an iconic part of a critically acclaimed movie.

‘I, Tonya’ (2017)

Margot Robbie stars as the controversial figure skater Tonya Harding in the biographical film ‘I, Tonya’. The movie follows Harding’s life from her difficult childhood and rise in the world of competitive figure skating to the infamous 1994 attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan. The film utilizes a mockumentary style, with characters directly addressing the audience and offering conflicting accounts of the events.

Robbie’s portrayal of Harding is a tour de force, capturing her raw ambition, athletic talent, and the emotional turmoil of her life. She underwent extensive training to perform many of the skating sequences herself and perfectly embodied Harding’s public persona and private struggles. The role allowed her to showcase a wide range of emotions, from fierce determination on the ice to vulnerability in the face of public scrutiny.

‘Mary Queen of Scots’ (2018)

In ‘Mary Queen of Scots’, Margot Robbie takes on the role of Queen Elizabeth I, the formidable monarch of England. The historical drama explores the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth and her cousin, Mary Stuart, played by Saoirse Ronan. The film depicts the political and personal conflicts that arise as Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s rule.

Robbie’s transformation for the role was remarkable, involving hours of makeup and prosthetics to recreate Elizabeth’s iconic appearance, including the scars left by smallpox. Her performance delves into the queen’s sense of duty, her strategic mind, and the personal sacrifices she made for her country. The film culminates in a powerful, albeit historically fictionalized, meeting between the two queens, providing a dramatic climax to their rivalry.

‘Bombshell’ (2019)

‘Bombshell’ tells the story of the women at Fox News who set out to expose CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. In the film, Margot Robbie plays Kayla Pospisil, a composite character who represents the experiences of many young women who worked at the network. Kayla is an ambitious young producer who finds herself in a compromising position with Ailes, forcing her to confront the toxic work environment.

Robbie’s portrayal of Kayla is both heartbreaking and empowering, as she navigates the fear and uncertainty of speaking out against a powerful figure. The character’s journey is a central part of the film’s narrative, illustrating the personal cost of challenging systemic abuse. Her performance captures the emotional complexity of the situation, showing Kayla’s initial ambition giving way to a determination to seek justice.

‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ (2019)

In Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’, Margot Robbie portrays Sharon Tate, the real-life actress who was a rising star in the late 1960s. The film follows the lives of a fading actor and his stunt double, with Tate’s story serving as a parallel narrative that captures the spirit and innocence of the era. Robbie’s performance is a tribute to Tate, focusing on her life and career rather than her tragic death.

The film shows Tate going about her daily life, from attending parties at the Playboy Mansion to watching one of her own movies in a public theater. Robbie embodies Tate’s joyful and optimistic personality, bringing a warmth and lightness to the screen. Her portrayal is a celebration of Tate’s life, offering a glimpse into the promising future that was cut short and serving as the heart of the movie.

‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

Margot Robbie reprises her role as Harley Quinn in ‘The Suicide Squad’, a standalone sequel that takes the character in a new and exciting direction. In this film, Harley is once again part of a task force of incarcerated supervillains sent on a dangerous mission. This time, they are dispatched to the South American island of Corto Maltese to destroy a Nazi-era laboratory.

This iteration of Harley Quinn showcases her chaotic and unpredictable nature, but also her growth as a character. She has a standout action sequence where she single-handedly takes down a group of soldiers, and her storyline also involves a brief and bizarre romance. Robbie continues to bring her signature energy and charisma to the role, solidifying Harley Quinn as a fan-favorite character in the DC Extended Universe.

‘About Time’ (2013)

‘About Time’ is a romantic comedy-drama where Margot Robbie plays Charlotte, the first love interest of the main character, Tim. Tim discovers he can travel in time and initially tries to use this ability to win Charlotte’s affection. Despite his best efforts, he learns that time travel can’t solve all his problems, and he can’t force someone to fall in love with him.

Although Robbie’s role is not the female lead, her character is crucial to Tim’s journey of self-discovery. Her presence in the film highlights one of its central themes, which is that life has to be lived and experienced, with or without special abilities. Charlotte represents a youthful and idealized version of love, and Tim’s interactions with her teach him valuable lessons about life and relationships.

‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)

Margot Robbie had her breakout role in Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, where she played Naomi Lapaglia, the second wife of stockbroker Jordan Belfort, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. As Naomi, Robbie delivered a star-making performance, capturing the character’s journey from a young and alluring woman to a disenchanted wife living in a world of excess and corruption.

Her portrayal of Naomi was bold and charismatic, perfectly matching the high-energy tone of the film. She held her own opposite a seasoned actor like DiCaprio, and their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. The role of the “Duchess of Bay Ridge” catapulted her to international fame and established her as a major talent in Hollywood, showcasing her ability to play complex and powerful female characters.

‘Promising Young Woman’ (2020)

In the critically acclaimed thriller ‘Promising Young Woman’, Margot Robbie served as a producer through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment. While she doesn’t appear on screen, her contribution behind the scenes was instrumental in getting the film made. The movie stars Carey Mulligan as Cassie, a woman who seeks to avenge the death of her best friend, who was a victim of sexual assault.

The film is a powerful and timely commentary on rape culture and accountability, and its success is a testament to the vision of its creative team, including Robbie. As a producer, she championed a project that was both daring and socially relevant, further establishing her as a significant force in Hollywood not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well. Her involvement highlights her commitment to telling important and challenging stories.

‘Barbie’ (2023)

Margot Robbie took on the iconic role of ‘Barbie’ in the highly anticipated live-action film. The movie follows Stereotypical Barbie as she experiences an existential crisis and embarks on a journey of self-discovery to the human world. Accompanied by Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, she confronts the joys and challenges of real life, leading to a profound transformation.

Robbie’s performance perfectly captures the character’s initial blissful ignorance and her subsequent awakening to the complexities of the world. She brings both humor and heart to the role, making Barbie a relatable and inspiring figure. The film itself is a clever and insightful exploration of identity, feminism, and societal expectations, with Robbie’s portrayal at its center.

‘The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part’ (2019)

While Margot Robbie is not in ‘The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part’, it’s worth noting that the popular character Harley Quinn does make a brief appearance, voiced by Margot Rubin. This animated sequel continues the adventures of Emmet Brickowski and his friends as they face a new threat from outer space. The film is known for its clever humor, imaginative animation, and star-studded voice cast.

The inclusion of various characters from different franchises is a hallmark of the Lego movies, and Harley Quinn’s cameo is a fun nod to her popularity in the broader DC universe. The film itself builds upon the themes of the first movie, exploring ideas about growing up, creativity, and the importance of working together. It’s a family-friendly adventure that continues the playful and inventive spirit of the Lego brand.

‘Birds of Prey’ (2020)

Margot Robbie returns as Harley Quinn in ‘Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)’. In this film, which she also produced, Harley has just broken up with the Joker and is trying to find her own way in Gotham City. She ends up teaming up with a group of other female anti-heroes, including Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya, to protect a young girl from the crime lord Black Mask.

The movie is a colorful and chaotic action-comedy that fully embraces Harley’s unique perspective. Robbie shines in the lead role, delivering a performance that is both hilarious and emotionally nuanced. The film allows for a deeper exploration of her character, showing her as more than just the Joker’s sidekick and establishing her as a formidable force in her own right.

What are your favorite Margot Robbie roles? Let us know in the comments.