Emily Blunt’s Career: From ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to ‘IF’

Emily Blunt has built an incredibly diverse and acclaimed career in Hollywood. She is known for her remarkable ability to transition between genres, confidently handling everything from sharp-witted comedies and heartfelt dramas to intense action blockbusters and whimsical musicals. Her talent for creating memorable and distinct characters has made her one of the most respected and sought-after actresses of her generation.

From her breakout role that had everyone quoting her lines to her more recent powerful performances, Blunt has consistently captivated audiences. She brings a unique combination of strength, vulnerability, and charm to every part she plays. Her journey through film showcases a deliberate and impressive path, solidifying her status as a true leading lady who continues to surprise and delight viewers with each new project.

‘My Summer of Love’ (2004)

This British drama explores the intense connection between two young women from different social classes during a summer in Yorkshire. One is a local working-class girl, while the other is a more worldly and sophisticated visitor. Their friendship quickly evolves into a passionate summer romance that challenges both of their perspectives.

Emily Blunt plays Tamsin, the well-read and cynical upper-class girl who captivates her new friend with stories of her life. The role was one of her first major film appearances and earned her significant critical acclaim. She portrayed the character’s manipulative yet alluring nature, marking her as a promising new talent in the industry.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

This film offers a sharp and funny look into the high-stakes world of fashion publishing. It follows a young journalist who lands a job as the assistant to a demanding and powerful magazine editor. Emily Blunt plays the senior assistant, who is initially dismissive of her new colleague but is equally terrified of their boss.

Her performance in this movie is widely considered her breakout role. She perfectly captured the character’s ambition, anxiety, and cutting humor, delivering some of the film’s most memorable lines. The part earned her significant critical praise and introduced her to a global audience, showcasing her excellent comedic timing and screen presence.

‘Irresistible’ (2006)

This psychological thriller centers on a woman who becomes convinced that her husband’s new co-worker is dangerously obsessed with her and trying to steal her family. The story unfolds from her paranoid perspective, leaving the audience to question what is real and what is imagined.

In this film, Emily Blunt plays Mara, the beautiful and intelligent co-worker who is the object of the main character’s suspicions. Her character is portrayed as either a cunning stalker or an innocent victim of a misunderstanding. The role allowed her to play a mysterious and ambiguous figure central to the film’s suspense.

‘Wind Chill’ (2007)

This supernatural horror film follows two college students sharing a ride home for winter break. The driver takes a scenic shortcut that leaves them stranded on a remote, snow-covered road. They soon realize they are being haunted by the ghosts of people who died on that same stretch of highway.

Emily Blunt stars as one of the two main characters, known only as the Girl, who is trapped in the car. The film relies on psychological tension and the claustrophobic setting to create scares. Her performance captures the character’s growing terror as she and her companion are forced to confront the ghostly presences outside.

‘The Jane Austen Book Club’ (2007)

This ensemble comedy-drama is about a group of six people in California who form a book club dedicated to the works of Jane Austen. As they discuss her novels, their own lives begin to mirror the romantic entanglements, heartbreaks, and social dynamics found in Austen’s stories.

She plays Prudie, a high-strung and bookish high school French teacher stuck in a loveless marriage. Her character’s personal struggles reflect the themes of repressed passion and societal expectation found in the books she is reading. The role was part of a strong ensemble cast that brought the interconnected stories to life.

‘Dan in Real Life’ (2007)

This romantic comedy focuses on a widowed advice columnist and devoted father of three daughters who struggles with his personal life. During a family gathering, he meets and falls for a woman, only to discover that she is his brother’s new girlfriend.

In a memorable supporting role, Emily Blunt plays Ruthie Draper. Her character goes on a comically awkward and unsuccessful date with the main character, Dan, serving as a humorous moment in his search for love. Though a small part, it added another charming comedic performance to her filmography.

‘Charlie Wilson’s War’ (2007)

Based on a true story, this political drama details the efforts of a fun-loving U.S. Congressman, a rebellious CIA operative, and a Houston socialite to fund an undercover war in Afghanistan. The film balances sharp humor with serious political history, showing how their covert actions had massive global consequences.

She plays Jane Liddle, a fierce and flirtatious supporting character in the congressman’s circle. Her role is part of the colorful world of Texas politics and high society depicted in the film. The performance was another notable appearance in a major, star-studded Hollywood production.

‘The Great Buck Howard’ (2008)

This comedy-drama follows a law school dropout who decides to become the road manager for a fading mentalist. The film explores the relationship between the young assistant and his eccentric boss, who is desperately trying to revitalize his career.

Emily Blunt portrays Valerie Brennan, a confident and capable publicist who is hired to orchestrate the mentalist’s big comeback attempt. Her character brings a professional and pragmatic energy to the otherwise chaotic world of the performer. The role was a key part of the story’s third act.

‘Sunshine Cleaning’ (2008)

This independent film tells the story of two sisters who find themselves in an unusual line of work. To make ends meet, they start their own crime scene cleanup and biohazard removal service. Emily Blunt plays the more aimless and impulsive younger sister who joins her responsible older sibling in the new business venture.

The movie was praised for its blend of dark humor and genuine emotion. Her performance provided much of the comedy and heart, showcasing the complicated but loving dynamic between the two sisters. The role demonstrated her skill in a smaller, character-driven story that balances quirky comedy with poignant family drama.

‘The Young Victoria’ (2009)

This historical drama focuses on the turbulent early years of Queen Victoria’s rule. The story explores her ascension to the throne as a teenager and the romantic courtship with Prince Albert that would define her life. The film delves into the political intrigues of the court and the young queen’s struggle to assert her authority.

In the title role, Emily Blunt portrayed the famous monarch not just as a historical figure but as a passionate and determined young woman. Her performance highlighted Victoria’s strength, intelligence, and vulnerability, earning her widespread acclaim. She effectively conveyed the weight of the crown and the personal sacrifices that came with her powerful position.

‘The Wolfman’ (2010)

This gothic horror film is a remake of the 1941 classic. It centers on an estranged nobleman who returns to his ancestral home after his brother’s mysterious disappearance. After he is attacked and bitten by a werewolf, he becomes cursed to transform into the fearsome beast himself during the full moon.

She plays Gwen Conliffe, the woman who was engaged to the missing brother. Her character forms a deep and complicated bond with the protagonist as he grapples with his horrifying new reality. She serves as the emotional anchor in a story filled with tragedy and creature-filled horror.

‘Wild Target’ (2010)

This British action-comedy follows a lonely, middle-aged assassin who is known for his professional precision. His life is thrown into chaos when he finds himself unable to carry out a hit on a spirited and beautiful art thief. He instead spares her life and unexpectedly becomes her protector.

Emily Blunt stars as Rose, the charming kleptomaniac who becomes the assassin’s target. Her energetic and unpredictable performance drives much of the film’s comedic action. The movie evolves into a story about an unlikely trio on the run, with her character at the center of the mayhem.

‘Gulliver’s Travels’ (2010)

This family comedy is a modern reimagining of the classic 18th-century novel. A mailroom clerk who tells tall tales lands an assignment in the Bermuda Triangle but gets swept into a vortex and washes ashore on the island of Lilliput, a land of tiny people.

In this fantasy adventure, she portrays Princess Mary, the princess of Lilliput. Her character is part of the royal family that Gulliver must win over and ultimately help protect from their enemies. The role was a lighthearted part in a large-scale adventure comedy.

‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ (2011)

This animated family film reimagines the classic Shakespearean tragedy of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the world of garden gnomes. Two gnomes from neighboring gardens, who are sworn enemies, fall in love. They must navigate the feud between the Red Gnomes and the Blue Gnomes to be together.

She provides the voice for Juliet, the spirited and adventurous daughter of the leader of the Red Gnomes. Her voice work brought warmth and determination to the character, making her a more active participant in her own story. The film was a commercial success and introduced her voice to a younger audience.

‘The Adjustment Bureau’ (2011)

This science fiction romance follows a promising politician who has a chance encounter with a contemporary ballerina. He is instantly smitten, but he soon discovers that mysterious, fedora-wearing agents are actively working to keep them apart for reasons that affect the fate of the world. The film is a thrilling chase story about fate, choice, and love.

As the talented and free-spirited dancer Elise Sellas, Emily Blunt was a compelling romantic lead. Her chemistry with her co-star was a highlight of the film, making their struggle against a powerful organization feel both epic and personal. The role required both athletic grace for the dance sequences and the emotional depth to ground the high-concept story.

‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’ (2011)

This romantic comedy-drama is about a visionary sheikh who wants to bring the sport of salmon fishing to the deserts of Yemen. A London-based investment consultant and a reluctant fisheries expert from the British government are tasked with making this seemingly impossible dream a reality.

She plays Harriet Chetwode-Talbot, the sharp and organized consultant managing the project. Her character navigates political bureaucracy and logistical challenges while developing a connection with the skeptical fisheries expert. The role showcased her ability to lead a witty and heartfelt story.

‘Your Sister’s Sister’ (2011)

This independent film focuses on a man named Jack who is grieving the death of his brother. His best friend Iris sends him to her family’s remote island cabin for some quiet reflection. Upon arrival, he finds Iris’s sister Hannah, who is also there seeking solitude after ending a long-term relationship.

Emily Blunt plays Iris, the best friend whose well-intentioned plan goes awry when she makes a surprise visit to the cabin herself. The film is largely driven by the naturalistic and improvised dialogue between the three main characters. Her performance contributed to the movie’s authentic and emotionally complex atmosphere.

‘The Five-Year Engagement’ (2012)

This romantic comedy examines what happens when an engaged couple keeps getting delayed on their journey to the altar. The story follows a San Francisco chef and a British academic psychologist whose careers and life decisions pull them in different directions, stretching their engagement out over many years.

She stars as Violet Barnes, the academic whose career takes off in Michigan, forcing the couple to relocate and postpone their wedding. The film explores the ups and downs of their long-term relationship in a realistic and often humorous way. Her performance captured the character’s ambition and emotional conflict.

‘Looper’ (2012)

This acclaimed science fiction thriller is set in a future where time travel exists but is illegal. The mob uses it to send people they want executed back to the past, where a hitman known as a looper is waiting. The story follows one such looper whose life is turned upside down when his next target is his older self.

Emily Blunt plays a tough and protective single mother who lives on a secluded farm that becomes central to the conflict. Her character is a fierce and capable woman who is determined to protect her son at all costs. Her grounded and powerful performance added significant emotional weight to the complex and action-packed narrative.

‘Arthur Newman’ (2012)

This quirky drama tells the story of a former pro-golfer who is so unhappy with his life that he fakes his own death and creates a new identity. As he heads towards a new life, he meets a troubled young woman who has also run away from her past, and the two embark on a strange and transformative road trip.

She portrays the complex and fragile woman who calls herself Michaela. Her character joins the protagonist on his journey, and together they break into empty houses and assume the identities of the people who live there. The role was a deep dive into a character struggling with mental health and a desire for connection.

‘The Wind Rises’ (2014)

This animated historical drama from Studio Ghibli is a fictionalized biography of Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed several famous Japanese fighter planes during World War II. The film is a poetic and visually stunning look at his life, his work, and his relationship with a young woman named Naoko.

In the English-dubbed version of the film, Emily Blunt provides the voice for Naoko Satomi. Naoko is the kind and gentle love of Jiro’s life, who faces her own personal battle with tuberculosis. Her voice performance brought a delicate and heartbreaking quality to the character’s tragic story.

‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)

This science fiction action film is set in a future where humanity is fighting a losing war against an alien race. The story centers on an inexperienced public relations officer who is thrown into combat and finds himself caught in a time loop, reliving the same brutal day over and over. Emily Blunt plays a celebrated war hero who must train him to become an effective soldier.

Her role as the tough and highly skilled warrior Rita Vrataski established her as a formidable action star. The part was physically demanding, requiring extensive training for the intense combat sequences and the use of heavy, weaponized exosuits. She was praised for her convincing portrayal of a hardened soldier who becomes a mentor and a beacon of hope.

‘Into the Woods’ (2014)

This musical fantasy adapts the celebrated Broadway show that weaves together the plots of several classic fairy tales. The story follows a baker and his wife who are cursed to be childless and must venture into the forest to find magical items. Along the way, they encounter characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack from the beanstalk story.

Playing the Baker’s Wife, Emily Blunt showcased her impressive singing talents and comedic timing. Her performance was a standout in the ensemble cast, capturing the character’s longing, determination, and humor. This role proved her capabilities as a musical performer and was a precursor to other major singing roles in her career.

‘Sicario’ (2015)

This gritty crime thriller follows an idealistic FBI agent who is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war on drugs. She is brought to the lawless border area between the U.S. and Mexico, where she is exposed to the brutal and morally ambiguous nature of the fight against the cartels.

Emily Blunt plays the principled agent whose moral compass is tested throughout the film’s harrowing events. Her character serves as the audience’s window into a dark and violent world, and her performance captures the shock, fear, and disillusionment of someone confronting grim realities. She powerfully conveyed her character’s struggle to uphold her values in a situation where the lines between right and wrong are blurred.

‘The Huntsman: Winter’s War’ (2016)

This fantasy-adventure film serves as both a prequel and a sequel to ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’. The story reveals the origins of the Huntsman and delves into the history of the evil Queen Ravenna and her powerful sister, Freya, who suffers a heartbreaking betrayal that unleashes her icy powers.

She joined the franchise as the formidable villain Freya, the Ice Queen. After her heart is broken, she retreats to a northern kingdom and raises an army of huntsmen with one rule, to forever forswear love. Her performance as the tragic and cold-hearted queen added a new layer of conflict to the fairy tale world.

‘The Girl on the Train’ (2016)

Based on the popular novel, this psychological thriller tells the story of an unreliable narrator struggling with personal demons. Her character commutes by train every day and becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she watches from the window, but one day she witnesses something that pulls her into a dark mystery.

Playing the lead role, Emily Blunt delivered a complex and raw performance of a woman grappling with alcoholism and memory loss. She skillfully portrayed her character’s vulnerability, desperation, and confusion as she tries to piece together what she saw. The role was a departure from her previous work and showcased her ability to lead a dark and emotionally taxing narrative.

‘Animal Crackers’ (2017)

This animated comedy is about a man named Owen who inherits his uncle’s traveling circus. Along with the circus comes a mysterious box of animal crackers that have the magical ability to transform the person who eats one into the animal shape of the cracker. This magic helps him try to save the circus from a rival.

She voices the character of Zoe Huntington, Owen’s supportive and loving wife. She and their daughter are integral to the story as they embrace the magical and chaotic new world of the circus. Her voice work added warmth and charm to the family dynamic at the heart of the film.

‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ (2017)

This animated musical fantasy film is based on the popular television series. The story follows the main pony characters as they embark on an epic journey to save their home of Equestria from a dark force. They meet new friends and face exciting challenges along the way.

Emily Blunt voices the film’s primary antagonist, Tempest Shadow. She is a unicorn with a broken horn who serves as a commander for the evil Storm King in exchange for the restoration of her magic. Her performance brought a compelling and intimidating presence to the villain, who also has a tragic backstory.

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018)

This suspenseful horror film is set in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by creatures that hunt by sound. The story follows a family who must navigate their lives in near-total silence to survive. The tension builds as they face external threats while also dealing with the challenges of everyday life, including an impending birth.

As the mother of the family, Emily Blunt’s performance is central to the film’s emotional core. She communicates a wide range of emotions, from fear and love to fierce protectiveness, often without speaking a word. A particularly memorable and incredibly tense scene involving her character giving birth became one of the most talked-about sequences of the year.

‘Sherlock Gnomes’ (2018)

This animated sequel brings back the beloved characters from ‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ for a new mystery. When garden gnomes start disappearing from gardens all over London, Gnomeo and Juliet hire the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Gnomes, and his trusty sidekick, Watson, to investigate the case.

She reprises her voice role as Juliet, who has now taken on a leadership role in managing the new garden. The adventure tests her relationship with Gnomeo as they get swept up in the investigation alongside the legendary detective. The film is another family-friendly entry in her list of voice-acting credits.

‘Mary Poppins Returns’ (2018)

This musical fantasy serves as a sequel to the beloved classic, taking place decades after the original. The magical nanny returns to London to help the now-grown Banks children and their families through a difficult time in their lives. The film features new songs and adventures while honoring the spirit of its predecessor.

Taking on the iconic role of Mary Poppins, Emily Blunt had the difficult task of following a legendary performance. She succeeded by making the character her own, infusing her with wit, warmth, and a touch of sternness. Her musical numbers and charming portrayal earned her critical acclaim and proved she could capably lead a large-scale Disney musical.

‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ (2020)

This romantic drama is set against the picturesque backdrop of rural Ireland. The story centers on a headstrong farmer named Rosemary Muldoon, who has been in love with her shy and eccentric neighbor, Anthony Reilly, since they were children. She must contend with his seeming obliviousness and his father’s plan to sell the family farm.

Emily Blunt stars as the determined and passionate Rosemary. Her character is the driving force of the romance, as she refuses to give up on the man she loves despite years of frustration. The film is a quirky and heartfelt love story that leans heavily on the charm of its setting and lead actors.

‘A Quiet Place Part II’ (2020)

This sequel picks up right after the intense conclusion of the first film. Now on their own, the remaining members of the Abbott family must leave their ravaged home and venture into the unknown. As they navigate the silent world, they quickly discover that the sound-hunting creatures are not the only dangers that await them.

Emily Blunt’s role as the matriarch Evelyn Abbott expands significantly as she becomes the sole protector of her children. Her performance is a masterclass in conveying resilience and terror as she leads her family through new and terrifying environments. The film further solidifies her character as a resourceful and determined survivor against impossible odds.

‘Jungle Cruise’ (2021)

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, this action-adventure film is set in the early 20th century. It follows a brilliant and daring British scientist who hires a cynical riverboat captain to guide her through the Amazon jungle. They are on a quest to find the legendary Tree of Life, which is said to possess unparalleled healing powers.

She stars as the smart and adventurous scientist Dr. Lily Houghton. Her character is a capable and determined explorer who refuses to be limited by the conventions of her time. The role highlighted her comedic chemistry with her co-star and allowed her to lead a fun, swashbuckling blockbuster adventure for the whole family.

‘Oppenheimer’ (2023)

This epic biographical thriller chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist credited as the “father of the atomic bomb.” The film explores his role in the Manhattan Project during World War II and the personal and political consequences he faced afterward.

Emily Blunt plays Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, the brilliant and complicated wife of the titular scientist. Her performance captured the character’s sharp intellect, fierce loyalty, and struggles with motherhood and alcoholism under immense pressure. Her powerful presence in key scenes, particularly a tense hearing, earned her an Academy Award nomination and widespread praise from critics.

‘Pain Hustlers’ (2023)

This crime drama centers on a high school dropout and single mother who is desperate to provide a better life for her daughter. She lands a job at a nearly bankrupt pharmaceutical company in Florida and, through her grit and ambition, helps turn it into a massive success by marketing a powerful new painkiller.

She stars as Liza Drake, the ambitious sales rep who gets caught up in a dangerous criminal enterprise. The role showcases her character’s rapid rise and the moral compromises she makes along the way. In addition to starring, she also served as an executive producer on the film.

‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)

This action-comedy is a fun and explosive love letter to the world of movie stunt performers. The plot follows a down-on-his-luck stuntman who is working on a film directed by his ex-girlfriend when the movie’s lead actor goes missing. He finds himself entangled in a real-life conspiracy that is more dangerous than any stunt he has ever performed.

In the film, Emily Blunt plays the driven and talented director trying to helm her first major blockbuster. Her character shares a witty and compelling chemistry with the lead, blending romantic history with professional friction. The role allowed her to showcase her comedic talents and portray a capable leader navigating the chaotic world of filmmaking.

‘IF’ (2024)

This heartfelt family film explores the world of imaginary friends, known as IFs, who are left behind when their children grow up. The story follows a young girl who discovers she can see these forgotten creatures. She then embarks on a magical adventure to help reconnect the IFs with new children.

Emily Blunt lends her voice to the character of Uni, a graceful and charming unicorn IF. Through her voice work, she brings a sense of warmth and whimsy to the character. Her performance contributes to the film’s overall enchanting and emotional tone, adding another family-friendly project to her versatile filmography.

Let us know which Emily Blunt performance is your favorite in the comments below.