As the daughter of Hollywood legends Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, Dakota Johnson may have been born into stardom, but she’s carved out a career on her own terms. While her industry lineage opened doors, it’s her quiet intensity, emotional range, and undeniable screen presence that have solidified her place as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation. Known for bringing depth and nuance to every role, Johnson has built a filmography that balances indie credibility with mainstream appeal. Whether she’s delivering dry wit or raw vulnerability, her performances linger long after the credits roll.
And 2025 is already proving to be a landmark year. Johnson recently made her Marvel debut in Madame Web, stepping into the superhero universe with unexpected subtlety, and she’s set to lead the upcoming romantic dramedy The Materialist, which arrives in theaters on June 13. As anticipation builds, there’s no better time to revisit the standout movies that define Dakota Johnson’s cinematic journey—each one a testament to her evolution as an actress and a star.
Here are 10 of Dakota Johnson’s best movies to see right now…
#1. A Bigger Splash (2015)
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, A Bigger Splash is a slow-burn psychological drama set against the seductive backdrop of a sun-drenched Italian island. Dakota Johnson plays Penelope, the alluring and enigmatic daughter of Ralph Fiennes’ character, whose arrival unsettles the seemingly idyllic getaway of a rockstar couple. As jealousy, tension, and desire simmer beneath the surface, Johnson commands attention with a performance that’s both sultry and unsettling. Holding her own alongside cinematic powerhouses like Tilda Swinton and Matthias Schoenaerts, she proves her ability to inject mystery and magnetism into every frame.
#2. The Lost Daughter (2021)
In Maggie Gyllenhaal’s haunting directorial debut, The Lost Daughter, Dakota Johnson plays Nina, a young mother on vacation with her daughter. Her charged interactions with Olivia Colman’s character stir buried emotions and an unsettling sense of tension. Though she isn’t the lead, Johnson brings quiet intensity to the screen. Her performance is layered, vulnerable, and enigmatic. It’s a sharp reminder that she can command attention, whether in a starring role or a supporting one.
#3. Suspiria (2018)
In her second collaboration with Luca Guadagnino, Dakota Johnson takes the lead in Suspiria, a chilling reimagining of Dario Argento’s cult horror classic. As Susie, an American dancer drawn into the eerie underworld of a Berlin dance academy, Johnson is hypnotic. The film is bold, intense, gruesome, and deeply surreal, but her grounded performance brings clarity to the chaos. Physically and emotionally demanding, the role marked a turning point in her career, revealing a darker, more fearless side of her craft.
#4. Black Mass (2015)
In Black Mass, a gritty crime drama centered on notorious mobster Whitey Bulger (played by Johnny Depp), Johnson takes on the role of Lindsey Cyr, Bulger’s girlfriend and the mother of his child. While her screen time is brief, she brings a quiet emotional weight that leaves a lasting impression. As one of the more grounded and dramatic entries in Dakota Johnson’s filmography, this movie proves that Johnson can hold her own, even in a cast stacked with powerhouse talent.
#5. 21 Jump Street (2012)
One of Dakota Johnson’s earliest roles, 21 Jump Street features her as Fugazy, an undercover cop working alongside Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum’s characters. Though her role is small, she stands out with sharp comedic timing and effortless charm. While it’s far from the most dramatic entry in her filmography, the film highlights her natural screen presence and hints at the range she would later bring to more complex roles.
#6. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
In the stylish noir thriller Bad Times at the El Royale, Dakota Johnson plays Emily Summerspring, a mysterious figure caught in a dangerous web of secrets at a crumbling hotel. Surrounded by a standout ensemble cast, she more than holds her own, bringing grit, vulnerability, and a sharp emotional edge to the role. It’s one of those Dakota Johnson movies that deserves more love for its daring style and narrative twists.
#7. The Social Network (2010)
Though she appears in just one scene, Dakota Johnson makes a memorable impact as Amelia Ritter in David Fincher’s The Social Network. Sharing the screen with Justin Timberlake, she delivers a brief but striking performance that hints at her star potential. As one of her earliest film roles, it may be small, but it’s a key stepping stone that marked the quiet beginning of a major Hollywood ascent.
#8. Our Friend (2019)
Our Friend is a quietly powerful drama based on a true story, with Dakota Johnson portraying Nicole, a young mother facing terminal cancer. Her performance is emotionally wrenching, capturing both the physical toll of illness and the quiet strength required to face it. Supported by moving turns from Casey Affleck and Jason Segel, the film explores the beauty of friendship amid profound grief. Among Dakota Johnson’s movies, this stands out as one of her most vulnerable and deeply affecting roles.
#9. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
In this heartfelt adventure, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Dakota Johnson plays Eleanor, a kind-hearted nurse who teams up with Shia LaBeouf’s Tyler to help Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a young man with Down Syndrome chasing his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. The film was widely praised for its warmth, sincerity, and standout ensemble cast, including Johnson, who brings gentle humor, emotional restraint, and genuine compassion to her role. It’s a quiet but memorable performance that adds heart to an already uplifting story.
#10. Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
In Cooper Raiff’s Sundance-winning dramedy Cha Cha Real Smooth, Dakota Johnson stars as Domino, a single mother raising an autistic teenager who forms an unexpected connection with Raiff’s character at a series of bar mitzvah parties. With quiet intensity, Johnson delivers a layered performance, balancing emotional complexity, maternal strength, and subtle vulnerability. It’s a testament to her ability to elevate intimate, character-driven stories with grace and authenticity.
Featured image: Su Mustecaplioglu for Flaunt Magazine
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