Joey Magidson
As I’ve said in the past, including just last year, Margot Robbie could easily have built a very lucrative career as simply a pretty face. The roles would have been easier, the money would probably be comparable, if not better, and she’d be an uber celebrity. However, Robbie is far better than that and wasn’t interested in that, essaying a career in front of the camera that is en route to an Academy Award. With her latest performance in Wuthering Heights about to hit screens, an updated ranking of her best performances is certainly in order.
Earlier in the week, when I raved about Wuthering Heights (here), I said the following about her work alongside Jacob Elordi:
Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie have insane chemistry together, especially in the first half, where they’re as much teasing each other as anything else. Elordi in particular continues to impress me here, so much so that I now see him as the correct choice to take over the role of James Bond. His physicality here, as well as the way he can play rough and tumble, as well as high society, completely work for 007. Make it happen, decision makers. As Heathcliff, he leans into internalizing the pain of his existence, dedicated only to loving and protecting Cathy. When he’s hurt and begins his devious game, you almost feel like it’s a necessary outlet. Along with Frankenstein last year, it’s the best work of his career. Robbie is excellent, too, born to be in a Fennell film. She’s able to give Cathy her great beauty while also showcasing what makes her quirky and a little unique. Robbie is having the time of her life here, and it shows. They’re the best on-screen pair of the year so far.
Previously, in my review of Barbie (here) from back before release I raved about Robbie (and Ryan Gosling) like so:
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are phenomenal here, each as good as they’ve ever been. Gosling is a comedic goldmine and deserves legitimate Best Supporting Actor consideration. The amount that he throws himself into this role is staggering and staggeringly delightful. The commitment itself is hilarious, let alone his comic timing. Robbie is funny too, but has the dramatic high points, potentially making you roll a tear by the end. I know I did. The other Barbies and Kens have their moments, for sure, but Gosling and Robbie are the highlights.
Before that, when I reviewed Babylon (here) I had the following to say about Robbie and her main co-stars:
Diego Calva, Brad Pitt, and especially Margot Robbie lead a game ensemble cast. Calva and Robbie are best in show, while Pitt is just having a ball. Calva is our audience surrogate, really embracing the wonder, as well as the compromised values, that mark his journey. His final scene hammers home not just the strength of the performance but the themes of the movie as well. Pitt is having fun and going on the most predictable arc, but he’s a blast to follow along with. Then, there’s Robbie, who is best in show and an absolute spitfire. She’s a force of nature here and impossible not to be captivated by.
Below, you can see how Robbie stacks up for me here in 2026. The top two, at least for yours truly, are still clearly Barbie and I, Tonya (in whatever order is preferred for you). Then, I go Babylon, though there’s also Bombshell, either of her choice Harley Quinn turns (Birds of Prey and/or The Suicide Squad), and her breakthrough in The Wolf of Wall Street. Plus, my list would have to include one of her more underrated turns in Z for Zachariah. Where does her Emerald Fennell collaboration in Wuthering Heights debut on this list? You’re about to find out now…
Here now is my new ranking of the best of Margot Robbie. Behold:
Honorable Mention: About Time, Amsterdam, Focus, Goodbye Christopher Robin, Mary Queen of Scots, and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
9. Birds of Prey
8. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
7. The Wolf of Wall Street
6. Bombshell
4. Z for Zachariah
3. Babylon
2. Barbie
1. I, Tonya
What are your favorite performances from Margot Robbie? Let us know!
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