Top 10 Must-Watch Margot Robbie Movies: From Barbie to Harley Quinn

Margot Robbie’s magnetic screen presence has transformed her from a promising newcomer into Hollywood’s most versatile leading lady. With roles spanning chaotic antiheroes to real-life legends, Robbie consistently delivers performances that blend raw vulnerability with explosive charisma. Her filmography reveals an artist unafraid to take risks, whether producing female-driven stories or disappearing into complex characters. These ten essential films showcase Robbie’s remarkable range and cement her status as a defining actress of her generation.

Margot Robbie Movies: Career-Defining Performances

1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Robbie’s breakthrough role as Naomi Lapaglia showcased her ability to dominate scenes alongside acting titans. Her portrayal of the fiery Long Island wife to Leonardo DiCaprio’s corrupt stockbroker became instantly iconic, featuring electrifying confrontations that announced her star power. Martin Scorsese’s epic earned Robbie critical acclaim for balancing sensuality with steely resilience. The film remains a cultural touchstone for its unflinching examination of greed and excess, with Robbie’s chemistry with DiCaprio still studied in acting workshops.

2. I, Tonya (2017)
Robbie’s Oscar-nominated transformation into disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding stands as her most technically impressive work. Mastering Harding’s distinctive posture and Pacific Northwest accent, she navigated dark comedy and tragic pathos with equal skill. The film’s mockumentary format allowed Robbie to break the fourth wall, creating an intimate connection with audiences. Her raw portrayal humanized a controversial figure while exploring cycles of abuse and media exploitation. Robbie also produced the film through her company LuckyChap Entertainment.

3. Barbie (2023)
As Stereotypical Barbie, Robbie anchored Greta Gerwig’s billion-dollar phenomenon with perfect comedic timing and surprising emotional depth. Her journey from plastic perfection to human consciousness became a resonant metaphor for female self-discovery. Despite initial skepticism about “Barbie’s” cinematic potential, Robbie’s layered performance silenced critics, blending physical comedy with philosophical yearning. The role demonstrated her unique ability to elevate mainstream material into cultural commentary while maintaining infectious joy.

Essential Margot Robbie Roles You Can’t Miss

4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Robbie’s luminous portrayal of Sharon Tate offered a poignant counterpoint to the film’s violent climax. Her wordless sequence watching herself in a theater captured Tate’s hopeful spirit before the Manson murders. Quentin Tarantino trusted Robbie to convey profound emotion through subtle gestures rather than dialogue. The performance served as both tribute to the real-life actress and showcase for Robbie’s expressive physicality.

5. The Suicide Squad (2021)
James Gunn’s R-rated reboot allowed Robbie to refine Harley Quinn into a fully realized antihero. Her chaotic energy balanced genuine pathos as Harley navigated a mission in Corto Maltese. Robbie performed most of her own stunts, including the show-stopping “flowers and blood” prison breakout sequence. The role demonstrated her commitment to evolving characters across multiple appearances.

6. Birds of Prey (2020)
Robbie doubled as producer and star in this vibrant female-led superhero film. Her portrayal of a newly single Harley Quinn blended anarchic humor with emotional vulnerability. The film highlighted Robbie’s advocacy for complex female characters in superhero genres. Fight choreographers praised her dedication to perfecting Harley’s acrobatic combat style during months of training.

Other Notable Performances:

• Babylon (2022): Robbie’s turn as wild silent-film star Nellie LaRoy showcased her physical daring
• Bombshell (2019): Her devastating portrayal of a fictionalized Fox News victim earned a SAG nomination
• About Time (2013): An early supporting role that demonstrated her romantic-comedy charm
• Focus (2015): Chemistry with Will Smith that established her leading-lady potential

Margot Robbie’s filmography represents a masterclass in modern screen acting, blending blockbuster appeal with artistic daring. From Harley Quinn’s anarchic energy to Barbie’s existential awakening, she consistently transcends genre limitations. Her production work through LuckyChap Entertainment further demonstrates her commitment to innovative storytelling. Experience these essential performances to understand why Robbie remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling forces.

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Must Know

Q: What is Margot Robbie’s highest-rated movie?
A: According to Rotten Tomatoes, The Suicide Squad (2021) holds a 90% critics score, making it Robbie’s best-reviewed film. Critics particularly praised her evolved portrayal of Harley Quinn under James Gunn’s direction. The film also scored 82% with audiences.

Q: Did Margot Robbie win an Oscar for Barbie?
A: Despite Barbie‘s cultural impact, Robbie did not win the Best Actress Oscar. However, she received nominations as producer for Best Picture. Her performance did earn numerous critics awards and a Golden Globe nomination.

Q: Which Margot Robbie movie made the most money?
A: Barbie (2023) is Robbie’s highest-grossing film, earning $1.4 billion worldwide according to Box Office Mojo. It became Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing release ever and the top-grossing film by a solo female director.

Q: How many times has Margot Robbie played Harley Quinn?
A: Robbie has portrayed the character in four films: Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey (2020), The Suicide Squad (2021), and a cameo in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). She’s widely credited with defining the live-action interpretation.

Q: What was Margot Robbie’s first major film role?
A: While Robbie appeared in Australian TV series Neighbours, her Hollywood breakthrough came in Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Her audition famously included improvising a slap to Leonardo DiCaprio’s face.

Q: Does Margot Robbie perform her own stunts?
A: Robbie performs approximately 80% of her stunts according to interviews with Birds of Prey director Cathy Yan. She trained extensively in fight choreography, gymnastics, and weaponry for Harley Quinn’s action sequences.