After being cast as one of the three main characters in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Emma Watson became one of the most famed child actors of the early 2000s. By perpetually honing her acting abilities, Watson has managed to distance herself from the franchise that brought her success, thus achieving recognition for her overall skills as an actor.
Since her portrayal of Hermione Granger, Watson has gone on to prove herself to be far more than a typecast. Throughout her acting career, she has brought life to an array of different characters in ways only possible through her. Though Harry Potter brought her great success, her other on-screen roles serve to highlight the true extent of her incredible acting range.
10 The Bling Ring
Directed by Sofia Coppola, The Bling Ring follows the story of a group of young men and women who take pleasure in raiding the lavish homes of celebrities. Wanting to experience a brief moment of the high life, these youths learn how to track their victims, allowing them to successfully burgle their homes.
Based on a true story, Emma Watson plays the character of Nicolette Moore, an entitled and arrogant young woman fixated on thoughts of fame. This role sees her abandoning the acting style she was once known for and instead adopting the role of an emotionally manipulative antagonist.
9 Beauty And The Beast
The 2017 live-action remake of the 1991 classic, Beauty and the Beast, marked the beginning of a new era for Disney. Incorporating themes of love, loss, and inner beauty, the live-action retelling of this age-old classic served to revitalize its story.
Set during a time in which men attempt to assert their dominance over women, Watson's portrayal of Belle is unrivaled. As a passionate activist for women's rights, Watson incorporates her ideologies into Belle by presenting her as an independent and powerful woman. Though Hermione is capable in her own right, Belle is one of the most self-sufficient depictions of a woman in a man's world.
8 This Is The End
Directed by Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg, This Is The End follows the story of a group of celebrities who find themselves in the middle of the apocalypse. With each actor playing themselves, the movie offers a humorous insight into the fictional personalities of its familiar characters.
Believing the human race to be all but extinct, the surviving celebrities are shocked to discover Emma Watson survived her time outdoors. After offering her a place to rest, Emma overhears a poorly worded argument from outside her room. Shocked by what she hears, she attacks Seth Rogan with an axe before making her escape. Her acting in This Is The End is a far cry from her more reserved performances as Hermione.
7 Colonia
Set during the Chilean military coup, the events of Colonia seek to realistically portray the Colonia Dignidad: a German colony created after the events of World War 2. After her boyfriend is kidnapped by a group of Nazis, Lena decides to join their cult in the hope of saving him.
Colonia sees Watson delivering her most intense acting performance ever. The slow-burning narrative swiftly promotes fear in the viewer while also highlighting Watson's seemingly limitless acting range. Her character of Hermione lives a very easy life compared to her character of Lena.
6 Regression
Watson's portrayal of Angela Gray marks what is arguably her most haunting acting performance yet. Following the story of Angela during an investigation into her father, Regression documents the harrowing tale of an abusive father's relationship with his daughter.
Suspected of being a member of a terrible cult, the tone of the movie quickly shifts its way into the horror genre. Unlike the character of Hermione, Angela Gray is a timid individual who is riddled with trauma and fear.
5 The Tales Of Despereaux
Set in the Kingdom of Dor before its downfall, The Tales of Despereaux follows the story of a sweet, young mouse in a world much larger than him. After the king of Dor falls into a pit of depression, Despereaux seeks to return his kingdom to the thriving metropolis that it once was.
After his close friend Princess Pea is kidnaped, Desperaux takes it upon himself to journey to save her. Watson's performance as Princess Pea permits the character to be an endearing one. Though her cleverness may rival Hermione's, her pride does not.
4 The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
Emma Watson's portrayal of Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower is arguably her most iconic role to date. Focusing on the character of Charlie, a shy teenager who recently lost his best friend, the movie attempts to showcase the trials and tribulations experienced by a troubled adolescent.
The confidence Sam exhibits are unlike anything present in Watson's former acting roles. She is an outspoken young woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. Disregarding societal norms, Charlie holds great respect for Sam and regards her as an inspiration.
3 The Circle
Directed by James Ponsoldt, The Circle tells the story of a social media company known as the Circle. Centered on the character of Mae Holland, who is portrayed by Emma Watson, the narrative documents how easily corrupted one can become through the obtaining of great power.
When Mae Holland is offered her dream role in the world's most successful social media company, her once ethical approach to her work becomes distorted. Unlike Hermione, Mae's morals are questionable, leading to her making some questionable choices.
2 Noah
Noah is a fascinating reimagining of the classic tale of Noah's Ark. Set primarily on a rickety wooden boat, the story documents Noah and his family as he grows paranoid of them and their supposed plots against him.
Emma Watson plays the character of Ila, an orphaned young woman who Noah decides to care for upon learning of the loss of her parents. This character marks one of Watson's most serious and raw roles as an actor.
1 Little Women
Based on a novel of the same name written by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women documents the story of four sisters who must navigate the world after the events of the American Civil War. Though each sister is unique in their own right, the character of Meg is the most memorable.
Portrayed by Emma Watson, Meg March's goals seem less difficult to obtain than that of her sisters. Being the most level-headed of her siblings, Meg seeks nothing more than a proper lifestyle with a loving husband. The subtle simplicity of Watson's performance does wonders for Meg's character as it presents her as the primary voice of reason, whereas Hermione was prone to engaging in erratic behavior from time to time.