With the highly anticipated romantic drama “Materialists” set to release on June 13, all eyes are once again on Dakota Johnson. This A24 feature, directed by “Past Lives” filmmaker Celine Song, casts Johnson as Lucy—an ambitious matchmaker caught in a love triangle with her wealthy boyfriend (Pedro Pascal) and a troubled ex (Chris Evans).
The role is already being praised for its emotional complexity and sharp comedic undercurrent, making it a potential career highlight. To celebrate, we’re looking back at Johnson’s finest work so far, chronicled in order of release. These ten films show the evolution of a performer who’s never been afraid to take risks or dive deep into complicated characters.
1. “The Social Network” (2010)
In David Fincher’s razor-sharp tech-world drama, Dakota Johnson plays a Stanford student in a brief but notable scene with Justin Timberlake’s Sean Parker. Her role may be small, but it leaves an impression thanks to her cool, self-assured presence. It was one of her earliest brushes with high-profile cinema. Even in limited screen time, Johnson showed a knack for naturalistic performance. The Social Network gave audiences a glimpse of a future star in the making.
2. “21 Jump Street” (2012)
This reboot of the ‘80s TV series starred Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, but Johnson managed to shine in a minor role as a sarcastic rookie cop. Her deadpan delivery and sharp timing added a comedic bite to her scenes. Though not a central player, she held her own in a fast-paced, joke-heavy film. It hinted at the dry humor that would become one of her trademarks. “21 Jump Street” was an early sign that Johnson had range beyond dramatic roles.
3. “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015)
Johnson became a household name playing Anastasia Steele in this adaptation of the bestselling novel. While the film divided critics, her performance was often singled out for adding depth and intelligence to a controversial character. She brought nuance to the role, conveying vulnerability and quiet strength. Her chemistry with co-star Jamie Dornan was central to the film’s massive global success. “Fifty Shades” proved Johnson could carry a blockbuster.
4. “A Bigger Splash” (2015)
In this sultry psychological drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, Johnson plays Penelope, the seductive daughter of a music producer who disrupts a quiet island retreat. Her performance is mysterious, flirtatious, and quietly menacing. Sharing the screen with Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, Johnson doesn’t just keep up—she steals several scenes. The role showcased her dramatic range and presence in more mature, art-house material. “A Bigger Splash” marked her arrival as a serious actor.
5. “How to Be Single” (2016)
Johnson plays Alice, a woman navigating the ups and downs of single life in New York City. The ensemble rom-com balances humor and heart, and Johnson’s performance holds it all together. She captures the awkwardness and excitement of starting over in a relatable way. Her comedic timing and emotional honesty make Alice a standout character. How to Be Single became a favorite among fans of modern, empowering romantic comedies.
6. “Suspiria” (2018)
Reuniting with Guadagnino, Johnson stars as Susie Bannion in this chilling reimagining of the 1977 horror classic. Her transformation from quiet dance student to something far more powerful is mesmerizing. She trained extensively in dance for the role, bringing both physical and emotional intensity to her performance. The film is eerie, cerebral, and bold—and Johnson’s commitment anchors it. “Suspiria” remains one of her most daring and divisive performances.
7. “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (2019)
In this heartwarming adventure, Johnson plays Eleanor, a kind social worker who becomes part of a journey involving a runaway with Down syndrome and an outlaw fisherman. Her gentle, grounded performance complements the film’s themes of friendship and freedom. It’s a quieter role that shows her gift for emotional subtlety. Johnson’s chemistry with co-stars Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen adds depth to the film’s charm. “The Peanut Butter Falcon” became an unexpected indie hit.
8. “Our Friend” (2021)
This emotional drama tells the true story of a couple navigating terminal illness with the support of their best friend. As Nicole, Johnson brings both strength and fragility to a heartbreaking role. Her performance is understated but deeply affecting, especially as the film moves toward its poignant conclusion. The chemistry between Johnson, Casey Affleck, and Jason Segel creates a believable and moving dynamic. “Our Friend” is a quietly powerful story of love and loss.
9. “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (2022)
In this Sundance favorite, Johnson plays Domino, a single mother who forms a complicated bond with a young party-starter played by Cooper Raiff. Her performance is tender and mysterious, perfectly capturing the uncertainty of adulthood and parenthood. She’s effortlessly compelling, bringing warmth and sadness to every scene. It’s a role that feels lived-in and honest. “Cha Cha Real Smooth” reinforced her status as a force in indie storytelling.
10. “Materialists” (2025)
In “Materialists”, Johnson plays Lucy, a professional matchmaker whose romantic life is anything but simple. Torn between a wealthy boyfriend (Pedro Pascal) and a chaotic ex (Chris Evans), she delivers a performance that balances humor, heartbreak, and self-reflection. Directed by “Past Lives”’ Celine Song, the film is already earning early praise for its sharp writing and emotional complexity. Johnson’s portrayal of a woman who helps others find love while struggling with her own choices is both relatable and compelling. With “Materialists”, Johnson may have found her most resonant role yet.
From breakout roles in bold blockbusters to quiet triumphs in indie gems, Dakota Johnson’s career is a study in thoughtful risk-taking and emotional authenticity. As “Materialists” hits theaters, it not only adds a promising new chapter to her story—it may very well become the defining performance of her career. Guided by Celine Song’s sharp direction and backed by a powerhouse cast, the film showcases everything Johnson does best: charm, complexity, and compelling vulnerability. Her journey through ten remarkable films reveals an artist who’s always evolving. And with “Materialists,” Dakota Johnson isn’t just starring in another romantic drama—she’s redefining the genre. “Materialists” is out Friday.
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