Julia Garner has proven her range over the years, from portraying a spoiled, resentful teen in “The Americans” to a criminal with a sharp tongue in Netflix’s “Ozark”. Her ability to completely transform into every character she plays has made her one of the most compelling actresses of her generation.
Now, she’s adding another standout performance to her resume with “Weapons“, a chilling horror film about seventeen children who disappear at the exact same time on the same day.
The movie hit theaters over the weekend so in honor of the Emmy-winning star, we’re looking back at some of her most unforgettable performances. Here are 10 of Garner’s best roles.
1. Kimberly Breland (“The Americans”)
Before her breakout role as Ruth Langmore in the hit series, “Ozark”, Garner hit the screens in 2014, as Kimberly Breland on season 3 of “The Americans”. Set during The Cold War, The historical spy drama follows a pair of undercover Soviet KGB spies posing as an ordinary American couple in Washington D.C.
Garner plays the daughter of a CIA officer, and her character becomes a surprising source of classified information. She’s relatable, full of emotional depth, and a perfect example of how easily people can be manipulated. Her performance will definitely leave you wanting more.
If you’re into historical dramas, suspense, and CIA spies, “The Americans” is a must-watch. All six seasons are streaming now on Hulu.
2. Ruth Langmore (“Ozark”)
While Jason Bateman is the lead in “Ozark”, Garner shines in her breakout role as Ruth Langmore.
The series follows Bateman’s character, Marty Byrde, as he moves his family from Chicago to the Ozarks after a money laundering scheme goes wrong. Langmore, a fierce young woman with a sharp-tongue, is introduced in the very first episode and becomes Byrde’s partner in crime.
Garner’s performance is unforgettable, and earned her three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe Award. You can catch her in “Ozark”, streaming now on Netflix.
3. Terra (“Dirty John”)
Garner takes on the role of Terra in Bravo’s adaptation of the true-crime podcast “Dirty John”. The series follows Terra’s mom as she falls for a con artist, who ultimately dies at Terra’s hands in an act of self-defense. Garner nails this role, even down to perfectly matching Terra’s voice, which makes the whole story feel that much more real.
The show’s cast includes Connie Britton, Juno Temple, and Eric Band. “Dirty John” first aired on Bravo in 2018 and is now streaming on Netflix.
4. Anna Delvey (“Inventing Anna”)
Garner stars in Netflix’s “Inventing Anna”, which tells the wild story of a journalist digging into the life of Anna Delvey, a fake German heiress who managed to scam New York’s elite.
Garner’s performance as Delvey landed her nominations from the Critics Choice Awards, the Emmys, the Golden Globes, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. All nine episodes are streaming now on Netflix.
5. Jane (“The Assistant”)
Directed by Kitty Green, “The Assistant” follows Garner as Jane, a college graduate navigating a new job as an executive assistant. After witnessing repeated patterns of mistreatment in the office, Garner’s character decides to speak up. This gripping drama highlights the realities of what many women experience at work — degradation, systemic discrimination and workplace harassment.
6. Hanna (“The Royal Hotel”)
Four years after “The Assistant”, Julia Garner reunited with director Kitty Green for “The Royal Hotel”.
Starring Garner and Jessica Henwick, “The Royal Hotel” follows two American best friends who take on a job at a run down pub, after realizing they are low on cash while backpacking in Australia.
The Hollywood Reporter calls Garner “extraordinary,” as her character navigates toxic masculinity alongside Henwick, as they find themselves in a situation spiraling out of control. This tense thriller has it all, rowdy drunk locals, two inseparable besties, and drama that keeps building.
7. Terry Gionoffrio (“Apartment 7A”)
“Apartment 7A” is a prequel to the classic 1968 film “Rosemary’s Baby” and it stars Garner as Terry. A single woman chasing her dream of becoming a famous dancer. After an injury jeopardizes her big break, she crosses paths with a mysterious older couple who offer her a place to stay. The kind gesture quickly takes a turn as disturbing events unfold inside Apartment 7A, making Terry question if she made the right choice.
This psychological thriller explores themes of drug addiction, body autonomy, fever dreams, and satanic cults. The cast also features Dianne Wiest and Kevin McNally, Jim Sturgess and Marli Siu. If you’re looking for a heart-pumping psychological drama and horror, “Apartment 7A” is the perfect pick for you. Now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
8. Charlotte Lovell (“Wolf Man”)
Garner stars in “Wolf Man” as Charlotte, a mother whose family is hunted by a terrifying werewolf. Alongside Christopher Abbott, the two play a married couple with a rocky relationship, forced to work together to survive a howling beast. It’s the kind of movie that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat as you wait to see if the family can outlast the blood thirsty predator. If you’re into high-tension horror with plenty of blood, “Wolf Man” is streaming now on Peacock.
9. Shalla-Bal (“The Fantastic Four: First Steps”)
Garner joins the Marvel universe as Shalla-Bal, a version of the Silver Surfer, in Fantastic Four: First Steps. Set in the 1960s, the film follows Marvel’s first superhero family as they journey through space to protect Earth from Galactus and the Silver Surfer.
The cast includes Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach leading the way. Ralph Ineson takes on Galactus, while Paul Walter Hauser, Natasha Lyonne, and John Malkovich round out the cast. “Fantastic Four: First Steps” is in theaters now.
10. Justine Gandy (“Weapons”)
Garner plays Justine Gandy, a teacher caught in the middle of the mystery in Zach Cregger’s latest horror film, “Weapons”. The story kicks off when seventeen kids vanish at the exact same time on the same day. As Garner’s character tries to solve the mystery, she is met with roadblocks along the way. “Weapons” is a tense movie, with an ending that just might shock you. It is out in theaters now.
From TV dramas to chilling horror films and even the Marvel universe, Garner has proven she can take on any role and make it unforgettable. With “Weapons” now in theaters, it’s the perfect time to revisit the performances that made her one of today’s most captivating actresses and a force in Hollywood for years to come.
