Margot Robbie’s Best Performances Ranked: From Harley Quinn to Barbie

Margot Robbie has become one of the most versatile and captivating actresses in Hollywood, known for seamlessly shifting between blockbuster franchises, critically acclaimed dramas, and quirky indie projects. Since her breakout role in The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie has consistently proven that she is not only a movie star but also a serious talent who can command the screen in any genre. From transforming into larger-than-life characters to delivering nuanced portrayals of real people, her career is filled with standout performances that continue to shape her reputation as one of the defining actresses of her generation. Here is a look at Margot Robbie’s best performances, ranked from unforgettable comic book roles to her award-nominated dramatic turns.

At the top of any list featuring Margot Robbie is her portrayal of Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad (2016), Birds of Prey (2020), and The Suicide Squad (2021). Robbie redefined the DC Comics anti-heroine, bringing chaotic energy, charm, and vulnerability to a character that could have easily fallen into caricature. Her performance became an instant cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless cosplay trends and cementing Harley Quinn as one of the most iconic roles of the modern superhero era. What made Robbie’s take stand out was her ability to balance the character’s dangerous unpredictability with emotional depth, making Harley both entertaining and sympathetic.

Her role in I, Tonya (2017) showcased an entirely different side of her talent and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Playing disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding, Robbie delivered a performance that was raw, complex, and emotionally charged. Rather than portraying Harding as a one-dimensional villain, Robbie brought humanity and nuance to a woman caught in a media storm. Her ability to blend vulnerability with toughness elevated the film and proved her range beyond blockbuster roles. The performance remains a defining moment in her career, establishing her as a serious contender in the awards circuit.

In The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Robbie made her Hollywood breakthrough as Naomi Lapaglia, the glamorous wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jordan Belfort. Though it was one of her earliest major roles, Robbie held her own against some of the biggest names in the industry. Her performance was not only memorable for its boldness and confidence but also for the way she added depth to a character who could have been written off as superficial. This role catapulted her into stardom and solidified her place as one of Hollywood’s brightest new talents at the time.

Her turn as Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) was subtle yet impactful. Robbie portrayed Tate with grace and warmth, bringing a lightness to a film that often explored darker themes. While the role was less dialogue-heavy than some of her others, Robbie’s performance relied on presence and emotion, capturing Tate’s innocence and joy in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. The scenes of Tate watching herself on screen in a theater remain some of the most touching moments of the film.

Of course, Barbie (2023) is perhaps her most culturally significant role to date. Taking on the challenge of embodying the world’s most famous doll, Robbie infused the character with wit, humor, and emotional complexity. Far from being just a glossy performance, her Barbie wrestled with questions of identity, perfection, and purpose, making the film both a box office sensation and a cultural milestone. Robbie’s performance was central to the movie’s ability to balance playful fantasy with meaningful commentary, further showcasing her skill at blending entertainment with substance.

Another standout is her work in Bombshell (2019), where she starred alongside Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman. The film explored the toxic environment at Fox News, and Robbie’s performance as Kayla Pospisil—a composite character based on real women who experienced harassment—was both heartbreaking and powerful. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, further cementing her ability to bring depth and empathy to socially charged narratives.

In Mary Queen of Scots (2018), Robbie took on the role of Queen Elizabeth I, delivering a performance that contrasted Saoirse Ronan’s fiery Mary Stuart. Though heavily costumed and transformed with makeup, Robbie shone through with a portrayal that was vulnerable yet commanding. The film highlighted her ability to bring humanity to historical figures, even when hidden under layers of royal regalia.

Even in films that may not have been massive box office hits, such as Terminal (2018) or Dreamland (2019), Robbie has taken creative risks that show her willingness to explore unique characters and unconventional stories. Her willingness to balance blockbusters with smaller, experimental projects reflects her passion for storytelling in all forms.

Ranking Margot Robbie’s best performances is no easy task because each role demonstrates a different aspect of her remarkable range. Her fearless commitment to Harley Quinn made her a fan favorite in the superhero genre. Her raw vulnerability in I, Tonya and Bombshell earned her critical acclaim and award recognition. Meanwhile, her nuanced takes in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Mary Queen of Scots proved her ability to tackle challenging historical and emotional material. And with Barbie, she delivered a career-defining performance that resonated with audiences around the world and elevated her cultural impact even further.

As Margot Robbie continues to take on diverse roles and expand her influence as both an actress and producer, it’s clear that her best performances are not behind her but ahead of her. Whether she’s donning the eccentric costumes of Harley Quinn, diving into complex biographical dramas, or redefining iconic cultural figures, Robbie brings authenticity, passion, and intelligence to every performance. Her career is a testament to the power of versatility, and audiences can expect even more unforgettable performances as she continues to shape the landscape of modern cinema.