It has been over a decade since we saw Emma Watson put down her wand as the iconic Hermione Granger, and while she’ll always be the “brightest witch of her age” to us, the internet is currently buzzing over her incredible evolution on screen.
With no new projects currently on the horizon, fans on social media and Letterboxd—the go-to platform for film lovers—have been busy ranking Watson’s most essential performances. The consensus? Her career outside of Hogwarts is just as magical as her time inside it.
While many know her from the live-action Beauty and the Beast (), which fans praise for its romantic charm despite the high bar set by the original, it’s her smaller, grittier roles that are sparking the most conversation.
Take, for instance, ‘s The Bling Ring. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film saw Watson shed her “good girl” image to play Nicki Moore, a fame-obsessed teen burglar. Fans still rave about the performance, with some calling it the most “overlooked” movie of its year. One thing is for sure: Watson looked like she was having the time of her life playing a flawed, social-climbing criminal.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Emma Watson marathon without the classics. The Perks of Being a Wallflower () remains a massive fan favorite, holding a stellar . rating. Her portrayal of the free-spirited Sam helped a whole new generation of fans fall in love with her all over again.
But what is the Emma Watson movie of all time? Prepare to be shocked: it isn’t Harry Potter.
According to Letterboxd users, that honor belongs to Greta Gerwig’s masterpiece, Little Women. Playing the eldest March sister, Meg, Watson delivered a performance that resonated deeply with audiences. In fact, it is her highest-rated film on the platform, even when the Potter franchise is included!
From her hilarious, water-stealing cameo as herself in This Is the End to intense thrillers like Colonia and Regression, Watson has consistently chosen roles that challenge her. Even when a project like the tech-thriller The Circle (co-starring Tom Hanks!) didn’t quite land with critics, fans have stayed loyal to her journey.
Whether she’s voicing a princess in The Tale of Despereaux or venturing into the Biblical epic Noah, Watson’s filmography is a testament to her range. As one fan on X (formerly Twitter) put it, “Emma Watson didn’t just survive child stardom; she conquered the industry on her own terms.”
We might have to wait a little longer to see what she does next, but until then, we’ll be busy re-watching her turn as Meg March.
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