It is hard to believe it’s been over years since a young, frizzy-haired Emma Watson first stepped onto Platform ¾, but the world has been under her spell ever since.
While she famously stepped back from the limelight at age to focus on her activism and personal identity, Watson’s cinematic legacy remains a massive topic of conversation across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Whether she’s fighting for gender equality as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador or reuniting with the cast for the emotional th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts, Emma stays winning.
But which of her roles truly “slytherin” to the top spot? We’re ranking the best of the best!
. This Is the End ()
Emma showed off her “edgy” side in this apocalyptic comedy, playing a fictionalized version of herself. While she memorably dropped an f-bomb and swung an ax at Seth Rogen, there were limits to her comedy. Rogen later revealed that Watson “couldn’t hang” with one particular scene that went a bit too far for her comfort, but fans still loved seeing her hold her own against Hollywood’s funniest men.
. My Week with Marilyn ()
In her first post-Potter project, Emma took a smaller, “less pressure” role as wardrobe assistant Lucy Armstrong. Starring alongside Eddie Redmayne, she proved she could shine even without a magic wand. “I loved the script and loved the story,” she said of the Golden Globe-winning drama.
. The Bling Ring ()
Goodbye, Hermione! Emma shocked audiences as Nicki Moore, a fame-obsessed teen burglar. Critics raved that she “oozed casual disdain” and mastered a “Kardashian-style” vocal fry. Emma told GQ she wasn’t trying to run away from her past, but rather “transform” into a true character actress.
. Noah ()
Starring in this biblical epic alongside Russell Crowe, Emma delivered a “quiet but ferocious” performance. Director Darren Aronofsky’s gritty vision allowed Emma to show off her dramatic range in raw, emotional scenes that proved she was a powerhouse talent.
. The Perks of Being a Wallflower ()
This coming-of-age classic remains a favorite on TikTok for its “infinite” vibes. Playing the free-spirited Sam, Emma helped bring the line “we accept the love we think we deserve” to life. The role earned her a People’s Choice Award and cemented her status as the voice of a generation.
. Beauty and the Beast ()
Emma was the “first and only choice” to play Belle, and she made the character her own by adding boots and bloomers to the wardrobe. “Belle was my childhood heroine,” she told Time. The film was a billion-dollar smash, proving that Emma truly is a real-life Disney princess.
. Little Women ()
As Meg March in Greta Gerwig’s masterpiece, Emma defended her character’s choice to be a wife and mother as a feminist act. Starring alongside Florence Pugh and Saoirse Ronan, she brought a grounded, beautiful grace to the eldest March sister that critics called her “most challenging role.”
. The Harry Potter Series (–)
Could it be anything else? For an entire decade, Emma was Hermione Granger. Despite beating out thousands of girls in eight auditions, she admitted she “never really thought she had a chance” at the part.
During the reunion, she noted that her life has been “a fantasy story in itself.” While she may be keeping a low profile these days, Hermione will always be the “brightest witch of her age” in our hearts.
Would you like me to create a gallery of Emma Watson’s most iconic red carpet looks throughout the years?
