12 Times Margot Robbie Absolutely Owned the Screen

12 Times Margot Robbie Absolutely Owned the Screen

Margot Robbie has become one of Hollywood’s most electrifying actresses, transforming every role she touches into something unforgettable. From playing real-life figures to iconic fictional characters, she brings a rare combination of fearlessness, charm, and raw talent that keeps audiences glued to their seats.

Whether she’s making us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats in suspense, Robbie proves time and again why she’s one of the most captivating performers of her generation.

1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) – Naomi Lapaglia

Breaking into Hollywood isn’t easy, but Robbie made it look effortless when she starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in this wild ride of a movie.

Playing Naomi, the fierce and stunning wife of a corrupt stockbroker, she held her own against one of cinema’s biggest stars.

Her Brooklyn accent was spot-on, and she brought both humor and heart to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional.

The famous scene where she confronts DiCaprio’s character became instantly iconic.

Critics and audiences alike were blown away by this newcomer who commanded every scene she appeared in, launching her into superstardom practically overnight.

2. I, Tonya (2017) – Tonya Harding

Robbie didn’t just play the controversial figure skater—she became her.

This performance required months of intense skating training, and the dedication shows in every frame as she glides across the ice with surprising grace.

Beyond the physical transformation, she captured Tonya’s complicated personality: tough, vulnerable, determined, and deeply misunderstood.

The role earned her an Academy Award nomination, and rightfully so.

She made us sympathize with someone many had written off, showing the human being behind the tabloid headlines.

Her ability to balance dark comedy with genuine heartbreak proved she could handle absolutely anything thrown her way.

3. Bombshell (2019) – Kayla Pospisil

Taking on the story of workplace harassment at Fox News required sensitivity and courage, and Robbie delivered both in spades.

Her character, a composite of real women’s experiences, represented countless victims who felt powerless against powerful men.

The scenes depicting her character’s harassment are difficult to watch but necessary, and Robbie’s performance never feels exploitative or overdone.

She earned another Oscar nomination for this brave work.

What makes her portrayal so powerful is how she shows the internal conflict of someone who loves their job but faces impossible choices.

You can see the fear, confusion, and eventual determination in her eyes throughout the film.

4. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – Sharon Tate

Quentin Tarantino’s love letter to 1960s Hollywood gave Robbie the chance to portray the luminous Sharon Tate with grace and joy.

Rather than focusing on tragedy, she captured Tate’s infectious enthusiasm for life and her genuine love of cinema.

The scene where she watches her own movie in a theater, delighting in the audience’s reactions, is pure magic.

With relatively little dialogue, Robbie communicated volumes through body language and facial expressions.

She honored Tate’s memory by showing her as a real person full of dreams and happiness, not just a victim of a horrible crime.

5. The Suicide Squad (2021) – Harley Quinn

After playing Harley Quinn multiple times, Robbie finally got the version of the character she deserved in James Gunn’s wild superhero film.

Her Harley is unhinged but strangely wise, violent yet somehow lovable, and always unpredictable.

The action sequences showcase her commitment to doing her own stunts whenever possible, making every fight scene feel authentic and exciting.

Her comic timing is impeccable, delivering laugh-out-loud moments even in the middle of chaos.

Robbie has made this DC villain so iconic that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role, proving she can dominate both indie dramas and massive blockbusters.

6. Birds of Prey (2020) – Harley Quinn

Serving as both star and producer, Robbie took creative control of Harley’s story and delivered a female-led superhero film that felt fresh and exciting.

Her Harley breaks free from toxic relationships and discovers her own strength, making this a surprisingly empowering tale.

The narration style, with Harley telling her own messy story in her own chaotic way, perfectly captures the character’s personality.

Action scenes blend humor and impressive choreography seamlessly.

Robbie’s passion for this character shines through every frame, and her decision to surround Harley with other dynamic female characters created something special in the superhero genre.

7. Babylon (2022) – Nellie LaRoy

Damien Chazelle’s ambitious epic about Hollywood’s transition from silent films to talkies gave Robbie one of her most challenging roles yet.

Nellie LaRoy is a wild child who burns bright and fast, living every moment like it might be her last.

The opening party sequence alone showcases Robbie’s fearless commitment to the character’s chaotic energy and desperate need for stardom.

She’s mesmerizing, exhausting, and impossible to look away from.

Her performance captures both the intoxicating glamour and the dark underbelly of early Hollywood, reminding us why period pieces need actors willing to fully commit to another era.

8. Barbie (2023) – Barbie

Who else could play the world’s most famous doll?

Robbie brought unexpected depth to a character that could have been nothing more than a plastic stereotype, making Barbie’s journey of self-discovery genuinely moving.

Her comedic timing is perfect as she navigates the real world for the first time, confused by everything from patriarchy to human emotions.

The film became a massive cultural phenomenon, and Robbie’s performance is a huge reason why.

She balanced satire, sincerity, and silliness beautifully, proving that even the pinkest, most commercial project can contain real substance when the right actress takes the lead.

9. Focus (2015) – Jess Barrett

Starring opposite Will Smith in this slick con artist thriller, Robbie proved she could carry a romantic lead role with style and sophistication.

Her character starts as a rookie pickpocket but quickly reveals layers of intelligence and cunning.

The chemistry between Smith and Robbie crackles off the screen, making their cat-and-mouse game endlessly entertaining.

She matches him scene for scene, never getting overshadowed despite his star power.

The film’s twists and turns require Robbie to constantly shift between vulnerable and calculating, and she handles every transition smoothly, keeping audiences guessing about her true intentions until the very end.

10. Mary Queen of Scots (2018) – Queen Elizabeth I

Unrecognizable under heavy makeup and prosthetics depicting smallpox scars, Robbie disappeared completely into the role of England’s powerful but insecure queen.

This wasn’t about glamour—it was about showing a woman whose physical appearance became both weapon and weakness.

Her scenes crackle with political tension as Elizabeth navigates a world where her authority is constantly questioned.

The vulnerability she brings to such a historically powerful figure makes Elizabeth feel human rather than mythical.

Facing off against Saoirse Ronan’s Mary, Robbie holds nothing back, creating a complex portrait of jealousy, fear, and reluctant respect between two queens.

11. The Legend of Tarzan (2016) – Jane Porter

Refusing to be just a damsel in distress, Robbie’s Jane Porter is intelligent, capable, and every bit Tarzan’s equal in this adventure reimagining.

She handles weapons, speaks multiple languages, and never waits around to be rescued.

Her chemistry with Alexander Skarsgård’s Tarzan feels genuine, built on mutual respect rather than just physical attraction.

The script gave her actual personality and agency, which Robbie used to create a memorable heroine.

Action sequences find her right in the middle of danger, and she approaches each challenge with resourcefulness and courage, making Jane a modern take on a classic character.

12. Z for Zachariah (2015) – Ann Burden

In this quiet post-apocalyptic drama, Robbie plays a young woman who believes she’s the last person alive until two men arrive at her family’s farm.

The tension builds slowly as these three survivors navigate trust, jealousy, and survival.

Robbie’s performance is subtle and restrained, relying on small gestures and expressions rather than big dramatic moments.

Ann’s internal struggle between hope and caution plays out beautifully across her face.

This indie gem showcases Robbie’s range, proving she doesn’t need action sequences or glamorous costumes to command attention—just raw talent and emotional honesty that draws viewers into Ann’s isolated world.