Elle Fanning's Best Movies and TV Shows: A Must-Watch Guide for Gen Z

Elle Fanning's Career Highlights: 11 Roles That Made Her an Icon 🎬✨

Let’s talk about Elle Fanning—Hollywood’s ultimate chameleon. Whether she’s playing a dreamy Disney princess, a troubled teen, or a sharp-tongued empress, Elle has proven she can do it all. With a career that started when she was literally just a toddler, she’s grown up in front of the camera, and spoiler alert: her filmography is chef’s kiss.

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “Wait, that’s Elle Fanning?” after seeing her absolutely crush a role, you’re not alone. From indie darlings to binge-worthy TV hits, here are Elle Fanning’s best movies and shows that you need to add to your watchlist ASAP.

Elle Fanning's Early Life: Where It All Began

Before Elle Fanning became one of Hollywood’s most versatile stars, she was just a small-town girl with big dreams. Born Mary Elle Fanning on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, acting was practically in her DNA. Her older sister, Dakota Fanning, was already making waves as a child actor, and Elle followed in her footsteps—though she quickly carved out her own unique path.

Elle’s first taste of the spotlight came at just two years old, when she played a younger version of Dakota’s character in I Am Sam (2001). From there, she began landing roles that showcased her natural talent and undeniable screen presence. Despite being the younger sibling, Elle quickly proved she wasn’t just “Dakota’s little sister.” She had a charm, depth, and intuition for acting that set her apart, even at a young age.

Growing up in a creative family—her mother was a tennis pro, and her father played baseball—Elle learned early on the importance of hard work and passion. By the time she hit her teens, she had already starred in major films like Babel and Phoebe in Wonderland, signaling the rise of a future icon.

Elle’s early career laid the foundation for the bold, fearless actor she’s become today, and the industry has never looked back.

1. The Great (2020–present)

If you haven’t watched The Great yet, what are you even doing? This Hulu original is like a chaotic fever dream of history, and Elle Fanning absolutely owns her role as Catherine the Great. Unlike the serious historical dramas you might expect, this series is wild, irreverent, and packed with dark humor. Catherine starts as a naive young empress in a disastrous marriage to Emperor Peter III (played hilariously by Nicholas Hoult), but she quickly learns how to play the game of politics and power.

Elle’s performance is the perfect mix of charm, wit, and fierceness. She brings depth to Catherine’s transformation from an idealistic dreamer to a ruthless, power-hungry ruler—and somehow, you still root for her every step of the way. The show’s modern, cheeky tone makes it incredibly binge-worthy, and Elle’s chemistry with Nicholas Hoult is downright electric.

Not only does The Great showcase Elle’s acting chops, but it also proves her comedic timing is unmatched. The show’s tagline—“an occasionally true story”—sets the tone perfectly, and Elle’s portrayal gives us a Catherine the Great like we’ve never seen before: bold, clever, and unapologetically ambitious. Trust us, this isn’t your typical period drama, and Elle Fanning is the reason you’ll fall in love with it.

2. Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

Elle Fanning as Aurora in Disney’s Maleficent series is pure magic. She takes on the iconic role of Sleeping Beauty but adds her own modern twist, turning Aurora into more than just a passive damsel. Instead, she’s a compassionate, radiant, and fiercely independent princess who holds her own—even alongside Angelina Jolie’s scene-stealing Maleficent.

In the first film, Aurora’s relationship with Maleficent becomes the emotional center of the story. Elle beautifully captures the innocence and curiosity of a young girl who grows to see Maleficent as a mother figure, even after learning the dark truth about her curse. In the sequel, Mistress of Evil, Elle levels up, portraying Aurora as a future queen determined to unite two worlds—humans and fairies—despite the chaos around her.

Elle’s ability to balance the delicate, ethereal qualities of Aurora with moments of strength and resilience makes her portrayal unforgettable. Her scenes with Angelina Jolie are pure cinematic gold, showcasing the complicated, bittersweet bond between their characters.

These movies prove that Elle can shine in a blockbuster fantasy as much as she can in indie dramas. Aurora may be a classic Disney princess, but Elle’s portrayal gives her a fresh, relatable edge that makes these films a must-watch.

3. Somewhere (2010)

Somewhere might not have the flashiness of Elle’s other films, but it’s one of her most underrated performances. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this indie gem tells the story of Cleo (played by Elle), a young girl reconnecting with her estranged father, a Hollywood actor drowning in his own emptiness.

Elle was only 12 when she filmed Somewhere, but her performance feels wise beyond her years. As Cleo, she exudes a quiet strength and maturity that anchors the entire film. The relationship between Cleo and her father, played by Stephen Dorff, is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Through subtle glances, long silences, and simple conversations, Elle brings a level of emotional depth that’s rare to see in child actors.

Sofia Coppola’s minimalist style works perfectly with Elle’s nuanced performance. The film is more about moments than plot, and Elle makes every one of those moments count. Whether she’s ice-skating gracefully to Gwen Stefani’s “Cool” or silently observing her father’s self-destructive behavior, Elle draws you in completely.

Somewhere is proof that Elle doesn’t need dramatic monologues or flashy costumes to captivate an audience. Her ability to convey so much with so little is what makes her one of the most talented actors of her generation.

4. Super 8 (2011)

If you love sci-fi with a retro vibe, Super 8 is your movie, and Elle Fanning is its emotional heart. Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, this film is a love letter to ‘80s adventure movies like E.T. and The Goonies. Elle plays Alice, a small-town girl with dreams bigger than her surroundings, who gets swept up in a government conspiracy involving a mysterious alien.

What makes Elle’s performance stand out is how she brings depth and vulnerability to a role that could’ve easily been one-dimensional. One of the most memorable scenes is when Alice rehearses a scene for a film her friends are making. Elle delivers a performance within a performance, showing the raw talent that makes her unforgettable.

As the story unfolds, Alice becomes more than just the girl next door—she’s a key part of the mystery and the emotional anchor for the group of kids trying to navigate the chaos around them.

Super 8 is packed with action and thrills, but it’s Elle’s grounded, heartfelt portrayal of Alice that makes the movie truly special. She shines even in the middle of all the alien madness, proving she’s a star no matter the genre.

5. Teen Spirit (2018)

Elle Fanning singing pop songs? Yes, please! Teen Spirit is a neon-soaked dream of a movie that follows Violet, a shy teenager from a small European town with big dreams of becoming a pop star. Elle not only acts in the movie—she sings her heart out, delivering surprisingly good covers of hits by Robyn, Ellie Goulding, and more.

The film captures Violet’s journey as she enters a singing competition that could change her life forever. It’s a classic underdog story, but Elle’s performance makes it feel fresh and exciting. She perfectly captures Violet’s mix of vulnerability and determination, making you root for her even when the odds are stacked against her.

What’s especially cool about Teen Spirit is how it highlights Elle’s range as an actor. She’s not just playing a role—she’s embodying the grit and glamour of chasing a dream. The combination of stunning visuals, killer music, and Elle’s captivating performance makes this movie a must-watch for anyone who’s ever dared to dream big.

6. The Neon Demon (2016)

The Neon Demon isn’t your typical movie—it’s a dark, hypnotic, and completely wild take on the fashion world, and Elle Fanning absolutely dominates as the lead. She plays Jesse, a young and stunningly beautiful model trying to make it in the cutthroat world of Los Angeles fashion. But things get seriously twisted when her success starts drawing envy—and obsession—from those around her.

Elle’s portrayal of Jesse is magnetic. She starts as this innocent, small-town girl with big dreams, but as the film progresses, you see her confidence shift into something darker and almost otherworldly. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), the movie is visually jaw-dropping, with neon-lit scenes, haunting music, and surreal moments that stick with you long after the credits roll.

It’s not just about the aesthetics, though—Elle delivers a performance that’s equal parts vulnerable and haunting. She embodies Jesse’s transformation so well that you’re left wondering whether she’s the victim of the fashion industry or the master of her own undoing.

This movie isn’t for everyone—it’s bold, edgy, and a little disturbing—but if you’re into something artsy and daring, The Neon Demon is a must-watch. Elle proves she’s not afraid to dive into complex, uncomfortable roles and absolutely crush them.

7. We Bought a Zoo (2011)

If you’re looking for a feel-good movie with all the heartwarming vibes, We Bought a Zoo is the way to go. Elle plays Lily, a sweet and down-to-earth teenager who works at the titular zoo and becomes a source of support (and a little romantic interest) for Dylan, the troubled teen son of Matt Damon’s character.

While this isn’t one of Elle’s flashiest roles, her performance brings a quiet charm that perfectly fits the tone of the movie. Lily is the kind of character who exudes positivity and warmth, making her a breath of fresh air amid the drama and challenges the family faces as they try to rebuild the zoo.

Elle’s natural charisma shines through, and her chemistry with Colin Ford (who plays Dylan) adds a layer of sweetness to the story. We Bought a Zoo is wholesome without being cheesy, and Elle’s role is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest characters leave the biggest impact. Whether you’re in it for the cute animals or the uplifting message, this film—and Elle’s performance—will leave you smiling.

8. Mary Shelley (2017)

Playing a literary icon is no easy feat, but Elle Fanning takes on the challenge effortlessly in Mary Shelley. The film tells the story of the young author who wrote Frankenstein, diving into her tumultuous personal life, her passionate romance with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and the societal pressures she faced as a female writer in the 19th century.

Elle brings depth and fire to the role of Mary, capturing her ambition, vulnerability, and defiance against the norms of her time. She portrays Mary as a woman ahead of her era—fiercely intelligent and unafraid to challenge expectations, even when it comes at great personal cost.

The film is visually stunning, with gorgeous period costumes and atmospheric settings, but it’s Elle’s performance that keeps you hooked. She gives Mary Shelley a voice that’s both strong and deeply emotional, reminding us of the power of creativity and resilience. If you’re a fan of historical dramas or just want to see Elle completely own a complex role, Mary Shelley is a must-watch.

9. 20th Century Women (2016)

In this quirky, heartfelt coming-of-age drama, Elle Fanning plays Julie, a rebellious and free-spirited teenager who becomes an important part of the film’s exploration of relationships, identity, and growing up. 20th Century Women is set in 1979 and follows a single mother (played by Annette Bening) as she raises her son with the help of the women in her life, including Julie.

Elle’s performance as Julie is raw and authentic. She’s the kind of character who seems effortlessly cool on the surface but carries a lot of emotional depth underneath. Julie’s dynamic with the other characters, especially Lucas Jade Zumann’s Jamie, brings both tension and tenderness to the story.

The film is a love letter to the complexities of human relationships, and Elle’s portrayal of Julie adds an edge of unpredictability and charm. It’s the kind of role that feels understated but leaves a lasting impression, showing once again that Elle can shine in any setting.

10. The Girl from Plainville (2022)

Elle Fanning steps into one of her darkest roles yet in The Girl from Plainville, a Hulu miniseries based on the true story of Michelle Carter, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after encouraging her boyfriend’s suicide through text messages. This role is a complete departure from Elle’s previous work, proving she’s not afraid to dive into emotionally intense territory.

Her portrayal of Michelle is chilling, nuanced, and deeply unsettling. Rather than playing her as a one-note villain, Elle brings layers to Michelle’s character, exploring the complicated psychology behind her actions. It’s the kind of performance that leaves you questioning everything—was Michelle manipulative, misunderstood, or something in between?

The series doesn’t shy away from tough questions, and Elle carries the weight of the story with a level of maturity and skill that’s nothing short of impressive. If you’re into true crime dramas or want to see Elle take on a role that’s equal parts gripping and haunting, The Girl from Plainville is a must-watch.

11. A Complete Unknown (2024)

Elle Fanning shines in A Complete Unknown, the biographical drama about music legend Bob Dylan, directed by James Mangold. Starring alongside Timothée Chalamet, who embodies Dylan, Elle plays Sylvie Russo, a character inspired by key figures in Dylan’s early life and career.

The film explores Dylan’s transformative years as a folk music icon and the relationships that shaped him. Elle’s portrayal of Sylvie adds emotional weight and a sense of humanity to the narrative, capturing the era’s complexity and Dylan’s personal struggles. Her chemistry with Chalamet is electric, bringing a grounded yet poignant energy to their shared scenes.

With A Complete Unknown, Elle proves her ability to hold her own in a star-studded ensemble while bringing depth and nuance to a historical drama. This role demonstrates her knack for portraying characters who feel raw, relatable, and layered, even in larger-than-life stories.

For fans of music history, timeless performances, and Dylan’s legacy, this film is a must-watch—and Elle Fanning’s performance is yet another reason why she continues to captivate audiences.

Why Elle Fanning Keeps Slaying the Screen

Elle Fanning isn’t just an actor—she’s a cinematic shapeshifter, taking on roles that are as diverse as they are unforgettable. From enchanting us as Aurora in Maleficent to commanding the screen as Catherine the Great in The Great, she has consistently proven her range and depth. Whether she’s diving into dark, psychological thrillers like The Neon Demon or stepping into the iconic world of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, Elle brings authenticity, vulnerability, and undeniable star power to every project.

Her career is a masterclass in versatility, reminding us that great actors don’t just stick to one lane—they create their own. For Gen Z, Elle is a symbol of creative courage, showing that it’s okay to take risks, push boundaries, and explore new territories. She’s the kind of star who doesn’t just entertain—she inspires.

So whether you’re revisiting her indie classics or checking out her latest hit, one thing is clear: Elle Fanning is here to stay, and her story is just getting started. With every role, she continues to redefine what it means to be a modern Hollywood icon. 🎥✨

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