Julia Garner's Career Highlights: 11 Roles That Made Her an Icon

Julia Garner's Best TV Shows and Movies That Showcase Her Range 🎥✨

Julia Garner is the kind of actor who makes you stop and go, Wait, who IS that?—in the best way possible. Whether she’s stealing scenes in gritty dramas, leading intense psychological thrillers, or rocking a designer wardrobe while pulling off con jobs (hello, Anna Delvey), Julia is nothing short of mesmerizing. With multiple Emmy wins, she’s solidified herself as one of the most exciting talents in Hollywood today.

If you’re still catching up on her filmography or just wondering how she keeps delivering hit after hit, we’ve got you covered. Here are 11 of Julia Garner’s best movies and TV shows that showcase her unmatched versatility and why she’s one of Gen Z’s favorite stars to watch.

Julia Garner's Early Life: Where It All Started

Born on February 1, 1994, in the Bronx, New York, Julia Garner grew up in a creative household. Her mother, Tami Gingold, was a comedian and therapist, while her father, Thomas Garner, is an artist and art teacher. Julia’s unique upbringing gave her a strong foundation for storytelling and expression, which shines in every role she takes on.

Despite her quiet demeanor, Julia always had a curiosity for acting. She started taking acting classes at 15 to overcome shyness, and it didn’t take long for her to catch the industry’s attention. By the time she was 17, Julia landed her first film role in the indie thriller Martha Marcy May Marlene. From there, she began stacking up credits in critically acclaimed projects that proved she wasn’t just another up-and-coming actor—she was the real deal.

1. Ozark (2017–2022)

If there’s one role that cemented Julia Garner as a Hollywood powerhouse, it’s her portrayal of Ruth Langmore in Ozark. Ruth is sharp, fearless, and unapologetically blunt—a character who is as street-smart as she is vulnerable. Over the course of the series, Julia turned Ruth into one of TV’s most compelling antiheroes, earning her three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

What makes Ruth so unforgettable is Julia’s ability to bring layers to the character. Beneath Ruth’s tough exterior lies a young woman carrying the weight of her family’s mistakes, longing for a way out of her chaotic life. Whether Ruth is delivering her signature profanity-laced one-liners or breaking down in emotionally gut-wrenching moments, Julia nails every scene with authenticity and power.

The chemistry between Julia and Jason Bateman (Marty Byrde) is electric, with their mentor-mentee dynamic adding depth to the show’s tension. Ruth’s journey from a scrappy outsider to a key player in the Byrde family’s criminal empire is nothing short of iconic.

If you haven’t experienced Ozark, Julia’s performance alone is worth the watch. She turned Ruth Langmore into a cultural icon, proving that a supporting role can steal the spotlight—and the entire show.

2. Inventing Anna (2022)

Netflix’s Inventing Anna gave Julia Garner one of the most talked-about roles of her career, and she delivered a performance that had everyone hooked. Based on the true story of Anna Delvey, a fake German heiress who conned New York’s elite, Julia takes on the larger-than-life character with impeccable precision.

From Anna’s bizarre European accent to her unapologetic ambition, Julia nails every detail of the con artist’s complex personality. What’s fascinating is how Julia makes Anna equal parts captivating and infuriating. You can’t help but admire Anna’s confidence, even as you watch her manipulate everyone in her orbit.

The show isn’t just about the scams—it’s about the psychological layers of Anna’s character. Julia dives into the vulnerability hidden beneath Anna’s luxurious facade, showing glimpses of a young woman desperate for validation and success. Her ability to flip between charm, humor, and cold ruthlessness is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Whether you’re fascinated by true crime or just want to witness Julia’s transformative performance, Inventing Anna is a must-watch. It’s a role that solidified her as one of the most versatile actors in the industry—and left fans eagerly awaiting her next project.

3. The Assistant (2019)

In The Assistant, Julia Garner gives one of the most understated yet powerful performances of her career. This indie drama takes an unflinching look at workplace harassment and power dynamics within a film production office. Julia plays Jane, a young assistant working for a powerful but predatory film executive, and the film follows a single day in her life.

What makes Julia’s performance so remarkable is how much she conveys with so little dialogue. Most of the film is focused on the quiet, mundane tasks of Jane’s day—making coffee, handling schedules, and overhearing troubling conversations. Julia’s ability to express Jane’s growing discomfort and moral conflict through subtle gestures, facial expressions, and body language is masterful.

The film doesn’t rely on dramatic moments to tell its story—it’s the quiet tension and unspoken implications that make The Assistant so impactful. Julia’s restrained performance reflects the real-life struggles of women navigating toxic workplaces, and it leaves a lasting impression.

This film proves that Julia doesn’t need flashy roles or over-the-top scenes to captivate an audience. The Assistant is a haunting, thought-provoking watch, and Julia’s performance is the beating heart of its message.

4. The Americans (2013–2018)

Before she became a breakout star, Julia Garner showed early signs of her talent in a recurring role on FX’s The Americans. She played Kimberly Breland, the rebellious teenage daughter of a U.S. government official, who unknowingly becomes entangled in Cold War espionage.

Although her role was smaller compared to the leads, Julia brought depth to Kimberly, turning her into more than just a plot device. Kimberly’s character is carefree on the surface but carries an underlying sense of longing and loneliness that Julia portrays with quiet complexity. Her scenes with Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys added layers of tension to the series, especially as Kimberly unknowingly aids the Soviet spies.

Even in her limited screen time, Julia managed to stand out, hinting at the remarkable career that was to come. Her performance as Kimberly showcased her ability to bring authenticity and emotional nuance to any role, no matter the size. If you’re a fan of spy dramas or just want to see Julia before she became a household name, The Americans is worth revisiting.

5. Dirty John (2018)

In Dirty John, Julia Garner once again proves her knack for portraying strong, complex women. Based on a chilling true story, this Bravo series follows the twisted relationship between John Meehan, a manipulative con artist, and the Newell family. Julia plays Terra Newell, the youngest daughter, who ultimately becomes a key figure in bringing John’s reign of terror to an end.

What makes Julia’s performance in Dirty John so captivating is her ability to balance Terra’s vulnerability with her inner strength. Terra starts as a somewhat naive character, but as the story unfolds, Julia shows her transformation into a fierce fighter willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family.

The climax of the series, which involves a harrowing confrontation between Terra and John, is one of the most intense and memorable moments in Julia’s career. Her portrayal of Terra’s courage and resilience adds a layer of emotional depth to the true-crime drama.

Dirty John is a wild ride, and Julia’s performance elevates it to a must-watch series. It’s yet another example of her ability to dive deep into emotionally charged roles and come out shining.

6. We Are What We Are (2013)

Julia Garner’s role in We Are What We Are proves that she’s not afraid to tackle dark, unsettling stories. In this indie horror film, Julia plays Rose Parker, a teenager caught in the middle of her family’s deeply disturbing—and dangerous—traditions. The film follows the Parker family, who harbor a horrifying secret that slowly unravels as the story unfolds.

Julia brings a mix of innocence and quiet rebellion to Rose, making her one of the film’s most sympathetic characters. As Rose starts to question her family’s twisted customs, Julia’s performance subtly captures the inner conflict between loyalty and fear. The tension builds with every scene, and Julia’s ability to convey so much with her expressions and body language makes her stand out in a genre that often relies on flashy scares.

The film’s eerie atmosphere and haunting visuals are perfectly complemented by Julia’s performance, which gives the audience a character they can truly root for. We Are What We Are isn’t your typical horror movie—it’s a slow-burn psychological thriller, and Julia’s role is the emotional anchor that keeps you invested. If you’re into dark, thought-provoking horror, this is a must-watch.

7. Maniac (2018)

In Netflix’s limited series Maniac, Julia Garner takes on a supporting role as Ellie Landsberg, the sister of Emma Stone’s character, Annie. While her screen time is limited, Julia makes a lasting impression as the free-spirited, wild child whose tragic backstory haunts Annie throughout the series.

Set in a surreal, futuristic world, Maniac explores themes of mental health, trauma, and human connection. Julia’s portrayal of Ellie is a key part of Annie’s emotional journey, with flashbacks to their complicated sibling relationship adding depth to the show’s psychological layers. Ellie is vibrant and full of life, a stark contrast to Annie’s grief-stricken demeanor, and Julia plays the role with just the right balance of charm and vulnerability.

While Maniac is packed with big names like Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, Julia holds her own, proving that even in a smaller role, she can deliver a performance that resonates. The show’s trippy visuals and offbeat storytelling make it a unique watch, and Julia’s scenes provide some of its most heartfelt moments.

8. Grandma (2015)

Grandma is a small but mighty indie film that gives Julia Garner a chance to showcase her ability to play characters with raw emotion and relatability. Julia stars as Sage, a teenager who turns to her sharp-tongued grandmother (played by Lily Tomlin) for help during an unexpected crisis.

The film follows the duo as they navigate a series of encounters with people from the grandmother’s past, creating a mix of humor, heartache, and generational clashes. Julia’s portrayal of Sage feels natural and grounded, capturing the awkwardness and uncertainty of a young person grappling with big decisions.

The chemistry between Julia and Lily Tomlin is the heart of the film. Their dynamic is equal parts tender and tense, with Sage learning to see her grandmother as more than just a relative, but as a flawed, deeply human person. Julia’s performance adds depth to the film’s emotional core, making Grandma a touching and quietly impactful story.

9. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)

In Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, Julia Garner steps into the dark, stylized world of Frank Miller’s graphic novels. She plays Marcie, a young woman who finds herself caught up in the violent and gritty underworld of Basin City.

Though her role is relatively small, Julia brings a sense of innocence and vulnerability to Marcie that contrasts sharply with the film’s noir aesthetic and brutal tone. Her performance adds emotional weight to a story that’s often more about visuals than character development.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is packed with a star-studded cast, including Eva Green and Josh Brolin, but Julia’s portrayal of Marcie holds its own amidst the chaos. Her ability to leave a mark even in limited screen time shows why she’s become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.

10. The Royal Hotel (2023)

Julia Garner’s latest film, The Royal Hotel, is a chilling psychological thriller that reunites her with The Assistant director Kitty Green. In the movie, Julia plays Hanna, a backpacker traveling through the Australian outback with her best friend Liv (played by Jessica Henwick). When the pair take jobs at a remote pub, they quickly find themselves in a tense and dangerous situation, surrounded by hostility and toxic masculinity.

Julia delivers a gripping performance as Hanna, capturing the tension and fear of being in an unfamiliar and threatening environment. The film explores themes of power dynamics, gender, and survival, with Julia’s character at the center of it all. Her ability to convey resilience and vulnerability simultaneously makes Hanna a compelling protagonist.

Critics have praised Julia’s performance in The Royal Hotel for its emotional depth and realism, solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors. If you’re into intense, thought-provoking dramas, this film is an absolute must-watch.

11. Wolf Man (2025)

Julia Garner’s upcoming role in Wolf Man is already generating buzz, and for good reason. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines), this reimagining of the classic Universal horror story stars Ryan Gosling as the titular Wolf Man, and Julia joins the cast in a pivotal role that’s sure to leave an impact.

While much of the plot remains under wraps, the film is set to blend psychological horror with a modern-day twist, offering a character-driven take on the iconic monster tale. Julia’s role is expected to challenge her once again, as she steps into a dark and emotionally intense narrative alongside Gosling’s transformation into the iconic creature.

Known for her ability to tackle layered, morally complex characters, Julia’s involvement in Wolf Man signals yet another bold career move. Collaborating with a director as visionary as Cianfrance and sharing the screen with Gosling will undoubtedly showcase her talent in a high-stakes, high-profile project.

For fans of horror, drama, and Julia’s unparalleled acting chops, Wolf Man is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated releases. If her past performances are any indication, Julia is sure to bring a fresh perspective and depth to a genre that thrives on reinvention.

Why Julia Garner Is Unstoppable

Julia Garner’s ability to transform herself completely for every role is nothing short of genius. Whether she’s playing a scrappy criminal mastermind, a haunted assistant, or a glamorous scammer, she brings authenticity, vulnerability, and depth to every character. For Gen Z, Julia is a reminder that taking risks and pushing boundaries in your craft is what sets you apart.

With The Royal Hotel solidifying her reputation as a star who thrives in intense and unconventional roles, Julia Garner’s career shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re revisiting her early work or diving into her latest hits, one thing is clear: Julia Garner is the moment.

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