Brie Larson has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility through a wide range of roles. From indie dramas to blockbuster films, she has consistently delivered performances that resonate with audiences. Her ability to transition between different genres and characters is a testament to her talent and dedication. This list highlights some of her most notable roles, each one showcasing a different facet of her acting prowess.
15. Rampart (2011)
In “Rampart,” Brie Larson plays the daughter of a corrupt LAPD officer, portrayed by Woody Harrelson. Her character serves as a window into his internal struggles, bringing a sense of intelligence and wariness to the role. The film is gritty and slow-burning, and Larson’s performance matches its tone with raw subtlety. While not the central focus of the story, her presence adds emotional depth and makes the stakes feel more personal.
14. The Gambler (2014)
Larson takes on the role of Amy, a student entangled with a high-risk professor played by Mark Wahlberg. Her performance brings depth to what could have been a typical love interest role. She portrays a character who is both drawn in and wary of the professor’s self-destructive behavior. The film explores themes of addiction and risk, and Larson’s sincerity helps humanize these elements, making her character an active participant in the narrative rather than just collateral damage.
13. The Glass Castle (2017)
Based on Jeannette Walls’s memoir, “The Glass Castle” gives Larson the opportunity to portray a character whose life is marked by both beauty and pain. Her performance is tender and wary, capturing the complexity of growing up in a dysfunctional family. The film doesn’t shy away from its difficult subject matter, and Larson’s portrayal brings back some of the rawness that the direction sometimes softens. Her expressions convey resilience, shame, and defiance without being overly explicit.
12. Fast X (2023)
Joining the “Fast & Furious” universe, Larson plays Tess, a rogue operative who brings a fresh dynamic to the franchise. Her character is quick-witted and tough, adding a layer of spunk and nuance to the film. While her role isn’t always central to the plot, she brings enough grounded energy to make her character feel like more than just a plot device. In a movie filled with high-octane action, she provides emotional gravity, hinting at her own agenda beyond the car chases.
11. Kong: Skull Island (2017)
In “Kong: Skull Island,” Larson’s character is part of an expedition to a mysterious island. She brings a sense of sincerity and realism to the film, which is otherwise focused on spectacle and action. Her moments of quiet observation add a touch of groundedness amid the chaos. While not her deepest performance, it is one of her most fun and ambitious roles, showcasing her ability to handle large-scale productions.
10. Unicorn Store (2017)
“Unicorn Store” is a pastel fable about holding on to what makes you weird. Larson directs the film with a warm, slightly awkward charm that matches the script’s whimsical tone. Her performance is earnest, avoiding the saccharine pitfalls of similar indie comedies. The film is uneven, but its honesty and genuine heart make it endearing. Larson’s involvement adds a personal touch, making the film oddly compelling.
9. Free Fire (2016)
“Free Fire” is a chaotic arms-deal meetup turned comic bloodbath. Larson’s performance as a smart, sardonic character adds a grounded presence amid the mayhem. Her dry reactions help the audience find a center in the absurdity. The film is kinetic and witty, and Larson’s grounded impatience serves as the emotional glue. It’s a gleeful exercise in escalating chaos, and she brings a refreshing normalcy to the film.
8. Digging for Fire (2015)
“Digging for Fire” is a small, reflective film about a couple’s backyard discovery. Larson’s contribution is quietly resonant, offering moments that feel like overheard, intimate truths. The film is loose and improvisational, and her restraint serves it well. There’s a melancholy undercurrent about choices and consequences, and she fits naturally into that tenor. Her performance is subtle, leaving a lasting impression.
7. 21 Jump Street (2012)
In “21 Jump Street,” Larson plays a refreshingly realistic character who is sharp, unimpressed, and not interested in enabling dumb adult behavior. Her grounded presence keeps the film from turning entirely into madcap chaos. She offers real chemistry and timing with the leads, elevating the comedy without distracting from it. The film’s brisk pacing and successful jokes are enhanced by her grounded reactions.
6. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” is a sensory onslaught of comic-book edits and arcade-style fights. Larson’s performance as a cool, bitter rock star cuts through the noise with icy charisma. She brings a distinct, magnetic beat to the film, making her character memorable and a little dangerous. Even in a stylized excess, she finds room for a unique presence.
5. Just Mercy (2019)
In “Just Mercy,” Larson plays Eva Ansley, a steadfast supporter of Bryan Stevenson. Her grounded performance provides a solid emotional foundation amid courtroom tension. She is compassionate but not naïve, signaling both her character’s passion and frustration. Her interactions with Stevenson feel real, adding depth to the film’s exploration of justice and inequality.
4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
In “Avengers: Endgame,” Larson’s Captain Marvel brings heart, power, and a subtle sense of purpose. The film’s scale is wild, with time travel and cosmic stakes, and she holds her own among heavyweight characters. When she is on screen, she brings a calm strength that balances the chaos. Her performance adds nuance to the ensemble, helping make the big moments land.
3. The Spectacular Now (2013)
“The Spectacular Now” is a coming-of-age gem where Larson’s supporting turn adds a lovely, grounded shade to the film. She plays a young adult on the edges of someone else’s complicated romance, offering a quiet foil to the main tension. Her presence feels effortless, and her small moments feel full of possibility. The film is honest about youth, and her performance mirrors that realism.
2. Short Term 12 (2013)
“Short Term 12” is considered Larson’s breakthrough in serious drama. She plays Grace, a supervisor at a group home for at-risk teens, and her performance is both strong and deeply wounded. The film doesn’t hand her a perfect redemption arc, instead showing her fragile confidence and fear of failing. Her performance is lived-in and honest, carrying much of the emotional ballast of the film with subtle shifts in her eyes and voice.
1. Room (2015)
Larson’s portrayal of Joy “Ma” Newsome in “Room” is devastating, courageous, and deeply intimate. Trapped in a tiny room with her son, she conveys desperation, fierce protectiveness, and a heartbreaking tenderness all at once. The film transitions from claustrophobic terror to fragile freedom, and Larson rides that shift flawlessly. Her bond with Jacob Tremblay is achingly real, making her performance unforgettable. By the end, her performance stays with you – Joy isn’t just a survivor, she’s someone who rebuilds, and Larson makes you believe in her.
