Let’s get real: Emma Stone is one of those rare performers who can make you laugh, cry, and then laugh at her own awkwardness all in the same scene. Whether she’s rocking nerdy glasses, strutting in punk couture, or tackling a role that demands emotional depth, she’s fearless, versatile, and endlessly charming. So, in true fan fashion, here is the countdown of the 10 best Emma Stone performances that prove she is both Hollywood’s funniest and fiercest-starting at number 9 and working up to her absolute career peak.
9. The House Bunny (2008) – Natalie Sandler
Before she was Oscar-winning Emma Stone, she was scene-stealing Natalie in The House Bunny. Emma shines as the enthusiastic, nerdy sorority girl whose makeover leads to hilarity and heartwarming moments. Paired with Anna Faris’ comedic genius, Stone’s timing and energy make every scene a joy. Pure nostalgia and pure fun.
8. Zombieland (2009) – Wichita/Krista
Surviving a zombie apocalypse has never looked this good-or been this funny. As Wichita, Emma brings sarcasm, toughness, and wit, protecting her sister while conning Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson in the process. Her performance here perfectly balanced action and comedy, proving she could handle big laughs in extreme circumstances.
7. Superbad (2007) – Jules
Emma’s breakout role, as Jules, was all effortless charm; as the sweet, cool, and refreshingly approachable crush of Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, respectively, she stole scenes without trying and made a teen comedy into a performance that hinted at the powerhouse to come.
6. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011) – Hannah Weaver
The first of Stone’s on-screen pairings with Ryan Gosling, Emma’s Hannah is that perfect blend of sharp, funny, and romantic. Her chemistry with Gosling is electric, her comedic timing impeccable, especially in the now-iconic backyard party scene. She strikes a perfect balance between charm, humor, and heart.
5. Birdman (2014) – Sam Thomson
As Sam, the recovering-addict daughter of Michael Keaton’s washed-up actor, Emma earned her first Oscar nod; her sharp, scathing monologue is the stuff of cinematic legend, showcasing her dramatic chops while proving she could hold her own against some of Hollywood’s finest.
4. La La Land (2016) – Mia Dolan
With La La Land, Emma solidified herself as a triple threat: singing, dancing, and acting her way to an Oscar for Mia, the aspiring actress. She brings emotion, charm, and unforgettable energy to every scene, from audition nerves to romantic highs and heartbreaks, opposite Gosling.
3. Cruella (2021) – Estella/Cruella de Vil
Emma fully embodies her inner punk villain in Cruella, donning outrageous fashion, a British accent, and a deliciously twisted split personality. Campy, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining, her performance is proof that she can dominate a role through pure boldness and style.
2. Easy A (2010) – Olive Penderghast
Easy A is the film that really launched Emma into Hollywood royalty. As Olive, she’s quick-witted, very relatable, and utterly captivating as she takes a small high school lie and makes it a clever, hilarious journey of self-discovery. She has impeccable comedic timing and charm; thus, this performance is iconic.
1. Poor Things (2023) – Bella Baxter
To date, perhaps Emma’s most daring performance, Poor Things sees her start as a character with the mind of an infant, evolving into a fully formed, emotionally complex adult. Hilarious, inventive, and raw, this performance is fearless, showing Emma at her most inventive and bold.
Offscreen, too, Emma remains utterly charming and relatable-from handling the La La Land Oscar mix-up with such grace and laughs to all those very memorable red carpet blunders, she never fears poking fun at herself. Whether she’s making us laugh, cry, or just want to be her best friend, Emma Stone proves time and again that she is one of Hollywood’s brightest, most versatile stars.