Ever since she first graced the big screen in the period horror The Witch, Anya Taylor-Joy showed audiences why she was meant for stardom. She is an actress who fully embodies her characters, from her piercing gaze to her melodic voice, she commands the viewer's attention whether on the big screen or on television streaming.
Despite having worked for less than a decade, she has made a name for herself thanks to her roles in small-budget cult films, but it was her role as chess master Beth Harmon that catapulted her into stardom. Audiences will see (or hear) her next in the highly anticipated Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa. In the meantime, it's the perfect time to revisit some of Anya Taylor-Joy's best movies and shows, at least according to their scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
10 'Last Night in Soho' (2021)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
From director Edgar Wright, Last Night in Soho is a psychological horror about Eloise Turner (Thomasin McKenzie), a young woman enrolled in fashion school with abilities to connect to the unseen. She begins having dreams and visions of the enigmatic '60s woman, Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), whose aspiration of becoming a singer splinter into something much darker and dangerous that begins following Eloise in her real life.
This dizzying tale of nostalgic glitz and glamour contrasted with horrifying realities of the past is brought to life by its performances from the main roles of two women connected across time. Anya Taylor Joy brings strength and duality to the role of Sandie in the thrilling movie filled with nightmares, and the actress even recorded a cover of Petula Clark's song "Downtown" for the film.
Last Night in Soho
- Release Date
- October 21, 2021
- Director
- Edgar Wright
- Cast
- Anya Taylor-Joy , Thomasin McKenzie , Diana Rigg , Matt Smith , Terence Stamp , Jessie Mei Li
- Runtime
- 118
9 'Split' (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%
Starring James McAvoy in the role of a man with an exaggerated fictional version of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Split follows as one of his alters kidnaps three young girls who try to escape as they interact with his different alters, one of whom is a dangerous creature with superhuman abilities.
Anya Taylor-Joy played the role of Casey Cooke, one of the kidnapped teenagers who have to escape. This film became one of the highest-grossing horror movies of the past decade. However, it received criticism for portraying people with Dissociative Identity Disorder as violent, which many experts agree is an inaccurate and harmful notion. That said, Taylor-Joy excels as the vulnerable yet cunning Casey, with her role being a minor but memorable one.
Split
- Release Date
- January 20, 2017
- Director
- M. Night Shyamalan
- Cast
- James McAvoy , Sebastian Arcelus , Ameerah Briggs , Betty Buckley , Izzie Coffey , Nakia Dillard
- Runtime
- 117 minutes
8 'Emma' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Adapted from Jane Austen's novel of the same name, Emma stars Anya Taylor-Joy as the affluent and elegant Emma Woodhouse who entertains herself by playing matchmaker with those around her. The film follows as she befriends sweet Harriet, played by Pearl's Mia Goth, and she tries to set her up, and deals with feelings of her own.
While this Regency-era period romantic comedy is very different from Anya Taylor-Joy's usual horror films, she is splendid in the role, playing the mischievous and clever character with ease. The lush Jane Austen film was praised for its costuming and makeup, in particular, being nominated for two Academy Awards because of it.
Emma.
- Release Date
- February 13, 2020
- Director
- Autumn DeWilde
- Cast
- Anya Taylor-Joy , Johnny Flynn , Bill Nighy , Mia Goth , Myra McFadyen , Josh O'Connor
- Runtime
- 124 minutes
- Main Genre
- Comedy
7 'Thoroughbreds' (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%
In this mid-budget black comedy thriller, upper-class high schooler Lily (Anya Taylor-Joy) is paid to hang out with her former childhood best friend Amanda (The House of the Dragon's Olivia Cooke), who cannot experience emotions. With Lily's stepfather constantly antagonizing her, they hatch a plan to get rid of him at any cost.
Thoroughbreds was received well by critics who praised the writing of its nuanced and complex main female characters. Cooke and Taylor-Joy's lead chemistry becomes the star of the movie, with the duo's unlikely bond driving the film's premise. With the late Anton Yelchin in a supporting role, this film features excellent performances from its cast that shine with the intelligence of the script.
6 'The Menu' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
In The Menu Anya Taylor-Joy plays Margot, a young woman accompanying her date Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) to a high-end restaurant on a private island where they will be subjected to the Head Chef's Slowik's (Ralph Fiennes) cynical deadly games. Along with the rest of the wealthy patrons, Margot will have to fight to survive the meal.
This dark comedy horror film featured an ensemble cast as the restaurant's varied rich patrons and dutiful employees, with Anya Taylor-Joy's Margot as the outsider who had no interest in playing along with the games of the ultrarich, a role originally attached to Emma Stone. Taylor-Joy plays the out-of-place and clever customer with ease, effortlessly keeping up with the talented Fiennes. The film received a positive reception due to its performances as well as its dark humor.
The Menu
- Release Date
- November 18, 2022
- Director
- Mark Mylod
- Cast
- Ralph Fiennes , Anya Taylor-Joy , John Leguizamo , Nicholas Hoult
- Runtime
- 107 minutes
- Main Genre
- Thriller
5 'The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance' (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
From Netflix and The Jim Henson Company comes The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, an epic fantasy television series made as a prequel to the 1982 film The Dark Crystal. Set on the planet of Thra, it tells the story of three Gelflings – Rian, Brea, and Deet – as they uncover a secret about their rulers that puts their entire planet at risk.
Anya Taylor-Joy voices Brea, the princess of one of the tribes on the planet of Thra. Like all other characters, Taylor-Joy's Brea is brought to life by intricately designed puppets. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance received widespread acclaim from both fans of the original film and new viewers thanks to its gorgeous design and clever puppeteering.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
- Release Date
- August 30, 2019
- Cast
- Nathalie Emmanuel , Taron Egerton , Mark Hamill , Natalie Dormer , Caitriona Balfe , Lena Headey , Helena Bonham Carter , Eddie Izzard
- Seasons
- 1
4 'The Witch' (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
The Witch is a stunning folk horror film set in the 1630s New England following a family of English settlers who are banished from their Puritan settlement over a religious conflict. As they live a reclusive life next to a forest evil forces from the woods begin to meddle in their family life, causing tension.
Anya Taylor-Joy is Thomasin in one of A24's best horror films, masterfully playing the role of the eldest daughter who is caught in the middle of the sinister forces that threaten her family. This was her first-ever movie role and it immediately highlighted her potential as an actress. The film also served as Robert Egger's unforgettable directorial debut, and it is a hauntingly sinister watch that relies on atmosphere and tension for its scares.
The Witch
- Release Date
- January 27, 2015
- Director
- Robert Eggers
- Cast
- Anya Taylor-Joy , Ralph Ineson , Kate Dickie , Harvey Scrimshaw , Ellie Grainger , Lucas Dawson
- Runtime
- 92
- Main Genre
- Horror
3 'The Northman' (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Based on the legend of King Amleth, the historical action thriller The Northman follows the Viking prince Amleth as he sets himself on a quest for rage and revenge. When his uncle kills his father and takes off with his mother, he escapes with his life and swears to avenge his family, making mystic allies and brutal enemies in his journey of vengeance.
Anya Taylor-Joy plays Olga of the Birch Forest, a woman he meets on his journey with whom he develops a relationship with who has a cunning mind and mystic abilities. Taylor-Joy is captivating as Olga, stealing every scene she's in. This epic film was inspired by Norse mythology and features excellent performances from the entire cast, impeccable art direction, and thrilling Viking fight scenes.
The Northman
- Release Date
- April 22, 2022
- Director
- Robert Eggers
- Cast
- Bill Skarsgard , Anya Taylor-Joy , Nicole Kidman , Alexander Skarsgard , Willem Dafoe , Ralph Ineson
- Runtime
- 137 Minutes
2 'Peaky Blinders' (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama TV series that is centered around the titular crime gang operating in Birmingham, England in the direct aftermath of the First World War. Led by the ambition of their leader Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, the blinders set their sights on expanding their domain and power in the city and beyond.
The series ran for six seasons, and it was in the fifth when Anya Taylor-Joy joined the cast in one of the main roles as Gina Gray, the ambitious and scheming wife of Michael Gray, a member of the Peaky Blinders. As the scheming and manipulative tertiary antagonist, Taylor-Joy was mesmerizing in her role, fully stepping into the shoes of a confident and arrogant villain. Thanks to her and the rest of the incredible cast, the series received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike who enjoyed the riveting and stylish program.
Peaky Blinders
- Release Date
- September 30, 2014
- Cast
- Cillian Murphy , Sam Claflin , Helen McCrory , Sophie Rundle
- Seasons
- 6
1 'The Queen's Gambit' (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
The Queen's Gambit, set in the mid-'50s and '60s, follows the chess prodigy Beth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, as she navigates growing up and rising through the ranks of the chess world. As she hones her skills and rises in competitions, she faces struggles with her relationships and addiction, jeopardizing her games.
While the actress was already known, this series was what truly catapulted her into stardom by playing the smart and alluring Beth in an outstanding role for her young age. Taylor-Joy captured the brilliance, complexity, and pain of the distinct character, with the miniseries relying heavily on her acting chops. For her performance, she was nominated for many accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, and she won a Golden Globe, a Critic's Choice Television Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
The Queen's Gambit
- Release Date
- October 23, 2020
- Cast
- Anya Taylor-Joy , Bill Camp , Marielle Heller , Marcin Dorocinski
- Main Genre
- Drama
- Seasons
- 1