Blunt’s calm but profoundly penetrating portrayal as Queen Victoria’s sullen sister Ravenna helps the film succeed where its slow pace and boiling CGI soup would otherwise fail. Get HBO Max and watch The Five-Year Engagement.
1. Into the Woods
After a career of supporting roles, Emily Blunt proved her acting prowess with this gripping thriller. A terrifying tale of revenge, the film was a massive success and helped etch her name as a leading actress in contemporary cinema.
A near-future apocalypse pits humankind against blind aliens who hunt by sound. Blunt shines as a protective mother in this edge-of-your-seat sci-fi flick.
Even if musicals aren’t your thing, this Stephen Sondheim fairytale mashup will leave you wanting more. While the film might be overlong and dated, it boasts a talented cast, including Anna Kendrick and James Corden. Besides, it gives Blunt another opportunity to showcase her unique flair for drama and comedy. It’s not hard to see why she is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. She holds her own among stalwarts like Streep and Davis.
2. The Young Victoria
With a range of movies that span genres, Emily Blunt has proven herself to be an incredibly versatile actress. From the haughty assistant in The Devil Wears Prada to the wholesome musical nanny of Mary Poppins, she has shown that she can take on just about any role.
The Young Victoria traces the early life, teen years and turbulent reign of Queen Victoria and her romance with Prince Albert. Director Jean-Marc Vallee and screenwriter Julian Fellowes craft a period drama that is both elegant and stylish without falling into anachronism.
Despite being the lone female lead, this pelispedia movie manages to hold up thanks to the solid performances of its actors. Blunt is especially impressive as Rosemary, a headstrong woman who defies her family and society to pursue her dreams. This blarney-spattered romcom also features a great performance from Jamie Dornan.
3. The Devil Wears Prada 2
This iconic fashion film starred Anne Hathaway as journalist Andy Sachs who gets hired at Runway magazine under the leadership of ice queen editor in chief Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep). The Devil Wears Prada helped launch Hathaway’s career into mainstream movie stardom, where she would go on to make more serious dramatic films like Les Miserables and Ocean’s Eight.
The movie also prompted a lot of people to ask themselves, is fashion really that cutthroat? And if so, what do we need to know to be prepared for it?
Recently, fans speculated that a sequel to the 2006 film was in the works after Anne Hathaway and Anna Wintour were seen sitting side by side at a New York Fashion Week show. But earlier this month, Hathaway sounded less than enthusiastic about the prospect of a Devil Wears Prada sequel during an appearance on The View.
4. The Devil Wears Prada
Back before she was slapping on kitten heels and upending Miranda Priestly, Blunt proved her acting prowess in this underrated comedy-drama. She’s utterly beguiling as the Baker’s Wife, a character that blends her flair for the dramatic, the comedic and the deeply physical into one seamless performance.
She was just 22 when she starred in this beautiful British drama. Filmmaker Pawel Pawlikowski delicately adapted Helen Cross’ novel, crafting an alluring tale of lesbian love between Tamsin and Mona, with religious tensions and familial strife making their way into the mix through the character of Phil, played by Paddy Considine.
Having already proved she could handle action movies with her roles in Edge of Tomorrow and Sicario, Blunt was the perfect choice to star alongside Tom Cruise in this kinetic thriller. She balances emotion, strength and vulnerability with her formidable physicality as a skilled soldier.
5. The Young Victoria
Long before her blockbuster hits and horror movie franchises, Blunt was breaking through in mumblecore indie films like this charming drama from Pawel Pawlikowski. As a sister to Mark Duplass’ character, her relaxed and affable everywoman demeanour feels natural in scenes that are brimming with authentic emotions.
This period piece follows Queen Victoria’s early years as a headstrong monarch. Blunt wowed audiences with her nuanced performance, and the film became one of her biggest hits.
