Elizabeth Olsen is most recognized for her role as Wanda Maximoff in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but she has also been in a number of other noteworthy films. She’s worked in a variety of genres and styles, bringing a high level of talent and commitment to each part.
Olsen’s top films, according to Ranker, include numerous underappreciated gems that are frequently overlooked by her more widespread hits. Fans of all genres will find plenty of excellent suggestions on this list.
Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015)
Wanda Maximoff, the character who propelled Elizabeth Olsen to her current degree of celebrity, made her debut appearance in Age of Ultron. Despite the fact that she only appears in the film as a secondary adversary, her presence is significant due to her commitment to the role.
Wanda is one of the MCU’s most complicated and interesting characters, and she may be the one who has grown the most over their time on screen. All of this started in Age of Ultron, when she became one of the most powerful superheroes in the entire cinematic universe.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Infinity War marked the end of Marvel’s Infinity Saga, which began with Jon Favreau’s Iron Man ten years previously. It saw Earth confronted with its biggest threat to date: Thanos, the tyrant titan who sought to wipe off half of all life in the universe in order to nurture the population.
Wanda Maximoff played a pivotal role in Wakanda’s final struggle against Thanos, demonstrating the complete extent of her abilities for the first time. Despite these bright points, the video also includes one of Wanda’s worst and most tragic experiences: the death of her companion, Vision.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Many consider Civil War to be one of the most fascinating and riveting films in the MCU, as it combines an expertly-crafted political thriller with some of Marvel’s most successful character work. Wanda’s misuse of her talents is the spark that sets the entire film in motion, therefore a lot of this characterization revolves around her.
Wanda and Vision are pitted against one other as members of competing Avengers teams, with Wanda battling for her freedom in the face of the restrictive Sokovia Accords. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will enjoy Civil War since it prioritizes its characters.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Elizabeth Olsen’s cameo as Wanda Maximoff in The Winter Soldier stands out among the film’s gripping tale despite her minor (and unacknowledged) role. It not only hinted at the arrival of many more superpowered characters in the MCU, but it also showed her wielding hitherto unseen abilities.
The Winter Soldier’s tiny moment provided everything necessary to build anticipation and excitement for the MCU’s second phase, but Age of Ultron would go on to reveal how Wanda got her abilities (in which she would go on to play a hugely interesting role).
Godzilla (2014)
There have been many different Godzilla films over the years, but many consider Gareth Edwards’ violent creature-feature Godzilla to be one of the best in the series. There are plenty of spectacular action sequences in this picture, as well as a heartwarming plot.
While the titular monster is clearly the focus of the film, Elizabeth Olsen gives an outstanding performance as the wife of a Navy officer who becomes involved in the battle against Godzilla. Every scene is tense and exciting, like any good monster movie should be.
I Saw The Light (2015)
I Saw The Light depicts the fascinating narrative of Hank Williams and Audrey Mae Williams, two musicians/partners whose personal struggles and tragedies begin to put an undue pressure on their marriage. Despite the film’s gloomy subject matter, Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen deliver two powerful and emotive performances that keep the audience engaged.
Despite conflicting critical reviews, many consider the film to be one of the best musical biopics ever made, as it seamlessly weaves the personal and professional lives of these two singers into a captivating and exciting story from beginning to conclusion.
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
Ingrid Goes West is another one of Olsen’s best independent films, telling the story of Ingrid Thorburn, who comes to Los Angeles in order to curry favor with her favorite social media influencer. It makes every scene stand out with its smart and quirky comedy, and the plot comes together in an unexpected and unforgettable way.
Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen star in the film, and they brilliantly complement each other and bring their characters to life. Off-screen, the two have a good friendship, so it’s no wonder that their scenes together are hilarious and enjoyable.
Liberal Arts (2012)
Josh Radnor and Elizabeth Olsen may not be the most conventional couple of all time in Liberal Arts, an underappreciated comedy film about a New York college admissions officer who falls in love with a student when he returns to his former university.
On-screen chemistry between Radnor and Olsen is fantastic, and their interactions together sell this strange and unconventional plot. While it does fall victim to a number of standard rom-com tropes, the tale is continually entertaining and intriguing to watch.
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)
Martha Marcy May Marlene, directed by Sean Durkin, is a chilling drama about Olsen’s character Martha, who battles to cope with her trauma after escaping from an abusive cult. It’s a psychological character study told in an engaging way that’s unlike anything else in the genre.
The film also contains one of Elizabeth Olsen’s best performances to date, with her portrayal of the titular Martha giving the audience goosebumps from beginning to end. It’s one of the best psychological thrillers of its era, with a stellar cast to boot.
Wind River (2017)
Wind River is a film written and directed by Taylor Sheridan about a wildlife officer and an FBI agent who team together to solve a stunning murder while also fighting to stay safe from the approaching threats to their lives.
Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen are excellent in their roles, and Sheridan’s writing manages to extract every last ounce of suspense from each moment. It’s one of the most thrilling films in the genre, with a plot that never fails to keep the audience guessing.
