The 7 Best Dakota Fanning Movies & TV Shows, Ranked
Whether in a small but outstanding role like in Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019) or even films like the Twilight saga, Dakota Fanning is one of the actresses whose work continues to improve with time as she embodies characters with layers and memorable quirks. The long-anticipated book-to-screen adaptation for The Nightingale (2027), which she'll star in with her sister Elle Fanning, also gives us plenty to look forward to on top of the many movies and TV shows she's had lined up since she was a kid.
From horror films to animated features, there's no genre Fanning hasn't tackled, and even when the property itself isn't great, her performances are always compelling. Here are some of Dakota Fanning's best movies and TV shows, ranked, as well as where you can stream them on platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and more.
Biopics aren't for everyone, and this is especially true if the band or musician is someone you are typically a fan of. That's ultimately the only reason The Runaways ranks so low on this list is because even though Dakota Fanning is excellent in it—alongside Kristen Stewart, who also brings her A-game—the film works best for viewers who love and appreciate the titular band.
The movie's also a personal favorite of mine as one that honors Joan Jett and The Runaways with plenty of care to showcase complexities and challenging times within a rocky music industry. Fanning's performance is fantastic through and through as she does something completely different than the roles we've seen her in, bringing Cherie Currie to life with nuance and care.
Based on the novel by Caleb Carr, The Alienist has a short run, but it's still one worth checking out. The period crime drama, which also starred Daniel Brühl and Luke Evans alongside Fanning, went under the radar for too many people and unfortunately never really gained enough traction to garner another season, but it's still incredible for people who love shows like The Gentleman (2024) and even elements of Ripley (2024), which Fanning also stars in.
Her performance in The Alienist, like most of the work she delivers, is gripping throughout, and she brings to life the character of Sara Howard remarkably. Plus, the series is not only visually stunning, but it delivers compelling narratives in every episode that are incredibly fascinating to deconstruct for the genre.
If you love the John Wick movies but you've been sleeping on The Equalizer (2024) films, now's the time to change that. Denzel Washington delivers captivating performances in each one, and when Dakota Fanning comes into The Equalizer 3, it's incredible to see the two of them reunite after Man on Fire, which was released so long ago now.
While it's understandable that viewers might not want to watch a trilogy just to see an actress they like, this is a trilogy that's well worth the investment. It's outstanding from start to finish and includes a great score and cinematography on top of the incredible performances. Ultimately, Fanning is fascinating to watch every time she's on screen, and it's not an action film you'll regret investing time in if the genre's one you enjoy.
We've had a few adaptations of Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley, but few have been as hauntingly raw as the limited series that aired on Netflix. Ripley shines as the best version of the titular character's arc for countless reasons, but at the top of the list is the performances. From Andrew Scott to Dakota Fanning, there's not a single person who doesn't deliver a staggering exposé on complex characters.
Fanning is particularly great in this role as she moves with a physicality we've yet to see her in. Despite the similarities in various characters she's played, what often stands out is how she consistently ensures that each role feels different from the other, and such is the case in Ripley. There's something about the way she moves through the frame that makes the series best suited for people who appreciate artful characters and are nostalgic for film noir.
As another limited series in her filmography, All Her Fault is a tumultuous and addictive thriller that explores family dynamics and unlikely friendships with thought-provoking writing. Both Dakota Fanning and Sarah Snook deliver such gripping performances that it's a treat to get such gifted women in the same property.
The series is proof of the fact that Fanning continues to outdo herself with every performance as she gives us something nuanced and unique with whatever character she embodies. All Her Fault is a must-watch for anyone who loves women-led thrillers like Big Little Lies (2017). From the plot to the performances, everything about the mystery series results in one of the best shows we've had in recent years. Once you start, there's no way you'll stop until you watch the jaw-dropping finale.
As one of her earliest roles and an absolute gem of a film, it's hard to describe the magic and heart of Uptown Girls. The work that both Dakota Fanning and the late Brittany Murphy bring to the table is inimitable, making the movie a treasure still to this day. It might not have garnered favorable reviews from critics back in the day, but there's no denying that the story of growth is lovely.
At the same time, and perhaps more than anything, it's the nostalgia in the movie that makes it one still worth watching today. Stories about unlikely friendships and people taking care of each other hold a universal appeal that always feels comforting, and that much remains true about Uptown Girls. There's something really special about it, and if you love nanny stories, this one feels necessary in the lineup.
While Coraline might be an animated feature, the fact that Dakota Fanning delivers a sensational performance throughout is why the film deserves to be number one in her filmography. People don't realize how much harder it is to bring voice acting to life at times, and Fanning's performance is part of the reason why the film's so appealing.
Perfect for every spooky lover who adores whimsical and dark features like The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Coraline is a must-watch for the adventures the titular character goes on. As a story about neglect and bravery woven into a gorgeous character study, it's also a rare case of the movie being better than the book.
