Emilia Clarke is the type of actor who should be in a lot more movies and TV shows, but sometimes, even when she is, the property itself doesn't give her nearly enough solid material in order for her to really show off her acting chops. Other times, it's an absolute jackpot when everything's done well, and she's involved in it because it's then that we get something genuinely special.
With a show like Ponies (2026) currently climbing charts, people are understandably getting the chance to see just how gifted she really is. And of course, there's always Game of Thrones (2011) or fan videos to rewatch all her best moments. As one of the most versatile actresses of our generation, Clarke continues to prove that there's really no role she can't master.
From heartbreaking love stories to animated gems, here are the best Emilia Clarke movies and TV shows, as well as where you can stream them on platforms like Disney+, Peacock, and more.
5. Me Before You (2016)
Romantic dramas that end in tragedies aren't for every type of viewer, nor are they usually easy to recommend, especially when a main character dies, and people have specific health-related triggers. Me Before You is one of those movies. While both Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin do a gorgeous job in their respective roles, the adaptation based on JoJo Moyes' book of the same name, is a rough one.
Still, it's a well-made adaptation and an excellent story in the moments between all the heartache. If you want a good cry that'll also rip your heart out, Me Before You is a solid movie to show off Clarke's acting range in a way that's completely different from her more popular roles like Game of Thrones.
4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
It's always challenging to deliver an origin story based on a beloved character that also essentially changes some of the lore from the present we know. But despite what some critics and fans believe, Solo: A Star Wars Story is an excellent feature, and Emilia Clarke's role as Qi'ra is one of the most memorable among a list of countless amazing characters.
And while Clarke's role might not be as big as Alden Ehrenreich's as the titular character, we still get enough through her performances that allows us to understand who she is and what she stands for. If you've never watched Star Wars (1977), you can still commit to Solo as a standalone, but it can also be a riveting gateway into the original trilogy.
3. The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (2024)
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland flew under the radar for so many people, but it's one of the most wholesome Christmas animated features. Perfect for anyone who loves Alice in Wonderland (1951) and appreciates a good twist on classic stories, it's got stunning animation all around and incredible voice performances from the whole cast.
Clarke voices the Queen of Hearts, with Bridgerton's (2020) Simone Ashley taking the voice of Alice in a way you've never seen (or heard) before. Genuinely, it's the type of animated feature that should be on yearly rotation during the holiday season for all that it accomplishes in its short timeframe. There's an interesting beat of nostalgia in the film that adds layers to the original story we know, making it even lovelier in the process. It reminds me of another favorite underrated gem, The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus (2000).
2. Ponies (2026-present)
The latest Peacock espionage series, Ponies, is perfect for anyone who's still missing FX's masterpiece, The Americans (2013). Starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, it's sharp, gorgeously shot, and compelling from the very first episode to the last, in a way where it'll leave you invested and wanting more immediately. It's the kind of show that's so good you'll wonder why we don't have more of it.
Clarke delivers one of her best performances throughout the series, showing off her range in a way that once again proves just how much she is capable of when the script is captivating and thoughtful. The layers she brings to Bea make her an effortlessly fascinating character, and the dynamics within the show are just as enticing. This one's not to be missed, and hopefully there will be more on the horizon.
1. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
Game of Thrones may have one of the most controversial final seasons of any show, but the performances throughout were unmistakably memorable. There's a reason that almost all the actors later went on to do excellent things afterward. Their talents are limitless. And even if you never watched an episode, chances are you know the dragon queen, Daenerys Targaryen.
Clarke's performance throughout the seasons has been astounding in indescribable ways. The layers she brings into each of her scenes and the amount of heart she lays bare throughout are no small feat. Daenerys is a great character on paper, but it's what Emilia Clarke brings to the role that makes her so iconic and legendary. Despite its ending, Game of Thrones is still the type of fantasy blueprint that's worth watching, if for no other reason than for the performances.
