From Harry Potter to Disney to Little Women (2019), Emma Watson has appeared in some of the biggest franchises and most beloved works ever created. She has played a vital role in bringing numerous bestselling young adult novels to life, as well as portrayed a Disney princess. While she is currently on a hiatus from acting, viewers still have a plethora of high-quality Watson films to dive into until she returns.
This guide will rank the 10 best Emma Watson movies and reveal where viewers can find them on platforms like Peacock, Disney+, and more.
10. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Watson brings Belle to life in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2017), a live-action remake of the 1991 animated movie of the same name. In the film, Belle takes her father’s place as The Beast’s (Dan Stevens) prisoner and finds herself developing an unlikely bond with him. Beauty and the Beast is a gorgeous adaptation, with exquisite costumes, set designs, and attention to detail that imbues the story with magic and enchantment. Watson is compelling as the bookish, kind-hearted Belle, while the songs are as catchy as the original.
In terms of live-action Disney remakes, Beauty and the Beast is on par with Lilo & Stitch (2025) in that it’s a faithful and beautiful adaptation, though it doesn’t quite eclipse remakes like Cinderella (2015) and The Jungle Book (2016) that make the story their own or even improve upon the original. Fans of the original movie and satisfactory Disney live-action remakes will love Beauty and the Beast, though those seeking something new may be disappointed, which is why it ranks tenth on this list.
9. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth installment in the Harry Potter film series. It follows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) as they attempt to prove to the Wizarding World the threat posed by Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), while also trying to prevent the sadistic Professor Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) from taking over Hogwarts.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix boasts a similar appeal as the first four films in the franchise, with its magical premise and character development. Staunton and Alan Rickman also offer powerful performances as Umbridge and Professor Snape, respectively. However, as one of the middle movies and one of the more overstuffed in terms of plot, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix sometimes struggles with pacing and engagement. Still, it’s enjoyable for fans of Harry Potter. Fans of more child-friendly fantasy, such as Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023), will also enjoy the movie’s slightly lighter tone and focus on antagonistic teachers.
8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is the first half of the final Harry Potter installment, which sees the lead trio attempt to destroy the Horcruxes and prepare for the final stand against Voldemort and the Death Eaters. The film is one of the darkest and most mature Harry Potter movies, and the stakes are higher as the series races to its end. Watson gives one of her most passionate and mature performances as Hermione, as the trio goes through some of the most harrowing situations yet.
Ultimately, the film is dark, mature, and suspenseful, although the decision to end the story in the middle may frustrate fans and lead to the movie feeling fragmented. If you love the darker Harry Potter entries, such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), and are seeking something a little more mature than Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, you will love Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
7. My Week with Marilyn (2011)
My Week with Marilyn is a biographical film that follows a week in Marilyn Monroe’s (Michelle Williams) life as she films The Prince and the Showgirl (1957). Watson stars in the film as Lucy, a wardrobe assistant whose relationship with production assistant, Colin (Eddie Redmayne), struggles due to his growing infatuation with Monroe. Unfortunately, her role is overshadowed by Marilyn, and Watson doesn’t get much of a chance to show off her acting chops. However, Williams nails her depiction of Monroe. While the story will be familiar to most Marilyn Monroe fans, it’s told through a unique and refreshing angle.
Viewers hoping for a more substantial role for Watson or an overly revelatory work on Monroe may be a bit disappointed by My Week with Marilyn. Yet, if you love Monroe and are seeking something less controversial than Blonde (2022) and a little more whimsical than documentaries like Marilyn Monroe: Beyond the Legend (2002), you will enjoy My Week with Marilyn.
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth installment in the Harry Potter series and sees Harry compete in the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts. The film marks the beginning of the series's darker territory, yet the lighthearted themes, romances, and wizard games create a perfect balance between the light and dark tones. Viewers will be especially thrilled with Watson’s performance, as her and Ron’s relationship starts simmering. Meanwhile, the shocking ending leaves you eager for more.
Although it’s sometimes a bit slow, it plays the most vital role in setting up the last half of the film series. If you love the earlier Harry Potter films, like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), which focus more on school life and student antics, you’ll love Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
5. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s YA novel of the same name and follows Charlie (Logan Lerman) as he navigates high school as a freshman and comes to terms with his past. Watson stars as Charlie’s high school friend, Sam, who develops a strong connection with him. Sam is almost the opposite of Hermione due to her free-spiritedness and insecurity, allowing Watson to show her versatility as an actress.
In addition to strong performances, the film offers an intriguing exploration of the teenage experience and the nature of trauma. Fans of Chbosky’s book will love that The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a faithful adaptation. You’ll also enjoy the film if you like poignant and mature coming-of-age movies like Eighth Grade (2018) and Lady Bird (2017). Although it’s a strong and thoughtful coming-of-age film, it doesn’t always escape the teen drama cliches and character archetypes, which prevent it from ranking higher on this list.
4. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth installment in the Harry Potter series and follows Harry as his preparations to fight Lord Voldemort take on a new urgency as the Death Eaters become bolder. Of all the Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince feels most like an official coming-of-age film as Harry, Ron, and Hermione struggle to put the hormones and pettiness of their teenage years behind them to face a threat bigger than themselves. The tone is also dark and somber, while the plot boasts unexpected twists and turns.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince offers a sense of mystery, high stakes, suspense, and more intense character performances. Viewers seeking a sweet spot between the innocence of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and the darkness of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 will especially enjoy this installment.
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment in the Harry Potter series, and centers on the trio as they explore Harry’s mysterious connection to Azkaban prison escapee Sirius Black (Gary Oldman). The film is one of the best Harry Potter movies, boasting stunning visuals that truly capture the magic of the novel and honing in on the character and narrative development. It’s the point where things really start picking up speed and heading toward maturity. Strain between the trio also crops up, giving Watson, Grint, and Radcliffe a chance to delve deeper into who their characters are apart from one another rather than just as a unit.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is magical, visually stunning, and mature without being too dark or frightening. Its character development and sophisticated style will attract older viewers, while children will love the student antics and friendship between the lead trio.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the final film in the Harry Potter series, marking the last chapter in Harry’s quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. The film executes the story’s conclusion remarkably well, boasting by far the most thrilling and suspenseful premise, along with the most weighty performances. It’s dramatic, dark, and offers the grandiosity needed to wrap such an expansive, beloved story.
If you love the darker tone of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as well as the dazzling style and visuals of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is a must-see. It brings together the best elements of its predecessor and offers the perfect backdrop for Watson’s final bow as Hermione.
1. Little Women (2019)
Little Women is Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic of the same name. The film follows the March sisters as they navigate sisterhood and the transition to womanhood in the post-Civil War era. Watson stars in the movie as the oldest March sister, Meg, and, like Hermione, it’s a role that seems truly made for her. She beautifully captures Meg’s gentleness, maturity, and subtle struggles with vanity. The whole movie is impeccably cast, while Gerwig’s take on Little Women imbues it with relevance and realism for a modern audience.
If you love Alcott’s novel, Little Women is a near-perfect retelling that makes it a must-see. Little Women is also a must-see for fans of Gerwig and Watson, as well as those seeking a movie that just gets what it means to be a girl and woman, such as Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (2023), Barbie (2023), and Lady Bird. Little Women is powerful, relatable, and beautifully executed, allowing it even to surpass the Harry Potter movies as Watson’s best film.
