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Dakota Johnson may have gotten her big break in Fifty Shades of Grey, but since then, she's made a point to carve out a career filled with indie films, genre-bending thrillers, and offbeat comedies. Whether she’s quietly stealing scenes in ensemble casts or leading the charge in emotionally layered dramas, Johnson has proven she’s far more than just a franchise star. So here are all the best Dakota Johnson movies to watch after you see Verity — especially if you're contemplating cutting bangs right now!
Here are 10 of Dakota Johnson’s best movies to add to your watchlist!
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Universal Pictures
Say what you want about the Fifty Shades franchise—Johnson managed to elevate a character that could’ve easily been one-dimensional. Her portrayal of Anastasia Steele brought a surprising amount of vulnerability and control to the role, setting her up for bigger and better things.
A Bigger Splash (2015)
Searchlight Pictures
In Luca Guadagnino’s psychological drama, Johnson plays Penelope, a flirtatious, mysterious young woman who stirs up tension between a rock star (Tilda Swinton) and her ex (Ralph Fiennes). It’s one of her first major departures from the mainstream, and she holds her own against a cast of heavyweights.
How to Be Single (2016)
Warner Bros. Entertainment
This rom-com about finding yourself in NYC’s dating scene gives Johnson the space to show her comedic timing. As Alice, she plays the perfect mix of awkward and endearing, with moments that feel all too relatable for anyone who's hit a post-breakup reset.
Black Mass (2015)
Warner Bros. Entertainment
Though a smaller role, Johnson adds emotional gravity as Lindsey Cyr, the girlfriend of infamous gangster Whitey Bulger (Johnny Depp). Her scenes offer a more human side to the otherwise brutal crime saga.
Suspiria (2018)
Amazon Studios
Arguably her most daring performance, Johnson plays Susie Bannion in this chilling reimagining of the 1977 horror classic. It’s eerie, intense, and totally out of left field—but her quiet magnetism anchors the film’s more surreal elements.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Roadside Flix
This heartwarming indie adventure follows a young man with Down syndrome chasing his dream of becoming a wrestler. Johnson plays a social worker with empathy and strength, bringing warmth to the film’s found-family dynamic.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Netflix
In Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, Johnson stars opposite Olivia Colman as a young mother grappling with identity and independence.
Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
20th Century Studios
As Emily, Johnson brings edge and unpredictability to this stylish noir ensemble. The film never quite tells you who to trust, and she leans into that ambiguity effortlessly.
Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
Apple TV+
Johnson’s chemistry with writer-director Cooper Raiff is the emotional core of this understated Sundance favorite. As a young mom navigating loneliness, she gives one of her most grounded performances.
Am I OK? (2022)
HBO Max
A Sundance premiere, this hidden gem follows two best friends facing change as one comes out later in life. Johnson’s performance is refreshingly honest, and the film hits all the right emotional beats without going overboard.
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