Overview
- Ana de Armas has solidified her reputation in Hollywood through remarkable performances alongside esteemed actors in critically acclaimed films.
- Despite receiving mixed reviews for some of her roles, de Armas consistently showcases her acting talent.
Ana de Armas stands out as one of the most compelling actresses in contemporary cinema. Since the late 2010s, she has enjoyed a trajectory of success that reflects her extraordinary skills. Born in Cuba in 1988, she made her acting debut at just 16. Her relocation to Los Angeles in 2014 marked a pivotal point in her career, propelling her into significant roles in acclaimed films throughout the latter half of the decade. As her popularity grew, she collaborated with high-profile actors and directors, further establishing her footprint in the industry.
While she maintains a fresh presence in Hollywood, Ana de Armas burst into the limelight around 2017 and has remained a key figure in the film scene, despite a slight reduction in her output in recent years. As we look ahead, an intriguing question arises: What are Ana de Armas’ best films?
Updated February 28, 2025, by Mark Sammut: With the anticipated releases of Eden and Ballerina in 2025, it’s expected to be a significant year for Ana de Armas. Although she has taken a step back from the spotlight recently, her career is undeniably on the ascent. Will these upcoming projects rank among the best Ana de Armas movies?
13 Overdrive (2017)
A Lackluster Film That Highlights Ana de Armas’ Growth as an Actress
Released simultaneously with the acclaimed Blade Runner 2049, Overdrive failed to leave a lasting impression. Following her breakout roles in Blade Runner 2049 and Knives Out, de Armas found herself in a series of less impactful English-speaking films. Overdrive, characterized as a standard action flick aiming to emulate the Fast and Furious franchise, features a youthful cast and a setting in France. While it doesn’t offend, the film struggles to maintain narrative engagement amidst average action sequences.
Ana de Armas delivers a competent performance given the film’s limitations. Nevertheless, she occupies a rather thankless role as the main character’s love interest, providing little opportunity for her talent to shine. For ardent fans, however, viewing Overdrive might still be a leisurely endeavor.
12 Knock Knock (2015)
A Chaotic Film with a Delightful Performance
For many viewers, Knock Knock served as an early introduction to Ana de Armas, marking one of her first English-speaking roles. Eli Roth’s take on Death Game attracted attention thanks to Keanu Reeves, who portrays a married man embroiled in a perilous situation with two mysterious women. However, despite its intriguing premise, the film falters as the plot becomes bogged down after a tense start.
While Reeves struggles to evoke the necessary character transformation, de Armas adeptly fulfills her role, albeit with limited material compared to her co-star, Lorenza Izzo. Overall, Knock Knock offers a mixed bag, yet de Armas’ performance stands out amidst the chaos.
11 The Informer (2019)
Underutilized Talent in a Solid Film
The Informer stands out as one of Ana de Armas’ notable films, particularly as she makes an appearance in a prominent role. Directed by Andrea Di Stefano, this gripping crime thriller follows Joel Kinnaman’s character, Pete—a former convict turned double agent entwined in a dangerous New York crime syndicate.
Despite its engaging premise and an impressive supporting cast—including Rosamund Pike and Clive Owen—The Informer doesn’t capitalize on de Armas’ potential. She plays Pete’s wife, adding depth to his character but remaining largely overshadowed by the film’s action and twists. While solid overall, de Armas’ performance is more supportive than standout.
10 Ghosted (2023)
Surpasses its Average Script
Since teaming up in Knives Out, Chris Evans and Ana de Armas have garnered attention for their on-screen chemistry. The romantic action-comedy Ghosted, released in 2023, hinges on their allure as a couple. Unfortunately, it falls short of its potential due to a lackluster script and uninspired action sequences, hampering the dynamic between the leads.
Evans plays Cole, a hopeless romantic who gets caught up in espionage after visiting Sadie, portrayed by de Armas, in London. Although Ghosted lacks the thrill of other entries in the genre, it’s a harmless way to spend a couple of hours—underwhelming but entertaining nonetheless.
9 Deep Water (2022)
Strong Performance Amidst Mediocrity
Deep Water, a psychological thriller showcasing the dynamics of an unhappy marriage, features Ana de Armas alongside Ben Affleck. Initially produced for Hulu, it delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of a seemingly perfect couple managing their troubled relationship.
While their chemistry isn’t particularly compelling, both actors manage to deliver engaging performances in the film’s intense moments. However, the central mystery lacks intrigue, resulting in a narrative that feels contrived at times.
8 Sergio (2020)
A Subdued Yet Impactful Contribution
Based on the real-life story of UN diplomat Sergio Vieira de Mello, Sergio depicts the dire circumstances following the Iraq invasion. Though met with some controversy, the film explores significant themes of sacrifice and duty, elevated by Ana de Armas’ role as the diplomat’s love interest.
While her role may not be flashy, de Armas effectively enhances the narrative, showcasing her talent in this more subdued yet emotionally resonant portrayal.
7 The Gray Man (2022)
Ana de Armas Shines in an Average Movie
While The Gray Man may not be the highest point of the Russo Brothers’ careers, it offers a solid dose of action and entertainment. Featuring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, the film becomes increasingly enjoyable due to its engaging performances and sleek production values.
The standout is Ana de Armas, who navigates her role with poise and charisma, adding depth to the storyline and providing notable moments that elevate the overall film experience.
6 War Dogs (2016)
An Early Breakthrough in English-Language Cinema
Before achieving widespread fame, Ana de Armas appeared in the crime-comedy War Dogs as a supporting character. The film follows two young men, played by Jonah Hill and Miles Teller, who find themselves embroiled in unexpected peril while working for the government.
Despite her minimal screen time, de Armas imbues her character, Iz, with warmth and humor, effectively balancing the film’s comedic elements while adding emotional depth.
5 Heart (2018)
A Brief Yet Impactful Narrative
In one of Ana de Armas’ lesser-known films, she takes on the challenging role of a young woman grappling with a life-threatening condition. Corazón tells the story of her character fighting to secure a visa for critical medical treatment, making it a poignant watch.
Despite its brief runtime of just 49 minutes, Corazón captures the audience’s attention and empathy. Ana de Armas delivers a powerful performance that resonates deeply, showcasing her range and emotional prowess in a highly intimate narrative.
4 No Time To Die (2021)
A Memorable Appearance in a Legendary Franchise
As Ana de Armas’ career progressed, she stepped into the iconic world of James Bond, portraying Paloma in Daniel Craig’s final turn as the legendary spy. Her character showcases strength and competence, highlighting the evolution of female roles in the franchise.
Although her screen time is limited, Paloma’s impact is significant, making No Time to Die one of de Armas’ best movies. Her engaging performance alongside Bond’s character creates memorable moments that elevate the overall film experience.
3 Blonde (2022)
A Standout Performance in a Controversial Film
Blonde is a film that evokes polarizing reactions, placing it among the year’s most debated releases. However, Ana de Armas’ portrayal of a fictionalized Marilyn Monroe is largely viewed as exceptional. Her performance drives the film, remaining the focal point throughout the lengthy runtime.
While the film itself may feel uncomfortable and repetitive at times, de Armas’ performance is a compelling highlight, showcasing her ability to embrace complex emotions and deliver an unforgettable experience.
2 Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A Career-Defining Role
The highly anticipated sequel to the legendary Blade Runner (1982), Blade Runner 2049 showcases Ana de Armas in a pivotal role that significantly enhanced her visibility in Hollywood. Portraying Joi, a digital companion to Ryan Gosling’s character, she captivates audiences with her performances.
This film not only draws viewers into its richly woven narrative but also features an outstanding cast. Arguably, Blade Runner 2049 served as a catalyst for de Armas’ ascent within the film industry.
1 Knives Out (2019)
Leading a Star-Studded Ensemble
The 2019 crime-comedy Knives Out is a brilliant homage to Agatha Christie’s storytelling style, teeming with sharp wit, intricate characters, and plot twists. Ana de Armas delivers a standout performance as Marta, a character whose moral compass contrasts sharply with the morally ambiguous ensemble around her.
As Marta, she assists Daniel Craig’s detective in unraveling the mystery surrounding her employer’s murder, excellently showcasing her range amidst an impressive cast, including Chris Evans and Jamie Lee Curtis. Despite entering the film with minimal recognition, de Armas elevates her onscreen presence, striking a harmonic balance of drama and humor in her portrayal. This film highlights her potential, proving she is equally capable in both comedic and serious roles.
|
Eden |
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Release Date/Year |
2025 (Full Release) |
June 6, 2025 |
|
Director |
Ron Howard |
Len Wiseman |
|
Genre/s |
Thriller |
Action |
|
Other Cast Members |
Sydney Sweeney, Jude Law, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl, Richard Roxburgh, Felix Kammerer, Toby Wallace |
Angelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Norman Reedus, Catherine Sandino Moreno, Lance Reddick |
As we consider Ana de Armas’ recent career trajectory, it’s clear that she has maintained a somewhat low profile in the early 2020s. Her role in No Time to Die showcased her action capabilities and positioned her for future genre films like Ghosted.Blonde generated considerable discussions, highlighting the actress’s remarkable range.
Despite this, de Armas has two notable projects lined up for the near future. The first, Eden, debuted at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival, receiving mixed critiques. This intriguing project, featuring a cast of both veterans and newcomers, is based on a string of peculiar events known as The Galapagos Affair, which transpired in the 1930s. Though it captivated audiences in Toronto, a North American release date is yet to be confirmed.
The second feature, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, promises a larger canvas for de Armas, casting her as the title character in a new chapter of the franchise. As the story pivots to an empowered female lead, de Armas could evolve into a prime action star, following her impressive performances so far. With Len Wiseman at the helm—known for Underworld and Total Recall—Ballerina sets high expectations for its distinct identity apart from the John Wick series.
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