Scarlett Johansson’s Defining Roles: The 2010s Films That Shaped a Star

Scarlett Johansson’s ascent to the top of the box office charts by 2025 was no accident. Her career throughout the 2010s was marked by a series of shrewd choices, balancing high-profile franchises with more intimate, critically lauded projects. Following her breakthrough in Lost in Translation, Johansson’s filmography became a showcase for her remarkable versatility, as she moved seamlessly between action, drama, and experimental cinema.

Superheroes and Blockbusters: The Marvel Era

Johansson’s introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe came with Iron Man 2 in 2010, where she first appeared as Natasha Romanoff, better known as Black Widow. Although her role was initially modest, it set the stage for her growing significance within the franchise. The film itself, while receiving a mixed critical response, performed strongly at the box office and marked the beginning of Johansson’s long association with Marvel.

Her presence became more pronounced in The Avengers (2012), where she joined a formidable ensemble to take on Loki’s threat to Earth. The film’s commercial success was matched by its critical acclaim, and Johansson’s portrayal of Black Widow added depth to the team dynamic. She continued to develop the character in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), where her partnership with Steve Rogers revealed new layers to Romanoff’s persona. By the time Avengers: Infinity War (2018) arrived, Johansson’s Black Widow was a seasoned, battle-hardened figure, integral to the unfolding drama.

Indie Darlings and Voice Work

While superhero films brought her global recognition, Johansson also sought out more unconventional roles. In Under the Skin (2013), she played an enigmatic alien navigating the streets of Scotland, delivering a performance that was both unsettling and strangely moving, despite minimal dialogue. That same year, she lent her voice to the AI Samantha in Her, a role that required her to convey emotion and complexity without ever appearing on screen. Her nuanced vocal work was widely praised, adding a unique dimension to the film’s exploration of love and technology.

Johansson’s range was further demonstrated in Don Jon (2013), where she played Barbara, a woman whose expectations of romance clash with her partner’s reality. The film, a satirical look at modern relationships, allowed Johansson to display both comedic timing and emotional subtlety. In Chef (2014), she took on a smaller part as Molly, a supportive friend and confidante, contributing to the film’s warm, light-hearted atmosphere.

Leading Roles and Award Recognition

Johansson’s ability to anchor a film was evident in Lucy (2014), where she portrayed a woman who gains extraordinary abilities after being exposed to an experimental drug. The film’s blend of action and philosophical musings was held together by her commanding performance, which proved central to its box office appeal.

Her dramatic talents came to the fore in Marriage Story (2019), where she starred opposite Adam Driver as a woman navigating the emotional turmoil of divorce. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, with critics highlighting the authenticity and depth she brought to the character. That same year, she appeared in Jojo Rabbit, playing Rosie, a mother hiding a Jewish girl in Nazi Germany. The film’s blend of humour and poignancy was matched by Johansson’s vibrant, compassionate portrayal, which garnered her further critical acclaim and another Oscar nod.

Animation, Family Dramas, and Versatility

Johansson’s filmography in the 2010s also included forays into animation and family fare. In Isle of Dogs (2018), she voiced Nutmeg, a show dog who aids a young boy on a quest in a dystopian Japan. The film’s distinctive style and offbeat humour were complemented by Johansson’s performance, which added warmth and charm to the ensemble cast.

Earlier in the decade, she appeared in We Bought a Zoo (2011) as Kelly Foster, a zookeeper helping a widower and his family rebuild their lives. The film’s gentle, sentimental tone was well served by Johansson’s grounded, empathetic approach to the role.

Throughout the 2010s, Johansson’s choices reflected a willingness to take risks and a commitment to her craft. Whether leading a blockbuster or lending her talents to a smaller, more personal project, she consistently demonstrated why she remains one of the most compelling performers of her generation.