As Dakota Johnson turns 35 today, we celebrate not only her milestone birthday but also her remarkable journey in Hollywood. From her breakout role as Anastasia Steele fifty Shades of Grey Due to her recent critically acclaimed performances, Johnson has consistently proven her versatility as an actress. Over the years, he has enthralled audiences with his emotional depth, subtlety and charisma and has earned nominations for prestigious awards such as the BAFTA Rising Star Award and the People’s Choice Award.
With a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for her role as how to stay singleHe has consistently demonstrated his range in a variety of genres, from intense psychological thrillers to heartfelt indie films.
Born into a family of Hollywood royalty to parents actor Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, Dakota forged her own unique path, building a successful career beyond the shadow of her famous lineage. She has gained wide recognition for her work across a variety of genres, from romantic drama to horror and comedy, seamlessly transitioning between light-hearted characters and intense characters.
On his 35th birthday, it’s the perfect time to take a look at his top 10 films that have defined his career so far. From international blockbusters to independent films, these roles not only highlight her talent but also show why Dakota Johnson remains one of the most promising stars in contemporary cinema.
1. Fifty Shades of Grey: The role that defined a global star
Dakota Johnson’s breakout role in Fifty Shades of Grey, released in 2015, catapulted her to international stardom. Playing Anastasia Steele, a naive but curious college student, Johnson managed to bring depth to a character that could have easily been simplified. Her portrayal of Anna’s vulnerability, innocence, and ultimately empowerment was captivating, and despite polarizing views on the film, Johnson’s performance was universally lauded. The subtlety of her emotional expressions along with her undeniable on-screen chemistry with Jamie Dornan elevated the film’s story. Johnson’s ability to convey complex emotions in such a controversial story marked her as more than just a rising star – it demonstrated her talent for playing multifaceted characters with grace and intensity.
2. Peanut Butter Falcon: A Heartwarming Story of Compassion
In 2019, Dakota Johnson starred as Eleanor in The Peanut Butter Falcon, a heartwarming film that showcased her softer, nurturing side. Playing a caregiver who is looking out for a young man with Down syndrome who dreams of becoming a wrestler, Johnson’s portrayal brought a sense of warmth and empathy to the role. Her character’s delicate balance between compassion and determination appealed to audiences, adding emotional depth to the film. The chemistry he shared with his co-stars, especially Shia LaBeouf and Zac Gottsagen, was both genuine and endearing. Johnson’s restrained but powerful performance allows her to shine in a film full of raw emotion and human connection, proving that her range as an actress extends far beyond mainstream roles.
3. Suspiria: A Bold Dive Into Psychological Horror
Dakota Johnson took a bold leap into the 2018 horror remake, Suspiria, where she played Susie Bannion, a young American dancer entangled in a sinister world. Johnson’s commitment to the role – physically and emotionally – was evident as he immersed himself in the film’s eerie atmosphere. His portrayal was hair-raising, capturing his character’s gradual descent into a supernatural realm. Johnson’s dance sequences were mesmerizing, serving not only as a physical feat but also as an expression of his character’s internal transformation. His performance was praised for its complexity, as he highlighted the dark and psychological aspects of the film. Suspiria cemented Johnson’s place as an actress who is not afraid to take on bold, challenging roles, and showcases her evolving artistry in genres beyond her previous work.
4. A Big Show: Seduction and Mystery
In 2015’s A Bigger Splash, Dakota Johnson played Penelope, a character shrouded in mystery and allure. Her performance was exceptional as she embodied a mysterious young woman who flirts with danger effortlessly. Johnson’s subtle acting added layers to Penelope, making her more than just a mysterious figure in the narrative. He had great chemistry with the cast, including Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, which contributed to the film’s tense atmosphere. Johnson’s ability to blend innocence with an undercurrent of sexuality made her portrayal memorable, and she captivated audiences with her character’s subtle manipulation and quiet charm. Bigger Splash proved to be an ideal platform for Johnson to showcase his versatility, adding to his growing reputation as a dynamic artist.
5. How to Be Alone (2016): A refreshing take on romance
In the 2016 romantic comedy How to Be Single, Dakota Johnson played Alice, a young woman struggling with the ups and downs of single life in New York City. Her portrayal of Alice was both comedic and heartwarming, as she brought a fresh, relatable energy to the character. Johnson’s comedic timing was impeccable and he effortlessly balanced the film’s lighter moments with the more introspective scenes. The film allowed her to explore themes of independence, self-discovery and personal growth while maintaining an attractive on-screen presence. Johnson’s performance was brilliant amid a packed cast, as she brought warmth and sincerity to Alice’s journey. This role strengthened her ability to excel in romantic comedies, proving that she could handle both drama and comedy with ease.
6. The High Note (2020): Chasing dreams with passion
In 2020’s The High Note, Dakota Johnson gave a heart-touching performance as Maggie, an aspiring music producer who works as a personal assistant to a famous singer. Johnson’s portrayal of Maggie was full of warmth and ambition, depicting the struggles and dreams of a young woman trying to make her mark in the competitive music industry. Her performance was praised for its authenticity, as she embodied both vulnerability and determination in her character’s pursuit of success. Johnson’s on-screen chemistry with Tracee Ellis Ross added depth to the film’s narrative, enhancing the emotional core of the story. The High Note showcased Johnson’s ability to carry a film, balancing light-hearted charm with moments of emotional resonance, further solidifying her status as a versatile actress.
7. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018): A Tale of Secrets and Suspense
Dakota Johnson played the mysterious and alluring role of Emily Summerspring in 2018’s Bad Times at the El Royale. In a suspenseful atmosphere, Johnson’s character had hidden secrets that were gradually revealed as the film progressed. Her portrayal of Emily added an interesting layer to the ensemble cast, bringing both intensity and sensitivity to the screen. Johnson’s ability to embrace the noir-style tone of the film, as well as his restrained performance, made his character one of the most memorable in the film. His presence in the narrative provided a quiet force, which contributed to the overall mystery and complexity of the plot. Once again, Johnson proves his ability to portray complex, mysterious characters with an impressive balance of patience and grace.
8. Our Friend: A Journey Through Love and Loss
In the 2019 drama Our Friend, Dakota Johnson gave one of her most emotional performances to date. Playing Nicole Teague, a woman battling terminal cancer, Johnson brought incredible depth and vulnerability to the role. Her portrayal of Nicole’s journey through illness, love and friendship was heartbreaking, depicting both the fragility and strength of her character. Johnson’s ability to convey the emotional weight of the story without overacting was praised by critics and audiences alike. Her on-screen chemistry with co-stars Casey Affleck and Jason Segel heightened the emotional impact of the film, making her performance a standout. Our friend highlights Johnson’s development as an actress capable of handling intensely emotional and challenging roles, cementing her place as a serious talent in Hollywood.
9. Cha Cha Real Smooth: A Heartfelt Story of Connection
In 2022’s Cha Cha Real Smooth, Dakota Johnson played Domino, a single mother who faces the challenges of raising an autistic daughter while forming a relationship with the film’s protagonist. Johnson’s performance was subtle but deeply emotional, as he brought warmth and tenderness to his character’s journey. Her ability to convey Domino’s complexities – balancing love, responsibility and personal growth – was a testament to her acting skills. The film’s intimate, heartfelt moments were depicted by Johnson’s genuine portrayal, and her on-screen chemistry with co-star Cooper Rife added to the authenticity of their relationship. Cha Cha Real Smooth was another example of Johnson’s talent for portraying emotionally layered characters, further cementing her reputation as an actress capable of connecting with audiences on a deep, personal level.
10. The Lost Daughter (2021): Exploring the complexities of motherhood
In the 2021 psychological drama The Lost Daughter, Dakota Johnson played Nina, a young mother grappling with the challenges of motherhood and personal identity. Johnson’s portrayal was raw and emotionally impactful, as she revealed the complexities of her character’s internal conflicts. Her brief but impactful role alongside Olivia Colman added depth to the film’s exploration of motherhood, sacrifice and repentance. Johnson’s performance was praised for its authenticity and vulnerability, as she portrayed the nuance of a woman torn between her desires and responsibilities. The Lost Daughter further showcased Johnson’s ability to bring emotional intensity to her roles, proving once again that she is a force to be reckoned with in character-driven dramas.
Also read: Brady Bunch alum Barry Williams recalls how all the young cast members connected with each other offscreen
