If you were to ask 100 people who the best actress in Hollywood is, you’d likely hear names like Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, Viola Davis, and Frances McDormand. However, an argument can be made that the most versatile actress in Hollywood is none other than Emily Blunt. Hailing from England, Blunt’s range spans from summer action blockbusters and romantic comedies to intense dramas and even horror films. Few actresses can boast a repertoire as diverse as playing characters like Mary Poppins, Kitty Oppenheimer, Emily Charlton, and Rita Vrataski.
Blunt’s next appearance will be in the upcoming drama “Pain Hustlers,” set to stream on Netflix in October as part of the platform’s 2023 movie lineup. Prior to that, here are five must-watch Emily Blunt movies that showcase her talent, including a crime drama written by Taylor Sheridan and one of the best mainstream horror films of the past decade.
“The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)
Based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel from 2003, “The Devil Wears Prada” delves into the cutthroat world of high fashion. Recent college graduate Andy Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) lands a dream job at the prestigious Runway magazine. However, Andy is hired as the junior personal assistant to the magazine’s tough and formidable editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Alongside Miranda, Andy must also contend with Emily Charlton (played by Blunt), Miranda’s senior assistant. Even if you’re not a fashion enthusiast, “The Devil Wears Prada” is an entertaining dramedy that explores power dynamics in the corporate world.
Watch “The Devil Wears Prada” on Hulu.
“Sicario” (2015)
Written by Taylor Sheridan, “Sicario” is hailed as one of his best scripts. Set in the treacherous drug world, the film follows FBI Special Agent Kate Macer (played by Blunt) as she joins a Joint Task Force led by CIA operative Matt Graver (Josh Brolin). Their mission is to take down a powerful drug kingpin within the Mexican drug cartel. Working alongside Kate is the enigmatic assassin Alejandro Gillick (Benicio del Toro), who seeks revenge against the cartel for the murder of his family. With a gripping script and commendable performances, “Sicario” stands out as one of the top action thrillers of the past two decades.
Stream “Sicario” on MGM+.
“Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)
Directed by Doug Liman, “Edge of Tomorrow” is a thrilling sci-fi action film. Tom Cruise stars as Major William Cage, an inexperienced soldier thrust into a mission against alien creatures called “mimics.” On the battlefield, Cage is swiftly killed by a mimic. However, prior to his death, he manages to kill a unique mimic, propelling him into a time loop where he relives the same day and faces death repeatedly. Cage seeks the assistance of Sergeant Rita Vrataski (played by Blunt), one of the army’s most skilled fighters who had previously experienced the same time loop. With exhilarating battle sequences and stunning visuals, “Edge of Tomorrow” exemplifies sci-fi done right.
Stream “Edge of Tomorrow” on Max.
“A Quiet Place” (2018)
“A Quiet Place” is a nerve-wracking film that keeps viewers on edge, afraid to even munch on popcorn or adjust their seats for fear of attracting attention with noise. Directed and co-written by John Krasinski, the movie depicts a post-apocalyptic world overrun by blind aliens with acute hearing, making the slightest sound a deadly mistake. The film centers around one family – Lee (Krasinski), Evelyn (Blunt), Regan (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus (Noah Jupe), and Beau (Cade Woodward) – who have found ways to survive amidst the terrifying creatures. However, their lives take a harrowing turn when they must fight back to ensure their survival. Blunt shines in the sequel, “A Quiet Place Part II,” and may even appear in the upcoming “A Quiet Place Part III,” slated to hit theaters in 2025.
Stream “A Quiet Place” on Paramount+.
“Looper” (2012)
“Looper,” directed by Rian Johnson, delves into the world of time-traveling assassins. In a future where the mob sends their enemies back in time to be killed by “loopers,” we follow Joe (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a talented young looper working for the Kansas City mob. One day, Joe’s older self (played by Bruce Willis) becomes the target for his next hit. However, Joe hesitates to kill his future self, allowing “Old Joe” to escape. Old Joe embarks on a mission to eliminate the Rainmaker, a powerful figure responsible for the murder of his wife in the future. The twist comes when Joe learns that the Rainmaker is just a young boy (played by Pierce Gagnon), causing a moral dilemma. Emily Blunt portrays the boy’s mother, a woman willing to do anything to protect her son. Despite its complex premise, “Looper” delivers a gripping narrative and is widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi movies of the past decade.
Stream “Looper” on Tubi.
