Content Warning: This article contains references to abuse and trauma
Elizabeth Olsen might be best known for her role as Wanda Maximoff in the MCU, but the actor has also been involved in several other great projects over the years. She's crossed multiple genres and styles, always bringing a huge level of talent and dedication to each role.
Ranker has put together an exhaustive list of Olsen's best movies, which includes several underrated gems that are often overshadowed by her more mainstream hits. The list features plenty of great recommendations for fans of every genre.
Liberal Arts (2012)
- Available To Buy On Amazon Video
Josh Radnor and Elizabeth Olsen might not be the most conventional couple of all time in Liberal Arts, which is an underrated comedy film that tells the story of a New York college issions officer who becomes terribly infatuated with a student when he returns to his alma mater.
Radnor and Olsen have great on-screen chemistry, and their scenes together really sell this unusual and unorthodox story. The story is constantly unpredictable, and whilst does fall victim to plenty of classic rom-com cliches, it's a consistently engaging and compelling watch.
Godzilla (2014)
- Available To Buy On Amazon Video
There have been Godzilla that many cite as one of the best in the very specific subgenre. The film features plenty of thrilling action sequences alongside a story that's surprisingly full of heart.
Whilst the focus of the film is obviously the titular monster, Elizabeth Olsen provides an extremely compelling performance as the wife of a Navy officer, who gets caught up in the fight against Godzilla. Every moment is full of tension and excitement - just like every great monster movie should be.
I Saw The Light (2015)
- Available To Buy On Amazon Video
I Saw The Light tells the complicated story of musicians/partners Hank Williams and Audrey Mae Williams, whose individual struggles and traumas begin to cause an unbearable strain on their marriage. Despite the dark subject matter, Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen manage to keep the film compelling with two strong and emotional performances
Although the movie received mixed critical reception, the film is widely regarded by many as one of the best musical biopics out there, as it effortlessly blends the personal and professional lives of these two musicians into a gripping and exciting story from start to finish.
Ingrid Goes West (2017)
- Available To Stream On Hulu
Another one of Olsen's great indie movies, Ingrid Goes West tells the story of Ingrid Thorburn, who moves to Los Angeles in order to get into the good books of her favorite social media influencer. It uses its witty and quirky comedy to make every scene stand out, with its story coming together in an unpredictable and unforgettable way.
The film features Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen, who play off of each other perfectly and bring their characters to life. The pair also have a strong friendship off-screen, so it's no surprise that their scenes together are so funny and entertaining to watch.
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)
- Available To Buy On Amazon Video
Directed by Sean Durkin, Martha Marcy May Marlene is a haunting thriller that tells the story of Olsen's character Martha, who struggles to cope with her trauma after she escapes from an abusive cult. It's a psychological character study told in an extremely interesting way, unlike anything else in the genre.
The film also features one of Elizabeth Olsen's best performances to date, with her examination of the titular Martha sending chills through the audience from start to finish. It's one of the best psychological thrillers of its time, bolstered by a standout cast.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Available To Stream On Disney+
Age of Ultron marked the first real introduction of Wanda Maximoff, the character that brought Elizabeth Olsen to the level of stardom that she has now. Although she only appears as a secondary antagonist in the film, her presence is still huge thanks to her dedication to the role.
Wanda is one of the most complex and compelling characters in the entire MCU, and potentially the one who has developed the most throughout their time on-screen. She's become one of the most powerful superheroes in the entire cinematic universe, and all that began in Age of Ultron.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
- Available To Stream On Disney+
Although her role in The Winter Soldier was only small (and uncredited), Elizabeth Olsen's cameo as Wanda Maximoff still stands out among the film's thrilling story. Not only did it tease the introduction of even more superpowered individuals in the MCU, but it also showed her using powers that audiences hadn't seen before.
Age of Ultron would go on to explain how Wanda developed her powers, but this small scene in The Winter Soldier did everything necessary to build anticipation and excitement for the second phase of the MCU (in which she would go on to play a hugely interesting role).
Wind River (2017)
- Available To Stream On Netflix
Written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, Wind River chronicles the story of a wildlife officer and an FBI agent who team up to solve a shocking murder, all the while trying to keep themselves safe from the approaching threats upon their lives.
Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen play their parts expertly, and Sheridan's script manages to squeeze every single drop of tension out of each scene. It's one of the most exciting films in the genre, whose story never fails to keep the audience on its toes throughout.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Available To Stream On Disney+
Iron Man. It saw Earth faced with its greatest threat to date - the tyrannical titan Thanos, who aimed to eliminate 50% of all life in the universe in order to cultivate the population.
Wanda Maximoff played a huge role in the final battle against Thanos in Wakanda, displaying the true heights of her powers for the first time. Despite these highs, however, the film also features one of the worst and most tragic things to ever happen to Wanda - the death of her partner, Vision.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Available To Stream On Disney+
Civil War is viewed by many as one of the most engaging and compelling films in the entire MCU, as it blends an expertly-crafted political thriller with some of the most effective character work Marvel has ever displayed. A lot of this characterization relates to Wanda, whose misuse of her powers is the spark that sets the entire film in motion.
The film also sees Wanda face off against Vision as they find themselves on opposing teams within the Avengers, with Wanda fighting for her freedom in the face of the restrictive Sokovia Accords. Civil War values its characters above all else, which makes it such a fun time for fans of the MCU.
