
You can’t deny the impact Dakota Johnson’s movies have had on Hollywood! From her breakout role as Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey to her more recent praised performances, Dakota Johnson has shown that she is a versatile actress. She’s also in the cast of Am I OK? and has captivated audiences with her emotional range, subtlety, and charm, earning nominations for important awards like the BAFTA Rising Star Award and the People’s Choice Award.
From supporting roles in popular movies to becoming a favorite in indie films and a leading actress, Dakota Johnson’s career shows her growth as an actress. Let’s take a closer look at her eight standout movies listed below!
What Made Dakota Johnson Famous?

Born to Hollywood stars Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson made her own way in the industry and built a successful career on her own. She is well-known for her work in different genres, including romantic dramas, horror, and comedies, easily moving between fun roles and serious characters. Her breakout role as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades of Grey series made her a household name. The Fifty Shades trilogy is based on a fan fiction series inspired by Twilight, originally titled Master of the Universe. This fan fiction was written by E.L. James and published under the pen name “Snowqueen Icedragon” on fan fiction websites.
Dakota Johnson was 23 when she starred in Fifty Shades of Grey. At that time, she was not very well-known, so she didn’t earn a lot of money for her role in the first movie. Reports say she was paid $250,000 for Fifty Shades of Grey. Dakota’s roles often spark conversations about relationships and personal growth, making her popular with audiences. Overall, her talent, background, and choice of roles have made her a notable figure in Hollywood.
8 Best Dakota Johnson Movies You Shouldn’t Miss
Dakota Johnson is a talented actress who has impressed many with her great performances. Here are eight movies you shouldn’t miss that show off her skills.
1. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Genre | Comedy, Adventure, Drama |
Cast | Zack Gottsagen, Ann Pierce, Dakota Johnson |
Director | Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz |
IMDb | 7.6 |
In The Peanut Butter Falcon, Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, runs away from a care facility to pursue his dream of becoming a wrestler. He meets Tyler, a fisherman on the run, and they form a strong friendship. Together, they went on an adventure across North Carolina, facing challenges as Zak learns to follow his dreams. The film is about friendship, acceptance, and pursuing goals.
2. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Genre | Romance, Drama, Erotic |
Cast | Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Jennifer Ehle |
Director | Sam Taylor-Johnson |
IMDb | 4.2 |
In Fifty Shades of Grey, college student Anastasia Steele falls for wealthy businessman Christian Grey. As they begin a romantic relationship, Christian introduces Anastasia to his BDSM lifestyle. She struggles with his need for control and her feelings about love and trust, leading to a complicated relationship.
3. The High Note (2020)
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Music |
Cast | Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ice Cube |
Director | Nisha Ganatra |
IMDb | 6.4 |
The High Note follows famous singer Grace Davis wants to make a new album but is held back by her manager. Her assistant, aspiring music producer David, helps her explore new sounds. Together, they navigate challenges in the music industry, and Grace must choose between following her passion or staying in her comfort zone.
4. Suspiria (2018)
Genre | Horror, Mystery, Thriller |
Cast | Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth |
Director | Luca Guadagnino |
IMDb | 6.7 |
Suspiria is about a young dancer named Susie Bannion moves to Berlin to join a prestigious dance academy. She discovers that the school is run by a group of powerful witches who have dark secrets. As Susie becomes more involved, she uncovers the academy’s sinister rituals and the truth about the witches’ control over the students.
5. How to Be Single (2016)
Genre | Romantic, Comedy |
Cast | Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie |
Director | Christian Ditter |
IMDb | 6.1 |
In How to Be Single, Dakota Johnson stars as Alice, a woman exploring single life in New York City with her vivacious friend Robin, played by Rebel Wilson. As they navigate the complexities of modern romance, Alice learns valuable lessons about independence and self-discovery. Through a series of encounters with colorful characters, she discovers the importance of embracing her individuality and enjoying life to the fullest.
6. The Social Network (2010)
Genre | Biography, Drama |
Cast | Dakota Johnson, Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake |
Director | David Fincher |
IMDb | 7.8 |
The Social Network follows the story of Mark Zuckerberg, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, as he creates Facebook while attending Harvard University. The film explores Zuckerberg’s rise to prominence and the legal battles that follow as his creation becomes a global phenomenon. Dakota Johnson has a minor role as Amelia Ritter, a Stanford University student who catches the eye of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, played by Andrew Garfield.
Also check: Top 7 Movies Like The Social Network You Never Want to Miss
7. Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Genre | Thriller, Mystery, Crime |
Cast | Dakota Johnson, Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth |
Director | Drew Goddard |
IMDb | 7.1 |
Bad Times at the El Royale follows a group of strangers with mysterious pasts converge at the El Royale hotel, each with their own agenda. Dakota Johnson’s character, Emily Summerspring, harbors secrets as tensions rise among the eclectic guests. The hotel’s dark history is gradually revealed, leading to a suspenseful climax where loyalties are tested and truths come to light.
8. A Bigger Splash (2015)
Genre | Drama, Thriller |
Cast | Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Matthias Schoenaerts |
Director | Luca Guadagnino |
IMDb | 6.4 |
In A Bigger Splash, Dakota Johnson portrays Penelope Lanier, the daughter of a wealthy record producer. During a vacation on an Italian island, she gets caught in a complicated love triangle. Things get tense when Penelope’s ex-lover and his daughter show up, bringing back old feelings and secrets. The beautiful setting turns chaotic as desires clash and relationships fall apart.
FAQs
Bottom Line
As Dakota Johnson continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances, her filmography serves as a testament to her talent and versatility in Hollywood. From her breakout role in “Fifty Shades of Grey” to her latest venture in “Madame Web,” Johnson’s films offer a captivating journey through romance, drama, and thrilling adventures. Whether you’re a fan of her iconic roles or seeking to discover new cinematic gems, Dakota Johnson’s movies promise viewers an engaging and unforgettable experience.
If you like Dakota Johnson’s movies, How To Watch Fifty Shades Darker On Netflix