A Comprehensive Guide to the Movies Margot Robbie Has Been In

Margot Robbie has established herself as one of the most prolific and versatile actors in modern cinema, transitioning from television success to global superstardom. Her filmography spans a wide range of genres, from gritty independent dramas and period pieces to massive big-budget superhero franchises and critically acclaimed biographical films.

The Rise of a Cinematic Force

Born in Dalby, Queensland, Australia, Margot Robbie began her career in Australian independent films and the long-running soap opera Neighbours. Her breakthrough into the international market arrived in 2013 with Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street. This role served as the launchpad for a career characterized by a willingness to inhabit complex, often morally ambiguous characters.

Robbie’s portfolio is not merely a collection of box-office hits; it represents a deliberate curation of roles that challenge traditional Hollywood archetypes. Through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, she has also taken a hands-on approach to storytelling, ensuring that the projects she appears in often emphasize nuanced character development and directorial vision.

Early Career and Breakout Roles (2008–2014)

Before achieving household recognition, Robbie honed her craft in smaller productions. Her early film credits include the 2008 Australian feature Vigilante and the 2009 film I.C.U. These formative years were essential in building the stamina required for the intense production schedules she would face later in her career.

The year 2013 was a turning point. Her role as Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street demonstrated her ability to hold the screen against seasoned heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio. Following this, she explored more subtle emotional territory in the 2015 post-apocalyptic drama Z for Zachariah and the 2015 heist film Focus, the latter of which solidified her chemistry as a leading lady capable of anchoring high-stakes thrillers.

The Era of Iconic Characters (2016–2020)

In 2016, Robbie entered the realm of blockbuster intellectual property by taking on the role of Dr. Harleen Quinzel, better known as Harley Quinn, in Suicide Squad. This character became a cultural phenomenon, leading to her reprising the role in Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) in 2020 and The Suicide Squad in 2021.

However, her career during this period was defined by more than just comic book roles. She garnered significant critical acclaim for her portrayal of disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding in the 2017 biographical drama I, Tonya. The film required a physical transformation and a mastery of a specific regional American dialect, earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. This solidified her status as a serious dramatic actor who could balance commercial success with artistic integrity.

Critical Acclaim and Historical Dramas (2018–2023)

As her career progressed into the 2020s, Robbie took on roles in films that examined history and the mechanics of fame. Her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots (2018) highlighted her ability to excel in period-accurate dramas. This was followed by a pivotal role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), where she portrayed Sharon Tate with a quiet, observant grace that anchored the film's nostalgic tone.

Perhaps her most ambitious project in recent years was the 2023 film Barbie. Beyond acting, Robbie served as a producer, navigating the cultural expectations of a global brand while delivering a performance that was equal parts comedic, satirical, and deeply emotional. The film became a historic financial success, further cementing her influence in the industry as both a creative and a commercial powerhouse.

Comparative Overview of Selected Major Roles

Understanding the breadth of her filmography requires looking at the diversity of the projects she selects. The following table provides a snapshot of various films across her career, highlighting the range of genres she navigates.

Production and Creative Influence

It is impossible to discuss the movies Margot Robbie has been in without acknowledging her influence behind the camera. Through LuckyChap Entertainment, she has championed projects that provide voice to underrepresented stories and complex female protagonists. By acting in the films she produces, she creates a unique feedback loop where she can influence the tone and direction of the project from pre-production through final distribution. This dual role has allowed her to maintain a higher degree of agency over her professional narrative than most actors of her generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Margot Robbie's first major film role? Her first major international breakthrough was in 2013’s The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese. While she had appeared in Australian independent films earlier, this role brought her to the attention of global audiences and high-level casting directors.

Has Margot Robbie won an Academy Award? As of 2026, Margot Robbie has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Actress for I, Tonya and Best Supporting Actress for Bombshell. While she has not yet won an individual acting Oscar, her production work on various projects has been recognized by the Academy and other prestigious bodies.

Is Margot Robbie still playing Harley Quinn? Margot Robbie has portrayed Harley Quinn across three major DC Universe films. While there have been no official announcements regarding her return to the role in the immediate future, she has expressed a long-term interest in the character’s development and the potential for future appearances should the right creative opportunity arise.

Why does Margot Robbie produce her own movies? Producing allows Robbie to have greater control over the types of stories that get brought to the screen. By founding LuckyChap Entertainment, she has successfully cultivated a portfolio of films that prioritize original storytelling, complex character arcs, and directorial vision, which she often serves in both an on-screen and behind-the-scenes capacity.

What is the most successful film Margot Robbie has starred in? In terms of global box office earnings, Barbie (2023) stands as her most commercially successful project to date. The film’s massive cultural impact and record-breaking financial performance represent a peak in her career, combining her star power with her role as a producer to achieve a global phenomenon.

Looking Ahead

The trajectory of Margot Robbie’s career suggests a continued pivot toward challenging, high-concept projects. As she moves through 2026, her focus remains on selecting material that allows for range and creative evolution. For fans looking to explore her filmography, the best approach is to view her works not chronologically, but by genre, to fully appreciate her transition from the high-energy performances of her early career to the more refined, nuanced portrayals that define her current body of work.

If you are just beginning to watch her films, start with I, Tonya for a look at her dramatic capability, and move toward Barbie or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to see her ability to carry a major studio picture with nuance and presence.