When you think of Emilia Clarke, it’s impossible not to think of Game of Thrones. Yet, the talented Brit has given plenty of great performances over the years in everything from voice acting roles to playing an exaggerated version of herself. And with a career that involves fantasy (obviously), sci-fi, and romcoms, her versatility is clear, even if her time as Daenerys Targaryen is what most people will remember her by. If you want to see what else Clarke’s accomplished in her career, are keen to develop a more hip opinion about what her best work is and need some guidance, or are just excited about her upcoming introduction to the MCU, then read ahead for our take on the 10 best Emilia Clarke movies and TV shows!
10. Leading Lady Parts
A depressing but hilarious seven-minute delight that was released in conjunction with the Time’s Up campaign, this short film stars a slew of great British actors auditioning for a “leading lady part” while being asked to do an increasing number of absurd things, highlighting how hard it is for women to be given serious, leading roles. The film manages to dig into the industry’s fatphobia and racism in its short time span, while providing some laugh-out-loud moments. Clarke is the first actor up for the part, and like all her fellow performers does a great job – only for Tom Hiddleston to audition and receive the role without reading any lines. Compact, yes – yet it says a lot.
9. Last Christmas
While the screenplay and story are somewhat lacking in this romcom, Clarke’s chemistry with her co-lead Henry Golding is undeniable. The GoT star plays the complicated, disillusioned all-year-round Christmas store worker who meets a kind-hearted, quirky man and begins to change her ways, only to discover he’s the ghost of the person who saved her life by donating his heart when he died. Yes, it’s a ridiculous story, but Clarke and Golding are incredibly sweet in it, and even though it’s about as clichè as a film can be, don’t be surprised if you end up a little misty-eyed at the credits – plenty of others have found something to love about this romcom, after all.
8. Futurama
The futuristic animated comedy from Simpsons creator Matt Groening has had its fair share of excellent guest stars, but Clarke’s portrayal of Dr. Zoidberg’s girlfriend Marianne in the season 7 episode “Stench and Stenchibility” is up there. Many brilliant on-screen actors fail to really reach the same heights when reduced to just their words, but the Brit hit all the right notes in a funny but sensitive portrayal, in a show known for expertly blending the hilarious and heartfelt.
In the episode, her character was born without a sense of smell, and therefore isn’t repulsed by Dr. Zoidberg’s stench when they first meet. They soon begin dating, and he learns that she’s always dreamt of smelling flowers, and ultimately, the crustacean doctor gives her the nose transplant that might cost him his shot at happiness. However, as Marianne never learned what a “good” or “bad” smell was, it’s a rare happy ending for Zoidberg.
7. Above Suspicion
We’re going to be honest: Above Suspicion is a bit lightweight. In fact, the only weight to this film is its tragic, real-life premise and the gritty, believable performance from Clarke as Sarah Smith, a former FBI informant who was strangled to death by a married agent after revealing her child was his. In an age where more people than ever are sensitive to stories of law enforcement using their power in immoral, often deadly ways, this 2019 film could have been a sleeper hit. But the director does little with the intriguing source material and the talent at his disposal in Clarke.
6. Terminator Genisys
It’s been obvious for years that Clarke is a great performer, but the challenge of playing an iconic part like Sarah Connor (even if it is a Sarah Connor raised in an alternate universe) just drives the point home even more. It’s just a shame that her performance was pretty much the best thing about this messy addition to the franchise, which bungles a convoluted premise only to be saved by Clarke, a few of her fellow actors, and some great visuals. What makes her turn all the more impressive is that the movie set was allegedly not the most positive space to work, so much so that Clarke revealed she was “relieved” there would be no sequels thanks to poor box office returns.
5. Me Before You
Based on the Jojo Moyes book of the same name, this drama stars Clarke alongside Pirates of the Caribbean actor Sam Claflin. Clarke plays the role of Lou, a caregiver who is enlisted to look after a former banker and amateur sportsman named Will, who became tetrapalegic as the result of an accident. Lou and Will fall in love, but soon she learns he’s made plans to go to the assisted suicide facility Dignitas in half a year, to end his life on his own terms. Horrified by the news, Lou runs away before eventually accepting Will’s decision and rushing to Switzerland to be with him in his last moments. With less talented actors, this could feel fairly generic and veer into clumsiness, but Clarke and Claflin have great chemistry, turning it into a real tear-jerker.
4. Solo: A Star Wars Story
We know Star Wars fans have a set of high expectations when it comes to the universe extending, which is why many consider Solo: A Star Wars Story to be a bit lacking when compared to the iconic originals. But one thing that few people can argue with is that the cast dazzled, turning the film from something that could have been forgettable into an entertaining watch. While Alden Ehrenreich’s Solo wasn’t bad, Clarke in the role of Qi’ra — the love interest and childhood friend of the titular character — did a fantastic job as the female lead, really bringing her own spin to the part. The only person who rivalled her performance in the film was Donald Glover, who was his usual brilliant self.
3. The Amazing Maurice
This computer-animated adaptation of a Terry Pratchett book is as charming as it is heartwarming, managing to mix great humor for all the family with just the right amount of emotion. Hugh Laurie stars as the titular character, a happy-go-lucky conman cat who uses his team of rat friends to swindle cities out of food. Clarke plays the part of Malicia, the mayor’s daughter in a town that Maurice tries to target, only to have to team up with the human when a bigger enemy is uncovered. As she did in Futurama and other voice roles, Clarke does a brilliant job, helping to tie the movie together into a satisfying watch for all ages.
2. Dom Hemingway
Clarke continues to excel in complex roles like this dark gangster comedy, where she stars alongside Jude Law and Richard E. Grant. Law plays the titular character — a former safecracker who’s just been released from prison — and Clarke plays his estranged daughter, Evelyn. Although parts of the film threaten to veer off track, Law and Clarke are consistently brilliant, portraying the strained father-daughter relationship while also providing laughs and plenty of believability, even with the premise turning wacky at points. It might not be a classic, but it’s well worth a watch if you’re a fan of British humor.
1. Game of Thrones
Was there ever going to be anything else topping the list of the best Emilia Clarke film and TV performances? Her iconic performance as Daenerys Targaryen in the hit HBO adaptation of George R.R Martin’s fantasy series Game of Thrones led to all sorts of award nominations and wins, as well as international recognition of the highest order – despite the controversial way in which the series ended. The dragon queen is one of the more compassionate characters in the novels and the series, but that’s not exactly a high bar, and she certainly isn’t somebody you want to get on the wrong side of. Clarke is absolutely astounding and unforgettable in the role.
