Emilia Clarke’s Unexpected Career Highs and Lows Over the Last Decade

Emilia Clarke, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, has captivated audiences with her diverse roles across genres ranging from fantasy epics to romantic comedies and action-packed thrillers. Over the past decade, she has cemented her place as a versatile and compelling performer. This article ranks her best performances based on critical acclaim, audience feedback, cultural impact, and her contribution to major franchises. With input from MovieWeb, Collider, Screen Rant, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes, here’s a look at the top 10 Emilia Clarke performances from 2015 to 2025.

1. Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

IMDb Rating: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% (Critics)
Awards/Nominations: 4 Emmy Nominations, Saturn Award (2019)

Without a doubt, Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones remains her most iconic performance. Spanning across eight seasons, Clarke’s portrayal of the “Mother of Dragons” captivated millions, from her timid beginnings to her powerful and complex evolution. Her performance earned her four Emmy nominations and a Saturn Award, with Game of Thrones leaving a massive cultural footprint. The impact of her character, alongside her nuanced portrayal of a leader grappling with immense responsibility, cements her role as the defining performance of her career.

2. Louisa Clark in Me Before You (2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 54%
Awards/Nominations: N/A

Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Louisa Clark, a caregiver who forms a deep connection with a quadriplegic man, is a standout performance in the romantic drama Me Before You. Her tender and heartfelt performance was praised for its emotional depth, showing a side of Clarke’s acting range that resonated strongly with audiences. Despite mixed reviews for the film, Clarke’s chemistry with co-star Sam Claflin was widely lauded, making this one of her most commercially successful and emotionally resonant performances.

3. Qi’ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

IMDb Rating: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 70%
Awards/Nominations: N/A

In Solo: A Star Wars Story, Clarke stepped into the role of Qi’ra, a smuggler and a key figure in Han Solo’s early life. While the film received mixed reviews, Clarke’s performance was widely praised for adding complexity to a character that had to live up to the legacy of the Star Wars universe. Her portrayal of a woman caught between love and loyalty showcased her ability to balance vulnerability with strength, contributing significantly to the film’s emotional weight.

4. Sarah Connor in Terminator Genisys (2015)

IMDb Rating: 6.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
Awards/Nominations: N/A

Taking on the iconic role of Sarah Connor in Terminator Genisys, Clarke faced the challenge of filling the shoes of Linda Hamilton, who made the character legendary. Although the film itself received negative reviews, Clarke’s portrayal of Sarah Connor as a tough, resourceful fighter was noted for its energy and charisma. Despite the movie’s critical failure, Clarke’s performance helped the character feel fresh, earning her recognition for making the role her own.

5. Kate in Last Christmas (2019)

IMDb Rating: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%
Awards/Nominations: N/A

In this charming holiday rom-com, Clarke plays Kate, a struggling woman who finds love and rediscovery during the Christmas season. While the film received mixed reviews, Clarke’s performance was highlighted for its warmth and relatability, injecting humor and sincerity into her character. Her ability to bring depth to a seemingly lighthearted role shows her versatility in both dramatic and comedic performances, making this a standout in her filmography.

6. G’iah in Secret Invasion (2023)

IMDb Rating: 5.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
Awards/Nominations: N/A

In the MCU’s Secret Invasion series, Clarke plays G’iah, a Skrull character whose complex emotional arc adds a new dimension to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the series itself received mixed reviews, Clarke’s performance was widely praised for its depth, showcasing her ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously. This role marked a significant entry into the MCU and highlighted her range, making her a key player in one of the biggest franchises in cinema.

7. Rachel in The Pod Generation (2023)

IMDb Rating: 5.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
Awards/Nominations: N/A

In this sci-fi romantic comedy, Clarke plays Rachel, a woman navigating the challenges of artificial wombs in a futuristic world. While the film itself received mixed reviews, Clarke’s performance as a relatable, modern woman grappling with cutting-edge technology was praised for her emotional honesty and comedic timing. The Pod Generation offered a new genre for Clarke, demonstrating her continued growth as an actress.

8. Evelyn in Above Suspicion (2019)

IMDb Rating: 5.8
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
Awards/Nominations: N/A

In the 2019 crime thriller Above Suspicion, Clarke portrayed Evelyn, a woman involved in a deadly FBI operation. The film itself received lackluster reviews, but Clarke’s intense, dramatic performance stood out. Playing a character battling addiction and navigating a dangerous operation, Clarke brought emotional weight to a film that didn’t quite resonate with audiences, but her commitment to the role was clear.

9. Verena in Voice from the Stone (2017)

IMDb Rating: 5.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
Awards/Nominations: N/A

Clarke’s role as Verena, a nurse caring for a traumatized child in a Gothic thriller, was less successful than many of her other roles. The film itself was poorly received, with critics noting that it struggled to create a compelling atmosphere. Clarke’s performance, while solid, was overshadowed by the film’s weaker script and direction. However, her ability to take on such a haunting role in a niche genre was still notable.

10. Malu in Murder Manual (2020)

IMDb Rating: 2.3
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
Awards/Nominations: N/A

In the 2020 horror anthology Murder Manual, Clarke appeared in a brief segment as a traumatized woman. The film was widely panned, with a very low IMDb rating, and Clarke’s performance did not manage to elevate the material. This role remains one of the lowest points in her career, though it’s an interesting experiment in genre for the actress.

Conclusion: A Diverse and Evolving Career

Emilia Clarke’s career over the past decade showcases her incredible versatility, spanning from high-profile franchises like Game of Thrones and the MCU to romantic comedies and thrilling dramas. From her unforgettable role as Daenerys Targaryen to her nuanced performances in films like Me Before You and Last Christmas, Clarke has proven herself as an actress capable of both dramatic depth and lighthearted charm. While not every project has been a hit, her commitment to bringing complexity to every character she plays has made her a standout in Hollywood.

As she continues to take on diverse roles, Emilia Clarke’s future in film and television looks incredibly promising, with fans eagerly awaiting what she will do next.