7 Must-See Florence Pugh Movies That Define Her Career (Plus 5 Blockbusters Coming Soon)

As of December 2025, Florence Pugh has cemented her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile and in-demand actresses, effortlessly transitioning between indie dramas, massive blockbuster franchises, and critically acclaimed period pieces. Her career trajectory is a masterclass in genre hopping, proving she is equally at home in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as she is in the desolate landscapes of an A24 horror film. This deep dive explores the defining roles that have shaped her career so far and provides the latest, most up-to-date details on her highly anticipated slate of upcoming projects through 2026 and beyond.

From her breakthrough in a harrowing period drama to her role as the fan-favorite spy Yelena Belova, Pugh’s filmography is packed with performances that demand attention. Her ability to convey deep emotional complexity with minimal dialogue has earned her widespread critical praise, making every new Florence Pugh movie a genuine cinematic event.

Florence Pugh: Complete Biography and Career Highlights

Florence Pugh is an English actress known for her distinctive voice, striking screen presence, and remarkable ability to portray complex, emotionally charged characters. Her rapid ascent in Hollywood is a testament to her commitment and range.

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• Full Name: Florence Rose C.M. Pugh
• Born: January 3, 1996, in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England.
• Parents: Clinton Pugh (restaurateur) and Deborah Mackin (dancer and dance teacher).
• Debut Film: The Falling (2014) alongside Maisie Williams.
• Breakthrough Role: Lady Macbeth (2016), which earned her a British Independent Film Award for Best Actress.
• Major Accolades:
  • Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actress (for Little Women).
  • Three BAFTA Award Nominations.
  • Numerous Critic's Choice and London Film Critics' Circle Awards.
• Key Franchises: Marvel Cinematic Universe (as Yelena Belova) and the Dune franchise (as Princess Irulan Corrino).

The Movie Florence Pugh Regrets Making

In a rare moment of candor, Florence Pugh revealed that she has one film she "probably" wishes she had never made: the 2018 supernatural horror film, Malevolent. She shared in an interview with Louis Theroux that the production environment and the experience of making the Netflix horror movie were challenging, leading her to look back on the project with regret. Despite the negative experience, the film remains a lesser-known entry in her diverse filmography, highlighting the learning curve of a young actress navigating the industry.

7 Defining Florence Pugh Movies You Must See

While her filmography is extensive—including roles in films like Outlaw King and the wrestling comedy Fighting with My Family—these seven movies represent the essential viewing for understanding her talent and versatility.

1. Lady Macbeth (2016): The Breakthrough. This independent period drama is widely considered her true breakthrough. Pugh plays Katherine Lester, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage on a rural estate who embarks on a passionate and violent affair. The film’s raw, intense portrayal of a woman pushing back against patriarchal constraints set the stage for her career.
2. Midsommar (2019): The Horror Icon. Directed by Ari Aster, this folk horror masterpiece saw Pugh deliver a physically and emotionally draining performance as Dani Ardor, a young woman who travels to a remote Swedish festival after a personal tragedy. Her portrayal of grief and trauma culminating in a terrifying catharsis is often cited as one of the best horror performances of the decade.
3. Little Women (2019): The Oscar Nomination. In Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed adaptation, Pugh played Amy March, the youngest and most ambitious of the March sisters. Her performance was praised for bringing a modern, nuanced depth to a character often overshadowed by Jo, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
4. Black Widow (2021): The MCU Debut. Pugh’s introduction to the MCU as Yelena Belova, the cynical "sister" of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), instantly made her a fan favorite. Her sharp wit and emotional depth provided the perfect counterpoint to Johansson, leading directly to her continued presence in the franchise.
5. Don't Worry Darling (2022): The Thriller Lead. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama that dominated headlines, Pugh’s performance as Alice Chambers, a housewife who begins to question the reality of her idyllic 1950s community, was universally praised as the film’s strongest element.
6. Oppenheimer (2023): The Scene Stealer. In Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster biopic, Pugh played Jean Tatlock, a communist and the lover of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Though her screen time was limited, her scenes were pivotal, showcasing her ability to hold her own against cinematic giants like Cillian Murphy.
7. Dune: Part Two (2024): The Royal Introduction. As Princess Irulan Corrino, the daughter of the Emperor, Pugh was introduced as a key player in the galactic power struggle. While her role was largely observational in the second installment, it sets up a far more central role in the confirmed sequel.

The Future of Florence Pugh: Upcoming Movies 2025–2026

Florence Pugh’s upcoming slate is a powerhouse of high-profile projects, blending major studio franchises with complex, producer-led passion projects. Her schedule is booked solid through 2026, confirming her status as one of Hollywood’s busiest stars.

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Leading the Anti-Heroes: Thunderbolts* (2025)

Pugh will reprise her role as Yelena Belova in the highly anticipated Marvel film Thunderbolts*, scheduled for release in 2025. This movie is set to feature a team of morally ambiguous anti-heroes and reformed villains, including Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, Taskmaster, and John Walker, all brought together for covert government missions. Yelena Belova is widely expected to be the de facto leader of this new squad, solidifying Pugh's place as a central figure in the MCU's Phase 5 and beyond.

A Central Role in Dune Messiah (2026)

Following the success of Dune: Part Two, Pugh has confirmed her return as Princess Irulan Corrino for Dune: Part Three, which is based on Frank Herbert's novel Dune Messiah. Director Denis Villeneuve is expected to give Irulan a much more prominent role, similar to how Zendaya’s Chani became central in the second film. The sequel will explore the fallout of Paul Atreides’ rise to power, with Irulan, his political wife, playing a crucial role in the unfolding narrative.

Psychological Thrillers and Murder Mysteries

Beyond the major franchises, Pugh is focusing on compelling, character-driven projects, often taking on a producer role to ensure creative control:

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• The Maid (TBA): Pugh is set to star as Molly the maid, an unlikely detective in an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery. The film, which she is also producing, follows Molly as she works at the Regency Grand Hotel and gets involved in the murderous underbelly of her gilded workplace.
• The Pack (TBA): This psychological thriller will see Pugh star opposite Alexander Skarsgård, who is also making his directorial debut. The film centers on a group of documentarians who venture into the remote Alaskan wilderness to save a nearly extinct species of wolves, only to find themselves in a dangerous situation.
• Dolly (TBA): A fascinating sci-fi courtroom drama, Dolly is based on an Elizabeth Bear short story. Pugh will star as a robotic companion doll who kills its owner and then shocks the world by claiming she is not guilty and demanding a lawyer. This project highlights her commitment to genre-blending, thought-provoking material.

With her continued work as Yelena Belova in future MCU films like *Avengers: Doomsday* (2026) and the animated series *Marvel Zombies* (2025), coupled with her leading roles in complex dramas, Florence Pugh’s film career is poised for an even greater decade of success.