Elizabeth Olsen stars in a leading role in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which sees the Scarlet Witch complete her villainous turn in the series. The film has so far received relatively positive reviews, with Metacritic rating it at an average score of 62. Elizabeth Olsen’s decorated filmography mainly consists of highly lauded works and there’s a whole list of movies and shows to be found.
With the actress’ previous starring role in WandaVision fetching similarly positive results, it’s interesting to see just how many well-received works she’s been a part of. Metacritic bases its scores on crucial opinion, so the final average of Olsen’s credits reflects the best material she has to offer to fans.
Kill Your Darlings (2013) - 65
Stream On Starz
This one is largely remembered among Daniel Radcliffe’s list of non-Harry Potter movies, as the actor headlines the cast. Kill Your Darlings’ story is about a group of authors known as the Beat Generation during the 1940s whose lives become intertwined in a toxic way until one of them ends up killing another member.
Elizabeth Olsen appears as Edie Parker, the wife of Beat Generation member Jack Kerouac whose marriage is anything but strong. Kill Your Darlings was among the films the actress starred in before she made it big with a mainstream audience, so checking her out now in a period movie will be far more appealing.
Avengers: Age Of Ultron (2015) - 66
Stream On Disney+
There are plenty of MCU scenes that have gotten better over time, with Scarlet Witch’s early use of her powers qualifying. Avengers: Age of Ultron is where Elizabeth Olsen made her full debut in the series, with Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver initially joining the titular villain against the Avengers.
The film introduces the character to audiences, as Scarlet Witch gradually turns toward the heroes to aid in the fight against Ultron's attempt at worldwide extinction. Olsen was an instant hit with fans and critics for playing a conflicted character whose past trauma drove her to make questionable decisions.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018) - 68
Stream On Disney+
Scarlet Witch had a notable role in a film absolutely stacked with superheroes, where she had the task of keeping her lover, Vision, safe from Thanos’ forces. Elizabeth Olsen’s chemistry with Paul Bettany was singled out as a highlight in Avengers: Infinity War and fans also got to see Scarlet Witch’s dangerous potential.
The film’s premise of Thanos completing the Infinity Gauntlet by locating all the Infinity Stones makes it a fast-paced romp through space and different worlds, with the Avengers putting on a stand against the Mad Titan. Some reviewers found it a bit too crowded, but Olsen’s appearance was welcome in injecting a romantic element alongside Paul Bettany.
Ingrid Goes West (2017) - 71
Stream On Hulu
Ranking quite high among Elizabeth Olsen’s non-Scarlet Witch movies, this one saw the actress play social media influencer Taylor, who garners an obsessive fan named Ingrid. While the film has an overall funny premise, it’s actually a sad story about Ingrid’s desperate need for attention and validation through befriending the popular Taylor.
Olsen’s portrayal of the shallow but charming Taylor was well played, especially in contrast to Aubrey Plaza’s neurotic performance as the titular character. The film remains interesting throughout its runtime, as the plot makes viewers wonder how this friendship will inevitably implode.
Wind River (2017) - 73
Stream On Netflix
Elizabeth Olsen teamed with her MCU co-star Jeremy Renner in this murder mystery where plays FBI agent Jane Banner. Wind River looks into the mysterious death of a teenage girl - investigating it causes the past traumas of Jane and Renner’s Cory Lambert to reawaken.
Critics praised the bold themes in Wind River for the way violence was portrayed without holding back. Olsen’s performance was also positively met, with the actress conveying her character’s inexperience but will to fight for justice. Her chemistry with Renner was praised for carrying over from the MCU into this grittier landscape.
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) - 75
Rent On Vudu
Still high among Elizabeth Olsen’s best movies in terms of fan rankings, Martha Marcy May Marlene is the very first film the actress appeared in. It tells the story of troubled young woman Martha, who flees the cult she was a part of to her sister’s place but her paranoia and delusions prevent her from having a normal life.
Martha Marcy May Marlene is a drama thriller that creates tension within the viewers themselves because it’s never made clear if Martha is experiencing delusions or if her belief that she’s being stalked by the cult is real. Adding in a committed performance by Olsen, the film is more than worth a watch.
Captain America: Civil War (2016) - 75
Stream On Disney+
Scarlet Witch is partially responsible for the Sokovia Accords being set in motion after her attempt to stop a bomb threat ended up causing it to go off. Captain America: Civil War has the Avengers split into two factions, with Scarlet Witch siding with the titular protagonist to advocate for superheroes to have their freedom.
The MCU ventured into political thriller territory with this entry in what is a highly compelling story. Elizabeth Olsen received greater attention in her second outing as Scarlet Witch, with the movie detailing the character’s grief at losing her brother and the beginning of her attraction to Vision.
WandaVision (2021) - 77
Stream On Disney+
Scarlet Witch had been in the MCU for quite some time but never in a lead role. WandaVision changed this up, as Elizabeth Olsen was the top-billed name in what was the first MCU Disney+ series. WandaVision centers around Scarlet Witch’s spell around Westview that creates a different reality where she’s married to Vision and mother to two children.
The series was credited with putting a spin on the superhero genre, with each episode framed around a sitcom style that details Scarlet Witch’s damaged psyche. Elizabeth Olsen’s performance was appreciated for bringing her character’s grief to light, garnering her nominations for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) - 78
Stream On Disney+
The culmination of the Infinity Saga in the MCU brought every major superhero in the universe to the Battle of Earth against Thanos’ forces. Scarlet Witch is revived by the climax and appears to take on Thanos in a bid to gain revenge for his killing of Vision.
The movie was lauded by critics worldwide for bringing a worthy conclusion to the overarching story, with particular praise for the incredible finale that sees Thanos take on all the heroes. Scarlet Witch was the only character who outright beat Thanos in their battle, which brought Elizabeth Olsen a larger fanbase since viewers appreciated how powerful Scarlet Witch really was.
Sorry For Your Loss (2018-19) - 83
Stream On The Roku Channel
Sorry For Your Loss will appear similar to fans of WandaVision, as the show revolves around young widow Leigh Shaw who finds it extremely difficult to move on from the death of her husband. Her inability to deal with the pain of her loss is what the story centers around.
Combine Elizabeth Olsen's performance in this drama series simultaneously with her MCU role, and you can see the range the actress possesses. Sorry For Your Loss fetched universal critical acclaim for touching on a heavy theme with appropriate sensitivity to depict the story of a young woman’s extreme sadness.