10 Best Margaret Qualley Movies You Must Watch

Margaret Qualley has emerged as one of her generation’s most dynamic and versatile actresses. Known for her compelling screen presence and ability to immerse herself in a wide array of roles, Qualley has steadily gained recognition for her exceptional performances. She consistently captivates audiences with her undeniable talent and commitment to her craft, whether portraying heartfelt drama, suspenseful intensity, or nuanced emotion.

Born on October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, to actress Andie MacDowell and model Paul Qualley. She trained as a ballet dancer in her youth. She made her acting debut in the 2013 drama film Palo Alto and gained recognition for her supporting role in the HBO drama series The Leftovers (2014–2017).

From breakout roles to critically acclaimed performances, Margaret Qualley has built an impressive filmography that showcases her range as an actress. Her work spans across various genres, making her a standout in the industry. In this list, we explore some of the best Margaret Qualley movies that highlight her growth as an artist and her ability to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Drive-Away Dolls (2024)

Drive-Away Dolls (titled onscreen as Drive-Away Dykes) is a crime comedy road film directed by Ethan Coen from a screenplay he co-wrote with his wife Tricia Cooke, who was also the film’s editor.

Set in 1999, the film stars Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan as two lesbian best friends on a road trip who become involved in a criminal scheme. It co-stars Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp and Matt Damon. It received mixed reviews from critics.

Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

Novitiate (2017)

Novitiate is an emotional religious drama film written and directed by Maggie Betts in her feature directorial debut. Starring Margaret Qualley, Melissa Leo, Morgan Saylor, Dianna Agron, Julianne Nicholson, Liana Liberato, Denis O’Hare, and Maddie Hasson.

Set in the early 1960s and during the era of Vatican II, a young woman in training to become a nun struggles with issues of faith, the changing church and sexuality.

Watch On: Rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV

Stars at Noon (2022)

Stars at Noon is a French romantic thriller film directed by Claire Denis, based on the 1986 novel The Stars at Noon by Denis Johnson, starring Margaret Qualley, Joe Alwyn, Benny Safdie, Danny Ramirez, and John C. Reilly. Critics praised Qualley’s performance but criticized the film’s pacing and the chemistry between Qualley and Alwyn.

A young American journalist stranded in present-day Nicaragua falls for an enigmatic Englishman who seems like her best chance of escape. She soon realizes, however, that he may be in even greater danger than she is.

Watch On: Hulu

My Salinger Year (2020)

Written and directed by Philippe Falardeau, based upon the memoir of the same name by Joanna Rakoff. It stars Margaret Qualley, Sigourney Weaver, Douglas Booth, Seána Kerslake, Colm Feore and Brían F. O’Byrne.

In New York City’s late nineties, a young aspiring writer lands a day-job at J.D. Salinger’s literary agency. While her eccentric and old-fashioned boss tasks her to process Salinger’s voluminous fan mail, she struggles to find her own voice.

Watch On: AMC+ & Rent on Prime Video, Apple TV

Sanctuary (2022)

Dark comedy psychological thriller film directed by Zachary Wigon from a screenplay by Micah Bloomberg. It stars Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott as a dominatrix and her client who have an emotionally intense final session as he transitions to the life of CEO of a large company.

Watch On: Hulu & Rent on Prime Video

Kinds of Kindness (2024)

It’s a black comedy-drama anthology film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos from a screenplay he co-wrote with Efthimis Filippou. It stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, and Hunter Schafer.

A man seeks to break free from his predetermined path, a cop questions his wife’s demeanor after her return from a supposed drowning, and a woman searches for an extraordinary individual prophesied to become a renowned spiritual guide. It received generally positive reviews from critics.

Watch On: Hulu & Rent on Prime Video

The Substance (2024)

The Substance is a satirical body horror film written, directed, co-edited, and co-produced by Coralie Fargeat. It follows a fading celebrity, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who, after being fired by her producer (Dennis Quaid) due to her age, uses a black market drug that creates a much younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley) with unexpected side effects.

The Substance had its world premiere on May 19, 2024 at the 77th Cannes Film Festival main competition, where Fargeat won Best Screenplay. It received five nominations at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.

Watch On: Mubi & Rent on Prime Video

Poor Things (2023)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Tony McNamara, based on the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray. A co-production between Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Margaret Qualley stars as Felicity, alongwith Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael.

From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.

Poor Things was named one of the top ten films of 2023 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute, and received various accolades, including four wins at the 96th Academy Awards, two at the 81st Golden Globe Awards, and five at the 77th British Academy Film Awards; Stone won Best Actress at each ceremony.

Watch On: Hulu & Rent on Prime Video

The Nice Guys (2016)

The Nice Guys is a neo-noir buddy action comedy film directed by Shane Black, who co-wrote the screenplay with Anthony Bagarozzi. The film stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling in the title roles, with Angourie Rice, Matt Bomer, Margaret Qualley, Keith David, and Kim Basinger appearing in supporting roles.

The film is set in 1977 Los Angeles, the film focuses on private eye Holland March (Gosling) and tough enforcer for hire Jackson Healy (Crowe) who team up to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl (Qualley). It received positive reviews from critics for its humor, mystery, and the performances.

Watch On: Rent on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV)

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood Movie Photo

Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. It features a large ensemble cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. As Hollywood’s Golden Age is winding down during the summer of 1969, television actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double Cliff Booth endeavor to achieve lasting success in Hollywood while meeting several colorful characters along the way.

It received acclaim from critics; although historical accuracies and artists were criticized. The National Board of Review and the American Film Institute named Once Upon a Time in Hollywood one of the top-ten films of 2019. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was nominated for ten awards at the 92nd Academy Awards, winning two (Best Supporting Actor for Pitt and Best Production Design), and received numerous other accolades. A novelization, written by Tarantino in his debut as an author, was published in 2021.

Watch On: Hulu & Rent on Amazon Prime Video

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