Dakota Johnson is a name that has grown to represent versatility in contemporary Hollywood. From her breakthrough performance in Fifty Shades of Grey to her more recent turn in The Lost Daughter and Suspiria, Johnson has proven herself to be an actress with a remarkable range. Her career trajectory is one that reflects an ability to not only navigate a variety of genres but to imbue each character with a unique blend of vulnerability, strength, and emotional depth. In this article, we explore which film genres best complement her acting skills and how she has become a compelling force in the world of cinema.

1. Dakota Johnson’s Versatility

Dakota Johnson’s rise to fame was perhaps most notably sparked by her role as Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). The film, based on the best-selling book series, quickly thrust Johnson into the limelight. However, while many might have been typecast after such a high-profile project, Johnson’s career trajectory demonstrates her refusal to be confined to any one genre or type of role.

Following Fifty Shades of Grey, Johnson chose to pursue more diverse and, at times, more challenging roles. She starred in Suspiria (2018), a psychological horror remake directed by Luca Guadagnino, where she portrayed Susie Bannion, a young dancer at a prestigious Berlin dance academy that hides a dark secret. The film’s blend of horror, mystery, and supernatural elements gave Johnson the chance to show off her range, taking her far beyond the quiet, reserved character of Anastasia Steele.

In The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), Johnson took on the role of Eleanor, a caretaker to a young man with Down syndrome who embarks on a journey to become a professional wrestler. The film is a heartwarming dramedy, and Johnson’s performance is both tender and resilient, proving her ability to create characters who embody complex emotional landscapes. Her portrayal of Eleanor is a wonderful example of how Johnson can take on roles that require both softness and strength, vulnerability and agency.

These roles—among many others—are a testament to Johnson’s ability to move between genres with ease. She doesn’t simply conform to a specific type of character or a particular genre; instead, she stretches herself and seeks out roles that challenge her as an actress. Her versatility is perhaps the hallmark of her career, allowing her to continuously surprise audiences with the depth and nuance she brings to each new role.

2. Drama: The Heart of Johnson’s Craft

While Dakota Johnson is undoubtedly a versatile actress, it’s in dramatic roles that she truly excels. Drama is where her ability to explore complex, multifaceted characters comes to the fore, and it’s where audiences have seen her deliver some of her most compelling performances.

A Bigger Splash (2015)

In A Bigger Splash (2015), directed by Luca Guadagnino, Johnson plays Penelope, the daughter of a rock star and his much younger partner. The film is a taut, sun-soaked psychological drama about a group of people whose relationships implode over the course of a single vacation. Johnson’s portrayal of Penelope is both captivating and heartbreaking. Penelope’s sharp, almost dangerous energy contrasts with the vulnerability she tries to conceal, and Johnson navigates this emotional complexity with remarkable restraint. Her chemistry with co-stars Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes is electric, and it’s evident that Johnson brings a depth to her character that makes her stand out in this ensemble-driven drama.

The Lost Daughter (2021)

Perhaps one of the most notable performances of Johnson’s career came in The Lost Daughter (2021), directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Based on Elena Ferrante’s novel, the film follows Leda (Olivia Colman), a university professor on vacation in a seaside town, who becomes fixated on a young mother (played by Johnson) and her daughter. Johnson’s portrayal of Nina, the young mother, is incredibly raw and emotional. Nina is struggling with the challenges of motherhood, and Johnson gives her a haunting and memorable quality. The fragility of Nina’s character contrasts beautifully with the more assured, but emotionally complex, Leda. Johnson’s ability to portray the inner turmoil of Nina makes her one of the film’s most memorable characters, showcasing her exceptional talent for bringing depth to emotionally charged roles.

Black Mass (2015)

In Black Mass (2015), a crime drama about the notorious Boston gangster Whitey Bulger (played by Johnny Depp), Johnson plays Lindsey, a small but pivotal character in the unraveling of Bulger’s criminal empire. Though her role is limited in terms of screen time, Johnson gives a memorable performance, displaying both fragility and strength as her character navigates her relationship with the men around her. This film proves that even in supporting roles, Johnson can leave a lasting impression, conveying emotion and subtle complexity without stealing the spotlight.

3. Thriller and Horror: A Layer of Intrigue

While drama undoubtedly plays to Johnson’s strengths, it’s also in the thriller and horror genres where she finds new ways to showcase her range. These genres, which often rely on heightened emotions, psychological depth, and tension, are an ideal canvas for Johnson’s unique ability to express vulnerability while maintaining a sense of inner strength.

Suspiria (2018)

In Suspiria, Johnson’s role as Susie Bannion required her to immerse herself in an unsettling world of supernatural horror and psychological intrigue. As a young woman who enters an elite dance academy that harbors dark secrets, Susie’s journey is one of transformation, from a seemingly naive dancer to someone who uncovers the terrifying reality of the academy’s true nature. Johnson’s performance is mesmerizing, her character slowly evolving from an innocent, impressionable figure into someone who takes control of her own fate. In many ways, Suspiria marked a new chapter in Johnson’s career, proving that she is an actress capable of handling darker, more intense material with depth and poise.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

In Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), a neo-noir thriller, Johnson plays a mysterious character named Emily, who is part of a tangled web of secrets and intrigue in a rundown hotel on the California-Nevada border. As the film’s plot unravels, Johnson’s portrayal of Emily reveals layers of complexity, as she must navigate a world full of shady characters and unpredictable danger. The film’s 1960s setting provides a rich backdrop for Johnson to explore different facets of her character, from the seductive to the vulnerable, and her performance anchors much of the film’s emotional weight.

4. Comedy and Dramedy: An Underexplored Side

While Dakota Johnson is perhaps best known for her dramatic and thriller roles, she has also proven her comedic chops in a number of films. Her ability to balance humor with pathos, lightness with darkness, allows her to excel in dramedy, a genre that demands both sensitivity and timing.

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

In The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), Johnson plays Eleanor, a caregiver who embarks on a journey with a young man with Down syndrome, played by Zack Gottsagen, to help him realize his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. The film is a heartwarming dramedy, and Johnson shines in her role. Her character’s arc is both comedic and emotional, and Johnson balances the film’s lighter, more whimsical moments with those of deep emotional resonance. Her interactions with Gottsagen are genuine and heartfelt, demonstrating her ability to adapt to the needs of the scene while maintaining a sense of authenticity.

How to Be Single (2016)

In How to Be Single (2016), Johnson plays Alice, a young woman navigating the world of modern relationships. The film is a lighthearted comedy that explores themes of love, independence, and self-discovery. Johnson’s performance is charming and grounded, capturing the uncertainty and self-doubt that many people experience when figuring out their place in the world. The film’s humor is inextricably linked to Johnson’s ability to convey vulnerability and the complexities of human relationships.

5. Conclusion: A Future of Endless Possibilities

Dakota Johnson’s career is an ever-evolving journey through a diverse array of genres, each of which showcases a different aspect of her incredible range. Whether she’s diving into the depths of psychological horror, playing a heartwarming dramedy, or embodying a complex dramatic role, Johnson consistently demonstrates a rare ability to infuse her characters with both emotional complexity and authenticity. As her career continues to unfold, it’s clear that Dakota Johnson will remain one of Hollywood’s most versatile and compelling actresses, with the potential to shine in whatever genre she chooses next.