5 Best Dakota Johnson Movies to Watch Before ‘Materialists’ Premiere

Dakota Johnson was born into Hollywood royalty, but while definitely benefitting from famous parents, she made sure that everybody recognised her hard work and devotion to acting. While it was the Fifty Shades franchise that skyrocketed her career, she still has so many more projects up her sleeve, done both before and after the scandalous sexy saga.

With the upcoming premiere of Materialists, where she stars alongside two beloved actors Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, poised to be another stylish addition to her career, it’s the perfect time to revisit the standout films that shaped her journey. Here are 5 essential Dakota Johnson performances you need to watch.

1. ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ (2019)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Peanut Butter Falcon has 95% from critics and 96% from viewers.
• On IMDb, The Peanut Butter Falcon has 7.6/10.

This feel-good adventure film sees Johnson alongside Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen in a modern Mark Twain-style story that is equal parts touching and uplifting. Having done many dark and mysterious movies before, The Peanut Butter Falcon was one of those rare moments when she could actually become part of a more crowd-pleasing project and collect some laughs.

As Eleanor, a social worker torn between duty and compassion, Johnson brings warmth to the role, making it feel unexpectedly authentic. The film successfully balances its road-movie charm with complex emotions, and Johnson is the glue that quietly and sincerely binds the central trio together.

2. ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ (2022)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Cha Cha Real Smooth has 85% from critics and 61% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Cha Cha Real Smooth has 7.3/10.

In Cooper Raiff’s heartfelt dramedy, Johnson delivers one of her most layered performances to date as Domino, a young mother navigating tough realities that comes with motherhood. The movie is so relatable and raw that you can’t help but feel sorry for all the things young mothers have to deal with, while still trying to make the best of their twenties.

Johnson’s chemistry with Raiff is electric, but it's her quiet vulnerability that grounds the film. She portrays a woman who is both guarded and eager for change, subtly capturing the complexity of being stuck between comfort and the unknown.

Cha Cha Real Smooth is indie cinema at its finest: messy, real, and emotionally raw. And it proves that Johnson thrives in that space.

3. ‘Our Friend’ (2019)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Our Friend has 85% from critics and 95% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Our Friend has 7.3/10.

In this emotionally devastating drama based on a true story, Johnson plays Nicole Teague, a woman with terminal cancer whose best friend moves in to support her family during her final months.

Johnson’s performance in Our Friend is both fearless and tender, which feels natural given that the film refuses to glamorize illness. Instead, it highlights the everyday moments of love, fear, and resilience that accompany it. Johnson's chemistry with Casey Affleck and Jason Segel is heartbreakingly real, making this one of her most affecting performances.

4. ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ (2018)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Bad Times at the El Royale has 75% from critics and 75% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Bad Times at the El Royale has 7.1/10.

Bad Times at the El Royale is a noir-tinged thriller that gives Johnson a chance to step into the role of a mysterious, gun-toting woman who checks into a seedy hotel on the California-Nevada border.

Johnson plays Emily Summerspring, who is trying to rescue her younger sister from a cult led by the dangerous yet charismatic Billy Lee, played by Chris Hemsworth. The film is reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino's work and classic neo-noir films, and Johnson takes on the role of femme fatale with confidence and magnetism.

5. ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (2015)

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Fifty Shades of Grey has 25% from critics and 41% from viewers.
• On IMDb, Fifty Shades of Grey has 4.2/10.

Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Fifty Shades of Grey is the film that made Dakota Johnson a household name. As Anastasia Steele, she brought an unexpected depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. And even though it’s one of the lowest rated projects, it remains iconic and probably the definition of guilty pleasure for many.