20 Must-Watch Mary Elizabeth Winstead Movies That Will Blow Your Mind

Mary Elizabeth Winstead consistently captivates audiences, be it in intense dramas or humorous films. Over the years, she’s proven herself as a versatile actress with a wide array of roles showcasing her talent and charm. Here are twenty must-see movies that demonstrate her skill and should not be missed.

Whether it’s adrenaline-pumping action movies or subtle, character-focused narratives, Winstead consistently delivers authentic and captivating performances. This collection showcases her finest cinematic appearances, making it an ideal choice for those eager to experience her most impactful on-screen moments.

Ranging from high-octane action movies to thoughtful character studies, Winstead’s performances are always genuine and enthralling. This compilation highlights her best work, offering a perfect starting point for anyone looking to explore her most unforgettable on-screen roles.

20. The Parts You Lose (2019)

In “The Parts You Lose,” Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivers an exceptional performance that often goes unnoticed because she’s not the main character. The outstanding young actor who plays the lead role in this film has received a lot of attention, overshadowing other cast members, but if you’re looking to appreciate Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s acting skills, this is still a movie worth watching.

In a tale that unfolds from my perspective as an ardent viewer, the movie centers around me, a 10-year-old boy named Wesley, residing on a humble farm in North Dakota. I attend a school for the deaf, which unfortunately isn’t a bed of roses; I’m often subjected to bullying there. My domestic life isn’t much better, as my relationship with my father leaves much to be desired.

One pivotal day, I stumble upon an injured stranger whom I attempt to aid. This man becomes my sole confidant, teaching me the importance of self-assertion. However, the police are hot on his trail, and I’m faced with a challenging dilemma: should I stand by my friend or uphold what I believe is right?

19. Bobby (2006)

Currently, Mary Elizabeth Winstead hasn’t achieved the fame necessary for leading roles, so in the film “Bobby,” she portrays a minor character as a nurse. However, the movie itself is excellent if you enjoy historical and biographical films, as it tells one of the most captivating stories based on real-life events.

Bobby recounts the true-life story of Robert Kennedy’s presidential candidacy and subsequent assassination. The film focuses on the lead-up to his campaign, offering insights into the various individuals involved, as well as the hotel setting where the tragic event unfolded. Additionally, it delves into intriguing anecdotes surrounding one of the most debated incidents in contemporary American history.

18. A Good Day To Die Hard (2013)

It’s common knowledge that Die Hard was the movie that made Bruce Willis a star in action movies. Following his successful portrayal in Die Hard, Willis has been featured in five more action films, and A Good Day to Die Hard is the most recent installment of the franchise as of now. Additionally, Mary Elizabeth Winstead reprises her role as John McClane’s daughter in this film, although her part is relatively small.

In this film, McClane’s storyline revolves around assisting his son Jack, who was apprehended for an attempted murder charge. Yet, it is later revealed that Jack operates covertly as a CIA agent, and his mission involves safeguarding Komarov – a whistleblower sought after by the US due to his knowledge of sensitive information concerning a prominent Russian official. As father and son, they must now collaborate to thwart a broader conspiracy.

17. Gemini Man (2019)

In the 2019 science fiction film “Gemini Man,” Mary Elizabeth Winstead makes an appearance. This film features Will Smith in the leading role. Essentially, her role can be considered a supporting one, but she delivered a noteworthy performance as a crucial character who is secondary to Will Smith’s character.

As a seasoned film critic, I must say that “Gemini Man” offers an intriguing tale from my perspective. In this action-packed thriller, I find myself in the shoes of a veteran assassin, who uncovers a startling revelation: there’s another assassin hot on my trail, one who seems to anticipate my every move. But The narrative unfolds as I delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding this peculiar predicament.

16. Final Destination 3 (2006)

Although not considered cinematic masterpieces, the Final Destination series has significantly impacted our pop culture as they offer an entertainingly gruesome viewing experience. In this context, Mary Elizabeth Winstead made an appearance in Final Destination 3, a role that deviates considerably from her leading roles in her more contemporary film projects.

In a new twist, Final Destination 3 unfolds around a group of students who’ve somehow evaded death. However, a young woman experiences a chilling premonition predicting the demise of those who escaped death’s grasp. Tragically, her vision comes to life as each survivor meets their untimely end in increasingly grisly and terrifying manners.

15. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter offers an engaging reimagining of the American Civil War, focusing on Abraham Lincoln’s involvement, and features Mary Elizabeth Winstead portraying the wife of our nation’s most revered president.

The film chronicles the tale of Abraham Lincoln, whose mother was brutally slain by vampires during his childhood. In the pursuit of a political career, he chose to become a vampire hunter as well. It’s later revealed that those orchestrating the American Civil War were none other than blood-sucking creatures aiming to seize control of the nation. Thus, it falls upon Abraham Lincoln, in his role as a vampire slayer, to bring an end to the conflict by eradicating the very same vampires responsible for his mother’s death and the turmoil plaguing the country.

14. The Thing (2011)

Among the films showcasing Mary Elizabeth Winstead in a leading role is “The Thing,” a chilling blend of horror and suspense, revolving around extraterrestrial beings. This film is not only captivating but also manages to keep viewers on tenterhooks due to its skillful pacing.

In this rephrased version, we delve into the narrative of a group consisting of a paleontologist named Kate Lloyd, who’s part of a Norwegian research team. They’re exploring an alien spacecraft entombed in ice layers of Antarctica. As they proceed with their investigation, they discover that the entity is not merely an object but parasitic in nature, posing a threat by attacking them one by one. The story unfolds as Kate and her fellow crew members scramble to devise a strategy to prevent the creature from claiming more lives.

13. Sky High (2005)

One of Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s standout roles is Sky High, a film that significantly boosted her career and helped establish her as a prominent actress. Although she wasn’t the main star, many would agree that her acting was the most memorable among the cast in this movie.

In this film, we follow the tale of Will Stronghold, a young man born to Earth’s most powerful superheroes, attending a school designed for those with extraordinary abilities. At school, he starts uncovering his unique powers, only to find himself ensnared by Gwen Grayson, the standout student. Unbeknownst to him, Grayson is actually Royal Pain – a villain who was previously vanquished by Will’s parents long ago. As a result, she must re-experience her childhood due to some unknown circumstances.

12. Kill The Messenger (2014)

In “Kill The Messenger,” Mary Elizabeth Winstead depicts a real-life figure named Anna Simons. While the movie primarily spotlights Jeremy Renner’s character, Gary Webb, Anna Simons remains a crucial character in the narrative, contributing significantly to the film’s plot.

In my perspective as a film critic, “Kill the Messenger” is an engrossing blend of mystery and suspense that unfolds the real-life conspiracy of the CIA’s covert operation to traffic cocaine through urban communities during the 1960s. This gripping tale centers around a tenacious journalist who uncovers this clandestine scheme, only to face obstacles in sharing his findings with the public. In this movie, Jessica Winstead’s character plays a pivotal role in thwarting the CIA’s nefarious plans.

11. Birds Of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)

In a more simplified and conversational style: One of the recent films starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, known as Birds of Prey (with a lengthy full title), was quite successful at the American box office due to the popularity of superhero movies currently. What makes this movie stand out is its emphasis on Harley Quinn, but it’s also an assembly of powerful female characters, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead portraying The Huntress.

The film centers around Quinn’s thrilling escapades as part of a girl band who unwittingly become entangled in trouble due to Harley’s tumultuous history with the Joker. This movie promises an enjoyable experience thanks to its humor and exhilarating, almost unbelievable action sequences that are both hilarious and fun.

10. Swiss Army Man (2016)

In Swiss Army Man, Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivered an exceptional acting performance, despite not being the main character. Yet, this unique film stands out due to the remarkable performances by both Daniel Radcliffe and Paul Dano.

The movie centers on Hank Thompson, a man who contemplated suicide after being stranded on a desolate island. Yet, when a dead body washes up, Hank’s spirit is rekindled as he forms an unusual friendship with it. This corpse, surprisingly, possesses strange powers and can speak! Consequently, Hank embarks on a journey to return home, taking the talking corpse along in this whimsical adventure comedy film.

9. Smashed (2012)

To truly appreciate Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s exceptional acting skills, you should definitely watch her in Smashes. She delivers an outstanding performance in this movie, marking yet another leading role for her after her stellar work in The Thing. This portrayal is among the most dramatic of her illustrious career.

In the movie, we witness Kate and Charlie, a couple grappling with a tumultuous marriage due to their heavy reliance on alcohol. When Kate makes the decision to turn her life around and become sober, she encounters additional challenges, as she struggles with self-healing and remaining loyal to her spouse. Spectators will undoubtedly be captivated by Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s exceptional portrayal of Kate throughout the film.

8. So It Goes (2016)

In essence, “So It Goes” is a brief motion picture, clocking in at just 13 minutes. But let’s not dwell on its brevity, for it’s Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s captivating performance that truly shines in this compact cinematic piece.

The brief movie focuses on the tale of Samantha, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who’s grappling with creating a fresh tune due to what appears to be an artistic lull. Yet, she encounters an enigmatic figure that rekindles her passion for music within her. As a result, she rediscovers her voice while producing the new song.

7. Live Free Or Die Hard (2007)

In the movies we’ve discussed, Mary Elizabeth Winstead made her second appearance in the Die Hard series with A Good Day to Die Hard. However, it was her debut in the Die Hard franchise where she had a more prominent role on screen. This is because her first film in the series is considered one of the best in the Die Hard movie collection.

In “Live Free or Die Hard,” the story unfolds around John McClane, a character now engaged in thwarting cyber-terrorists aiming to seize control of the United States. Yet, an unexpected twist occurs when his daughter, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is abducted within the film’s narrative. This creates a complex dynamic for McClane, who must juggle his duties as a police officer and his role as a father in this highly-acclaimed movie that received numerous favorable reviews from critics.

6. All About Nina (2018)

The movie “All About Nina” showcases another exceptional portrayal by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, offering a more intricate character than her previous roles might suggest. This depth is due to the film’s complexity itself, as it blends elements of drama and comedy while chronicling the life of a comedian in Los Angeles.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d put it this way: In the film, I find myself immersed in the journey of Nina, an aspiring comedian, who bravely embarks on a quest to conquer Hollywood from the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Along her humorous and emotionally resonant path, she encounters Rafe, a charismatic playboy with a hidden tender heart that he struggles to reveal. The movie offers a delightful blend of laughter and warmth, striking a chord in every viewer’s heart.

5. Death Proof (2007)

Among Quentin Tarantino’s less-recognized works lies the engaging film Death Proof. Though not often celebrated, it offers an enjoyable watch. This movie is part of the Grindhouse double feature, showcasing a captivating performance by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, even though her character doesn’t carry a significant role in the narrative.

The narrative of Death Proof revolves around three companions enjoying a getaway, who cross paths with a daredevil stuntman named Mike. He extends an invitation for a ride in his notorious “Death Proof” stunt vehicle to one of them, resulting in the death of that friend. Subsequently, he repeats this lethal act by ramming their car. Fourteen months later, he encounters fresh targets, yet he underestimates their resolve to retaliate, a stark contrast to the previous group of girls.

4. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

10 Cloverfield Lane belongs to the broader Cloverfield film series, sharing a loose connection with the other movies in the franchise without strictly following the same narrative. Despite this, 10 Cloverfield Lane stands out as a surprisingly compelling watch, earning praise for its captivating performances, particularly by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and the intriguing conclusion of the film.

In this film, we delve into the tale of Michelle, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who finds herself isolated with two other individuals following a car crash. Yet, one of these men suggests that Earth has been under attack by biological weapons, and their quarantine is to ensure their survival in the wake of these events. It’s advisable to watch the movie unfold as it offers a gripping and unforeseeable experience.

3. The Spectacular Now (2013)

In “The Spectacular Now,” directed by the same talent behind “Smashed,” there’s an attempt to cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead in another remarkable production, one that matches its quality. However, it’s Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller who take center stage in this film, while Winstead assumes a supporting role. Yet, her performance in the movie is undeniably impressive.

The film is adapted from Tim Tharp’s books and centers around a stirring and unconventional romance between its characters. Notably, Mary Elizabeth Winstead portrays the sibling of one principal character, contributing significantly to the narrative’s unfolding.

2. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)

In my opinion, many folks would agree that Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s standout film. This movie, adapted from a comic series, offers a thrilling experience with plenty of entertainment value. What makes it even more appealing is the opportunity to witness Mary Elizabeth Winstead shine as the leading lady in this action-packed, exhilarating tale.

In the film titled “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,” the narrative revolves around Scott Pilgrim, a member of a rock band, who develops feelings for Ramona Flowers, portrayed by Winstead. However, an unexpected twist arises when he learns that to win Ramona’s heart, he must defeat her wicked ex-boyfriends. The movie is packed with moments of unease, action sequences, and humor, making it a unique cinematic experience.

1. Faults (2014)

Although “Faults” might not be Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s most well-known film, it could potentially be her finest, given its critical acclaim. This is a highly engaging movie that offers a remarkable showcase of Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s talent as a leading actress on the silver screen.

The film focuses on Claire, Winstead’s character, who was once part of a cult and is now being deprogrammed by her parents. To aid in this process, they hire someone, leading to numerous events unfolding. What makes this movie unique is its blend of humor and drama, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

2025-06-05 13:46