The 10 Most Underrated Margaret Qualley Movies, Ranked (from Least to Most Underrated)

Margaret Qualley has quickly become known for choosing fascinating and diverse roles in film. She works with both independent and major studios, and often collaborates with distinctive directors. While this has led to appearances in critically acclaimed and popular movies, some of her standout performances haven’t gotten the attention they deserve, possibly because of the directors she’s worked with.

Here’s a list of ten films worth revisiting. For each movie, we’ll cover its origins, the people behind it, the actress’s part, and the context surrounding its creation and release. This is a straightforward guide to help you choose your next watch – you won’t find any controversial opinions here.

‘Donnybrook’ (2018)

This crime drama, directed by Tim Sutton and based on Frank Bill’s book, centers on a Marine veteran who enters a dangerous, illegal bare-knuckle fighting competition to win money. Starring Margaret Qualley, Jamie Bell, and Frank Grillo, the film was shot primarily in Ohio and Kentucky. It first screened at film festivals and was later released in select theaters by IFC Films.

As a film fan, I’ve noticed the director, Sutton, really digs into those familiar themes of American struggle and hardship he’s explored before. What struck me about this movie is how raw it feels – they shot it all on location, kept the music minimal, and used a lot of handheld camera work, which makes everything feel so immediate. And the cast! Qualley is fantastic in a supporting role, fitting right into this group of damaged people whose stories all collide around the central fight.

‘Stars at Noon’ (2022)

This romantic thriller, directed by Claire Denis and adapted from a novel by Denis Johnson, takes place against the backdrop of political unrest in Nicaragua. Starring Margaret Qualley and Joe Alwyn, the story follows a journalist who finds herself caught up with an enigmatic British traveler. While set in Nicaragua, filming actually occurred in Panama due to practical challenges. The film is produced by a French team and will be released in the US by A24.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won the top prize, the Grand Prix, from the jury. It was then released in a unique way, appearing in select cinemas at the same time as becoming available for viewers to rent online. Director Denis Villeneuve worked with his regular team – editor Guy Lecorne and the band Tindersticks, who composed the music – to create the film’s distinctive atmosphere and rhythm.

‘Strange but True’ (2019)

This suspenseful thriller is based on John Searles’s novel and tells the story of a young woman who arrives at a family mourning the loss of their son, claiming she’s pregnant with his child. The film stars Margaret Qualley, alongside Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear, and Brian Cox. It was directed by Rowan Athale and filmed in Ontario.

The film uses realistic settings like houses, hospitals, and typical town streets to make the story feel more believable. After a limited release in theaters, it became widely available online through CBS Films and Lionsgate. The music by Neil Athale and subtle special effects help keep the audience focused on the actors and what’s happening in the story.

‘My Salinger Year’ (2020)

This movie, inspired by Joanna Rakoff’s real-life story, follows a young woman working as a literary assistant in New York City for the author J.D. Salinger’s representative. Margaret Qualley stars as the assistant, and Sigourney Weaver plays her demanding boss, who has very specific rules for everything, including dealing with fan mail. Philippe Falardeau wrote and directed the film, which was filmed mostly in Montreal and designed to look like the inside of New York City buildings.

The film kicked off the Berlin International Film Festival and was released in North America by IFC Films. Its production design carefully recreates the look of the publishing world, using authentic typewriters, office furnishings, and clothing. While the movie simplifies some parts of the original story, it maintains the central storyline about work and the importance of letters and communication.

‘Palo Alto’ (2013)

This teen drama is Gia Coppola’s first feature film as a director, and it’s based on stories by James Franco. The movie features Margaret Qualley alongside Emma Roberts, Jack Kilmer, and Nat Wolff. Filmed in and around Los Angeles, the filmmakers used natural lighting and a simple visual approach to stay true to the feel of the original short stories.

I absolutely loved the film’s music! It’s a really cool mix of indie songs and Devonté Hynes’ original score, and it actually helped emphasize how the movie jumps between different stories. It didn’t get a huge run in theaters, thanks to Tribeca Film, but a lot of people discovered it when it became available to watch at home. And the story itself? It’s brilliant how Coppola weaves together so many different experiences – everything from what happens at school and parties to the complicated stuff that goes on within families – into one really connected narrative.

‘Sanctuary’ (2022)

This intimate film stars Margaret Qualley and Christopher Abbott in a tense psychological drama that unfolds almost entirely within a lavish hotel suite. Directed by Zachary Wigon and written by Micah Bloomberg, the movie was intentionally filmed on a small set to highlight the actors’ movements, the pacing, and their conversations. It was produced by Rumble Films.

The film was initially released in select theaters, hoping to build buzz through positive audience reactions before becoming available for streaming. The filmmakers paid close attention to detail in the production design, cleverly changing the same set in small ways throughout the movie. The editing style is also notable, with scenes unfolding like rounds in a competition. Because the story takes place in a limited number of locations, the production was able to film efficiently and allow the actors to perform in extended takes.

‘Novitiate’ (2017)

Maggie Betts’s new film is a historical drama about young women joining a Catholic convent at a time of significant change within the church. The movie stars Margaret Qualley as one of the new recruits, alongside Melissa Leo as the Reverend Mother and Julianne Nicholson in a key supporting role. Filmed on location in Tennessee, the filmmakers used former institutional buildings to create the look and feel of the convent.

I saw the movie premiere at Sundance and was immediately struck by Leo’s performance – everyone was talking about it! It was then picked up by Sony Pictures Classics for wider release. What really impressed me was how the filmmakers showed the changes happening in religious life before and after a major council. The costumes and sets were amazing at reflecting that. The way it was filmed was also really interesting – sometimes it felt very formal and staged, and other times it was incredibly personal and up close. Instead of just *telling* us the historical background, they wove it into scenes that felt natural, like lessons in a classroom or services in a chapel. It felt much more immersive that way.

‘The Nice Guys’ (2016)

Directed by Shane Black, this funny detective story is set in Los Angeles and stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as a pair of unlikely partners. Margaret Qualley plays Amelia, a woman who gets them involved in a strange case connected to both cars and the adult film industry. Though set in Los Angeles, the movie was actually filmed in Atlanta, where the filmmakers meticulously recreated the look of the city’s streets and buildings to match the time period.

Warner Bros. released the film widely, showcasing the director’s trademark mix of exciting action and witty dialogue. The production team focused on impressive stunts, physical comedy, and a dynamic score composed by John Ottman and David Buckley. The story’s complex plot centers around Amelia, whose journey connects the various action sequences.

‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024)

This film, a collection of three separate stories, was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and co-written with Efthimis Filippou. It features a consistent cast – including Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley – appearing in each segment. Filmed in New Orleans, each story has its own unique visual style, but they all share a similar mood. Searchlight Pictures released the film in theaters, gradually rolling it out to different countries.

The series maintains a consistent feel thanks to returning directors and a unified sound design. Director Lanthimos once again worked with many of his regular crew members, while also introducing new actors. Margaret Qualley appears in several parts, playing characters whose roles change to reflect the different power structures and ethical considerations in each story.

‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’ (2019)

Quentin Tarantino’s latest film offers a fresh take on Hollywood’s changing landscape, centering on an aging television actor and his stuntman. Their paths cross with actual people from the past, including Margaret Qualley’s character, a follower of Charles Manson, whom they meet during a chance encounter on the road. The filmmakers meticulously recreated historical storefronts throughout Los Angeles, and Sony Pictures handled distribution, supporting the film with an awards campaign that kept it in theaters longer.

The film showcases impressive technical skill, including stunning visuals captured on large-format film, dynamic car work done directly in-camera, and a soundtrack featuring current popular songs. It first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was then released internationally. Margaret Qualley’s performance involved complex choreography, filmed across moving vehicles, outdoor ranch settings, and with a large cast, all of which helped connect her character to the film’s overall story and historical context.

Share your own picks for overlooked Margaret Qualley performances in the comments!

2025-09-25 19:46