Elle Fanning has become one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and versatile actors, showcasing her talent in various genres, from historical drama to psychological horror. Her career, which began in childhood, has blossomed into an impressive body of work filled with both critically acclaimed films and popular television series. Whether new to her work or looking to dive deeper into her filmography, this outline will guide you through the top Elle Fanning movies and TV shows you shouldn’t miss.
A Detailed Look on Elle Fanning Movies and TV Shows
Here is a detailed breakdown of Elle Fanning’s most prominent roles in movies and TV shows, showcasing her diverse range and acting versatility.
| Movie/TV Show Title | Release Year | Acting Role | Genre | Plot/Overview |
| The Great | 2020–Present | Catherine the Great | Historical Drama/Comedy | A satirical take on the rise of Catherine the Great, showing her tumultuous marriage and political ambitions in Russia. |
| Maleficent | 2014 | Aurora | Fantasy/Adventure | Fanning plays Princess Aurora in this reimagined Sleeping Beauty story, where the narrative focuses on the perspective of the “villain,” Maleficent. |
| The Neon Demon | 2016 | Jesse | Horror/Thriller | It is a psychological thriller where Fanning plays an aspiring model who faces the dark side of the beauty industry in Los Angeles. |
| Super 8 | 2011 | Alice Dainard | Sci-Fi/Adventure | A group of kids witness a mysterious train crash while making a zombie film. Fanning’s character plays a key role in the group’s investigation into the following strange events. |
| 20th Century Women | 2016 | Julie | Drama | Fanning plays Julie, a teenage girl navigating relationships and life in the 1970s under the influence of strong female role models in her life. |
| Teen Spirit | 2018 | Violet | Musical Drama | A shy teenager enters a singing competition to escape her small-town life. Fanning performs all her songs in this musical drama, showcasing her vocal talent. |
| The Curious Case of Benjamin Button | 2008 | Young Daisy | Fantasy/Drama | Fanning portrays a younger version of Daisy in this unique film, in which Brad Pitt’s character ages in reverse while his love interest ages normally. |
| The Beguiled | 2017 | Alicia | Historical Drama/Thriller | Fanning plays a flirtatious student at an all-girls school disrupted by the arrival of an injured Union soldier, leading to rising tensions and jealousy among the characters. |
The Great (2020–Present)
Elle Fanning’s role in Hulu’s The Great has garnered her widespread acclaim, and for good reason. The satirical series follows the rise of Catherine the Great, Russia’s longest-ruling female monarch. Fanning portrays the Empress with wit, humor, and vulnerability. The show explores Catherine’s early struggles with her unhinged husband, Peter III (played by Nicholas Hoult), as she navigates a world of political intrigue. Fanning’s comedic and compelling performance shows her growth as a multifaceted actor.
Her impeccable comedic timing, paired with the series’ sharp dialogue, has made The Great one of Hulu’s standout original shows. Critics have praised her portrayal of Catherine, calling it one of the best performances of her career.
Super 8 (2011)
One of Elle Fanning’s early breakout roles, Super 8 is a science fiction adventure directed by J.J. Abrams. Fanning plays Alice Dainard, a young girl who, along with friends, is making a home movie when they witness a catastrophic train crash. A thrilling mystery follows as strange events unfold in their small town.
Fanning’s role in Super 8 highlighted her ability to handle emotionally complex scenes while still delivering the action-packed, sci-fi elements of the film. Produced by Steven Spielberg, the film brings back the nostalgia of classic sci-fi films from the ’80s and remains a fan favorite.
The Neon Demon (2016)
Elle Fanning took on one of her most daring roles in The Neon Demon, a psychological horror film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. Fanning plays Jesse, a young aspiring model who moves to Los Angeles and quickly rises to the fashion industry’s top. However, jealousy and obsession among her peers take the film in a dark and disturbing direction.
While the movie was polarizing for its heavy visual style and unsettling themes, Fanning’s performance was widely praised for capturing the innocence and ambition of a young woman entering a predatory world. The Neon Demon is one of her most visually striking films, demonstrating her fearlessness in challenging roles.
Maleficent (2014)
In Disney’s Maleficent, Fanning stars as Princess Aurora, opposite Angelina Jolie as the misunderstood villain. This film offers a fresh take on the Sleeping Beauty story by focusing on Maleficent’s perspective. Fanning’s portrayal of Aurora adds a layer of warmth and kindness, standing in contrast to Jolie’s darker, more conflicted character.
The visual effects and costume design make Maleficent a visual feast, but Fanning’s performance is the film’s emotional heart. She reprised the role in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), further developing her character’s journey and showing her evolution as a princess and a leader.
20th Century Women (2016)
Mike Mills’ 20th Century Women is a semi-autobiographical drama set in 1979 that explores the relationships between a teenage boy and the women who influence his life. Fanning plays Julie, a teenage girl who is both a confidante and a love interest to the main character, Jamie.
Fanning’s portrayal of Julie brings a mix of teenage rebellion and emotional vulnerability to the film. She shines in her interactions with the other female characters, particularly Annette Bening’s Dorothea, creating a rich, multi-generational exploration of womanhood and family.
Teen Spirit (2018)
In Teen Spirit, Fanning plays Violet, a shy teenager with dreams of becoming a pop star. The film follows her journey from a small town to a singing competition that could change her life. Fanning performs all the songs herself, adding a layer of authenticity to the film’s musical sequences.
Her performance as Violet is both emotional and inspiring. She navigates the pressures of the music industry while staying true to her own voice. Teen Spirit highlights Fanning’s versatility, proving she’s not just a talented actress but also a capable singer.
FAQs About Elle fanning movies and TV shows
Q: What was Elle Fanning’s first major movie role?
A: Elle Fanning’s first significant role was in I Am Sam (2001), where she played the younger version of her sister Dakota Fanning’s character. However, her breakout role came later with Super 8 in 2011.
Q: Has Elle Fanning won any awards for her performances?
A: While Elle Fanning has not won major acting awards like the Oscars yet. She has been nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe nomination for her role in The Great.
Q: Does Elle Fanning sing in any of her movies?
A: Elle Fanning showcases her singing talent in Teen Spirit (2018). Where she performs all of her character’s songs in the film.
Q: Has Elle Fanning worked in TV or movies?
A: Yes, Elle Fanning has gained recognition for her work in both film and television. One of her most prominent TV roles is in The Great, where she plays Catherine the Great.
Q: What makes Elle Fanning’s acting style unique?
A: Elle Fanning is known for her ability to take on a wide range of roles across different genres, from historical dramas to psychological thrillers. Her emotional depth, subtle expressions, and fearless approach to complex characters make her stand out.
Wrapping Up
Elle Fanning’s impressive career spans various genres, showcasing her incredible versatility and growth as an actress. From her standout role in The Great to her daring performance in The Neon Demon, Fanning continues to captivate audiences with each new project. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her work. These movies and TV shows are a great way to appreciate the depth and range of her acting talents. With each new role, Fanning proves why she’s one of the most exciting stars in Hollywood today. Keep an eye on her upcoming projects—her career is just starting!
Learn more
