Olivia Cooke Famous Movies and TV Roles Ranked

In her decade-long career, Olivia Cooke has accumulated an impressive array of critically acclaimed movies and TV shows. As a rising star in Hollywood, Cooke is celebrated for her captivating performances across various genres. From shaving her head for her role in “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” to leading the horror film “Ouija,” Cooke’s portrayal of complex characters has firmly established her as an actress to watch.

Born in Oldham, England, Cooke’s path to stardom began early. Initially aspiring to be a dancer and gymnast, she showcased her talents in theater before shifting her focus to acting. Her TV debut came in 2012 with guest roles in “Blackout” and “The Secret of Crickley Hall.” She soon landed a lead role in “Bates Motel,” paving the way for more prominent roles. This list highlights standout projects among Olivia Cooke’s best movies and TV shows.

10. ‘Ouija’ (2014)

Directed by Stiles White

In “Ouija,” Olivia Cooke takes on the challenging role of Laine Morris, the main protagonist in this horror film. The movie, based on Hasbro’s board game, revolves around a group of teenage girls who unleash a dark presence while attempting to contact the spirit of a deceased friend. Although “Ouija” received a mere 24% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and was criticized for its character development and inconsistent tone, Cooke’s performance was a standout. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed an impressive $103.6 million against a budget of $5–8 million, showcasing Cooke’s ability to lead a film successfully.

Release Date: October 24, 2014
Director: Stiles White
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff, Bianca A. Santos, Douglas Smith, Matthew Settle
Runtime: 100 minutes

9. ‘Vanity Fair’ (2018)

Directed by James Strong

In the seven-part limited series “Vanity Fair,” Cooke shines as Becky Sharp, a social climber determined to achieve her goals. Cooke’s portrayal of Becky, imbued with charm and self-confidence, stands out as one of her best roles. The series, based on William Makepeace Thackeray’s 1848 novel, follows Becky as she navigates elite society during and after the Napoleonic Wars. The show also features Tom Bateman as Captain Rawdon Crawley and Claudia Jessie as Amelia Sedley. “Vanity Fair” received positive reviews, particularly praising Cooke’s performance, earning an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.

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8. ‘Little Fish’ (2020)

Directed by Chad Hartigan

“Little Fish” presents a unique concept: a virus causing memory loss threatens to erase human history. The film follows a couple, Emma Ryerson (played by Cooke) and Jude Williams (Jack O’Connell), as they strive to preserve their love story amidst the chaos. Despite the emotional wreckage, “Little Fish” tells a compelling tale of love and connection. Cooke’s performance received widespread acclaim, contributing to the film’s 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Release Date: February 5, 2021
Director: Chad Hartigan
Runtime: 101 minutes
Watch on Amazon

7. ‘Fireheart’ (2022)

Directed by Theodore Ty and Lauren Zeitoun

“Fireheart” marks Cooke’s first venture into animated films, where she voices the lead character, Georgia Nolan. The adventure comedy follows Georgia, a young hopeful firefighter who disguises herself as a man to serve her community. The heartwarming storyline centers on Georgia’s determination to become the first female firefighter, despite societal constraints. The film’s voice cast includes Kenneth Branagh, William Shatner, Laurie Holden, and Maya Misaljevic. “Fireheart” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $5 million globally and receiving positive reviews for its engaging plot.

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6. ‘House of the Dragon’ (2022–present)

Created by Ryan Condal and George R. R. Martin

In the “Game of Thrones” spinoff “House of the Dragon,” Cooke portrays Queen Alicent Hightower. Set nearly 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” the series delves into the Targaryen dynasty’s history. Cooke’s performance has been widely praised, contributing to the show’s success. “House of the Dragon” has received several award nominations and won Best Television Series – Drama at the 80th Golden Globe Awards. Cooke will return as Queen Alicent in the second season, alongside an ensemble cast including Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy.

Release Date: August 21, 2022
Creators: Ryan J. Condal, George R.R. Martin
Main Genre: Drama
Seasons: 3

5. ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’ (2015)

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is one of Cooke’s highest-rated films, with an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb. Cooke delivers a tear-jerking performance as Rachel Kushner, a girl battling leukemia. The coming-of-age film also stars Thomas Mann and RJ Cyler. Cooke’s commitment to the role, including shaving her head, earned her two award nominations. The film received positive reviews for its screenplay and cast, standing out as one of Cooke’s earliest notable projects.

Release Date: June 12, 2015
Runtime: 105 minutes

4. ‘Thoroughbreds’ (2017)

Directed by Cory Finley

“Thoroughbreds,” Cory Finley’s directorial debut, revolves around two teenage girls, Lily Reynolds (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Amanda (Cooke), who rekindle their friendship and form a deadly alliance. Despite grossing $3.2 million against a $5 million budget, the dark comedy thriller received positive reviews, especially for Cooke and Taylor-Joy’s performances. Finley’s direction and screenplay were also critically acclaimed.

Release Date: March 9, 2018
Director: Cory Finley
Runtime: 92 minutes
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3. ‘Sound of Metal’ (2019)

Directed by Darius Marder

In “Sound of Metal,” Cooke plays Lou, the girlfriend of Ruben Stone, a metal drummer losing his hearing. The film, which won two Oscars, explores the impact of this loss on Ruben’s life. Cooke’s portrayal is intense and deeply emotional, contributing to the film’s critical success. Although “Sound of Metal” did not perform well at the box office, it received high praise for its cast performances, screenplay, and direction. The film has a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and made several critics’ top-ten lists for 2020.

Release Date: November 20, 2020
Director: Darius Marder
Runtime: 130 minutes

2. ‘Bates Motel’ (2013-2017)

Created by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano

“Bates Motel” was a significant early project for Cooke, marking her first American role as Emma Decody, Norman Bates’ best friend. This dark thriller prequel to “Psycho” explores the lives of Norman and his mother before the events of the 1960 film. The show received three People’s Choice Awards, with Cooke’s performance highlighting her ability to portray both strength and vulnerability. “Bates Motel” propelled Cooke to mainstream fame, leading to major film roles.

1. ‘Ready Player One’ (2018)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

“Ready Player One” features Cooke as Samantha Cooke and her avatar, Art3mis, in a futuristic world where people escape reality through a virtual reality simulation known as OASIS. The film, set in 2045, was a commercial success, grossing over $607 million globally. Cooke’s performance earned her two Teen Choice Award nominations. ScreenRant’s Angel Shaw predicts a more prominent role for her in a sequel, highlighting her significance in the franchise.

Release Date: March 28, 2018
Director: Steven Spielberg
Runtime: 140 minutes

Conclusion

Olivia Cooke’s career is marked by a diverse range of roles that showcase her talent and versatility. From horror films like “Ouija” to critically acclaimed projects like “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” and “Sound of Metal,” Cooke has proven herself as a formidable actress. As she continues to take on challenging roles, her reputation as a rising star in Hollywood is only set to grow. Fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to admire in Olivia Cooke’s movies and TV shows, each performance solidifying her place in the industry.