Saoirse Ronan is a renowned name in the entertainment industry, and she established herself as an American-born Irish actress.
Since she was a teenager, she has been famous for her performance in historical plays and has won various awards, including a Golden Globe Award.
Continue reading the article to explore the top movies and TV shows where Saoirse Ronan has genuinely outshined. Even if you are new to her acting, it provides a great selection of must-watch filmographies.
She debuted in 2003 and rose to stardom with her remarkable acting skills in 2007.
Remember that the available movies may vary depending on where you live.
1. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Wes Anderson directed a 2014 comedy-drama, The Grand Budapest Hotel, as a fragmented tale following a character inspired by a familiar friend.
It revolves around Monsieur Gustavo H., a dedicated concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, and his protege Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy. They are involved in a series of misadventures after the demise of Madame D., a wealthy guest who leaves a priceless painting, “Boy with Apple,” to Gustave.
This starts a chain of events that includes a dramatic pursuit, theft, and murder charges. The film is
The Grand Budapest Hotel highlights the charm of a bygone period while celebrating friendship, devotion, and time passing through a blend of humor, quirky characters, and breathtaking sights.
Saoirse Ronan portrayed the role of Agatha, a skilled pastry chef with a distinctive birthmark on her face. She is Moustafa’s love interest. Her charming and resourceful character adds to the complex and quirky plot that filmmaker Wes Anderson has created.
2. Little Women
Greta Gerwig directed Little Woman, a 2019 American coming-of-age period drama film. It is the seventh film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel.
Her adaptation is a visually stunning tribute to Alcott’s timeless story, resonating with long-time fans and new audiences. She highlighted the sister’s dreams, struggles, and relationships.
Little Women follows the lives of the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, as they grow up during the aftermath of the American Civil War.
Meg, the eldest, seeks domestic stability. Beth, the gentle musician, faces health challenges, and Amy, the youngest, strives to become an artist.
Saoirse Ronan played the central character, Joe, the second eldest of the March sisters. She is an aspiring writer with a fierce desire for independence and a strong sense of individuality. Her role highlights an inner conflict between societal expectations and her aspirations, making it a standout role in the film.
Ronan is widely acclaimed for its emotional intensity and nuanced depiction of a young woman striving to find her voice and place in the world.
3. Atonement
Joe Wright directed a 2007 romantic war drama, Atonement, based on Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel, centered on the themes of love, war, and the consequences of a single, devastating lie.
The film skillfully combines themes of atonement, remorse, and the eternal power of love. It is a fascinating movie experience with breathtaking photography, impressive performances, and an engaging story.
Saoirse Ronan played 13-year-old Briony Tallis, central to the film’s plot. She is an imaginative young girl whose misunderstanding and false accusation of a crime dramatically alter the lives of her sister Cecilia and Cecilia’s lover, Robbie Turner.
Her lie shattered their romance, and as the story progresses, Briony, as an adult, seeks to atone for her actions and the pain they caused.
Saoirse’s performance was impactful, capturing the character’s innocence, jealousy, and eventual remorse. At 13, she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress 13.
4. Brooklyn
John Crowley directed a 2015 romantic period drama film, Brooklyn, based on Colm Toibin’s 2009 novel. It beautifully captures the immigrant experience, themes of identity and belonging, and the difficult choices that shape our lives.
Saoirse Ronan portrayed the leading role of Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who emigrated to Brooklyn, New York, in the 1950s for better opportunities.
Her character’s journey is self-discovery, love, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging.
Eilis struggles with homesickness as she adjusts to her new life, but she eventually finds work and begins to settle. She meets and falls in love with Tony Fiorello, a charming Italian-American plumber. As their romance blossoms, she starts to build a new life in Brooklyn.
However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she faces conflicting emotions about her future. She must decide where her true home lies, torn between her old life and the new one she has started in Brooklyn.
5. Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig directed Lady Bird, a 2017 American coming-of-age comedy-drama about a high school senior with a turbulent relationship with her mother and her quest for independence and self-identity.
It is set in the early 2000s and heartfeltly portrays the complexities of growing up and the bonds that shape us. The film highlights the generational and emotional gaps between a mother and a daughter.
Saoirse Ronan starred as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, and Laurie Metcalf portrayed Marion McPherson. Its story follows Christine through her senior year as she navigates friendships, romantic relationships, and her aspirations to attend college on the East Coast, far from her hometown.
Her journey is marked by rebellion, self-discovery, and poignant interactions with her family and friends. She is fiercely independent, imaginative, and yearning for something more than her small-town life can offer.
Saoirse’s performance is authentic and deeply moving. She captures the character’s struggles, dreams, and bittersweet childhood moments. Her remarkable performance earned widespread acclaim, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Also, see Cooper Koch’s Parents, Billy Koch And Kathy Kaehler, Raised Him With His Two Siblings.
6. The Way Back
Peter Weir directed the 2010 American survival film The Way Back, based on Slawomir Rawicz’s book The Long Walk. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the will to survive against all odds.
It follows a group of prisoners who escape from a Soviet Gulag camp during World War II and embark on an epic journey to freedom.
Saoirse Ronan played Irena Zielinska, a young Polish girl who joined the group of escapees on their journey to freedom from a Soviet Gulag.
Her background story is tragic, and she becomes an integral part of the group, symbolizing innocence and hope amidst the harsh realities of their escape. She is compassionate and resourceful.
She provides emotional support and companionship to the men as they traverse extreme terrain. Her presence in the movie enhances the narrative, making the group’s journey even more compelling and heart-wrenching.
7. The Outrun
Nora Fingscheidt directed a 2024 drama film, The Outrun, from a screenplay she co-wrote with Amy Liptrot. It is based on Liptrot’s 2016 memoir of the same name.
Saoirse Ronan starred as Rona, a young woman grappling with alcoholism and seeking redemption. She returns to her home on the Orkney Islands in Scotland after completing a rehab program for alcoholism.
The film unfolds her struggle with addiction in London and her journey to heal and reconnect with nature.
She helps her father on the farm, meets her mother’s religious friends, and works with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, searching for the rare corn crake.
Saoirse’s portrayal of Rona has been widely praised for its depth and authenticity. She delivered a powerful and emotional performance.
Moreover, she also produced the film and personally spoke about how the role affected her, making her more conscious of her alcohol intake.
8. Hanna
Joe Wright directed the 2011 action thriller film Hanna. It is known for its intense action sequences, stunning cinematography, and the captivating performance of Saoirse Ronan and Cate Blanchett.
Saoirse appeared as Hanna Heller, a teenage girl with extraordinary abilities. Her father, Erik Heller, raised her in the remote wilderness of northern Finland and trained her to be a skilled assassin from a young age.
Her life takes a dramatic turn when her father sends her on a mission across Europe. She must rely on her training to survive and uncover the truth about her origin.
Ruthless CIA agent Marissa Wiegler pursued her, and she faced unexpected questions about her humanity and startling revelations about her existence.
Saoirse’s role as Hanna is captivating and intense, showcasing her talent in action-packed sequences and emotional moments.
Her performance received critical acclaim for its versatility, further establishing her as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
9. The Lovely Bones
Peter Jackson directed The Lovely Bones, a 2009 supernatural drama film based on Alice Sebold’s 2002 novel. The film blends drama, thriller, and fantasy and explores themes of loss, grief, and the bond between family members.
Saoirse Ronan portrayed the role of Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl who was murdered by her neighbor, George Harvey.
She finds herself in a beautiful but surreal afterlife, watching over her family and struggling with her desire for vengeance against George.
She comes to terms with her untimely demise and finds a way to help her family heal as she observes the impact of her death on her loved ones, including her father, Jack, mother, Abigal, and sister, Lindsey.
Saoirse’s role is haunting and poignant. She captures the innocence and emotional turmoil of a young girl whose life is short.
10. City of Ember
Gil Kenan directed the 2008 American science fantasy adventure film City of Ember, based on Jeanne DuPrau’s 2003 novel. The film is visually engaging and full of mystery and adventure.
It follows the underground city of Ember, constructed to shelter humanity for 200 years following a catastrophic event. As the city’s power supply begins to fail and the food supplies run out, the inhabitants face the possibility of total darkness.
Saoirse Ronan appeared as Lina Mayfleet, a resourceful and determined young girl living in the underground city of Ember. She discovered a series of clues that might lead to the city’s salvation.
Lina and her friend Doon Harrow embark on a daring adventure to uncover Ember’s secrets and find a way to the surface world.
Saoirse’s character brings a sense of urgency and determination to the role, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist in this thrilling adventure.
Her role is central to the story, showcasing bravery, intelligence, and a strong sense of hope in the face of adversity.
