Summary
Rebecca Ferguson has accrued an impressive filmography in recent years, rising to fame as one of the leading female action movie heroes in Hollywood.
She has delivered impressive and unforgettable performances in movies such as The Greatest Showman, Florence Foster Jenkins, and Doctor Sleep, showcasing her talent in both supporting and lead roles.
Her portrayal of Ilsa Faust in the Mission Impossible franchise, combined with her upcoming projects like Dune Part Two and Silo season 2, only deepen her reputation as a highly skilled and in-demand actress in the industry.
Rebecca Ferguson, known for her roles in Mission Impossible and Dune, has built an impressive filmography in both film and television. While she initially started as a relatively unknown actress in Sweden, Ferguson's involvement in two major Hollywood franchises catapulted her career. She began by working on various short films and projects in her home country before gaining recognition through a prominent miniseries on American premium cable. Since then, she has solidified her position as one of Hollywood's top female action movie heroes.
Born in Stockholm, Ferguson kickstarted her acting journey in her hometown before venturing into the American entertainment industry, seeking new challenges and opportunities. Throughout her career, she has taken on numerous supporting character roles and has recently risen as a leading actor, known for her standout performances. Here, we present Ferguson's ten best movies and television shows, ranked from worst to best.
10 The Girl On The Train (2016)
The Girl on the Train is a noteworthy contribution to the specialized subgenre of divorcee drama mystery, showcasing the relative newness of Rebecca Ferguson as Anna. Adapted from a well-received novel with the same title, the film also stars Emily Blunt in the lead role of Rachel. Despite its promising premise, The Girl on the Train falls short of the elevated expectations set by its literary source. However, Ferguson's performance stands out as one of the redeeming aspects within an otherwise lackluster and forgettable movie, plagued by the untapped potential of both its narrative and cast.
9 The Greatest Showman (2017)
Hugh Jackman effortlessly steals the spotlight in The Greatest Showman, accompanied by a captivating performance from Ferguson as Jenny Lind. Although not providing the vocals herself, Ferguson convincingly portrays a skilled Swedish opera singer in this musical film. The story revolves around the remarkable rise of show business, as witnessed and driven by the ambitious P.T. Barnum (played by Hugh Jackman). While critics had differing opinions on the overall impact of The Greatest Showman, fans of musical cinema are certain to revel in the grandeur of its elaborate sets, outstanding performances, and, above all, its sensational music.
8 Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)
7 The White Queen (2013)
Ferguson flawlessly embodies the character of Kathleen Weatherley in Florence Foster Jenkins, directed by Stephen Frears. Alongside the incredible talents of Hugh Grant and Meryl Streep, Ferguson portrays the mistress of St Clair Bayfield, as depicted in this biographical dramatic comedy. Streep's masterful performance in the titular role as the untalented Ms. Jenkins, who harbors dreams of becoming an opera singer, captivates the audience. The film's intriguing and innovative premise has garnered widespread adoration from both spectators and critics, providing Ferguson with a remarkable opportunity to showcase her skills in more mainstream Hollywood projects.
In the 2013 television miniseries The White Queen, Ferguson shines as she portrays Queen Elizabeth. The ten-part series delves into the captivating story of Elizabeth Woodville and her relentless quest to become the Queen of England in the 15th century. This Starz original series masterfully combines historical accuracy with dramatic flair, offering a compelling narrative adorned with elements of romance and the excitement of war films. Among the plethora of premium drama series at the time, The White Queen stands out, serving as a turning point in Ferguson's career as she takes on her first major leading role in an American television series and solidifies her status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
6 Doctor Sleep (2019)
Ferguson's portrayal in Doctor Sleep breaks away from her typical roles as she takes on the role of an antagonist. The film serves as a sequel to Stanley Kubrick's renowned movie, The Shining, which is based on Stephen King's book. In this movie, Ferguson plays the character of Rose the Hat, a powerful sorceress and leader of the True Knot cult, a group of malevolent vampires with semi-immortal abilities. Although Doctor Sleep falls short when compared to The Shining, the exceptional performances by Ferguson and Ewan McGregor, who plays adult Danny Torrance, elevate the film beyond average by capturing the essence of King's original novel. Helming this production is Mike Flanagan, the director behind the popular Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House.
5 Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015)
Ferguson joined the ranks of the Mission Impossible franchise as Ilsa Faust, a formidable adversary to Ethan Hunt. Initially believed to be a member of The Syndicate, a global secret terrorist organization, it was later unveiled that she was, in fact, an operative of MI6, the British intelligence agency. Making her debut in Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, Ferguson's portrayal of Faust elevated her to a prominent character not only within the film itself but also in subsequent chapters of the series. Remarkably, with each new installment, Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible movies have only improved, and Ferguson's contributions have been instrumental in this ongoing success.
4 Dune (2021)
3 Mission Impossible – Fallout (2018)
The impressive impact of Ferguson's performances in Mission Impossible likely piqued curiosity about her significant portrayal as Lady Jessica Atreides in the 2021 adaptation of Dune. Dune skillfully showcases her character's enigmatic witchlike abilities and the anxieties of a mother concerned about her son, Paul (Timothée Chalamet). Director Denis Villenueve creates a mesmerizing visual experience on a grand scale, elevating expectations for the upcoming Dune: Part Two.
Ferguson's transformation from antagonist to protagonist in Mission Impossible – Fallout demonstrates a significant shift in her character within the long-established franchise. Mission Impossible – Fallout builds upon the foundational action and plot elements established in Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, delving deeper into Faust's internal struggle as she wrestles with her loyalty to the Syndicate and her hidden allegiance to her nation. Overall, Fallout stands out as one of the top Mission Impossible films and can arguably be considered the franchise's best installment prior to the release of Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning in 2023.
2 Silo (2023)
Ferguson has secured a prominent role in the Apple original sci-fi series Silo, which is based on a beloved book series. Silo revolves around the character Juliette, played by Ferguson, who is a crucial member of a subterranean society that has emerged in the aftermath of a devastating apocalyptic event in the distant future. Alongside an impressive cast including Tim Robbins, Common, Will Patton, and Rashida Jones, Ferguson captivates in her portrayal of an unexpected Mayor, driven by her unwavering quest for truth, leading her to astonishing revelations.
1 Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Rebecca Ferguson's portrayal of Ilsa Faust in Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, her third appearance in the franchise, showcases her most recent significant work and represents a pinnacle in her career. This latest installment not only sees the transformation of Faust from antagonist to protagonist but also solidifies her role as Ethan Hunt's primary love interest, a journey that began in Mission Impossible – Fallout. Dead Reckoning Part One stands out as an extraordinary action film in its own right, and it further enhances Ferguson's career by seamlessly continuing the legacy of an already established and ever-improving franchise.