Lily James is quickly becoming one of the most promising young talents in films today. The British actress has been working steadily for years and recently she has really begun to take on those big starring roles in high profile movies. While she likely still has plenty more interesting projects to come, she has already amassed an impressive filmography.
James seems comfortable jumping from huge big-budget projects to small independent films. She has also proved she can be great in a variety of genres. If you haven’t seen much of her work, there are plenty of great movies that can introduce you to her talents. Here are Lily James’ best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Pride And Prejudice And Zombies (45%)
Like most British actors, James has appeared in a number of period films. Although Pride and Prejudice and Zombies clearly distinguished itself apart from the genre. The zombie-comedy-romance film follows the plot of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice but infuses zombies into the story. James plays the lead of Elizabeth Bennet, a fierce warrior who is pressured to act more like a proper lady.
A movie like this could be a huge disaster, and while it wasn’t a smash hit with critics, many did find a few humorous moments in the bold adaptation. However, the general consensus was that the movie held back on embracing its wild premise and thus didn’t reach its full potential.
Yesterday (63%)
The music of the Beatles has shaped the lives of so many people that it makes sense an entire movie could be dedicated to the power of those songs. Yesterday is a romantic comedy about a struggling musician (Himesh Patel) who wakes up one day to discover the world doesn’t know who the Beatles are. James plays the musician’s manager and love interest.
The music was obviously an effective part of the film and critics admitted there was a lot of charm to it, thanks largely to the performances of Patel and James. However, many were disappointed by how little the interesting premise was explored.
The Exception (75%)
Even while James was making a name for herself in Hollywood, she was still appearing in smaller, overlooked films like The Exception. The film takes place during the onset of World War II and finds a German soldier (Jai Courtney) assigned to protect Kaiser Wilhelm (Christopher Plummer). As he searches for a spy in the area, he begins to fall for a local Jewish girl (James).
Critics called the film a well-made period drama with some interesting wartime tension thrown in. The cast also received a lot of praise for elevating the material, in particular, Christopher Plummer.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (80%)
Like Yesterday, Mamma Mia! found success in revisiting some beloved music, this time courtesy of ABBA. The sequel takes place five years after the original as Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) learns more about her mother’s past. James has the daunting task of taking over Meryl Streep’s role through flashbacks.
The movie didn’t break any new ground according to critics, but rather gave fans of the first film more of what they loved. However, the addition of James to the cast was a welcome for many pundits, who highlighted her performance as a standout.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (81%)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is another period drama starring James as an aspiring writer in the aftermath of World War II. She starts a correspondence with a book club who share stories of their time living on the Nazi-occupied Guernsey Island. Seeing the potential for a real story, she travels to the island to meet the colorful members of the club.
Despite the odd title, critics called the film a traditional and old-fashioned kind of storytelling. It made for a warm, moving and charming period drama which fits nicely among the solid entries of the genre.
Fast Girls (83%)
Before having her breakout success in Hollywood films, James was making a name for herself in the British film industry with films like Fast Girls. The sports drama centers around a runner (Lenora Crichlow) from a working-class background who joins the national relay race team and begins a rivalry with her wealthy teammate (James).
Critics pointed out that the story is a bit formulaic and predictable, but that doesn’t stop the movie from being charming. It’s an easy and light film with an empowering message at its core that is hard to resist.
Darkest Hour (85%)
James’ proven talent has given her the chance to work with some of the best actors around, including Gary Oldman in his Oscar-winning role. Oldman plays Winston Churchill in this film that details his early days as Prime Minister during the outset of World War II. James plays Elizabeth Layton, a young woman who would become Churchill’s personal secretary during the war.
Critics admitted that the narrative of the film is a bit faulty and the script is not always as dynamic as it could be. However, many agreed that the entire movie is held together thanks to Oldman’s phenomenal, transformative performance.
Cinderella (85%)
James got her breakout role as the titular Disney princess in this live-action remake of the classic story. James stars as Cinderella in this Kenneth Branagh film which finds her struggling to escape her stepmother’s cruelty and finding Prince Charming, played by Richard Madden.
While not all of the Disney remakes have been hits with the critics, Cinderella set a high bar for the rest to clear. James was singled out for her star-making performance while the art direction and costume design made this charming retelling a visual joy.
Baby Driver (93%)
Edgar Wright is one of those filmmakers who has people excited any time he announces a new project. Baby Driver was his first America-set film and starred Ansel Elgort as a skilled getaway driver who relies on music when behind the wheel. After meeting a charming waitress (James), he seeks to leave his life of crime behind him.
Wright’s stylish direction and inventive action sequences were the stars of the show according to most critics. The witty dialogue and clever script also gained a lot of attention while the romance between Elgort and James was highlighted as well.
Little Woods (96%)
Little Woods is certainly not one of James’ biggest projects, but it is certainly one worth checking out. The modern Western stars James and Tessa Thompson as two sisters living in poverty in a desolate town. When one of the sisters finds herself in a difficult position, they need to work outside the law to set their lives right.
James and Thompson bother received much of the praise from critics for their powerful performances. The movie was called a grim and absorbing drama from first time writer-director Nia DaCosta.
