Emilia Clarke, a talented and driven actress, first made her mark on the world of performing arts after graduating from London’s prestigious Drama Centre School. Throughout her formative years, Emilia Clarke immersed herself in theater, honing her craft through roles in school and local productions such as “Hamlet,” “Pygmalion,” and “Sense” with the Company of Angels Theatre. It was clear even then that Emilia Clarke possessed a natural flair for performance, shaped in part by growing up in Berkshire as the daughter of a businesswoman and a theatrical sound engineer. Her passion for acting sparked early—reportedly at just three years old—after watching her father work on a production of the musical “Show Boat.”
While studying at St. Edward’s School in Oxford and later at the Drama Centre, Emilia Clarke continued building her experience, appearing in plays like “The Government Inspector” and “A Flea in Her Ear.” Her professional journey began during her final year of drama school when she landed a guest role on the long-running BBC One soap opera “Doctors” (2000–). Not long after, she appeared in the Syfy TV movie “Triassic Attack” (2010), a campy dinosaur thriller that, while not exactly high art, gave Emilia Clarke her first taste of on-screen exposure.
But it was her breakout role that truly catapulted Emilia Clarke into the global spotlight. Cast as Daenerys Targaryen—the silver-haired, visionary princess—in HBO’s epic medieval fantasy series “Game of Thrones” (2011–), Emilia Clarke delivered a performance that captivated both critics and audiences alike. Watching her character evolve from a timid teenage bride to a fierce, calculating leader was nothing short of mesmerizing. Emilia Clarke brought depth, strength, and emotional nuance to Daenerys, making her one of the most compelling figures in the show’s sprawling narrative. Even as a young actress, Emilia Clarke demonstrated a maturity and range that stood out in such a complex ensemble.
After the massive success of “Game of Thrones,” Emilia Clarke transitioned smoothly into film. She took on roles in the indie coming-of-age drama “Spike Island” (2012) and the darkly comedic crime film “Dom Hemingway” (2013), starring alongside Jude Law and Richard E. Grant. In 2015, she stepped into the iconic shoes of Sarah Connor in “Terminator Genisys,” marking her first leading role in a major franchise. Though the film received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, Emilia Clarke held her own with confidence and charisma.
Her next project, the romantic drama “Me Before You” (2016), opposite Sam Claflin, showcased a softer, deeply emotional side of Emilia Clarke and earned widespread acclaim. That same year, she starred in the atmospheric psychological thriller “Voice from the Stone,” set in 1950s Italy, further demonstrating her versatility. Then, in November 2016, exciting news broke: Emilia Clarke had been cast in the lead female role in the “Star Wars” standalone film centered on a young Han Solo—an opportunity that reaffirmed her status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.
From her early days on stage to commanding attention on screen, Emilia Clarke has consistently proven her ability to bring powerful characters to life. With each role, Emilia Clarke continues to build a dynamic and impressive career, one that shows no signs of slowing down.
So, when we look at Emilia Clarke’s filmography, it’s pretty interesting to see how her projects have been received over the years. Emilia Clarke has certainly made a name for herself in Hollywood, and fans often wonder which of her works stands out the most. Well, according to audience and critic ratings, Emilia Clarke’s highest rated movie to date is The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (2024). This festive fantasy flick really seemed to resonate with viewers, showcasing Emilia Clarke in a fresh and charming light. On the other hand, one of her more challenging roles came in Above Suspicion (2019), which unfortunately turned out to be Emilia Clarke’s lowest rated film so far. While the movie had its moments, it didn’t quite hit the mark critically. Still, Emilia Clarke continues to take on diverse roles, proving her range as an actress. It’ll be exciting to see what Emilia Clarke does next.