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Bryce Dallas Howard's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - November 20th 2024, 18:00 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Bryce Dallas Howard appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © Universal Pictures

Cropped Book of Love — 20. Book of Love (2004)

Let’s just say *Book of Love* isn’t going to make anyone’s list of must-see Bryce Dallas Howard films. This indie dramedy about a teacher’s relationship with a teenager toes an uncomfortable line and never quite finds its footing. Bryce does her best to bring depth to her role, but even her charm can’t save a story that feels more awkward than endearing. Definitely a "watch at your own risk" kind of deal. | © Newmarket Films

Cropped A Dogs Way Home — 19. A Dog's Way Home (2019)

Look, we all love dogs, but *A Dog’s Way Home* is more tail wag than substance. Bryce lends her voice to Bella, a dog on an epic journey to reunite with her owner, but the saccharine tone and cheesy dialogue make it hard to fully invest. It’s cute, sure, but not exactly a showcase for Bryce’s talent. That said, if you’re a sucker for animal movies, it’s good for a cry and a cuddle with your pup. | © Sony Pictures

Cropped Argylle — 18. Argylle (2024)

In *Argylle*, Bryce plays a quirky author of spy novels caught in a wild, espionage-fueled adventure. While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels a little uneven, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a script that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be. Bryce gives it her all, but it’s hard to stand out in a film that’s trying to do too much at once. Here’s hoping her next role lets her shine a little brighter. | © Apple TV+

Jurassic World Dominion MSN — 17. Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

*Jurassic World Dominion* is like the overly ambitious cousin at the family reunion – it tries to do everything and ends up doing very little. Bryce's Claire is back, running from dinosaurs and navigating a convoluted plot, but the movie’s overcrowded storylines leave little room for meaningful character moments. It’s fun in a "let’s watch things explode" way, but even Bryce can’t inject enough life into this prehistoric mess. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Twilight Saga Eclipse — 16. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)

Ah, *Twilight*. Bryce steps into the sparkly vampire chaos as Victoria, a vengeful bloodsucker bent on taking down Bella Swan. While she brings a touch of elegance to the role, it’s hard to stand out in a series known more for its melodrama than its acting chops. Still, it’s fun to see her lean into the campiness – though it’s probably not the role she brags about at dinner parties. | © Summit Entertainment

Cropped Lady in the Water — 15. Lady in the Water (2006)

M. Night Shyamalan’s *Lady in the Water* is a fairy tale that takes itself way too seriously. Bryce plays Story, a water nymph whose mission is to save humanity (or something). While her ethereal presence fits the role, the movie’s convoluted mythology and clunky dialogue drag everything down. It’s not her fault the script feels like a fever dream gone wrong, but unfortunately, she’s swimming against the current here. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom — 14. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

*Fallen Kingdom* is a mixed bag of dino-action and soap opera-level drama. Bryce’s Claire takes a more active role as a dinosaur rights activist, which is a fun twist, but the movie’s over-the-top plot and awkward pacing make it hard to take seriously. At least her chemistry with Chris Pratt keeps things entertaining, even when the script is doing its best to derail the fun. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond — 13. The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond (2008)

This Tennessee Williams adaptation aims for high drama but lands somewhere between theatrical and tedious. Bryce’s performance as the privileged but troubled Fisher Willow is compelling, but the film itself feels like it’s trying too hard to be important. It’s a shame, because with a better script, this could have been a standout performance. As it stands, it’s a hidden gem that doesn’t quite shine. | © Paladin

Cropped Hereafter — 12. Hereafter (2010)

In Clint Eastwood’s *Hereafter*, Bryce plays Melanie, a love interest caught in a web of existential musings. While her chemistry with Matt Damon is charming, her character doesn’t have much to do besides look concerned and wistful. The movie itself is beautifully shot but meanders too much, leaving Bryce with little room to make a lasting impression. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped As You Like It — 11. As You Like It (2006)

Kenneth Branagh’s Shakespeare adaptation gives Bryce the chance to flex her classical acting chops as Rosalind, a witty and resourceful heroine. She’s delightful in the role, but the modernized setting feels a bit awkward and doesn’t always complement the source material. Still, her performance proves she can hold her own in the world of iambic pentameter. | © HBO Films

Cropped Terminator Salvation — 10. Terminator Salvation (2009)

Bryce steps into the apocalyptic chaos of *Terminator Salvation* as Kate Connor, a role that mostly involves looking concerned and occasionally delivering expository dialogue. While she adds a touch of humanity to the grim story, the movie is so focused on explosions and robots that her character feels like an afterthought. It’s not her best, but hey, at least she survived the machines. | © Warner Bros.

Cropped Spider Man 3 — 9. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

In *Spider-Man 3*, Bryce plays Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s love triangle complication. While she looks the part, the movie’s bloated plot leaves little room for her character to develop beyond being a damsel in distress. It’s fun seeing her in a superhero film, but let’s be real – it’s not the role that’s going on her highlight reel. | © Sony Pictures

Cropped The Village — 8. The Village (2004)

M. Night Shyamalan’s *The Village* may be divisive, but Bryce’s performance as Ivy Walker is undeniably strong. She brings emotional depth and vulnerability to the role, making her one of the movie’s standout elements. Sure, the plot twist is infamous, but her work here proves she’s capable of anchoring a story, even when the script falters. | © Touchstone Pictures

Cropped Gold — 7. Gold (2016)

*Gold* is a wild ride through the world of high-stakes mining, and Bryce shines as Kay, the supportive yet conflicted partner to Matthew McConaughey’s eccentric prospector. While the movie has its uneven moments, Bryce’s grounded performance keeps it from going completely off the rails. She’s the heart of the film, even when things get a little too glittery for their own good. | © The Weinstein Company

Cropped Jurassic World 1 — 6. Jurassic World (2015)

The first installment in the rebooted *Jurassic World* series sees Bryce’s Claire as a no-nonsense park manager who learns to embrace her inner action hero. Yes, she runs from dinosaurs in heels, but her transformation throughout the film is genuinely satisfying. It’s big, dumb, dino-fun, and Bryce’s energy keeps the chaos enjoyable. | © Universal Pictures

Cropped Petes Dragon — 5. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

In *Pete’s Dragon*, Bryce delivers a heartfelt performance as Grace, a park ranger who helps a young boy and his dragon friend. The movie is a tender reimagining of the classic story, and Bryce’s warmth and sincerity make it a standout family film. It’s a gentle reminder that she can bring depth and heart to even the simplest of roles. | © Walt Disney Pictures

Cropped Manderlay — 4. Manderlay (2005)

Lars von Trier’s *Manderlay* is a provocative and unsettling film, and Bryce takes on the role of Grace with courage and conviction. While the movie’s themes and style may not be for everyone, her performance anchors the story with raw emotion and intensity. It’s a challenging role, but she proves she’s up to the task. | © Zentropa Entertainments

Cropped Rocketman — 3. Rocketman (2019)

As Elton John’s mother, Bryce delivers a complex and layered performance in *Rocketman*. She captures both the tough-love and deeply flawed aspects of the character, adding emotional weight to an already vibrant musical biopic. It’s a testament to her range, seamlessly shifting between warmth and coldness. | © Paramount Pictures

Cropped 50 50 — 2. 50/50 (2011)

In *50/50*, Bryce plays Rachael, a character you love to hate. As the selfish girlfriend of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s cancer-stricken Adam, she perfectly embodies the person you’re rooting for him to ditch. It’s a bold, unapologetic role that she nails, proving she’s not afraid to play unlikable characters. | © Summit Entertainment

Cropped The Help — 1. The Help (2011)

Bryce is unforgettable as Hilly Holbrook, the venomous and bigoted antagonist in *The Help*. It’s another role you love to hate, and she dives into it with chilling precision. Her portrayal adds tension and drama to the film, making her one of the most memorable characters. It’s not easy being the villain, but Bryce does it so well, you can’t help but admire her skill. | © DreamWorks Pictures

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Bryce Dallas Howard has dazzled audiences with her versatile performances across genres, from heartfelt dramas to thrilling blockbusters. Whether she’s running from dinosaurs in high heels or delivering emotionally charged moments in indie films, Howard has proven she’s more than just a familiar Hollywood name.

In this list, we’ll dive into her top 20 movie roles, ranking them from worst to best. From career-defining highlights to those occasional "what was that?" moments, let’s celebrate the highs and reflect on the lows of Bryce Dallas Howard’s impressive filmography!

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Bryce Dallas Howard has dazzled audiences with her versatile performances across genres, from heartfelt dramas to thrilling blockbusters. Whether she’s running from dinosaurs in high heels or delivering emotionally charged moments in indie films, Howard has proven she’s more than just a familiar Hollywood name.

In this list, we’ll dive into her top 20 movie roles, ranking them from worst to best. From career-defining highlights to those occasional "what was that?" moments, let’s celebrate the highs and reflect on the lows of Bryce Dallas Howard’s impressive filmography!