Emma Stone has evolved from a comedic breakout star to one of the most formidable actresses of the 21st century. With two Academy Awards for Best Actress and a filmography that spans surrealist indie dramas, high-octane superhero blockbusters, and nostalgic musicals, her career offers a masterclass in versatility. For those searching for a specific movie with Emma Stone and her famous co-stars like Ryan Gosling or Andrew Garfield, this deep dive explores the cinematic milestones that have shaped her trajectory.

The Definitive Collaborations of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling

Few on-screen pairings in modern Hollywood possess the natural chemistry found in movies with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Their collaboration spans three distinct genres, proving that their dynamic is more than just a romantic trope—it is a cornerstone of contemporary cinema.

La La Land (2016)

In Damien Chazelle’s La La Land, the duo reached the zenith of their partnership. Playing Mia, an aspiring actress, Stone delivered a performance that felt both grounded and ethereal. In our analysis of the film’s "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)" sequence, Stone’s ability to convey raw vulnerability through song is what ultimately secured her first Oscar. The film, which grossed over $447 million globally, succeeded because it leaned into the palpable tension between Stone and Gosling, making the bittersweet ending feel earned rather than scripted.

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Their first meeting occurred in this multi-narrative romantic comedy. While Steve Carell led the film, the subplot involving Stone’s Hannah and Gosling’s Jacob became the cultural standout. The famous Dirty Dancing lift scene remains one of the most referenced moments in 2010s rom-com history. Experience shows that Stone’s comedic timing—her ability to call out Gosling’s "Photoshopped" physique—added a layer of relatability to a genre that often feels artificial.

Gangster Squad (2013)

Shifting from bright musicals and modern comedies, Gangster Squad placed the pair in a 1940s noir setting. While the film received mixed critical reviews, the visual aesthetic of Stone as a femme fatale opposite Gosling’s suave detective showcased their ability to adapt to period-specific archetypes.

The Partnership with Yorgos Lanthimos and the Surrealist Shift

In recent years, Emma Stone has moved away from traditional leading-lady roles, entering a highly creative and experimental phase with Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos. This collaboration has yielded some of the most daring films of the decade.

Poor Things (2023)

Poor Things is arguably the most transformative movie in Stone’s career. Playing Bella Baxter, a woman with a child’s brain transplanted into her body, Stone underwent a physical and emotional metamorphosis on screen. During the filming, Stone reportedly embraced the absurdist nature of the script, delivering a performance that was both grotesque and profoundly human. The film’s success at the Academy Awards solidified her status as an actress willing to take massive risks. The technical execution of her character’s gait, speech patterns, and social awakening shows a level of dedication that few of her peers attempt.

The Favourite (2018)

Before the grand success of Poor Things, The Favourite introduced the world to the Stone-Lanthimos dynamic. Starring alongside Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz, Stone played Abigail Hill, a fallen lady-in-waiting vying for the Queen’s favor. The role required a sharp pivot from her usual "girl next door" persona to a calculating, manipulative social climber. The sharp dialogue and fisheye-lens cinematography highlighted the claustrophobic and competitive nature of the British court, earning Stone another Oscar nomination.

Kinds of Kindness (2024)

Their latest collaboration, an anthology film, continues to push the boundaries of narrative structure. Stone plays multiple characters across three stories, exploring themes of power, control, and faith. This film confirms that her "Experience" in the industry is now defined by a desire to challenge audience expectations rather than satisfy them with familiar tropes.

Breaking Through with Comedic Brilliance

Before the Oscars and the prestige dramas, Emma Stone was the go-to actress for intelligent, sharp-witted comedies. Her early roles established a "cool girl" archetype that resonated with a generation of moviegoers.

Easy A (2010)

This is the film that put Emma Stone on the map as a leading actress. As Olive Penderghast, she navigated the complexities of high school rumors with a level of wit reminiscent of 80s teen classics like The Breakfast Club. The film’s success was largely attributed to Stone’s magnetic screen presence. She managed to make a character who was constantly lying feel like the most honest person in the room.

Superbad (2007)

Every great career has a starting point, and for Stone, it was Superbad. Playing Jules, the love interest of Jonah Hill’s character, she managed to leave a lasting impression with relatively limited screen time. In an era dominated by raunchy, male-centric comedies, Stone brought a grounded maturity to the role that hinted at the star power to come.

Zombieland (2009)

In Zombieland, Stone proved she could handle action just as well as dialogue. As Wichita, a con artist surviving the zombie apocalypse, she showcased a tough, cynical exterior that masked a protective sisterly instinct. The chemistry between her, Jesse Eisenberg, and Woody Harrelson turned the film into a cult classic, eventually leading to the 2019 sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap.

The Superhero Era: Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield

For many fans, the quintessential movie with Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield is The Amazing Spider-Man. Unlike previous iterations of the franchise, the relationship between Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy was the emotional heart of the story.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Stone’s Gwen Stacy was not a damsel in distress; she was a brilliant scientist who was often smarter than the hero. The tragic arc of her character in the second film remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in superhero cinema. In our retrospective view of these films, the natural rapport between Stone and Garfield elevated the material beyond standard comic book fare. The "Experience" of watching Gwen Stacy’s fate play out was made more poignant by the genuine affection the actors shared on screen.

Exploring Prestige Drama and Social Commentary

Stone has also used her platform to engage with more serious, socially conscious narratives, proving her range extends far beyond comedy and romance.

The Help (2011)

In the 1960s-set drama The Help, Stone played Skeeter Phelan, an aspiring journalist who decides to write a book from the perspective of Black maids in Mississippi. While the film has faced retrospective criticism regarding its "white savior" narrative, Stone’s performance was widely praised for its sincerity. She portrayed Skeeter as an outcast within her own social circle, driven by a burgeoning sense of justice.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

Under the direction of Alejandro González Iñárritu, Stone took on the role of Sam, the recovering addict daughter of a washed-up actor (Michael Keaton). The film’s unique "single-take" style placed immense pressure on the actors to deliver flawless performances. Stone’s monologue about her father’s irrelevance became a standout moment, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The technical difficulty of this film cannot be overstated; the actors had to memorize complex movements and cues that lasted for minutes at a time without a break.

Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Stone took on the role of tennis legend Billie Jean King in this biographical sports film. It was a physical departure for her, requiring intense training to mimic King’s athletic prowess and court presence. The film explored the 1973 tennis match against Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) but focused more heavily on King’s internal struggle with her identity and the fight for equal pay.

Disney’s Modern Villain: Cruella (2021)

Taking on an iconic character like Cruella de Vil was a bold move, but Stone managed to make the role her own in the 2021 origin story. Cruella was a visual feast, blending 1970s punk-rock aesthetics with high-fashion drama. Stone played the dual roles of Estella and Cruella with a manic energy that paid homage to Glenn Close’s original performance while introducing a new, sympathetic backstory. The film’s focus on costume design and production value allowed Stone to lean into a more theatrical style of acting.

What is the highest-rated Emma Stone movie?

According to critical aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes, Emma Stone’s highest-rated films are often her collaborations with Yorgos Lanthimos. The Favourite and Poor Things both hold scores above 90%, reflecting a strong consensus among critics regarding their artistic value. However, in terms of audience popularity, La La Land and Easy A remain the top contenders.

Which movies feature Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield?

The main movies featuring Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield are The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Their chemistry in these films is often cited as a highlight of the rebooted franchise, providing a grounded emotional core to the web-swinging action.

Are there any upcoming Emma Stone movies?

Stone continues to be one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood. She is set to star in Bugonia, another collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos, which is a remake of the South Korean sci-fi comedy Save the Green Planet!. Additionally, she is involved in Ari Aster’s upcoming project Eddington, alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal. These projects suggest that she will continue to prioritize unique, director-driven visions.

Summary of Emma Stone's Cinematic Impact

From the witty dialogue of Easy A to the profound, avant-garde storytelling of Poor Things, Emma Stone has cultivated a career that defies easy categorization. Whether she is sharing the screen with Ryan Gosling in a rain-soaked Los Angeles or navigating the zombie-infested heartland of America, her presence guarantees a performance that is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant. For audiences looking for a "movie with Emma Stone and" any of her notable co-stars, the options are diverse, ranging from lighthearted entertainment to thought-provoking art.

FAQ

How many Oscars has Emma Stone won? As of 2024, Emma Stone has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her first was for La La Land (2016) and her second was for Poor Things (2023).

Did Emma Stone do her own singing in La La Land? Yes, Emma Stone performed her own vocals for the musical numbers in La La Land, including the pivotal song "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)."

What was Emma Stone's first movie? Emma Stone’s feature film debut was the 2007 comedy Superbad, where she played the character Jules.

Who are Emma Stone’s most frequent directors? In recent years, Yorgos Lanthimos has become her most frequent collaborator. She has also worked with directors like Will Gluck and Marc Webb multiple times.

Is there a sequel to Cruella? A sequel to Cruella has been announced, with Emma Stone set to return as the titular character, exploring her further adventures in the London fashion scene.