Kicking off her career in 2009, Emilia Clarke became one of the most popular actresses in the world, appearing in one of the biggest shows of all time, and a handful of great movies and other shows. The British actress rose to prominence with her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the monumental HBO show, Game of Thrones. The once unknown actress was now one of the biggest stars in the world, opening her up to a lot of exciting roles going forward.

After Game of Thrones thrust her into the spotlight, Clarke began appearing as significant characters in several other big projects, including Me Before You, Last Christmas, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Secret Invasion, and Terminator Genisys. Emilia Clarke has remained busy throughout her career, and has some significant roles coming up, including an one for Peacock called Ponies.

10 Secret Invasion (2023)

Emilia Clarke as G'iah

Secret Invasion TV Series Poster

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Secret Invasion
Release Date
2023 - 2023-00-00
Showrunner
Kyle Bradstreet
Directors
Ali Selim

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Based on the Marvel Comics event, Secret Invasion is a chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that sees Nick Fury attempting to reckon with an alien invasion that has been occurring for years - without humanity even knowing. Fury discovers that the Skrulls have been infiltrating society for far longer than he realized, and danger arises as plans start into motion.

Writers
Kyle Bradstreet
Seasons
1
Story By
Kyle Bradstreet
Streaming Service(s)
Dis

In 2023, Emilia Clarke added another major franchise to her filmography, this time playing G'iah in the MCU series, Secret Invasion. While one of the lesser MCU projects, Secret Invasion is a decent enough superhero thriller, with a solid performance from both Samuel L. Jackson and Emilia Clarke. The MCU had been quietly building up to the show's narrative for a while, and with some loose threads left after the series, it will be interesting to see where they take some characters next.

Emilia Clarke's Major Franchise Appearances

Game of Thrones

2011-2019

Terminator Genisys

2015

Solo: A Star Wars Story

2018

Secret Invasion

2023

Starring opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn, Emilia Clarke plays a significant role in the series, as G'iah eventually becomes a Super-Skrull. Like most of her performances, Emilia Clarke is great in Secret Invasion, having more to work with than most of the other characters in the series. Having Clarke play G'iah could be important for the appeal of the character if she reappears in the MCU, given how well-liked the actress is.

9 Terminator Genisys (2015)

Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor

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Terminator Genisys
PG-13
Release Date
July 1, 2015
Runtime
2h 6m
Director
Alan Taylor

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Terminator: Genysis reboots James Cameron's Terminator franchise by rewriting the events of the original movie. This time, Emilia Clarke's Sarah Connor already knows why Jai Courtney's Kyle Reese has been sent back in time, and an older T-800, once again played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, helps them in their quest to prevent an AI uprising.

Writers
Laeta Kalogridis, Patrick Lussier
Franchise(s)
Terminator
Budget
155 million
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures

As Game of Thrones became one of the biggest TV shows of all time, Emilia Clarke was able to land the role of Sarah Connor in Terminator Genisys, another installment of the long-running science-fiction series started by James Cameron in the 80s. Like Secret Invasion, Terminator Genisys isn't one of the best entries in its franchise, but it is serviceable, attempting to do a lot of new things in the franchise.

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Why Terminator Genisys Recast The T-1000 With Lee Byung-hun

Terminator Genisys featured the return of the iconic villain the T-1000, but why was the role recast with Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun?

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Emilia Clarke had massive shoes to fill as Sarah Connor, one of the greatest female action characters of all time, with a committed performance by Linda Hamilton in the role in the first two films. Clarke did an irable job, all things considered, and was one of the biggest highlights of the entire film. Though not as "tough" as Hamilton's Connor, Emilia Clarke brought a new energy to the character, not content to just rehash what came before.

8 Robot Chicken (2016)

Emilia Clarke as Bridget

robot-chicken

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Robot Chicken
Release Date
2005 - 2022-00-00
Network
Adult Swim
Showrunner
Matthew Senreich

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

In this stop-motion animated adult comedy show, a variety of original characters, pop culture icons, and notable real-life figures perform a variety of comedy sketches. At the heart of it all is Robot Chicken, a cyborg chicken reanimated by the fittingly-named Mad Scientist.

Directors
Matthew Senreich, Seth Green, Chris McKay, Zeb Wells, Tom Sheppard
Writers
Douglas Goldstein
Seasons
11
Story By
Douglas Goldstein
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu

Premiering in 2005, Robot Chicken was a staple of Adult Swim throughout its run, as the often hilarious stop-motion sketch comedy series has continuously tapped into the pop culture zeitgeist for nearly two decades. In fact, the series continues to this day, featuring a variety of silly scenarios and creative bits. In 2016, Emilia Clarke took on a role in one of the show's episodes, adding to her varied credits.

Robot Chicken is the longest-running Adult Swim show.

Though she only appeared in one episode of the show, Emilia Clarke has a short, but memorable scene as Bridget, one of the of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. In the episode, it is revealed that Bridget had relieved herself in the pants when it was her turn to wear them, and seems to be proud of that fact. It is a silly sketch, but Clarke's over-the-top performance fits well with the tone of the show.

7 The Amazing Maurice (2022)

Emilia Clarke as Malicia

The Amazing Maurice - Poster - Orange Cat Animated

Your Rating

The Amazing Maurice
6/10
Release Date
December 16, 2022
Runtime
93 Minutes
Director
Toby Genkel

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
RENT

The Amazing Maurice is an animated fantasy film that follows Maurice, a streetwise talking cat, and his band of self-aware rats. Together with a human accomplice named Keith, they devise a money-making scheme by pretending to rid towns of their rat infestations. Chaos ensues when they arrive in a town with a real rat problem, challenging Maurice and the gang to confront their ethical dilemmas and uncover a mystery that changes their lives.

Writers
Terry Rossio
Main Genre
Animation
Budget
17000000
Studio(s)
Ulysses Filmproduktion, Cantilever Media, Narrativia, Studio Rakete, Squeeze, Red Star 3D, Telepool, Global Screen, Creative Europe Media
IMDb ID
tt10473036
TMDB Rating
6 .801

Released in 2022, The Amazing Maurice is an animated adaptation of the novel The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett. It tells the story of a ginger cat who befriends a group of rats by coming up with a money-making scheme. It's a fun premise and The Amazing Maurice takes advantage of that, being an entertaining, family-oriented animated film that actually ends up being quite charming.

With The Amazing Maurice being one of her latest voice-action performances, Clarke has shown she is capable of doing even more voice work.

Emilia Clarke has acted in a variety of voice roles over her career, and she is once again fantastic in The Amazing Maurice as Malicia, the heroine of the film. Clarke brings a lot of her charm into the role of Malicia, whose quick wit and wild antics make for a fun character to watch throughout the film. With The Amazing Maurice being one of her latest voice-action performances, Clarke has shown she is capable of doing even more voice work.

6 The Pod Generation (2023)

Emilia Clarke as Rachel Novy

The Pod Generation temp poster

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The Pod Generation
Release Date
January 19, 2023
Runtime
101 minutes
Director
Sophie Barthes

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

The Pod Generation is a sci-fi/romantic comedy film that stars Emilia Clarke and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Rachel and Alvy, a couple on the road to parenthood in the near future that land a coveted spot at a futuristic maternity center. At this center, children are born outside the womb, something Alvy doesn't like but Rachel wants. The film is a satire of modern society and the technological elements that permeate every part of it.

Writers
Sophie Barthes
Main Genre
Comedy
Cinematographer
Andrij Parekh
Producer
Nadia Khamlichi, Genevieve Lemal, Martin Metz, Yann Zenou
Production Company
Quad, Scope Pictures

Emilia Clarke's undeniable charm makes her an easy candidate to lead romantic comedies, and she has done so throughout her career, with one of her most recent efforts being in the 2023 film, The Pod Generation. Set in a not-so-distant future, The Pod Generation explores the idea of parenthood as technology allows couples to share their pregnancies via detachable artificial wombs or pods. It's a touching film that features a pair of fantastic leads.

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A good balance of emotional impact and humor, The Pod Generation warrants considerable discussion about the road to parenthood.

Clarke stars as Rachel Novy alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor's Alvy Novy, a couple who decide to have a child. What makes The Pod Generation a great film is the chemistry the two actors have together, able to have wonderful performances with equal humor and heart. Emilia Clarke is especially a standout throughout, and her character explores some complex issues that come up with being a parent.

5 Futurama (2013)

Emilia Clarke as Marianne

Futurama Season 11 Poster

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Futurama
Release Date
March 28, 1999
Network
Comedy Central
Showrunner
Matt Groening
  • Headshot Of Katey Sagal
    Katey Sagal
  • Headshot Of Billy West
    Billy West

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Futurama follows the exploits of Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy from 1999 who is cryogenically frozen for 1000 years. Waking up in the year 3000, Fry befriends a cyclops named Leela and a roguish robot named Bender, and the three find employment with Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery service. Their work takes them to all corners of the universe, exploring space and the future as imagined by Matt Groening and the creators of The Simpsons.

Directors
Matt Groening
Writers
Matt Groening
Seasons
9
Story By
matt groening
Streaming Service(s)
Prime Video

Futurama has been a long-running on-and-off animated comedy series since 1999. It has been well-received, as it explores the adventures of Fry, Leela, and Bender, who are employees at Planet Express, an interplanetary delivery company. Futurama is largely considered one of the best animated TV shows ever, full of genuine heart and incredible humor. After nine seasons, it still feels like there are plenty more stories to tell for the series.

Futurama continues on Hulu, as the streamer has renewed the series for seasons 10 and 11.

Emilia Clarke isn't a staple of Futurama or anything. In fact, she only appeared in one episode back in 2013, titled "Stench and Stenchibility." Emilia Clarke plays Marianne in the episode, a one-off character who is the girlfriend of Dr. John A. Zoidberg, in what was one of the last episodes of the entire series at the time, before it was revived. Marianne is a kind, empathetic character, and Emilia Clarke voices her to perfection.

4 Last Christmas (2019)

Emilia Clarke as Kate Andrich

Your Rating

Last Christmas
Release Date
November 8, 2019
Runtime
103minutes
Director
Paul Feig

WHERE TO WATCH

Last Christmas is a romantic comedy movie that stars Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding. Kate is a young woman with a knack for bad decisions who can't seem to get her life back on track. Working at a year-round Christmas store and hopping from couch to couch, everything seems like it'll never get better. But when she meets Tom, a lovely fellow who seems too good to be true, her fortunes begin to change just in time for the holidays.

Writers
Bryony Kimmings, Emma Thompson, Greg Wise
Budget
$25–30 million
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures

While she is largely known for Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke began to make a name for herself in the romantic comedy space, which included the 2019 holiday film, Last Christmas. Inspired by George Michaels and Wham!, Last Christmas is a heartfelt, and often very funny romantic comedy that is sure to be a tearjerker as it reaches its climax. Not only is it underrated in Clarke's filmography, but it is also underrated as a Christmas film overall, even though it is undeniably charming.

Her chemistry with Henry Golding is fantastic throughout the entire film, and by the end of it, it's hard not to be in love with Emilia Clarke's character.

Emilia Clarke is magnetic in Last Christmas, playing Kate, a disillusioned Christmas store worker just trying to make it day-to-day. Kate is a lovable mess for most of Last Christmas, and Clarke's committed performance makes her incredibly charming. Her chemistry with Henry Golding is fantastic throughout the entire film, and by the end of it, it's hard not to be in love with Emilia Clarke's character.

3 Me Before You (2016)

Emilia Clarke as Louisa Clark

Your Rating

Me Before You
PG-13
Drama
Release Date
June 3, 2016
Director
Thea Sharrock
Writers
Jojo Moyes

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Me Before You is a romantic drama directed by Thea Sharrock and based on the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes. It follows the story of Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke), a quirky young woman who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a wealthy, paralyzed man. As they grow closer, their relationship transforms both of their lives, exploring themes of love, loss, and personal growth.

Main Genre
Drama

Emilia Clarke is incredibly funny and charming, which is a drastic contrast to what most people think of her as an actor, due to her Game of Thrones fame. This is best seen in her various other roles, including in Me Before You, a charming romantic drama that ends up being a very moving tearjerker by the time the credits appear. Based on the novel of the same name, Me Before You tells of a tragic love between a recently paralyzed man and his caretaker.

Emilia Clarke plays Louisa Clark, the quirky, bubbly caretaker of Sam Claflin's Will Traynor. The two actors' chemistry is undeniable, and Louisa is bursting from the seams with so much charm. At the time of Me Before You, Game of Thrones was essentially at the height of its popularity, and seeing such a drastic turn for Clarke was impressive, as Me Before You is one of the best performances in her career.

2 Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Emilia Clarke as Qi'ra

Solo A Star Wars Story Movie Poster

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Solo: A Star Wars Story
Release Date
May 25, 2018
Runtime
135 Minutes
Director
Ron Howard

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Solo: A Star Wars Story explores the early adventures of Han Solo, showcasing his beginnings and key encounters with significant characters in the Star Wars universe. Set in a backdrop of galactic turmoil, the film delves into the origins of his famed relationships and his rise as a rebellious smuggler.

Writers
Jonathan Kasdan, George Lucas
Franchise(s)
Star Wars
Main Genre
Sci-Fi
Budget
$275–300 million
Studio(s)
Disney
Distributor(s)
Disney

Releasing just half a year after Star Wars: The Last Jedi became extremely divisive, Solo: A Star Wars Story suffered because of that, failing to break even at the box office. Despite that, the Han Solo prequel film is actually a fantastic entry into the franchise as a whole, and one of the most underrated Star Wars projects that Disney has made. It captures the spirit of the original trilogy perfectly.

Related
What Happened To Qi'ra After Solo: A Star Wars Story

After Emila Clarke's Qi'ra left Han Solo to Crimson Dawn in Solo: A Star Wars Story, what happened next to the smuggler's first love?

Despite being the backstory for Han Solo, Emilia Clarke plays a new character in the film, Qi'ra. Friends with Han for most of their lives, Qi'ra is the primary love interest of the iconic character, but by the end of the film, she makes a tragic decision, choosing to betray Han and look out for herself. Clarke is great as the character, and it is a shame that she might not play her again, given that Disney seems to have no plans to follow up on the dangling story threads the movie left off with.

1 Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen

Game of Thrones Poster

Your Rating

Game Of Thrones
Release Date
2011 - 2019-00-00
Showrunner
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Directors
David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
  • Headshot Of Kit Harington In The Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall
    Jon Snow
  • Headshot Of Isaac Hempstead Wright
    Isaac Hempstead Wright
    Brandon Bran Stark

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Based on George R. R. Martin's ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.

Writers
D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff
Franchise(s)
Game of Thrones
Main Genre
Drama
Creator(s)
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Seasons
8
Story By
George R.R. Martin
Streaming Service(s)
MAX

Few actors could say that one of their earliest projects is also incredibly important for pop culture as a whole, shaping an entire industry due to how groundbreaking it was. Emilia Clarke can, though, given she was one of the most significant pieces of Game of Thrones for all eight seasons. It's hard to overstate just how much of an impact Game of Thrones made on the television industry, and even though it ended on a divisive note, it is still considered one of the greatest shows ever made.

Emilia Clarke took the world by storm as Daenerys Targaryen, Mother of Dragons and thought to be heir to the Iron Throne. Dany became one of the most popular TV characters of all time throughout the show's run, with audiences watching her amass power and influence over the course of her journey. Game of Thrones is a monumental moment in television and Emilia Clarke rose to the occasion beautifully, portraying a character that continues to endure to this day.

Headshot Of Emilia Clarke In The Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024
Birthdate
October 23, 1986
Birthplace
London, England, United Kingdom
Notable Projects
Game Of Thrones
Height
5 feet 2 inches