From being a child star to becoming one of the most prominent actresses of her generation, Lily Collins’ acting prowess gets the spotlight it deserves in her must-watch series and films.
Lily Collins has long proven she can take on any role—from her early days as a child star to leading romantic dramas and indie gems, her movies and series showcases the charm and talent that make her unforgettable on screen.
Also Read: Emily in Paris Season 5 Heads to Rome: Here’s What We Know
While we wait for the new season of Emily in Paris to drop on December 18, why not binge some of Lily Collins’ best movies and series? If you liked her in Emily in Paris, here are 8 of Lily Collins’ movies and shows you should check out:
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)
An urban fantasy action-adventure film based on The Mortal Instruments book series by Cassandra Clare, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones stars Lily Collins as Clary Fray, a descendant of Shadowhunters, or half-angel warriors tasked with protecting humanity from sinister forces.
Collins’ performance received positive reviews from critics, as she brought emotional depth to her character, making Clary relatable as a passionate young woman determined to save her mother and face every challenge she encounters.
Love, Rosie (2014)
One of Collins’ most loved movies to date, the romantic comedy film Love, Rosie is inspired by Cecelia Ahern’s novel Where Rainbows End. Starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, the movie explores the conflict between inseparable childhood best friends Rosie and Alex, who eventually get separated. As they remain in touch, they eventually confront their feelings and figure things out.
Collins’ charm, paired with Claflin’s, effectively captures the audience. They both have amazing chemistry that makes us believe no other actors could have done this movie but them.
Les Misérables (2018)
If you love watching historical fiction, this one is for you. Let’s jump back a little farther in time and highlight Lily Collins’ performance in Les Misérables, a non-musical series adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel. The novel explores justice, redemption, and resilience. Collins plays Fantine, a woman who represents social injustice and the suffering of the poor.
Despite the role being portrayed before, Collins managed to bring a new perspective to Fantine. Her performance revealed a different side of her acting range, making it one of her rawest and most vulnerable portrayals to date.
Mirror Mirror (2012)
A reimagination of the famous fairy tale Snow White, the adventure-fantasy film Mirror Mirror takes a feminist turn. It stars Lily Collins as Snow White, with Julia Roberts as the wicked Queen Clementianna. Snow White fights against the injustice and partiality ruled by the evil queen, showing bravery as the rightful heir to the kingdom.
Lily Collins embraced her inner princess in this film—through visuals, acting, and singing—as the soundtrack features her version of the song “I Believe in Love.” She received positive reviews from critics for perfectly embodying both the grace of a princess and the strength of a heroic figure.
The Blind Side (2009)
The Blind Side was Lily Collins’ first major film role. She played Collins Tuohy, the adoptive sister of Michael, who was taken in by her family after experiencing homelessness. Eventually, they became his legal guardians and navigated a life centered around sports and athleticism.
The film opened doors for Collins to explore more dramatic roles, showcasing her ability to portray an intelligent, athletic, kind-hearted character, and an effective sister in the film.
Okja (2017)
Taking on another action-adventure film in Okja, Lily Collins plays Red, a member of the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). The movie follows young Mija, who cares for her genetically engineered super pig, Okja, until the Mirando Corporation takes Okja and transports her to New York. This prompts Mija to set on a rescue mission for her dearest friend.
Collins’ performance contributes to the film’s advocacy and its social commentary on animal rights.
To The Bone (2017)
In the same year, Lily took on the role of Ellen in the movie To The Bone. Ellen is a 20-year-old woman who is battling anorexia nervosa. She figures out life as she undergoes inpatient treatment for anorexia and encounters people with the same eating disorders as her.
This role was one of the most challenging for Lily, who has also been struggling with an eating disorder for years. In a conversation with Molly Stout of Refinery29, she shares the factors and some of the backstory on why she accepted the role: “[…] it was like the universe literally throwing it in my face saying, this is something you need to address either for yourself or for other young people going through it out there,” she says. Taking the risk of doing the role helped Lily overcome her eating disorder, drawing inspiration to many.
Inheritance (2020)
If you love thriller-mystery movies, Inheritance is perfect for you. Lily Collins plays Lauren Monroe, who navigates her family’s future after stumbling upon a secret following the death of their wealthy patriarch.
As the lead actress, Collins delivers an excellent performance, embodying the strength and determination of Lauren Monroe.
Lily Collins can take on any genre and make it her own. Her amazing performances add color to her impressive filmography, making fans anticipate even more. If you’ve seen and loved her previous works, be sure to check out Emily in Paris and look forward to its next season on Netflix.
Source: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Netflix
