Scarlett Johansson has long been recognized as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars, with a career spanning indie dramas, blockbuster franchises, and even voice acting roles. But alongside her talent, she’s also carried the weight of an industry that often valued her appearance before her craft.
From her teenage years into her early 30s, Johansson was frequently cast in roles that leaned into her looks, shaping the way audiences and critics perceived her. Growing up in Hollywood, Scarlett Johansson often found herself on a trajectory that emphasised her physical appeal over her depth as an actor. During her appearance on the Table for Two podcast, she said,
I was kind of being groomed, in a way, to be this what you call a bombshell-type of actor… I think it was because of that trajectory I had been sort of launched towards — I really got stuck
This list isn’t about discrediting her performances (which are consistently strong), but about examining the films where Hollywood’s objectifying lens was clearest. It’s a reminder of how one of the most talented actresses of her generation had to fight to be seen beyond the surface.
11. Don Jon (2013)
Back in 2013, Joseph Gordon-Levitt decided to do more than just act; he wrote, directed, and starred in his own film, Don Jon. Gordon-Levitt plays Jon Martello, a New Jersey guy with a porn addiction who measures his relationships against the unrealistic fantasies on his screen.
Scarlett Johansson as Barbara Sugarman, the picture-perfect girlfriend who seems like everything Jon could want: stunning, glamorous, and straight out of a glossy Hollywood romance. Alongside them, you also get the brilliance of Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, and Glenne Headly, rounding out the cast.
Now here’s where it gets complicated. Scarlett’s Barbara is intentionally framed as an object of desire; every shot, every exaggerated walk, every pout is designed through Jon’s shallow perspective. Sure, the film is meant to criticize objectification, but in practice, it still uses Johansson’s character as the embodiment of male fantasy.
While it didn’t bring home Oscars, it did earn Scarlett plenty of attention, including nods from the MTV Movie Awards and the Teen Choice Awards, proving once again that she can steal the spotlight, even in a role designed to critique the very act of objectifying her.
Don Jon is available to stream on Kanopy.
10. The Island (2005)
Before Marvel made her a household name, Scarlett Johansson was already stealing the spotlight in big-budget sci-fi. The Island, Michael Bay’s glossy, adrenaline-fueled dystopia that dropped in 2005. Pairing her with Ewan McGregor, the movie spins a story about clones bred for organ harvesting, who discover the horrifying truth about their existence and make a run for freedom.
While Johansson’s character Jordan Two-Delta has agency in the plot, Bay’s camera rarely lets you forget that she was cast to be the ultimate sci-fi dream girl. The white uniforms, the perfectly windswept hair, and the lingering close-ups all scream “male gaze.” It’s not that the actress doesn’t bring warmth and humanity, but the film constantly prioritizes how she looks over who Jordan is.
At the end of the day, The Island is remembered less for its cloning plot and more for how it turned Johansson into a sci-fi spectacle, proving that even when she’s in a story about identity and humanity, Hollywood often frames her as the image, not the message.
The Island is currently available to rent on Apple TV+.
9. Ghost in the Shell (2017)
When Hollywood announced a live-action Ghost in the Shell in 2017, fans of the iconic Japanese manga and anime were split between curiosity and dread. Directed by Rupert Sanders, the movie stars Scarlett Johansson as Major Mira Killian, a human brain housed in a synthetic body, who leads an elite task force in a cyberpunk future riddled with cyber-terrorism and blurred lines between humanity and technology.
Alongside her were heavyweights like Juliette Binoche, Takeshi Kitano, Pilou Asbæk, and Michael Pitt, all wrapped in a neon-soaked, futuristic cityscape that looked straight out of a dream.
While the movie is visually jaw-dropping, it often feels like a glossy cover with little depth inside. Johansson is styled with precision, every frame engineered to highlight her sleek, robotic allure. The tight bodysuits, the glowing city backdrops, the action sequences, everything leans into spectacle.
But instead of diving deep into the anime’s philosophical core about identity and what it means to be human, the movie often reduces Johansson’s Major to a visual statement. And yes, it sparked major controversy for casting a white actress in a role so tied to Japanese culture, which ignited backlash that overshadowed the film itself.
In the end, Ghost in the Shell proved that even the most dazzling visuals can’t save a story that forgets its heart.
Ghost in the Shell is currently available to rent on Apple TV+.
8. Under the Skin (2013)
If you’ve ever wanted to see Scarlett Johansson like you’ve never seen her before, Under the Skin
Based loosely on Michel Faber’s novel, the film blends gritty realism with unsettling dream sequences, some of which were filmed guerrilla-style with hidden cameras, meaning Johansson was literally out in public, interacting with real people who didn’t even know they were part of a movie.
Johansson isn’t objectified in the usual Hollywood way here; she’s weaponized. Her beauty becomes a hunting tool, her silence more powerful than any monologue. Watching her drive around in that shabby white van, scanning strangers with a predatory calm, is hypnotic and deeply unsettling.
Today, it’s often cited as a cult classic, celebrated for its haunting score, minimal dialogue, and Johansson’s unflinching performance. In short, Under the Skin doesn’t just push boundaries; it devours them, leaving you with more questions than answers.
Under the Skin is currently available to rent on Apple TV+.
7. Lucy (2014)
Back in 2014, when superhero franchises were dominating screens, Luc Besson’s Lucy came crashing in with a different kind of power trip. Scarlett Johansson plays Lucy Miller, a regular young woman in Taipei who suddenly becomes the unwilling mule for a dangerous synthetic drug. The drug leaks into her system, catapulting her into an evolutionary leap that unlocks “100% of her brain capacity.”
Cue telekinesis, time manipulation, and some seriously trippy visual sequences. With Morgan Freeman on hand as the wise professor breaking down her transformation for the audience, the film mixes high-octane action with pseudo-scientific philosophy. It never slows down long enough for you to catch your breath.
Now, here’s where things get complicated. Johansson isn’t just playing a heroine; she’s framed like a larger-than-life experiment, a visual spectacle for the audience as much as for the story. The camera lingers on her as she shifts from terrified victim to unstoppable goddess, often highlighting her beauty and body even as the narrative insists on her “limitless mind.” It’s a slick, stylish film that gives her agency in bursts but also reduces her to an idea rather than a fully fleshed-out person.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, Lucy was a monster at the box office and, for just $40 million, it raked in over $457 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). That’s the kind of number Hollywood can’t ignore, and it proved that a female-led original sci-fi film could pull serious weight. Love it or side-eye it, Lucy cemented Scarlett Johansson as a force in action cinema.
Lucy is currently available to stream on Peacock.
6. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
Remember the late-2000s rom-com era where everyone was juggling phones, mixed signals, and way too many meet-cutes? He’s Just Not That Into You (2009), directed by Ken Kwapis and adapted from the cheeky self-help book that had already become a dating bible.
This ensemble comedy-drama ropes in practically half of Hollywood, including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Ginnifer Goodwin, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, and, of course, Scarlett Johansson as Anna, a yoga instructor caught in a complicated love triangle.
Anna is magnetic, free-spirited, and oozes confidence, but she’s also framed in a way that feels more like a fantasy projection than a real woman. The film leans into her beauty and sensuality to heighten the drama between Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Connelly’s characters, but rarely digs deeper into her inner life.
Instead, Anna becomes more of a catalyst for conflict, an alluring temptation rather than a fully fleshed-out person. It’s a classic case of rom-com objectification: stunning presence, thin development.
In short, Johansson added undeniable sparkle to a star-studded cast, but the movie treated her less like a character and more like the “other woman” trope polished to perfection.
He’s Just Not That Into You is currently available to stream on HBO Max.
5. Iron Man 2 (2010)
When Iron Man 2 hit theaters in 2010, it wasn’t just a superhero sequel; it was the moment Scarlett Johansson strutted onto the Marvel Cinematic Universe stage as Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow.
Directed by Jon Favreau, she shares the screen with Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and more. With a $170–200 million budget and a worldwide haul of over $623 million, the movie was a massive financial win for Marvel and cemented Black Widow as a fan-favorite character.
Johansson’s introduction is slick but heavily sexualized. That infamous scene where Stark gawks at her in a skin-tight tactical suit isn’t just a quip; it’s a wink to the male gaze. Even Johansson later spoke about feeling objectified, describing how the character was often treated “like a piece of ass” rather than a fully realized person. She spoke to Collider and said,
You look back at Iron Man 2 and while it was really fun and had a lot of great moments in it, the character is so sexualised, you know? And Tony even refers to her as something like that at one point. What does he say? ‘I want some’.
On screen, Natasha is more than just eye candy; she’s a formidable fighter, but the framing, tight angles, and lingering shots clearly prioritize allure over depth.
Iron Man 2 is a classic example of early MCU glamour and action, where female heroes were introduced with high stakes and high visual emphasis, setting the stage for Johansson’s later evolution into a truly layered Black Widow.
Iron Man 2 is currently available to rent on Apple TV+.
4. Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Ah, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Woody Allen’s sun-soaked love triangle set in the romantic streets of Spain, where passion is messy, intense, and utterly magnetic. Scarlett Johansson plays Cristina, the free-spirited, adventurous friend of Vicky (Rebecca Hall), who can’t resist diving headfirst into romance, even if it’s chaotic.
Alongside her is Javier Bardem as Juan Antonio, a brooding and irresistible painter, and Penélope Cruz as María Elena, his fiery, unpredictable ex-wife. Johansson’s Cristina is alluring, playful, and deeply human, someone whose curiosity and openness make her both charming and vulnerable. She’s the friend you envy, the character you root for, and the person who makes love look thrillingly complicated.
Johansson’s chemistry with Bardem and Cruz crackles on screen, bringing depth and nuance to the otherwise whirlwind romance. Yet even in her sensuality and flirtatiousness, Cristina isn’t objectified; she’s the narrative driver, the one whose choices push the story forward and spark the tension that fuels the drama.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona is currently available to stream on Fubo.
3. Match Point (2005)
Woody Allen’s Match Point is dark, stylish, and deliciously scandalous, but let’s be real, it’s also one of those films where Scarlett Johansson is very much framed through the male gaze. Johansson plays Nola Rice, the striking, passionate woman who becomes the forbidden obsession of Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).
Her sensuality is front and center, from her seductive looks to her flirtatious movements used repeatedly to showcase Chris’s temptation and moral unraveling. She’s mesmerizing, yes, but often treated more as a desirable object than a fully realized character, a tool to heighten tension rather than a perspective in her own right.
That’s not to say Johansson doesn’t shine; she absolutely dominates every scene she’s in, bringing energy, fire, and unpredictability. But the film leans heavily on her allure, lingering on her body and presence to underline the stakes of her affair with Chris. Her sexuality is weaponized for narrative tension, making her a symbol of desire rather than a fully fleshed-out human being.
In short, Nola Rice is iconic, magnetic, and fiery, but also a prime example of early Johansson roles where sexualization drove her cinematic presence.
Match Point is currently available to stream on Pluto TV.
2. Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)
Back in 2003, Scarlett Johansson was just 18 years old when she stepped into the delicate, painterly world of Girl with a Pearl Earring. She played Griet, a young maid in 17th-century Delft who becomes the muse for Johannes Vermeer’s iconic painting.
On paper, it’s a quiet, artful drama about observation, class, and restraint, but let’s be honest: even in this sophisticated setting, Johansson’s youth and beauty were foregrounded. Griet’s story is framed through the gaze of the artist: every careful glance, every lighting choice, and that unforgettable pearl earring scene subtly emphasize her physical presence and growing allure.
The sexual undertone is restrained, more about tension, desire, and curiosity than explicit objectification, but the camera often lingers in ways that highlight her attractiveness.
Critically, Girl with a Pearl Earring was praised for its cinematography, period detail, and Johansson’s quiet, magnetic performance. While the sexualization is subtle, it’s there, woven into the story’s tension and the artist’s gaze, making Griet an early example of how Johansson’s allure was often highlighted, even in serious, character-driven roles.
Girl with a Pearl Earring is currently not on any streaming services.
1. Lost in Translation (2003)
Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola’s dreamy, melancholic Tokyo story, where isolation meets unexpected connection. Scarlett Johansson plays Charlotte, a young 22-year-old fresh out of college, drifting through her husband’s work trip while feeling completely untethered. On the surface, the film is subtle, moody, and beautifully shot, but underneath, it’s also a snapshot of Hollywood’s early obsession with Johansson’s youth and beauty.
At the time of filming, Johansson was just 17, and she’s framed in ways that emphasize her physicality from the very first scenes. There’s a now-iconic moment where the camera lingers on Charlotte in a hotel room, capturing her body in a way that feels more like a visual spectacle than a narrative necessity. It’s a textbook example of the male gaze, where her allure is positioned for the audience’s consumption, not her character’s development.
And yet, Johansson’s Charlotte isn’t just eye candy. She’s quietly magnetic, introspective, and human; her awkward humor, melancholy, and curiosity make her real. But Coppola’s framing and lingering shots make it clear: her sexuality is foregrounded, even if the story wants you to care about her emotions.
In short, Lost in Translation is a masterclass in mood, subtle connection, and atmosphere, but it’s also a reminder of how young Scarlett Johansson was sexualized early on, even in one of her most critically acclaimed roles.
Lost in Translation is currently available to rent on Apple TV+.
From steamy thrillers like Match Point to action-packed spectacles like Lucy, and quiet, introspective films like Lost in Translation, Scarlett Johansson’s career has been a masterclass in versatility. Yes, some roles highlighted her sexuality, but regardless of the framing, she’s proven time and again that her talent, charisma, and on-screen presence are what truly define her.
Which ScarJo movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
