Let me tell you about an actress who seems to change, like a chameleon, between worlds where fantasies and chilling mysteries dominate and heart-pounding drama takes center stage. One such actress is Ella Purnell, and, if you haven’t read anything from her, wait until you do. Be she the breath of life behind an animated anti-heroine, surviving in the untamed wilderness, or trying her way through the intricacies of a historical drama, she imprints in ways that stick inside your head long after those credits roll.
Why Ella Stands Out
This is the deal: Ella Purnell is not some talented actor. She’s one of those few actors who can make you laugh, cry, and sit on the edge of your seat, sometimes in a single scene. I’ve made a list of her top 10 movies and TV shows, infusing every title with a little bit of her magic.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Arcane
Imagine a world where steampunk aesthetics and magic mayhem collide, and find yourself right in the middle of that: Jinx, an outrageously unpredictable, heartbreakingly human character, voiced by Ella Purnell. That’s Arcane, Netflix’s new smash-hit animated series based on the League of Legends universe.
The electric intensity that Purnell injects into Jinx makes for one such character who is torn between her chaotic impulses and yearning for love and acceptance. It is the type of performance that makes you feel every ounce of pain and power. Even if you have never touched the game, Arcane is a visual and emotional masterpiece that hooks you from the start.
2. Fallout
Imagine: a post-apocalyptic wasteland of moral dilemmas, surreal factions, and, yeah, a ton of radiation. That’s the universe of Fallout, and up-and-coming actress Ella Purnell is just taking her place in that adaptation that everyone awaits.
While we don’t know much about her character yet, Purnell’s track record makes it clear she’ll bring something unforgettable to the role. If you’re a fan of stories that mix survival and deep emotional stakes, keep your eyes peeled for Fallout on Amazon Prime.
3. Yellowjackets
But what happens when a high school soccer team literally crash-lands in the wilderness? If you said “chaos and psychological unraveling,” you’d be right. And in Yellowjackets, Ella Purnell plays Jackie, the team’s seemingly perfect captain.
Jackie is more than a leader; she is the emotional nucleus of the group, trying to cope with the ethical dilemmas and the untangling of survival. Every layer of Jackie’s vulnerability and strength is felt as Purnell portrays in this show. It’s haunting, intense, and can’t be stopped from being watched.
4. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Enter a world in which children can float, control fire, and live in a time loop. In Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Ella Purnell plays Emma Bloom, who has the ability to manipulate air.
Emma is gracious and daring at every turn, and Purnell grounds the high fantasy here in warmth. There’s just something magical about this movie, but it’s also about the deep emotional connections of its characters.
5. Army of the Dead
Who knew a zombie heist film could make you cry? Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead delivers action and thrills, but it’s Ella Purnell’s portrayal of Kate Ward that anchors the story emotionally.
Kate is not only the estranged daughter of the protagonist but also an icon of hope and humanity in a world overrun by zombies. Watching her navigate impossible choices adds depth to the adrenaline-pumping chaos.
6. Sweetbitter
Have you ever started a new job and felt like you were in way over your head? That’s Tess, the character Ella Purnell plays in Sweetbitter. The series follows her journey as a newbie in New York City’s fine-dining world, exploring ambition, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Purnell captures Tess’s naivety and resilience perfectly, making this show feel like an intimate peek into her character’s soul. It’s raw, real, and surprisingly relatable—even if you’ve never worked in a restaurant.
7. Ordeal by Innocence
If you’re in the mood for a whodunit with a twist, Ordeal by Innocence delivers. This Agatha Christie adaptation features Ella Purnell as Hester Argyll, a young woman caught in the fallout of a family murder mystery.
Purnell’s performance is subtle but powerful, adding emotional depth to a story full of secrets and suspense. It’s the kind of role that shows her ability to elevate every scene she’s in.
8. Kick-Ass 2
Before she was stealing scenes in dramas, Ella Purnell had a small but memorable role in the action-comedy Kick-Ass 2. While her screen time as Dolce is brief, it’s a fun glimpse into her early career.
The movie itself is a wild ride, blending over-the-top action with dark humor. If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s worth a watch.
9. Intruders
One of those films that will crawl under your skin and just stay there is Intruders. This is one psychological thriller where you are to watch a girl who lives a life so frightful.
Her acting leaves you questioning what’s true and what’s fiction as she draws you into this suspense. If you enjoy horror with a twist of psychological thriller, then watch this.
10. Belgravia
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, Belgravia is a historical drama replete with family secrets and social intrigue, with Ella Purnell shining as Lady Maria Grey, who has to struggle between love and duty amidst a world dominated by convention.
The lush visuals coupled with the intricate plotline make this an absolute feast for fans of period dramas, while Purnell gives the character a charming aspect as well as an emotional connection that makes Lady Maria inescapable.
Why Ella Purnell Wears the Crown
So why is Ella Purnell special? It’s this ability to make everything, no matter what it may be, seem so true to life—whether voicing a crazy anti-hero, surviving a plane crash, or just wandering a fantastical world. All of her performances are raw, captivating, and leave you wanting more.
