Last updated on: July 31, 2025
Imagine settling down after a long day, scrolling through streaming platforms, and wondering, “Which Nathalie Emmanuel show should I start with?” I’ve been there—caught in that vortex of “What’s worth my time?” That’s why today, I’m taking you on a storytelling journey through Nathalie’s top five TV performances, ranked by IMDb.
By the time we finish, you’ll feel like you’ve hung out backstage with her—and know exactly where to begin.
1. Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Picture this: I’m glued to my screen as a new character appears in Game of Thrones Season 3. She’s quiet, graceful—but there’s a spark behind her eyes. That’s Missandei, portrayed by Nathalie Emmanuel.
She starts as a translator, once enslaved, now speaking freely but carrying a hidden strength that echoes long after the scene ends.
Missandei’s path—from a soft-spoken attendant to Daenerys’s closest confidante—felt like watching someone find their voice in a chaotic world. There’s a moment I replayed a dozen times: when she whispers, “Dracarys,” before the dragons unleash their fire. Chills.
Her character’s tragic end sparked major conversations. Many fans, myself included, wondered why such a powerful woman’s story was cut short. It felt personal—like seeing someone you believed in lose their moment.
Nathalie’s performance was quiet but undeniably strong. She turned a supporting role into one of the show’s most emotionally resonant arcs.
2. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Switch gears from medieval knights to puppetry magic. Emmanuel voices Deet, a gentle Gelfling hero in a world full of mystical puppets and political skulduggery.
When I first watched, I was skeptical—animated voice roles can feel flat. But Deet shattered that notion.
Imagine the vulnerability of a teenager discovering she’s destined for greatness. That’s Deet, voiced with sincerity and warmth by Nathalie. In one scene, Deet hides her tears behind a brave face—you feel every ounce of her anxiety and hope. It’s hauntingly beautiful.
This was her first major voice role, and she nailed it. The show earned an Emmy and built such a devoted fanbase that a Netflix revival nearly happened. Though it ended after one season, it remains a moving testament to her talent.
3. Four Weddings and a Funeral (2019)
Now imagine a rooftop in London. It’s sunset. A New Yorker turns a city that never sleeps into her messy, unforgettable love experiment. That’s Maya, played by Nathalie.
This reimagined rom-com isn’t just about wedding dresses and flower bouquets—it’s about modern love, career hiccups, and cultural crossovers. I remember thinking: “She’s so relatable!” Nathalie brings a funny, grounded energy to Maya.
One moment she’s delivering a witty one-liner; the next, she’s opening up about her toughest heartbreak.
She wasn’t just the star—she carried the whole show. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt genuine. You root for her. You feel with her.
4. Maze Runner: Secrets of the Scorch (2015)
Let me take you into a desert wasteland. It’s hot, dangerous—and there’s a resistance. That’s where Harriet, played by Nathalie, steps in.
This mini-series bridges two big Maze Runner films, and though it’s short, she brings incredible intensity.
I recall watching a scene where Harriet leads a group through scorching sandstorms. She’s fierce, determined, and oddly comforting. That performance showed me Nathalie doesn’t back down—even when the script is limited. She owns it.
It wasn’t just a cameo—it was a masterclass in holding space even in a short format. A true talent moment.
5. Hollyoaks (2006–2010)
Going way back—let’s rewind to soap opera town. In Hollyoaks, Nathalie played Sasha Valentine, a character tossed around heavy topics: addiction, abuse, troubled family life.
I came across old clips where her raw emotions practically leapt out of the screen.
It wasn’t polished like Game of Thrones, but that’s exactly what makes it powerful. She was learning—and the leaps were visible. You can see the roots of her ability to carry emotional weight, to take on roles that demand vulnerability.
A Few Personal Anecdotes
Back when I first saw her in Game of Thrones, I didn’t know her name. Yet something clicked. Later, watching Deet, I realized it was the same voice actress. That moment of recognition felt like reuniting with an old friend—you know her, even if you hardly met her yet.
Then, as Maya, I shared an evening of tears and laughter on my couch, completely captivated. And Harriet? She inspired me to push through a study session on a brutal summer night—yes, that’s how motivating she felt.
Why Nathalie Emmanuel Grabs Us
Let me tell you, it’s the silent strength she carries. The empathy in her roles. Her ability to hop between genres—epic fantasy, heartfelt voice work, romantic journeys, post-apocalyptic survival, and raw British drama—is rare. And she never feels out of place.
I’ve learned something watching her: it’s the humanity in a character that sticks. The cracks, the courage, the quiet rebellion. That’s Nathalie’s signature.
Where You Can Watch Her Shows
Depending on where you live (and what streaming apps you have):
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✨ Game of Thrones — Max
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✨ The Dark Crystal — Netflix
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✨ Four Weddings and a Funeral — Hulu (or Disney+ Star internationally)
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✨ Maze Runner mini-series — YouTube or select VOD
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✨ Hollyoaks — All4 (UK) or BritBox (some countries)
Final Takeaway
So here’s the big moment: Nathalie Emmanuel isn’t just a name in your credits. She’s a storyteller who breathes life into every role—tiny or epic.
Every performance leaves a mark, and I dare say, starting one of these shows is like finding a window into her heart.
Next time you dive into her work, remember: you’re not just watching a character—you’re witnessing someone who’s grown with you, surprised you, and maybe even inspired a little courage in your own story.
