Hailee Steinfeld has proven herself to be one of Hollywoodâs most versatile stars, captivating audiences with her performances across movies and television. From her Academy Award-nominated breakout role to voicing iconic superheroes and video game characters, Steinfeldâs career showcases her incredible range and charisma. Whether delivering powerful drama, flexing her comedic chops, or portraying a fierce heroine, Steinfeld brings authenticity and depth to every project. Here, we rank her 14 best performances, celebrating the roles defining her stellar career.
14. Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)
As Emily Junk, Hailee Steinfeld brought an infectious energy to the final installment of the Pitch Perfect trilogy. Her natural charisma and chemistry with the Barden Bellas kept the comedy alive even as the series transitioned to a farewell tone. While the storyline shifted focus to new challenges, Steinfeldâs charm and soulful mega-popstar voice stood out, especially during the musical numbers.
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13. The Homesman (2014)
In The Homesman, Steinfeld had a smaller but impactful role as Tabitha Hutchinson in this frontier drama. Acting alongside industry heavyweights like Tommy Lee Jones and Hilary Swank, Steinfeld brought nuance and emotional weight to her character. Despite limited screen time, her ability to convey resilience in the harsh, unforgiving West added depth to the story.
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12. Begin Again (2013)
Steinfeld took on a supporting role as Violet, the teenage daughter of Mark Ruffaloâs character, in this heartfelt musical drama. Her portrayal of a young girl reconnecting with her estranged father added emotional grounding to the story. Steinfeldâs natural chemistry with the cast and her ability to balance humor and sentimentality made her performance memorable.
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11. Enderâs Game (2013)
As Petra Arkanian, Steinfeld brought intelligence and courage to this sci-fi adaptation. She portrayed a mentor and friend to the filmâs protagonist, Ender Wiggin, with a sense of earnestness and strength. Steinfeldâs ability to hold her own in an action-heavy role alongside a star-studded cast proved her talent for genre storytelling.
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10. Bumblebee (2018)
Steinfeld delivered a heartfelt and grounded performance as Charlie Watson, the protagonist of this Transformers spinoff. Her portrayal of a grieving teenager who finds solace and adventure in her relationship with the alien robot Bumblebee was both touching and relatable. Steinfeld carried the emotional weight of the film, turning a blockbuster into a character-driven story.
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9. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)
In this coming-of-age dramedy, Steinfeld gave a raw and relatable performance as Nadine Franklin, a teenager navigating the chaos of adolescence. Her ability to balance sarcasm with vulnerability resonated deeply with audiences and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Steinfeldâs nuanced portrayal of Nadine captured the highs and lows of growing up with remarkable authenticity.
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8. Romeo & Juliet (2013)
In this romantic adaptation, Steinfeld took on the iconic role of Juliet Capulet. Her portrayal brought youthful innocence and genuine emotion to Shakespeareâs tragic heroine. Despite mixed reviews for the film, Steinfeldâs performance was widely praised for its sincerity and emotional depth.
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7. Hawkeye (2021)
Steinfeld shone as Kate Bishop, the witty and ambitious archer who teams up with Jeremy Rennerâs Clint Barton (and Florence Pughâs Yelena). Her portrayal of Kate blended humor, determination, and emotional depth, making her a standout addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Steinfeldâs chemistry with Renner and her impeccable comedic timing made Hawkeye a fan favorite.
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6. True Grit (2010)
Steinfeldâs breakout role as Mattie Ross earned her an Academy Award nomination at just 14 years old. Her commanding presence and razor-sharp delivery matched that of her veteran co-stars Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. Steinfeldâs portrayal of a determined young girl seeking justice set a high bar for her career and remains one of her most critically acclaimed performances.
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5. Dickinson (2019-2021)
As the titular poet Emily Dickinson, Steinfeld delivered a bold and modern take on the iconic literary figure. Her performance was both witty, introspective, and sexy, capturing Dickinsonâs rebellious spirit and artistic genius. Steinfeldâs ability to bring humor and pathos to the role made the series a critical and audience favorite.
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4. Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2023)
Although not yet released, Steinfeldâs return as Gwen Stacy in Beyond the Spider-Verse is highly anticipated. Fans are eager to see how her characterâs arc continues, given her standout performances in the previous Spider-Verse films. Early teasers suggest Steinfeld will once again bring nuance and emotional resonance to the role.
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3. Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)
Haileeâs debut in the Pitch Perfect franchise showcased her incredible singing talent and comedic timing. Her introduction as Emily Junk, an aspiring Bella, brought a fresh dynamic to the group. Her rendition of âFlashlightâ became a fan favorite, cementing her place in the franchise.
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2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Steinfeldâs Gwen Stacy in Into the Spider-Verse remains one of her most iconic roles. Her ability to convey Gwenâs strength, wit, and vulnerability through voice acting won over critics and fans alike. This groundbreaking film redefined animated storytelling, and Steinfeldâs performance was instrumental in bringing Gwen Stacy to life.
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1. Arcane (2022-2024)
Hailee Steinfeld lends her voice to Vi, the fiery and fiercely loyal protagonist in Arcane, a groundbreaking animated series set in the steampunk world of League of Legends. Season 1 explores Viâs strained relationship with her sister Jinx, as political intrigue and personal betrayals threaten to tear themâand their worldâapart. Steinfeldâs performance brings depth and raw emotion to Vi, balancing her tough exterior with moments of vulnerability.
In Season 2, the stakes heighten as Vi grapples with the fallout of Silcoâs death and the escalating tensions between Piltover and Zaun. Her brief but powerful reunion with Jinx showcases Steinfeldâs ability to infuse even fleeting moments with profound resonance, solidifying Arcane as one of the most compelling animated series of its time.
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