Emma Roberts’ Best Movies: A Style Evolution From Indie Queen to Red Carpet Icon

Emma Roberts was born in 1991 in the historic town of Rhinebeck, New York. Though her introduction to the industry was almost inevitable—given she is the daughter of Eric Roberts and the niece of Julia Roberts—she established an independent career early on.

Following her onscreen debut in the 2001 film Blow, she spent much of her youth on professional sets, transitioning from child roles to a versatile presence in both independent cinema and major horror franchises.

Shirley MacLaine, Julia Roberts, and Emma Roberts step out in coordinated red carpet elegance, with Emma finishing her embellished mini dress with metallic ankle-strap heels at the Valentine’s Day premiere in Hollywood on February 8, 2010 (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)

Her filmography reflects a move away from the “teen idol” archetype toward character-driven roles and executive producing. By observing the critical reception of her work, a clear pattern emerges: Roberts often performs best when playing sharp, complicated, or subversive characters.

The following list tracks the films in her career that earned the highest marks, noting the specific fashion choices and professional milestones that defined each era of her work.

10. In a Relationship: Markarian Sparkle & Christian Louboutin Pumps

Released in 2018, In a Relationship pairs Emma Roberts with Michael Angarano, Dree Hemingway, and Patrick Gibson in a Los Angeles–set story that follows two couples navigating love over one summer.

Roberts plays Hallie, a woman in her mid-20s reassessing her long-term relationship with Owen.

Stepping onto the red carpet, Roberts leaned into polished femininity with a look that balanced vintage-inspired sparkle and modern structure—anchored by sharply pointed pumps.

Emma Roberts stuns in a custom sequin Markarian corset dress, styled with Christian Louboutin Uptown pumps, alongside Michael Angarano and Dree Hemingway at the In a Relationship premiere in West Hollywood on October 30, 2018, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: Michael Simon / Startraksphoto)

At 27, Roberts not only led the film but also stepped into an executive producer role, signaling a shift toward more hands-on creative control in her career.

The film drew mixed reviews—praised for its light comedic moments but often criticized as familiar—while audiences responded more cautiously, reflected in its lower audience score.

9. Scream 4: Cobalt Burberry & Black Elie Saab Platforms

Released 11 years after the original trilogy, Scream 4 reunites David Arquette, Neve Campbell, and Courteney Cox while introducing Emma Roberts as Jill Roberts, Sidney Prescott’s cousin.

At the Scream 4 premiere, Roberts and Panettiere delivered a study in contrast—cool-toned structure versus bold, sunlit glamour—both anchored by statement heels.

Emma Roberts pairs a cobalt Burberry mini with black Elie Saab platform sandals, while Hayden Panettiere contrasts in a red Zac Posen dress and leg-lengthening strappy heels at the Scream 4 premiere in Hollywood on April 11, 2011 (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

Cast at 21, Roberts delivers a sharp turn as Jill, who evolves from apparent victim to calculating mastermind driven by a desire for fame.

The film earned mixed reviews—praised for its self-aware premise but criticized for feeling dated—an assessment largely echoed by audiences.

Hayden Panettiere as Kirby Reed and Emma Roberts as Jill Roberts in the 2011 American slasher film Scream 4 (Credit: Dimension Films)

8. I Am Michael: Emma Roberts’s Turn in a Quietly Divisive Drama

Released when Emma Roberts was 24, I Am Michael casts her as Rebekah Fuller opposite James Franco and Zachary Quinto in a biographical drama about activist Michael Glatze’s shift from LGBTQ advocacy to becoming a Christian pastor.

Rebekah, a devout believer, becomes central to his transformation after they meet at a Bible school in rural Wyoming.

James Franco as Michael Glatze and Emma Roberts as Rebekah in the 2015 American biographical drama film I Am Michael (Credit: Brainstorm Media)

Directed by Justin Kelly, the film drew mixed reviews—some praised its restrained, impartial approach, while others found it emotionally distant—an ambivalence reflected in its lower audience response.

7. Lymelife: Emma Roberts’s Early Shift Into More Mature Material

Released when Emma Roberts was 17, Lymelife is a Long Island–set comedy-drama written by brothers Derick and Steven Martini, drawing on their own upbringing.

Roberts plays Adrianna Bragg, a teenager entangled in the shifting dynamics between two families, opposite Rory Culkin.

Rory Culkin as Scott Bartlett and Emma Roberts as Adrianna Bragg in the 2008 American comedy-drama film Lymelife (Credit: Screen Media Films)

The film blends coming-of-age tension with themes of relationships and illness, earning mixed reviews—though some critics noted Roberts’ performance as a sign of her transition into more mature roles—while audiences responded more modestly.

6. Nerve: Neon Thrills & a Sleek Elie Saab Premiere Look

Released when Emma Roberts was 25, Nerve marks her shift into thriller territory and stars alongside Dave Franco and Juliette Lewis.

She plays Vee, a participant in a high-stakes online truth-or-dare game where escalating challenges blur the line between entertainment and danger.

On the New York premiere carpet, Roberts and Franco traded the film’s neon energy for a sleek, after-dark palette—elevated by polished footwear choices.

Emma Roberts layers a sheer black Elie Saab gown over platform sandals while Dave Franco complements in a sharp dark suit with classic leather dress shoes at the Nerve New York premiere on July 12, 2016 (Credit: INFphoto / Roger Wong)

Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, the film was generally well received for its fast-paced premise, though some critics noted an uneven ending—a sentiment largely echoed by audiences.

5. Paradise Hills: Emma Roberts’s Surreal Feminist Sci-Fi Fable

Released when Emma Roberts was 28, Paradise Hills marks Alice Waddington’s feature debut, casting Roberts as Uma/Anna, a young woman sent to a seemingly idyllic island that conceals a darker purpose—reshaping “rebellious” women to meet societal expectations.

Emma Roberts plays a young woman sent to Paradise in the 2019 Spanish science fantasy thriller film Paradise Hills (Credit: Alfa Pictures)

The visually ambitious sci-fi drama was well received, with critics praising its concept and production, a response echoed by audiences.

4. Palo Alto: Saint Laurent Heels & Gia Coppola’s Hazy Suburbia

Gia Coppola’s directorial debut, Palo Alto, adapts James Franco’s short story collection into a hazy coming-of-age portrait of suburban teens.

Released when Emma Roberts was 24, the film has her play April, a high schooler entangled in a complicated dynamic with her coach, Mr. B (Franco).

Emma Roberts pairs a sculptural black Saint Laurent mini with sleek heels while James Franco keeps it classic in a tailored gray suit at the Palo Alto premiere in Los Angeles on May 5, 2014, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock)

The film’s loose, slice-of-life structure divided critics—some praised its atmospheric storytelling, while others found it unfocused—a response that audiences echoed more cautiously.

3. Celeste and Jesse Forever: Emma Roberts’s Scene-Stealing Pop-Star Support Role

Released in 2012, Celeste and Jesse Forever features Emma Roberts as Riley Banks, a rising pop star in a supporting role alongside Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg.

The film follows a couple as their marriage unravels, despite their continued emotional entanglement.

Rashida Jones as Celeste Martin and Emma Roberts as Riley Banks in the 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film Celeste and Jesse Forever (Credit: Sony Pictures Classics)

Critics praised its fresh, honest take on the rom-com format, while audience reactions were more measured.

2. The Blackcoat’s Daughter: Chloé Romance Meets Slow-Burn Horror

Produced when Emma Roberts was 24, The Blackcoat’s Daughter is a slow-burn thriller from Oz Perkins, co-starring Kiernan Shipka and Lucy Boynton.

Roberts plays Joan, a mysterious young woman whose path intersects with two stranded students at a remote prep school, where an ominous presence unfolds.

For the New York screening, Roberts softened the film’s eerie tone with a romantic, bohemian look—grounded by contrast heels.

Emma Roberts balances a ruffled lavender Chloé mini with black platform sandals and a Chloé Nile bracelet bag at The Blackcoat’s Daughter screening in New York City on March 22, 2017 (Credit: Marcus Owen / Startraksphoto)

Though filmed in 2015 and released later, the atmospheric horror drew praise for its chilling tone and layered storytelling, even as some viewers found it deliberately opaque.

1. Who Are We Now: Emma Roberts’ Most Critically Acclaimed Performance

Released in 2017, Who Are We Now stands as Emma Roberts’ most critically acclaimed film, with Roberts starring opposite Julianne Nicholson and Zachary Quinto.

Emma Roberts as Jess in the 2017 American drama film Who We Are Now (Credit: FilmRise)

She plays Jess, a dedicated public defender who helps a recently released mother (Nicholson) navigate the legal system as she fights to regain custody of her son.

The independent drama earned strong critical praise for its grounded performances and emotional depth, though its limited release meant a more muted audience response.

Emma Roberts portrays a young lawyer working for a public defender in Who We Are Now (Credit: FilmRise)

From Indie Roles to Red Carpet Authority: Emma Roberts’ Premiere Shoe Evolution

As this concludes our look at Emma Roberts’ most critically recognized films, her red carpet presence tells a parallel story—one defined not just by roles, but by a sharp, evolving eye for footwear.

From early experiments with playful color and platform silhouettes to the polished precision of Gianvito Rossi, Christian Louboutin, and Jimmy Choo, her premiere style consistently reinforces her fashion credibility.

The moments below capture how Roberts uses shoes not as an afterthought, but as the anchor that completes—and often elevates—her entire red carpet narrative.