Whether she’s playing a gentle friend to a cancer-stricken couple or a chaotic 30-something navigating life, Dakota brings nuance and subtlety to every role.
Here are 8 underrated (and unforgettable) Dakota Johnson movies you need to add to your watchlist.
1. Our Friend (2021)
Genre: Drama | Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Why Watch It:
Dakota plays Nicole Teague, a woman battling terminal cancer, with quiet dignity and raw vulnerability. What makes Our Friend truly special is how it explores platonic love, grief, and what it means to show up for someone in their darkest hour. Based on a true story, the film features a moving performance that humanizes dying—not dramatizes it.
Best for: Late-night emotional resets, fans of tearjerkers like The Fault in Our Stars.
2. Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
Genre: Indie Dramedy | Streaming on: Apple TV+
Why Watch It:
As Domino, a single mom of an autistic daughter, Dakota is captivating and quietly magnetic. The film explores non-linear love, loneliness, and emotional maturity. Her chemistry with Cooper Raiff is less about romance and more about timing, growth, and missed connections.
Best for: Soft rainy evenings, when you want a film that feels like a gentle hug and a little ache.
3. How to Be Single (2016)
Genre: Comedy | Streaming on: Netflix
Why Watch It:
A rare instance of Dakota in a high-energy, ensemble comedy, this one’s about being single on purpose. She plays Alice, a woman figuring out who she is without a boyfriend — and it's refreshingly not about finding “the one.” It’s more about reclaiming yourself.
Best for: Galentine's night or solo-viewing with snacks and no apologies.
4. The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Genre: Adventure/Drama | Streaming on: Netflix
Why Watch It:
Set in the Deep South, this is a heartwarming story of an unlikely trio: a man with Down syndrome who dreams of being a wrestler, an outlaw on the run, and Dakota as a kind social worker. Her role isn’t loud—but she’s the emotional glue of this film. It’s tender, whimsical, and healing.
Best for: Sunday afternoons, for a feel-good-but-meaningful watch.
5. Date and Switch (2014)
Genre: Teen Comedy | Streaming on: Google Play, Apple TV
Why Watch It:
Before she became a Hollywood staple, Dakota had a short but sassy role in this coming-of-age comedy about two high school best friends, one of whom comes out as gay just before prom. It’s lighthearted, progressive, and fun without being cliché.
Best for: Nostalgic high school throwbacks and LGBTQ+ affirming vibes.
6. The High Note (2020)
Genre: Music Drama | Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
Why Watch It:
Dakota plays Maggie, a personal assistant to a diva singer (Tracee Ellis Ross), who secretly dreams of becoming a music producer. It’s a story of creative passion, personal risk, and being underestimated. Dakota makes Maggie’s journey feel personal and grounded, never flashy.
Best for: Days when you're questioning your career or chasing a dream.
7. Persuasion (2022)
Genre: Period Drama | Streaming on: Netflix
Why Watch It:
A modern, meta adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic. Dakota as Anne Elliot is witty, broken-hearted, and self-aware—breaking the fourth wall with Fleabag-style narration. While it drew mixed reviews for its tone, Dakota’s presence keeps it charmingly melancholic.
Best for: Austen fans who like their period dramas with sarcasm and sparkle.
8. Am I OK? (2022)
Genre: LGBTQ+ Dramedy | Streaming on: Max (formerly HBO Max)
Why Watch It:
Dakota plays Lucy, a 32-year-old woman coming to terms with her sexuality after a lifelong straight identity. Directed by Tig Notaro, this is a gentle exploration of late bloomers, vulnerability, and the value of friendship during personal transitions. A quietly important film.
Best for: Queer cinema lovers and anyone navigating identity late in life.
Dakota’s filmography doesn’t shout. It lingers—with subtlety, stillness, and emotion. She’s not chasing blockbuster stardom but instead carving a niche of soulful indie gems and authentic performances. Each film offers a piece of her charm: understated, awkward, resilient, and real.
