Brie Larson has built one of the most varied film careers of her generation, moving from child roles and teen comedies to acclaimed independent dramas and major Hollywood franchises. Her earliest film appearance came in Madison, a sports drama that was filmed when she was young and later received its theatrical release. She gradually moved into more substantial supporting parts before earning widespread critical recognition for Short Term 12 and, especially, Room. Her performance in Room won her the Academy Award for Best Actress and established her as one of Hollywood’s leading dramatic performers. Larson later expanded into blockbuster filmmaking as Carol Danvers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while also exploring directing with Unicorn Store. Her more recent work includes Fast X, The Marvels, and the animated adventure The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in which she voices Princess Rosalina.
2001 — Madison
Madison is a sports drama directed by William Bindley and centered on hydroplane racing in 1970s Indiana. Larson makes her film debut as Racing Girl No. 2 in a small supporting appearance alongside Jim Caviezel, Jake Lloyd and Mary McCormack. Although the film premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival, distribution problems delayed its wider theatrical release until 2005. It remains an important early entry in Brie Larson movies by year because it marks the beginning of her feature-film career.
2004 — 13 Going on 30
In the romantic comedy 13 Going on 30, Larson plays Six Chick, appearing in the teenage portion of the story. Directed by Gary Winick, the film stars Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink, a teenager who magically wakes up in her 30-year-old body. The movie combines romance, comedy and fantasy while exploring Jenna’s realization that growing older does not automatically mean becoming happier. Larson’s part was brief, but the film became an enduring early-2000s romantic comedy.
2004 — Sleepover
Sleepover, directed by Joe Nussbaum, is a teen comedy following four friends who embark on an overnight adventure while competing against a popular group at school. Larson plays Liz Daniels, one of the central friends, alongside Alexa PenaVega, Mika Boorem and Scout Taylor-Compton. The film mixes school rivalry, friendship and youthful mischief. It was one of Larson’s first prominent feature roles and helped establish her as a young screen performer.
2006 — Hoot
Directed by Wil Shriner, Hoot is a family comedy-drama based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel about young people trying to protect endangered burrowing owls. Larson plays Beatrice “The Bear” Leep, a tough and determined teenager who becomes involved in the campaign. The cast includes Logan Lerman, Luke Wilson and Brie Larson, with the story balancing environmental themes and youthful adventure. The film gave Larson a more substantial character during the early stage of her career.
2007 — Remember the Daze
Remember the Daze, also known as The Beautiful Ordinary, is a coming-of-age drama directed by Jess Manafort. Larson plays Angie Ford in an ensemble story about teenagers spending their final days of high school together. The film features Amber Heard, Leighton Meester and other young performers as its characters navigate relationships, parties and uncertainty about the future. Larson received attention for her performance, making the movie an important step toward the more mature independent work that followed.
2007 — Farce of the Penguins
Farce of the Penguins is an adult-oriented parody of nature documentaries, directed by Bob Saget. Larson contributes a voice performance as the “I Need a Z-Pack Penguin,” rather than appearing as a conventional on-screen character. The comedy spoofs the style of wildlife documentaries and features an ensemble of celebrity voices. Because Larson’s contribution is a voice role, it is best treated as a non-standard entry in her filmography rather than a conventional acting performance.
2009 — Just Peck
The independent comedy Just Peck follows a socially awkward teenager whose attempt to improve his school life creates unexpected complications. Directed by Michael A. Nickles, the film stars Keir Gilchrist, Marcia Cross and Larson, who plays Emily. Her role places her within the film’s teenage ensemble and shows her continuing transition away from child-oriented projects. It is one of the smaller independent titles in her early feature-film career.
2009 — Tanner Hall
Tanner Hall is a coming-of-age drama directed by Francesca Gregorini and Tatiana von Fürstenberg. Larson plays Kate, one of the students at the center of the story, which examines friendship, first relationships and emotional changes at a boarding school. The ensemble includes Rooney Mara, Georgia King and Amy Ferguson. The film helped Larson establish herself within the independent cinema scene before her breakthrough performances several years later.
2010 — Greenberg
Directed by Noah Baumbach, Greenberg is a comedy-drama starring Ben Stiller as a man who returns to Los Angeles and attempts to reassess his life. Larson plays Sara, a young woman whose interactions with the film’s troubled central characters contribute to its uncomfortable, character-driven humor. Greta Gerwig and Rhys Ifans also appear in the ensemble. The movie is notable for giving Larson a role in a critically recognized independent production early in her adult career.
2010 — Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World blends action, comedy, romance and video-game-inspired fantasy. Larson plays Envy Adams, Scott Pilgrim’s former girlfriend and the lead singer of the band Clash at Demonhead. Michael Cera stars as Scott, with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin and Chris Evans among the supporting cast. Larson also contributes to the film’s musical performances, and her confident portrayal of Envy became one of her most memorable early roles.
2011 — Rampart
Rampart is a gritty crime drama directed by Oren Moverman and starring Woody Harrelson as a troubled Los Angeles police officer. Larson plays Helen, appearing in an ensemble that includes Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi and Robin Wright. The film examines police corruption, personal instability and the consequences of a violent professional culture. Although Larson’s role is supporting, the project demonstrated her increasing involvement in serious adult dramas.
2011 — The Trouble with Bliss
Directed by Michael Knowles, The Trouble with Bliss is a dark comedy-drama centered on Morris Bliss, a man struggling with an unfulfilling life. Larson plays Stephanie Jouseski, a younger woman whose relationship with the central character becomes an important part of the story. Michael C. Hall leads the cast, with Peter Fonda and other supporting performers joining the film. The role gave Larson another opportunity to work within a more unconventional independent drama.
2012 — 21 Jump Street
21 Jump Street, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is an action comedy inspired by the 1980s television series. Larson plays Molly Tracey, a student at the high school where undercover police officers Schmidt and Jenko investigate a drug operation. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum lead the film, while Dave Franco plays a major supporting role. The movie became a major commercial success and introduced Larson to a much wider mainstream audience.
2013 — Short Term 12
Short Term 12, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, is an intimate independent drama about staff members working at a residential facility for troubled teenagers. Larson stars as Grace, a dedicated supervisor whose professional responsibilities become increasingly complicated by her own past experiences. The film also features John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever and Rami Malek. Larson’s emotionally restrained performance earned widespread critical acclaim and became a major turning point in her career.
2013 — The Spectacular Now
Directed by James Ponsoldt, The Spectacular Now is a coming-of-age romantic drama based on Tim Tharp’s novel. Larson plays Cassidy Roy, the former girlfriend of Miles Teller’s character, Sutter Keely. The story explores teenage romance, drinking, insecurity and the uncertainty surrounding adulthood, with Shailene Woodley also starring. Larson’s performance added another nuanced supporting role to an especially strong period of her independent film work.
2013 — Don Jon
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Don Jon is a romantic comedy-drama about a New Jersey man whose expectations about relationships are shaped by pornography and fantasy. Larson plays Monica Martello, the sister of Gordon-Levitt’s title character, alongside Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. Her character has a relatively small part but contributes to the film’s family dynamic and comic tone. The movie marked Gordon-Levitt’s feature directing debut and gave Larson another role in an ensemble built around adult relationships.
2014 — The Gambler
The Gambler is a crime drama directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Mark Wahlberg as Jim Bennett, a literature professor with a serious gambling addiction. Larson plays Amy Phillips, one of the people caught up in Bennett’s increasingly dangerous personal life. Jessica Lange, John Goodman and Michael K. Williams are also featured in the cast. The film allowed Larson to work in a darker, more commercially oriented drama following her acclaimed 2013 performances.
2015 — Digging for Fire
Joe Swanberg directed Digging for Fire, an independent comedy-drama about a married couple whose discovery of a potentially valuable object leads them into separate adventures. Larson plays Max, appearing alongside Jake Johnson, Rosemarie DeWitt and Orlando Bloom. The film explores marriage, parenthood, temptation and the desire for excitement outside everyday responsibilities. It was part of Larson’s productive run of independent films immediately before her breakthrough with Room.
2015 — Trainwreck
Directed by Judd Apatow, Trainwreck is a romantic comedy written by and starring Amy Schumer. Larson plays Kim Townsend, the younger sister of Schumer’s character, Amy, and serves as a grounded counterpoint to her sister’s more chaotic lifestyle. Bill Hader, Tilda Swinton and LeBron James are also prominent members of the cast. The movie was a significant mainstream comedy release and showed Larson’s ability to work comfortably alongside established comedic performers.
2015 — Room
Room, directed by Lenny Abrahamson and adapted from Emma Donoghue’s novel, became the defining film of Larson’s early career. She plays Joy “Ma” Newsome, a young mother who has been held captive for years and raises her son Jack in confinement. Jacob Tremblay plays Jack, while the supporting cast includes Joan Allen, William H. Macy and Sean Bridgers. Larson’s emotionally demanding performance earned the Academy Award for Best Actress and transformed her from a respected independent performer into an international star.
2016 — Free Fire
Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire is a darkly comic action film set almost entirely during an escalating gunfight inside a Boston warehouse. Larson plays Justine, a participant in the deal that rapidly collapses into chaos. The ensemble includes Cillian Murphy, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley and Brie Larson. The movie was a sharp departure from the emotional realism of Room and demonstrated Larson’s range in action-oriented material.
2017 — Kong: Skull Island
Kong: Skull Island, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, moved Larson into blockbuster territory. She plays Mason Weaver, an investigative photojournalist who joins an expedition to a mysterious island inhabited by enormous creatures, including King Kong. Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly headline the ensemble. The film was Larson’s first major monster-movie production and helped establish her as a leading figure in large-scale Hollywood projects.
2017 — The Glass Castle
Based on Jeannette Walls’ memoir, The Glass Castle is a biographical drama directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Larson stars as Jeannette Walls, a woman reflecting on the unconventional and often unstable childhood she experienced with her parents. Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts play her parents, Rex and Rose Mary Walls. The film reunited Larson with Cretton after Short Term 12 and gave her another demanding dramatic lead.
2017 — Basmati Blues
Basmati Blues is a romantic musical comedy directed by Danny Baron, with Larson starring as scientist Linda Watt. The story follows Linda after she is sent to India to market genetically modified rice and begins questioning the consequences of the project. Utkarsh Ambudkar, Scott Bakula, Donald Sutherland and Tyne Daly also appear. Although classified as a 2017 film, its commercial release came in February 2018, making the distinction useful when compiling Brie Larson movies by year.
2019 — Unicorn Store
Unicorn Store marked Larson’s feature directorial debut, while she also played the lead character, Kit. The fantasy comedy-drama follows a failed art student who receives an unusual opportunity to adopt the unicorn she has dreamed about since childhood. Samuel L. Jackson, Joan Cusack and Bradley Whitford join Larson in the cast. The movie premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival but received its official Netflix release in 2019, which is why it belongs under 2019 when organizing films by release year.
2019 — Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, made Larson the lead of one of Marvel Studios’ most important superhero films. She plays Carol Danvers, an Air Force pilot who becomes the immensely powerful superhero Captain Marvel after an encounter with extraterrestrial technology. Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law, Annette Bening and Ben Mendelsohn are among the principal cast members. The film established Larson’s Carol Danvers as a major Marvel Cinematic Universe character and became her most prominent franchise role.
2019 — Avengers: Endgame
In Avengers: Endgame, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Larson reprises Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel as the Avengers attempt to undo the devastation caused by Thanos. She appears alongside Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth and the wider ensemble of Marvel heroes. Her role is smaller than in Captain Marvel, but her character’s extraordinary abilities make her an important part of the story. The film became a landmark release in the MCU and one of the defining blockbuster events of its era.
2019 — Between Two Ferns: The Movie
Between Two Ferns: The Movie, directed by Scott Aukerman, expands Zach Galifianakis’ intentionally awkward interview series into a feature-length comedy. Larson appears as herself in a cameo, participating in the deliberately uncomfortable celebrity-interview humor. The film features Galifianakis alongside numerous guest stars and follows his character on a road trip to complete a series of interviews. Larson’s appearance is therefore a cameo rather than a conventional fictional acting role.
2019 — Just Mercy
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Just Mercy is a legal drama based on attorney Bryan Stevenson’s memoir and his work defending wrongly convicted prisoners. Larson plays Eva Ansley, Stevenson’s colleague and co-founder of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Alabama office, with Michael B. Jordan starring as Stevenson. Jamie Foxx also gives a major performance as Walter McMillian. The film reunited Larson with Cretton and shifted her screen presence toward a grounded story based on real events.
2019 — Fantastic Fungi
Fantastic Fungi is a documentary directed by Louie Schwartzberg rather than a conventional narrative feature. Larson serves as the film’s narrator, guiding viewers through its exploration of fungi, their biology and their environmental significance. The documentary combines interviews, time-lapse photography and visual effects to examine the hidden world of mushrooms and fungal networks. Because Larson is the narrator rather than an on-screen fictional character, this should be identified as a documentary voice role.
2021 — Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Larson makes an uncredited cameo as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the Marvel superhero film stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, with Awkwafina, Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh in major roles. Larson appears briefly during a post-credit sequence involving Bruce Banner and Wong. Her appearance connects the film to the wider MCU but is not a full supporting role.
2023 — Fast X
Fast X, directed by Louis Leterrier, brought Larson into the long-running Fast & Furious franchise. She plays Tess, the daughter of Mr. Nobody, who assists Dom Toretto and his allies during their battle against Dante Reyes. Vin Diesel leads the returning ensemble, joined by Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez, John Cena and other franchise regulars. Larson’s introduction added a new character to the increasingly interconnected action series.
2023 — The Marvels
In The Marvels, directed by Nia DaCosta, Larson returns as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel and shares the spotlight with Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau. Iman Vellani and Teyonah Parris play the other two central heroes, creating a superhero team whose powers become unexpectedly connected. The film combines science-fiction action, comedy and cosmic Marvel storytelling. It represents Larson’s first major return to the Captain Marvel role as the central figure in a standalone MCU sequel.
2026 — The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an animated adventure from Illumination and Nintendo, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. Larson provides the voice of Princess Rosalina, joining Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black and other returning cast members. The story sends Mario, Luigi and their friends into space, where they encounter Rosalina and new threats connected to Bowser Jr. The film was released theatrically in April 2026, making it Larson’s latest released feature film as of August 2026 and adding a major animated voice role to her filmography.
Conclusion
Brie Larson’s movie career has developed through several distinct phases, beginning with small childhood appearances before expanding into independent dramas, mainstream comedies and major action productions. Films such as Short Term 12 and Room established her dramatic credentials, with Room earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her move into the Marvel Cinematic Universe brought a new global audience through Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame and The Marvels, while projects such as Unicorn Store demonstrated her ambitions behind the camera. Her work in Fast X and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has further broadened her range across action and animation. Taken together, the Brie Larson movies by year show a career defined by versatility, from intimate independent filmmaking to some of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises.
