Ella Purnell has steadily risen through the ranks of Hollywood to become one of the most versatile actors of her generation. Her work across Ella Purnell Movies and TV Shows spans various genres, from fantasy epics to post-apocalyptic thrillers and animated masterpieces. Whether voicing characters like Jinx in Arcane or leading in live-action series like Fallout, Purnell has proven time and again that her talent is boundless. In this article, we rank the best 10 Ella Purnell movies and TV shows, from worst to best, showcasing her standout roles and performances.
Ella Purnell Movies and TV Shows (Ranked Worst to Best)
Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
Role: Dolce
In Kick-Ass 2, a hyper-violent superhero flick, Purnell played a minor role as Dolce, the high-school mean girl. While her role was limited in screen time, she made an impression with her sharp, sarcastic delivery and solidified her ability to play contrasting characters. Despite being a relatively small part, this was one of Purnell’s first forays into more mainstream Hollywood films.
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Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Role: Emma Bloom
Directed by Tim Burton, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a fantastical adventure where Purnell plays Emma Bloom, a teenager who can control air and must wear lead shoes to keep herself grounded. Purnell holds her own alongside seasoned actors like Eva Green and Samuel L. Jackson, bringing a quiet intensity to her role. Though the film itself received mixed reviews, Purnell’s portrayal was praised for adding emotional depth to the quirky tale.
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Army of the Dead (2021)
Role: Kate Ward
In this Zack Snyder-directed zombie heist film, Purnell plays Kate Ward, the estranged daughter of Dave Bautista’s character, Scott Ward. Army of the Dead may not have been a critical darling, but Purnell’s emotional performance stood out. Her portrayal of a daughter grappling with the complexities of her relationship with her father added a layer of emotional depth to an otherwise action-heavy movie.
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Ordeal by Innocence (2018)
Role: Hester Argyll
This Agatha Christie adaptation features Purnell as Hester Argyll, the youngest of the adopted Argyll children, who gets embroiled in a dark family mystery following the murder of their mother. Purnell’s role as Hester allowed her to shine in a tense, whodunit atmosphere. Her portrayal of a sheltered but emotionally complex character was both chilling and heartbreaking, earning her praise in this psychological drama.
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Yellowjackets (2021-2023)
Role: Jackie
In the survival thriller Yellowjackets, Purnell plays Jackie, the team captain of a girls’ high school soccer team stranded in the wilderness following a plane crash. This role allowed Purnell to showcase a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability to icy control. Jackie’s story is one of the central narratives in the show’s first season, and Purnell’s portrayal was a significant reason why Yellowjackets became a hit with audiences and critics alike.
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Sweetbitter (2018–2019)
Role: Tess
In the Starz series Sweetbitter, based on the novel by Stephanie Danler, Purnell takes on the lead role of Tess, a young woman discovering the fast-paced world of fine dining in New York City. Sweetbitter is a coming-of-age story wrapped in a culinary drama, and Purnell’s nuanced portrayal of Tess, who is both wide-eyed and tenacious, was well-received. The show highlights her ability to anchor a series with both charm and complexity.
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Wildlike (2014)
Role: Mackenzie
This indie drama sees Purnell as Mackenzie, a young girl who runs away after being sexually assaulted by her uncle. Her journey through the Alaskan wilderness is an emotionally charged narrative of survival and healing. Purnell delivers a haunting and powerful performance in this understated film, earning her accolades for her raw and authentic portrayal of a traumatised teen.
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Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–2024)
Role: Gwyndala (Voice)
In this animated Star Trek series aimed at younger audiences, Purnell voices Gwyndala, a 17-year-old Vau N’Akat alien with a complicated backstory. This role marked Purnell’s debut in voice acting, and her performance was both dynamic and emotional. Star Trek: Prodigy quickly became a favourite for both younger audiences and longtime Trekkies, with Purnell’s character development being one of the highlights of the show.
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Arcane (2021–Present)
Role: Jinx (Voice)
Arcane, an animated series set in the League of Legends universe, took the world by storm when it premiered on Netflix. Purnell voices Jinx, a troubled young woman whose descent into madness is a major focus of the show. Purnell’s vocal performance as Jinx is intense and emotionally gripping, capturing the character’s chaotic energy and deep-seated trauma. The series’ stunning animation combined with Purnell’s powerful voice work earned Arcane critical and fan acclaim, cementing her as a force in animation.
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Fallout (2024–Present)
Role: Lucy MacLean
Purnell’s latest role in Fallout, Amazon Prime’s highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved video game series, is already creating buzz. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear war, Purnell plays Lucy MacLean, a Vault Dweller who ventures out into the irradiated wasteland to search for her missing father. Early reviews praise the show’s world-building and production quality, with Purnell’s performance as Lucy being one of the standout elements. As the protagonist of a major franchise adaptation, this role marks a significant moment in Purnell’s career and showcases her leading-lady capabilities.
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Upcoming Roles for Ella Purnell
With an impressive lineup of projects set to release in 2024, Ella Purnell shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s a closer look at the exciting roles she has coming up:
Sweetpea (2024)
Role: Rhiannon Lewis
Sweetpea is an adaptation of C.J. Skuse’s darkly comedic thriller novel. Purnell plays Rhiannon Lewis, a seemingly normal woman living a double life as a serial killer. This role allows Purnell to delve into the psyche of a character torn between her public persona and private, murderous impulses. Sweetpea offers a unique mix of humour, horror, and psychological depth, giving Purnell a complex character to tackle.
Arcane Season 2 (2024)
Role: Jinx (voice)
Purnell returns as the voice of Jinx in the second season of Arcane. Following the immense success of the first season, the continuation of Jinx’s story promises to explore her further descent into chaos and her strained relationship with her sister, Vi. Fans are eagerly awaiting Purnell’s return, as her voice work in the first season was one of the most acclaimed aspects of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ella Purnell’s most famous role?
Ella Purnell is widely known for her voice work as Jinx in Arcane and her lead role in the Fallout series.
Has Ella Purnell won any awards?
While she hasn’t won any major awards yet, her performances in shows like Arcane and Yellowjackets have garnered critical acclaim, and she has been nominated for several accolades.
What upcoming roles does Ella Purnell have?
In 2024, Purnell will star in Fallout, Sweetpea, and Arcane Season 2, with more exciting projects like Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas in the pipeline.
How old was Ella Purnell when she started acting?
Ella Purnell began her acting career as a child, making her film debut at the age of 12 in Never Let Me Go.
Has Ella Purnell appeared nude?
No, Ella Purnell has not appeared nude in any of her films or TV shows. She has taken on a variety of challenging roles but has not been involved in any explicit scenes of this nature.
Is Ella Purnell British?
Yes, Ella Purnell was born in London, England, and she started her acting career in the UK before transitioning to international projects in Hollywood.