All Eight Sofia Coppola Feature Films Ranked 

From Sofia Coppola’s debut it was made clear that she has a unique artistic eye. She has consistently tackled women’s issues in every project, even when the lead is a man. It is one of my favorite aspects of Coppola’s films. They are clearly made by a woman for women. In a world of film bro films, there is a bright, pastel, female centric light in the form of this woman’s work. Though there are cracks, mostly due to the predominantly white casts that make these movies about the female experience narrow, Sofia Coppola has made some of the greatest, most misunderstood films of all time. Read our list of all eight Sofia Coppola feature films ranked below. 

8. ‘On The Rocks’

On the Rocks is the most forgettable film in Coppola’s filmography. This was her first, and only, film to be created specifically for streaming and it shows. It is stylistically bland compared to her other work, charming but not revolutionary, and well acted but not a stand out in the actors careers. The film is just fine, a movie that goes down well but leaves your system too fast. The highlight of the film is Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, who give very solid performances. Yet, of all the Sofia Coppola movies you could watch this should be on the bottom on your list. 

7. ‘Somewhere’

The underrated gem of Coppola’s filmography is Somewhere. Though it is not my personal favorite, there is so much to love about this film. There are two Sofia Coppola’s to me, the maximalist and the atmospheric. Somewhere is the latter. Extremely minimalist and atmospheric in its exploration of loneliness. It has a very quiet, Sean Baker energy to it. Making Somewhere one of her most unique depictions of Hollywood excess. The film talks about the loneliness of being in the industry and Coppola stylistically represents this with a slow edit and spare images. If you enjoy movies like Aftersun or The Florida Project and have yet to check this out I would highly recommend it. 

6. ‘The Beguilded’

The Beguiled is based on the 1966 novel by Thomas P. Cullinan about a soldier who takes refuge with a group of seminary girls in Virginia during the Civil War. What follows is a southern gothic about sexual tension, repression, manipulation, and jealousy and the harm that can come from it. Coppola takes this lightly feminist novel, and takes it all the way with its rich atmosphere, star studded cast, and sharp, dark comedy. The production design and costuming is also one of the major highlights of the film. The only reason The Beguiled is not higher is because the top five is so strong. 

5. ‘Lost In Translation’

I have to admit I have not always been a fan of Lost in Translation. There is a lot to nit pick and justifiable reasons to dismiss it, but on my third viewing I have to say I was charmed. The main standout for me is Scarlet Johansson as Charlotte. Do not get me wrong Bill Murray is great, but this movie above all proves why Johansson is a star. The film follows an aging movie star (Murray) and a lonely newlywed (Johansson) who find solace in each other while feeling misunderstood in a new place. They form an unlikely and meaningful bond that has connected with audiences and critics alike. Most citing this as her greatest film, but some of the depictions of Japanese culture feel extremely outdated and takes me out. The age gap romance is also questionable. For me Lost in Translation is a mixed bag, but there is no denying the subtle beauty in each frame. 

4. ‘The Bling Ring’

This might seem extremely high, but I think it’s high time we this movie is a great time. Yes, it has its flaws, but it also is by far the most fast paced, comedic film the director has made. To be clear I do not think any of her films are vapid, but some have given this one the short end of the stick since release. The Bling Ring, in my opinion, is a misunderstood critical portrait of vapid culture. Just because the film showcases the vapid nature of this group of teens, does not mean it itself is vapid. It is such a simple way of looking at the film. I’m still holding out hope that this film will be reexamined like Marie Antonette and people will start commending Coppola for highlighting this early 2000’s way of thinking perfectly. It is common for films and tv shows created by women to be misunderstood as inane. To me it has always felt like some viewers could not comprehend that a woman could make fun of herself or be referential in that way. The Bling Ring was given the same treatment as Lena Dunham’s masterpiece Girls and I truly believe The Bling Ring deserves more appreciation. 

3. ‘Priscilla’

Since it was announced there was no doubt in my mind that Sofia Coppola would nail the Priscilla Presley story. Priscilla follows a teenage Priscilla Beaulieu when she meets Elvis Presley at a house party, who is already famous for being a rock ‘n’ roll superstar. Yet, Priscilla gets to see more than the public persona, starting off a whirlwind romance and bittersweet love story. Coppola handles all of the delicate feelings perfectly and makes a really well rounded portrayal of a tumultuous relationship rooted in a deep love. The two leads, Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny, are remarkable. Giving career bests and capturing these larger than life people in every moment. 

2. ‘The Virgin Suicides’

It is rare for a debut feature to be as self assured as Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides. From the get go Coppola positioned herself as a new voice in film, focused more on the lives of young women than anything else. Based on a novel of the same name, The Virgin Suicides follow the Lisban sisters with alluring personalities capture the attention of the neighborhood boys. It is a story about duality. Love and repression, fantasy and reality, sex and death. The film is one of the most interesting studies on the male gaze. Some have criticized the film for being from the male neighbors perspective, but I fear that is the point. Their idealization and sexualization of these five girls played a hand in their fate and how they are remembered. It is a dense, beautiful film that is already a classic. 

1. ‘Marie Antoinette’

This could be seen as a controversial spot for this film when you look at the Rotten Tomatoes score of 57% and some of the reviews from the year Marie Antoinette was released, but it is safe to say that today’s film culture sees this film differently. To me, and many other modern cinephiles, Marie Antoinette is a misunderstood masterpiece. A feat in production, costume, and make and hair design with a killer soundtrack and an actually interesting, thoughtful examination of a woman’s history has done dirty. This movie understands Antoinette was not perfect, but it also shows how her words were twisted and she was blamed for the downfall of a kingdom she had little say in running. Yet, at its core Marie Antoinette is about what all Sofia Coppola movies are about youth, female isolation, and insights into the struggles of living inside a gilded cage. It is her magnum opus and is aging like fine wine. Give this one another chance. 

Sofia’s latest non fiction film, Marc by Sofia, is now in theatres.

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