Gwendoline Christiehas been endearing herself to audiences since her breakout role inGame of Thrones. Since then, the English actress has been hard at work, appearing in multiple films and streaming series across platforms suck as Disney Plus and Netflix.
Here, we will break down the best projects that Christie has contributed to, using theRotten TomatoesTomatometer to create the ranking for this list. We will also reference other statistics, such as box office success and commercial response. While other critiques may be included, the Tomatometer will be front and center, with the critic’s percentile rating appearing in parentheses next to the entries.
10Top of the Lake - 83%
Top of the Lakeinitially follows a police detective played by Elisabeth Moss on a harrowing mystery, but Christie’s involvement in the show wouldn’t come until series 2, titledTop of the Lake: China Girl, where she would portray a new detective that is assigned as Moss' partner. The overall show would prove to be a compelling English drama as the two detectives would look into the murder of a young Asian girl. Delving into taboo subjects such as child sex trafficking, the show never shied away from the horrors that humanity is capable of.
9Flux Gourmet - 85%
The first film to enter the list, and despite the rather impressive score on the Tomatometer,Flux Gourmet(2022) is in no danger of becoming Christie’s most renowned work. The film follows performance artists who procure sonic sounds from food.
For those that may be curious about why this film is only beloved by artistic critics, we’ll refer you toVariety’s Peter Debruge’s words in lieu of a trigger warning: “In fact,Flux Gourmetmay well send audiences running for the loo, or else reaching for the barf bag, coming about as close to triggering the gag reflex as a film can without actually jamming a finger down your throat.”
8Our Friend - 85%
Our Friend(2019) follows the story of three people, a couple and their best friend. When Nicole (Dakota Johnson) is diagnosed with cancer, Dane (Jason Segel) decides to stay with her and her husband (Casey Affleck) to aid with keeping up with the home.
While Christie was not one of the leading trio, her contributions were still felt in the film, with every member of the cast providing feel-good moments and bringing tears to the audience’s eyes; multiple critics praised this film. The impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic was significant, however, as the film was released in January 2021, and the box office failed to generate even a tenth of the $10 million budget.
7The Sandman - 87%
While the most recentNetflix phenomenon,Wednesday, didn’t quite make the list (rated at 71% on the Tomatometer), Christie’s performance inThe Sandmanwould still net her some growth and recognition. In this hit series, Christie is taking on the role of Lucifer Morningstar, the King of Hell.
While this was initially supposed to be the same Lucifer that was portrayed by Tom Ellis, The CW’sLuciferhad strayed from the plot to the point that the productionteam sought out Christiein an effort to return the character to form. Christie would get to show off her combat skills once again, as she would be featured in an epic fight scene against one of the main characters of the series.
Related:The Sandman Season 2 Has Been Written, Casting Underway
6Game of Thrones - 88%
The series that thrust Christie into the spotlight, and it only comes in at the halfway point of this list. Christie would come to beknown as Brienne of Tarth, a lady that would act as a warrior throughout the series, protecting kings, ladies, and prisoners alike. While many fans hoped that Brienne might be able to save Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) from his infatuation with his sister, the duo would not be meant to be. Though Jaime would honor Brienne by officially knighting her, a title she had long deserved.
5Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi - 91%
Reprising her role as Captain Phasmafor the final time, Christie’s work in this film would be brief but memorable, with her character arc acting as the antithesis to Finn (John Boyega). Christie’s face is never shown as she is constantly wearing her battle armor, a criticism some audiences remarked on.
After an intense battle with Finn, Phasma would ultimately fall to her death amidst the burning wreckage of the ship. With many speculating that director Rian Johnson had made significant changes to JJ Abrams’s plans, there are some who wonder if Phasma had an intended place in the third chapter of this trilogy.
4In Fabric - 91%
And now, we look to Christie’sperformance in a horror film.In Fabric(2018) is centered on an evil dress that seems to be possessed and is causing dread for anyone that crosses its path. This film gives a chance for Christie to briefly flash her comedic and horror skills, two aspects that she’s not as well known for. The film would receive high praise, with evenThe New York Times' Glen Kenny stating that it was director Peter Strickland’s “most impressive, engrossing, imaginatively unchained work yet.”
3The Personal History of David Copperfield - 92%
An all-star cast was assignedto tell the story of David Copperfield, and Gwendoline Christie can count herself among them. Christie plays Jane Murdstone, the antagonistic step-aunt to the young David that would constantly bully him, having a hand in making him into the rebellious young man he would be known for.
The film would be a critical success but would come just short of breaking even, with a reported box office of $14.4 million compared to a budget of $15.6 million.
Related:The Personal History of David Copperfield Director Breaks Down How to Build the Best Ensemble Cast
2Star Wars Resistance - 93%
Taking a trip to the animated world, Christie would reprise her role as Captain Phasma onStar Wars Resistance. In this animated venture, Phasma would often be seen giving orders to stormtroopers and acting as a looming presence that the rebels both fear and aim to sabotage. The character would be seen in person on three different episodes of the first season, and would then be seen via hologram on various occasions. Christie would end up being replaced as voice actor in season two before the series would see a premature end to cancelation.
1Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (93%)
Making her big screen impact inStar Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens(2015), Christie would make her debut as Captain Phasma and immediately stand out as one of the major villains of the trilogy, seemingly taking the legacy of Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) for the armored and intimidating individual.
The film would act as a kick-start to bring the franchise back to theaters after years away, and Christie would get to join Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, and more in helping to lead a new generation into a galaxy far, far, away.
