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Best Olivia Newman Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Olivia Newman's distinct directorial voice has captivated audiences with her compelling narratives and nuanced character studies. From exploring the complexities of family relationships to tackling sensitive social issues, her films consistently deliver both emotional depth and cinematic artistry. This list aims to rank her best works, considering factors like storytelling, performances, and overall impact. Prepare to revisit powerful stories and perhaps discover a hidden gem. Dive into this curated ranking of Olivia Newman's filmography, and don't hesitate to share your own perspective! Use the drag-and-drop feature below to rearrange the films according to your personal preference and create your definitive "Best Olivia Newman Movies" list. We're eager to see how your ranking compares to others and discover diverse viewpoints on her impressive body of work.
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#2.
First Match (2018)
2/3
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Olivia Newman's powerful feature directorial debut, *First Match (2018)*, instantly established her as a formidable voice in independent cinema. This gritty and emotionally resonant drama follows Monique "Mo" Adams, a determined Brooklyn teenager who sees a path to reconnecting with her estranged father by excelling in the male-dominated world of high school wrestling. Newman masterfully crafts a compelling narrative of resilience, exploring complex themes of family, identity, and the lengths one will go to earn love and respect against overwhelming odds, all set against a richly textured urban backdrop. Newman's direction is the film's undeniable backbone, showcasing her profound ability to elicit raw, authentic performances – particularly from breakthrough star Elvire Emanuelle – and imbue the urban landscape with a palpable sense of struggle and hope. The film garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including the SXSW Gamechanger Award, for its unflinching realism and poignant character study. It's a testament to Newman's skill in crafting character-driven narratives that are both intimate and universally resonant, making *First Match* an essential and deeply moving entry in her impressive filmography and a clear choice for her best works.
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Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
#11.0Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) undoubtedly earns its place among Olivia Newman's best works due to her masterful adaptation of Delia Owens' beloved novel. As the director, Newman meticulously translated the book's intricate plot, rich character development, and evocative Southern Gothic atmosphere to the screen. Her vision was crucial in balancing the film's multiple genres—a coming-of-age story, a passionate romance, and a gripping murder mystery—ensuring a cohesive and emotionally resonant narrative. She expertly guided lead actress Daisy Edgar-Jones to deliver a compelling performance as Kya, the isolated "Marsh Girl," making her journey of survival and self-discovery truly captivating. Beyond its popular appeal, "Where the Crawdads Sing" stands out as a quintessential Olivia Newman film by showcasing her distinctive directorial strengths. Newman consistently demonstrates an adeptness at crafting character-driven narratives, particularly those centered around resilient female protagonists navigating challenging environments—a hallmark evident in her earlier acclaimed work like "First Match." With "Crawdads," she proved her capacity to handle a large-scale literary adaptation while maintaining an intimate focus on emotional depth and internal struggle. The film's critical and commercial success firmly establishes it as a highlight in her filmography, solidifying her reputation as a director capable of delivering both compelling storytelling and visual artistry.
First Match (2018)
#22.0Olivia Newman's powerful feature directorial debut, *First Match (2018)*, instantly established her as a formidable voice in independent cinema. This gritty and emotionally resonant drama follows Monique "Mo" Adams, a determined Brooklyn teenager who sees a path to reconnecting with her estranged father by excelling in the male-dominated world of high school wrestling. Newman masterfully crafts a compelling narrative of resilience, exploring complex themes of family, identity, and the lengths one will go to earn love and respect against overwhelming odds, all set against a richly textured urban backdrop. Newman's direction is the film's undeniable backbone, showcasing her profound ability to elicit raw, authentic performances – particularly from breakthrough star Elvire Emanuelle – and imbue the urban landscape with a palpable sense of struggle and hope. The film garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including the SXSW Gamechanger Award, for its unflinching realism and poignant character study. It's a testament to Newman's skill in crafting character-driven narratives that are both intimate and universally resonant, making *First Match* an essential and deeply moving entry in her impressive filmography and a clear choice for her best works.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
#33.0"Remarkably Bright Creatures" is actually a highly acclaimed novel by Shelby Van Pelt, not a film directed by Olivia Newman. While the book has been a significant literary success and is indeed slated for a screen adaptation, Olivia Newman has not been announced as the director for this project. Therefore, it would not accurately belong on a list of her directed films, as her filmography consists of titles like "Where the Crawdads Sing" and "First Match." Perhaps the confusion stems from Olivia Newman's acclaimed work on adapting other best-selling novels, such as "Where the Crawdads Sing," which successfully brought a beloved literary world to the big screen. "Remarkably Bright Creatures," with its charming narrative about a woman, a curmudgeonly octopus, and themes of loss and connection, certainly possesses the emotional depth and unique character dynamics that could attract a director of Newman's caliber. Should she ever be involved in its future film adaptation, it would undoubtedly be a project to watch, but as of now, it is not one of her existing directorial efforts.
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