Greta Garbo
ActingAbout Greta Garbo
Greta Garbo (born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson; September 18, 1905 – April 15, 1990) was a Swedish-American actress, widely regarded as one of the greatest stars of classic Hollywood cinema. Known for her melancholic and enigmatic screen presence, she starred in iconic films such as Anna Karenina, Queen Christina, Camille, and Ninotchka. Throughout her career, she was celebrated for her subtle and understated performances, earning three Academy Award nominations and an honorary Oscar in 1954. Garbo was famously private, avoiding the Hollywood social scene and retiring from acting at the age of 35. Her personal life has long been the subject of speculation, particularly regarding her sexuality. She was romantically linked to several women, including writer Mercedes de Acosta and actress Marlene Dietrich, fueling rumors that she may have been lesbian or bisexual. However, Garbo never publicly addressed these rumors, maintaining an air of mystery that only added to her legendary status. Her legacy continues to captivate audiences, with her influence extending beyond film into discussions of gender, sexuality, and Hollywood’s golden age.
Greta Garbo Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Greta Garbo reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Greta Garbo's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 58% of Greta Garbo's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Casting Couch, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Greta Garbo Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Greta Garbo's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Greta Garbo has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Garbo: Where Did You Go? | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | Prejudice and Pride: Swedish Film Queer | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Destins secrets d’étoiles - Grace, Jackie, Liz, Marilyn… | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen | (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Sigrid Holmquist | Sigrid Holmquist (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood | Queen Christina (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Garbo | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Checking Out: Grand Hotel | Self / Various roles (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Complicated Women | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Joan Crawford: Always the Star | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Casting Couch | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Greta Garbo: The Temptress and the Clown | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | That's Entertainment, Part II | (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Hollywood: The Dream Factory | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | The Big Parade of Comedy | Ninotchka in 'Ninotchka' (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Two-Faced Woman | Karin Borg Blake | Average | Similar → |
| 1940 | A New Romance of Celluloid: The Miracle of Sound | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Hollywood: Style Center of the World | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1939 | Ninotchka | Nina "Ninotchka" Ivanovna Yakushova | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Conquest | Countess Marie Walewska | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Romance of Celluloid | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Camille | Marguerite Gautier | Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | Anna Karenina | Anna Karenina | Hit | Similar → |
| 1934 | The Painted Veil | Katrin Koerber Fane | Average | Similar → |
| 1934 | Queen Christina | Christina | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | Grand Hotel | Grusinskaya | Hit | Similar → |
| 1932 | As You Desire Me | Zara, a.k.a. Maria | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Mata Hari | Mata Hari | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Susan Lenox (Her Fall and Rise) | Helga, aka Susan Lenox | Average | Similar → |
| 1931 | Inspiration | Yvonne Valbret | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Anna Christie | Anna Christie | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1930 | Romance | Rita Cavallini | Average | Similar → |
| 1930 | Anna Christie | Anna Christie | Average | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Kiss | Irene Guarry | Average | Similar → |
| 1929 | The Single Standard | Arden Stuart | Average | Similar → |
| 1929 | Wild Orchids | Lillie Sterling | Average | Similar → |
| 1928 | A Woman of Affairs | Diana Merrick | Average | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Mysterious Lady | Tania Fedorova | Hit | Similar → |
| 1928 | The Divine Woman | Marianne | Hit | Similar → |
| 1927 | Love | Anna Karenina | Average | Similar → |
| 1926 | Flesh and the Devil | Felicitas | Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | The Temptress | Elena | Hit | Similar → |
| 1926 | Torrent | Leonora Moreno | Hit | Similar → |
| 1925 | Joyless Street | Greta Rumfort | Hit | Similar → |
| 1924 | The Saga of Gösta Berling | Elizabeth Dohna | Hit | Similar → |
| 1922 | A Scarlet Angel | Extra | Hit | Similar → |
| 1921 | A Fortune Hunter | Maid | Hit | Similar → |
Greta Garbo - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Greta Garbo?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Greta Garbo is "The Casting Couch" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Greta Garbo acted in?
Greta Garbo has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Greta Garbo?
Other notable films include "Greta Garbo: The Temptress and the Clown", "Destins secrets d’étoiles - Grace, Jackie, Liz, Marilyn…", and "Ninotchka".