Elliot Page is one of the most talked-about actors in Hollywood right now, with numerous popular projects under his belt.
As an outspoken activist and proud member of the LGBT community, Elliot has proven that individuality and standing firm behind your values are still well-respected traits in filmmaking.
X-Men: The Last Stand co-stars Elliot (Ellen) Page and Ben Foster are believed to have dated from 2006 to 2007 (Credit: Roger Wong / INFGoff)
After spending several years on the sets of indie films, Elliot stepped up to major blockbuster movies and made a name for himself in Hollywood.
With many unique performances, Elliot Page has displayed his talent for the craft while garnering more and more fans by the minute.
Today, we’re looking at Elliot Page’s most acclaimed films as we count down their top 10 movies according to critics.
Elliot (Ellen) Page as Monica in the 2012 magical realist romantic comedy film To Rome with Love (Credit: Sony Pictures Classics)
From their humble beginnings in indie cinema to their rise to popularity and blossoming stardom, let’s dive into Elliot Page’s most notable films and check out this buzzworthy actor’s work!
Elliot Page’s Early Life and First Steps in Hollywood
Elliot Page was born on February 17, 1987, in Halifax, the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Assigned female at birth, he was named Ellen Page and used this name until switching to Elliot Page in 2020.
Elliot lived a normal life for most of his childhood, attending Halifax Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth High School.
“All trans people are so different, and my story’s absolutely just my story. But yes, when I was a little kid, absolutely, 100%, I was a boy,” Page claimed in an interview with Vanity Fair.
Elliot Page keeps it effortlessly cool in a blue jacket layered over a graphic dragon-print hoodie, paired with dark-wash jeans for a casual, laid-back look (Credit: Roger Wong / INFGoff)
“I knew I was a boy when I was a toddler. I was writing fake love letters and signing them ‘Jason.’ Every little aspect of my life, that is who I was, who I am, and who I knew myself to be.”
“I just couldn’t understand when I’d be told, ‘No, you’re not. No, you can’t be that when you’re older,’ ” he added.
“You feel it. Now I’m finally getting myself back to feeling like who I am, and it’s so beautiful and extraordinary, and there’s a grief to it in a way.”
Elliot Page exuded effortless cool in a Saint Laurent Le Smoking jacket, black leather leggings, and sleek Wyatt ankle boots at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, embracing a bold androgynous aesthetic (Credit: Lionel Hahn / AbacaUSA / Startraksphoto)
Elliot’s parents divorced when he was a toddler, forcing him to split his childhood between his mom, Martha Philpotts, and his dad, Dennis Page.
In 1997, Elliot made his acting debut in the made-for-television film Pit Pony, appearing as Maggie Maclean. Five years later, he had his first feature-length film role, starring as Joanie in the movie Marion Bridge.
Elliot (Ellen) Page as Sylvia Likens and Catherine Keener as Gertrude Baniszewski in the 2007 American crime horror drama film An American Crime (Credit: Showtime)
Soon thereafter, Elliot started making waves in the industry with their work in films like Ghost Cat, which earned him awards in the indie film circuit.
By the mid-2000s, Elliot started breaking into the upper echelon of acting, eventually becoming a household name thanks to the 2007 film Juno.
Elliot (Ellen) Page and Emma Portner first met on Instagram in 2017, married six months later, and divorced in 2021 (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
In the decades since Elliot has asserted himself as an outspoken activist for the LGBT community in Canada and most recently made history as the first openly transgender man to grace the cover of the groundbreaking Time magazine.
10. The Cured (2017): A Gritty Horror-Thriller with a Social Twist
Written and directed by David Freyne, The Cured is a horror film that stars Elliot Page, Sam Keely, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor.
Set in a post-apocalyptic version of Europe where a deadly disease known as the Maze Virus has swept the country, the film follows attempts to reintegrate potentially “cured” victims into society.
Writer/director David Freyne and actress Ellen (Elliot) Page attend the screening Of IFC Films “The Cured” at AMC Dine-In Sunset 5 on February 20, 2018, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
At 30 years old, Elliot Page plays the role of Abbie (credited as Ellen Page), the relative of a cured man named Senan (Sam Keeley), who withholds information regarding the whereabouts of Abbie’s missing brother.
As Senan and his fellow patient Conor contend with harrowing memories of their horrendous acts while infected, Abbie gets caught up in the crossfire.
Elliot (Ellen) Page as Abbie in the 2017 Irish horror drama film The Cured (Credit: IFC Films)
Elliot’s move into the horror genre was smart at the time. It displayed the actor’s ability to embody roles of varying intensity, a trait that was well-received by critics.
He also had a great rapport with their co-stars during filming, as he reportedly bought pancakes for the entire cast and crew on the final day of the production.
9. Wilby Wonderful (2004): A Quirky Dark Comedy with Indie Charm
Wilby Wonderful is a darkly comedic drama directed by Daniel MacIvor. It takes place over 24 hours in a small Canadian town called Wilby.
With an ensemble cast that includes James Allodi, Maury Chaykin, and others, the film follows the lives of several townsfolk as they prepare for a celebratory festival.
In the film, Elliot Page plays Emily Anderson (credited as Ellen Page), the teenage daughter of Sandra Anderson (Rebecca Jenkins), a local woman with a reputation for promiscuity.
Caleb Langille as Taylor and Elliot (Ellen) Page as Emily Anderson in the 2004 comedy-drama film Wilby Wonderful (Credit: Mongrel Media)
At 17 years old, Elliot plays the soft-spoken role gracefully as they yearn for romance while trying to avoid the same local infamy as Sandra.
Over the course of the film, Emily and Sandra’s relationship is tested as they deal with rumors and naysayers around town. Elliot brings his signature complexity to the role, providing a layered performance and plenty of nuance to the tale of teenage romance.
Critics at the time praised his performance, which earned him an award at the Atlantic Film Festival and other nominations in the indie circuit.
8. The East (2013): Elliot Page Tackles Political Thrills
The East is a political thriller that stars Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard, and Elliot Page. It was directed by Zal Batmanglij.
The film centers on Jane (Brit Marling), a private investigator who attempts to infiltrate a group of environmental anarchists known as The East.
At 26 years old, Elliot Page appears as Izzy (credited as Ellen Page), the daughter of a wealthy CEO whose work greatly impacts the environment. When Izzy falls in with the East, the group achieves some justice against her father, but at a great price.
Patricia Clarkson, Alexander Skarsgard, and Ellen (Elliot) Page attend the premiere of ‘The East’ at ArcLight Hollywood on May 28, 2013, in Hollywood (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Boosted by Elliot Page’s compelling performance, The East received positive reviews from critics following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival.
Earning plenty of buzz on the indie film circuit in the first few months of the year, the film opened in numerous regional theaters to modest success, representing Page’s ability to flow back and forth between indie and blockbuster projects.
In May 2013, Elliot Page stood out at the LA premiere of The East in a black Helmut Lang dress paired with chic Saint Laurent heels.
Elliot Page with co-star Alexander Skarsgard at the premiere of *The East* held at the ArcLight Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles on May 28, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Although the studded heels weren’t perfect for his tiny feet, they still complemented Elliot’s understated yet edgy red carpet style.
They’re sleek but not overpowering, striking the right balance between sophisticated and bold. His minimalist hair and makeup added to the effortlessly chic look.
Elliot Page stuns in a Helmut Lang dress, Saint Laurent shoes, and Neil Lane ring (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
His co-star Alexander Skarsgard, rumored to be dating him then, joined him on the red carpet. The two seemed close, sharing a natural chemistry that had fans buzzing.
Elliot Page shows off his feet in studded Saint Laurent “Janis” heels (Credit: FayesVision / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Elliot’s choice of Saint Laurent “Janis” heels added a high-fashion edge to his look. The studded toe detail elevated the classic design, making it chic and statement-worthy. Would you wear them? If so, they’re available at Farfetch.
Saint Laurent Studded “Janis” Heels, $795
7. Into the Forest (2015): Survival Drama at Its Most Intense
Into the Forest was written and directed by Patricia Rozema and is based on the novel by Jean Hegland, originally released in 1996.
The film stars Elliot Page (credited as Ellen Page) and Evan Rachel Wood as Nell and Eva, two teenage sisters who must survive in extremely harsh and unforgiving conditions.
Elliot (Ellen) Page as Nell in the 2015 Canadian apocalyptic independent drama film Into the Forest (Credit: A24 / Elevation Pictures)
This indie drama is set in the near future, where a sprawling power outage tears through the nation, causing technology around the country to fail. After their father passes away, Nell and Eva are left to live in a small home in the woods and attempt to support themselves as society crumbles.
Flexing their multifaceted talents at 28 years old, Elliot Page also helped produce the film, as he gained interest in the project after reading the original novel.
Elliot was so determined to nail the part of Nell that he even learned how to butcher a pig in preparation for one particularly grisly scene.
6. Whip It (2009): Skating, Rebellion, and a Fan-Favorite Performance
Based on the novel Derby Girl by Shauna Cross, Whip is an extreme sports comedy and drama directed by Drew Barrymore.
Elliot Page stuns in a black sheer-sleeved dress with silver chain details, while Drew Barrymore exudes elegance in a textured black leather dress with bold statement earrings at the Whip It premiere (Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock)
The film follows a prominent beauty pageant contestant from Texas named Bliss Cavender (Elliot Page, credited as Ellen Page), who bucks her normal lifestyle for a far more dangerous professional pursuit.
Feeling unfulfilled by her life in the vain world of beauty pageants, Bliss rebels against her imposing parents and joins a local roller derby team called the Hurl Scouts.
Elliot Page pairs their chic black mini dress with edgy black peep-toe ankle boots, while Juliette Lewis makes a bold statement with sparkly platform heels and red patterned tights, and Landon Pigg adds a pop of color with burnt-orange suede boots at the Los Angeles Premiere of “Whip It” held at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, on September 29, 2009 (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)
At 22 years old, Page fully embraced the rebellious spirit of Bliss Cavendar, delivering a performance filled with energy and individuality. Speaking about the physically demanding role, he once said: “I love playing roles that are physical, absolutely love. Whether it’s just that kind of basic level of physicality or whether it’s stunts.”
It’s no secret that Elliot Page had a passion for indie filmmaking, but Whip It was a notable instance where his love for the underdogs was put to the test.
At the time of filming, Elliot was also in the running for a role in the 2009 film Drag Me to Hell but opted to drop out of that picture in favor of Whip It.
Elliot Page as Bliss Cavendar (Babe Ruthless) and Landon Pigg as Oliver in the 2009 American sports comedy-drama film Whip It (Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures)
While the film was a disappointment at the box office, Elliot’s performance was the talk of the town when Whip It first premiered at indie film festivals.
5. Tallulah (2016): A Thought-Provoking Story of Love and Survival
Directed by Sian Heder, Tallulah is a drama film that follows a young woman who becomes the unexpected guardian of a toddler out of happenstance.
29-year-old Elliot Page (credited as Ellen Page) stars as Tallulah, a homeless teenager who travels to New York City to reunite with her boyfriend.
Arriving in New York, Tallulah visits the home of her boyfriend’s parents, looking for him, but finds that he hasn’t returned.
Elliot (Ellen) Page as the title character on the set of the 2016 American comedy-drama film Tallulah in New York City on June 29, 2015 (Credit: Freddie Baez / Startraksphoto)
In the meantime, staying at a nearby hotel, Tallulah meets Carolyn (Tammy Blanchard), a young mother who hires Tallulah to babysit her daughter. Attempting to use the baby in a plan to weasel back into her boyfriend’s life, things get more complicated when Carolyn alerts the authorities.
Tallulah marks the third collaboration between Elliot Page and Allison Janney, as the pair worked together on 2013’s Touchy Feely and 2007’s Juno. These two actors seem always to come together to make magic, as both performances were widely considered the best part of Tallulah.
4. Inception (2010): A Sci-Fi Classic Featuring Page’s Dream Architect
Movies directed by Christopher Nolan are often wildly perplexing and send audiences on a mind-bending trip, and that’s especially true for Inception.
This intriguing action flick stars a cast of major Hollywood stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and more. The film follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a spy who commits corporate espionage by infiltrating people’s dreams.
Elliot Page stuns in a textured green Yigal Azrouël Resort 2011 dress paired with sleek black peep-toe ankle boots at the Inception Los Angeles premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on July 13, 2010 (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)
At 23 years old, Page took on the role of Ariadne, a gifted architect who constructs intricate dream worlds in Inception. Reflecting on the craft of acting, Page once remarked: “Acting is very physical, even when it doesn’t appear to be. It’s about the arc of your body’s language through a film.” This insight perfectly captures the meticulous precision required for such a cerebral role.
Inception was one of the year’s most popular films due in no small part to the extravagant cast performance and the movie’s remarkable special effects. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won four, including Best Visual Effects and Best Cinematography.
Remember the tent-looking dress Marion Cotillard wore to the ‘Inception’ premiere in London? Well, I can’t forget it.
Marion Cotillard makes a bold fashion statement in a Thakoon drop square dress at the UK premiere of ‘Inception’ (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Tony Clark)
That day, she painted an unusual picture by coming out (for the first time) in a Thankoon Pre-Fall 2010 dress that hid every beautiful curve on her body.
Marion Cotillard embraced bold asymmetry in a Thakoon drop square dress at the Inception London premiere, pairing the avant-garde look with edgy black peep-toe heels that added a striking finish (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Tony Clark)
Ellen Page, at 5ft ½ in (153.7 cm), appears notably petite next to the taller figures of Marion Cotillard, who stands at 5ft 5 ½ in (166.4 cm), and Leonardo DiCaprio, at 5ft 11 ¼ in (181 cm), creating a striking contrast in stature on the red carpet.
Marion Cotillard (5ft 5 ½ in, 166.4 cm) captivates at the ‘Inception’ premiere in London on July 8, 2010, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio (5ft 11 ¼ in, 181 cm) and the notably petite Ellen Page (5ft ½ in, 153.7 cm), creating a captivating contrast in heights on the red carpet (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Tony Clark)
3. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): Page’s Role in the Time-Bending Epic
X-Men: Days of Future Past is a sci-fi superhero film and the fifth film in the X-Men franchise, directed by Bryan Singer and written by Simon Kinberg.
It continues the story of the eponymous superhero team, mainly Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), who must travel back in time to prevent the destruction of the X-Men.
At 27, Page reprised the role of Kitty Pryde, the phasing mutant whose abilities played a crucial role in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Looking back on the experience of working on such a massive production, he once said: “X-Men is massive, like nothing I’ve ever experienced. But great in its own way.”
Ellen (Elliot) Page in a Band of Outsiders blazer and a Marissa Webb blouse at the “X-Men: Days Of Future Past” world premiere at Jacob Javits Center on May 10, 2014, in New York City (Credit: Dara Kushner / INFphoto)
Using their powers, Kitty is the catalyst that allows Wolverine to travel through time, kickstarting the adventure.
Although Elliot’s character doesn’t appear on screen for very long, she was integral to the production. In fact, for most of the filming process, the movie was titled “Hello Kitty,” a cheeky reference to Page’s superhero persona.
2. My Days of Mercy (2017): A Love Story Rooted in Justice and Conflict
My Days of Mercy was written by Joe Barton and directed by Tali Shalom Ezer. The romantic drama stars Elliot Page and Kate Mara in the leading roles.
The film focuses on Lucy Moro (Elliot Page, credited as Ellen Page) and her sister Martha (Amy Seimetz). It follows the siblings’ attempt to get their father acquitted from death row.
After their father is imprisoned for the murder of their mother, sisters Lucy and Martha travel around the country protesting against the death penalty.
Elliot (Ellen) Page as Lucy Moro and Kate Mara as Mercy Bromage in the 2017 romantic drama film My Days of Mercy (Credit: Lionsgate)
During one protest, Lucy meets Mercy (Kate Mara), a conservative lawyer with differing opinions. Despite this political mismatch, the pair strike up a relationship, which is tested in due time.
While Elliot Page usually works in comedies and dramas, My Days of Mercy is one of the few love stories that the actor has performed in.
Despite the change in genre, the 30-year-old actor excels in the role of Lucy, offering compassion and righteousness in equal measure. In combination with The Cursed, My Days of Mercy was one of Elliot’s most recent parts in a feature film before taking a break and mostly sticking to television roles.
1. Juno (2007): The Breakout Film That Made Elliot Page a Star
Considered by many to be the standout film in Elliot Page’s career, Juno is a coming-of-age drama and comedy that Jason Reitman directed.
Often seen as both controversial and exceptionally well-handled, the movie revolves around a teenage couple who deal with an unexpected pregnancy.
Olivia Thirlby adds a pop of color with red bow-adorned pumps, while Elliot Page keeps it classic in black pointed-toe heels paired with a chic strapless polka-dot dress at the Juno Los Angeles premiere on December 3, 2007 (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Starring alongside Michael Cera, Elliot Page (credited as Ellen Page) plays the lead role of Juno at 20 years old. After Juno discovers she is pregnant, she must decide whether or not she wants to keep it while sorting out her feelings about the child’s father.
Although Elliot Page had been in the limelight long before Juno, this film significantly propelled his career and garnered him worldwide recognition.
Elliot Page keeps it effortlessly cool in an all-black ensemble featuring a leather jacket, button-up shirt, and sleek boots while attending the Juno French premiere at Marignan Theater in Paris on January 21, 2008 (Credit: INFphoto)
Despite its indie roots, the movie became a massive success, earning over $230 million worldwide. Critics were also exceptionally kind to the film, as it received four Academy Award nominations and ultimately won Best Original Screenplay.
Beyond his acting career, Page has become a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights, making history as the first openly transgender man on the cover of Time magazine. He once said, “For me, being out within my life became far more important than being in any movie,” highlighting how his personal journey has become just as impactful as his on-screen performances.