Dakota Fanning: Her Best Roles Through The Years

Born February 23, 1994, Dakota Fanning would land her first professional role at the young age of five in a Tide detergent commercial. Her rise to fame would start with a small role in an episode of the popular medical drama ER before landing her breakthrough role in this next film...

2001 would put Dakota in the spotlight with the drama I am Sam. Starring as the young daughter of a mentally challenged man (played by Sean Penn), the film would not only be Dakota's first but would also earn her the Best Young Actor/Actress Award from the BFCA. 

One of our personal favorite Dakota Fanning films is 2003's comedy-drama, Uptown Girls. Dakota would quickly win the affection of critics and fans and would star in a string of films in the early 2000s including The Cat in the Hat (2003), Sweet Home Alabama (2002), and voicing "Satsuki" in Disney's English language version of My Neighbor Totoro.

Another big hit in Dakota's early career would be in 2004's Man on Fire. Starring opposite Denzel Washington, at 10 years old, Dakota would win nothing but praise from film critics. 

Following an impressive start to her career, 2005 would bring Dakota the chance to work alongside Tom Cruise and esteemed film director Steven Spielberg. War of the Worlds showcased Dakota's amazing ability to get deep into character, and she would win the praise of Spielberg himself. 

2005 also starred Dakota Fanning in yet another hit film, Dreamer. Following the true story of an injured racehorse, Dakota plays the granddaughter of Kris Kristofferson's character. 

Perhaps one of the best-remembered roles of Dakota's early career is playing the part of "Fern Arable" in 2006's Charlotte's Web. One of the only human characters in the film, Dakota shines in the spotlight and brought to life the classic children's tale. 

While it may have been animated, Dakota Fanning proved her talent by voicing the part of "Coraline" in the 2009 book turned film. The film has been ranked one of the best of her career and would receive an Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nomination. 

Dakota Fanning has continued to shine in the spotlight as she has grown up and switched into more mature roles. One great example is in 2013's thriller, Night Moves where she played the lead as eco-terrorist "Dena Brauer". 

Another great role of Fanning's later career includes 2010's the Runaways. Starring alongside Kristen Stewart, Scout Taylor-Compton, and Stella Maeve, Dakota plays the part of 70s punk rock singer, Cherie Currie perfectly.