Ready to discover the best Zendaya movies that have helped carve her place in Hollywood? We're looking at the most powerful and versatile roles Zendaya plays, from the captivating MJ in the latest Spider-Man trilogy to the emotionally intense Rue in Euphoria. Uncover which films are must-adds to your watch list, and why these performances solidify Zendaya as a contemporary icon in the movie industry.
Key Takeaways
• Zendaya has evolved from a Disney Channel star into an Emmy-winning actress with a diverse filmography including significant roles in major franchises and programs like Spider-Man, Euphoria and Dune.
• Her portrayal of MJ in the Spider-Man movie series showcases Zendaya’s depth as an actress, earning critical acclaim and becoming one of her career’s high points.
• Despite limited screen time in some projects, Zendaya’s performances, such as in Dune, leave a memorable impact, hinting at an expanded presence in future installments such as Dune: Part Two.
Zendaya's Rise to Stardom
Zendaya has come a long way since her Disney Channel days. Her journey from a young girl playing the aspiring dancer Rocky Blue on Disney’s Shake It Up, alongside Bella Thorne, to an Emmy-winning actress is nothing short of inspirational. Zendaya’s filmography spans across a wide range of genres, including animation, box office blockbusters and made-for-television teen comedies. However, it’s her standout performances in the Spider-Man series, Euphoria and Dune that have truly set her apart.
Zendaya's distinct emotional expression on camera and her unwavering commitment to portraying characters that resonate with her have made her a force to reckon with in the industry. She has worked with talented actors like John David Washington in Malcolm & Marie as well as with household names like Zac Efron, Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal. She has been honored with two Emmys.
Standout Performances in Spider-Man Series
One of the pivotal roles that brought Zendaya to the forefront of Hollywood was her portrayal of MJ in the Spider-Man series. The astute and endearing character of MJ, played alongside Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, has been a high point in Zendaya’s movie career. Let's take a look at the specifics of each film in the series, starting with her big-screen breakout.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Spider-Man: Homecoming marked Zendaya’s first significant cinematic role. She portrayed Michelle ‘MJ’ Jones, a character that was far from typical. MJ’s character was reserved and observant, with a sharp wit and a well-read nature. Despite her limited screen time, her performance in Spider-Man: Homecoming left a significant impact, and she was praised for bringing a refreshingly real element to the film.
The film was a financial triumph, grossing over $800M globally on a budget of $175M and signifying that Zendaya was a significant force to be reckoned with. Her portrayal of MJ demonstrated her knack for adding depth to her characters, paving the way for her sustained participation in the series.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
In Spider-Man: Far From Home, Zendaya’s MJ character evolved into a more central figure, as she brought forth an unapologetically weird and acutely observant character, straying from the typical ‘girl next door’ to a more eccentric individual.
Her chemistry with co-star Tom Holland in the second film earned Zendaya high praise, giving life to one of the most cherished relationships in pop culture and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One of the most memorable moments in the movie was when Zendaya’s MJ revealed her feelings for Peter Parker, turning her into his love interest—a scene that was awkward, humorous and heartfelt, showcasing Zendaya’s incredible ability to balance the nuances of her character’s emotional journey.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
The most recent live-action Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, saw Zendaya returning to her role as MJ, deepening her character’s significance in the series. Her performance was hailed for its displays of compassion and empathy, as she consistently checked in on Peter’s feelings during challenging moments.
Critics enthusiastically praised the film for its thematic substance and the powerful emotional beats that contrasted the exciting action sequences. The on-screen relationship between Peter Parker and MJ demonstrated why their relationship is so beloved.
Showcasing Talent in The Greatest Showman (2017)
Moving away from the superhero genre, The Greatest Showman provided a showcase for different aspects of Zendaya's versatility. In the musical drama, Zendaya plays Anne Wheeler, a talented trapeze artist who is also a part of a compelling romantic storyline.
A highlight of the movie was "Rewrite the Stars", a duet with love interest Phillip (Zac Efron), demonstrating Zendaya’s prowess in both music and trapeze. Her dramatic talent also shone in the scene where her character Anne leans over the Phillip's hospital bed, demonstrating deep emotional expression. The Greatest Showman not only featured catchy songs, but quickly became a fan favorite movie-musical due to its captivating story and great cast.
Euphoria: A Game-Changing Performance
Zendaya portrays Rue Bennett in a leading role on the captivating HBO series Euphoria, from executive producer Sam Levinson. Starring as a troubled teen fighting drug addiction, this role proved to be a game-changer in her career.
Her performance has been highly praised by critics, especially given the emotional and difficult topics Zendaya's role covers. For her role in Euphoria, Zendaya has twice won the prestigious Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, truly a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about her talent and dedication to her craft.
Dune (2021): Making an Impact with Limited Screen Time
Despite her limited screen time in the first installment of Denis Villeneuve's Dune, Zendaya’s star power was evident as she left a significant imprint in the movie. As Chani, a young woman who appears in Paul Atreides' visions, Zendaya captivated audiences, especially when Chani and Paul met face-to-face. This is a testament to Zendaya’s ability to make a lasting impression, regardless of the amount of screen time she has.
Zendaya is getting rave reviews for her role in Dune: Part Two, as her character's expanded role brings even more depth and intrigue to the series.
Voice Acting Ventures
Taking her talent to a new domain, Zendaya has also embarked on voice acting ventures that have allowed her to showcase her versatility. From playing Meechee in Smallfoot to Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy, she has left a significant impression in the realm of animation.
Smallfoot (2018)
In the animated movie Smallfoot, Zendaya brought the character Meechee to life with her incredible voice. Her performance added depth to the character and enhanced the overall storytelling of the film.
The film also featured the talents of Channing Tatum, James Corden and LeBron James, making it a star-studded affair that further showcased Zendaya’s ability to adapt and excel in diverse roles.
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
In Space Jam: A New Legacy, Zendaya voiced the character Lola Bunny. Starring alongside other big names like Lebron James, her participation in the movie was driven by pure inspiration, empathy, and respect for her craft.
Even though the film received mixed reviews, Zendaya’s depiction of Lola Bunny showcased her exceptional voice acting talent. Her involvement in the film generated great excitement among her fans.
Early Disney Channel Roles
Before she became a household name in Hollywood, Zendaya had her acting debut on the Disney Channel. Her portrayal of Rocky Blue in Shake It Up and K.C. Cooper in K.C. Undercover showcased her natural charm and effortless comedic timing, setting the stage for her future roles.
Her early roles on Disney Channel not only launched her career but also showcased her potential as a versatile actress. These roles allowed her to shine particularly through musical numbers and in managing dual identities, mixing humor with spy-action genre.
Malcolm & Marie (2021): An Intimate Character Study
In the black and white drama Malcolm & Marie, Zendaya delivered a powerful performance as Marie opposite John David Washington's Malcolm. The film is a raw and intimate exploration of a couple’s relationship and the challenges they face in the wake of Malcolm’s movie premiere. Zendaya depicts a wide range of emotions as Malcolm and Marie navigate their complex dynamic.
Although the film received mixed reviews, Zendaya’s performance was met with high acclaim, resulting in a Best Actress nomination at the 26th Critics Choice Awards. Her portrayal of Marie highlighted her ability to bring depth to complex characters and solidified her reputation as a talented actress.
Collaborations with Top Directors
Zendaya has had the privilege of working with renowned directors such as Denis Villeneuve and Sam Levinson. Her work with Denis Villeneuve on the movie Dune was genuinely inspiring, with Villeneuve commending her commitment, which was fueled by pure inspiration, empathy and respect for her craft.
Zendaya’s work has also caught the attention of other distinguished directors, showing that she's a rising star with a proven dramatic range. Pedro Almodovar, for instance, has expressed his hope to work with her someday. It’s wonderful to see her talent being recognized in the industry.
Upcoming Projects: What's Next for Zendaya?
As we look ahead, Zendaya has some exciting projects lined up. In the Dune: Part Two, Zendaya returns as Chani, whose role is much bigger and more impactful than it was in Dune.
Additionally, Zendaya is set to star in the upcoming film Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino and scheduled for release on March 15, 2024. Zendaya takes on the role of Tashi, a former tennis prodigy caught between her husband and a former boyfriend.
The Final Word
From her early days on the Disney Channel to her more recent critically-acclaimed roles in films and series like Euphoria, Zendaya has showcased her versatility and talent as an actress. Whether it’s playing a quirky teenager in the Spider-Man movies, portraying a complex trapeze artist in The Greatest Showman or lending her voice to animated characters, Zendaya’s performances have consistently captured audiences’ hearts. With more exciting projects on the horizon, her future in Hollywood looks brighter than ever. We can't wait to see what she has in store for us!
