The Best Films Starring Zendaya

Zendaya's Early Career

Zendaya has had a remarkable career, with standout performances in both television and film. She first gained recognition for her role as Rue in the Max original series Euphoria, but it was her transition to the big screen that truly solidified her status as a versatile actress.

Zendaya, Bella Thorne, and Nick Robinson in Frenemies

As a child actress, Zendaya started on the Disney Channel with shows like Shake It Up and other Disney Channel Original movies. Her early work laid the foundation for her future success, and she quickly proved herself capable of taking on complex and challenging characters.

Zendaya and Chanelle Peloso in Zapped

Teaming up with her Shake It Up co-star Bella Thorne, Zendaya played Halley in the Disney movie Frenemies. The film, which features three different plots about pairs of friends, allowed Zendaya to showcase her talent and chemistry with Thorne, laying the groundwork for her future in the industry.

Zendaya and Chanelle Peloso in Zapped

In Zapped, another Disney Channel Original, Zendaya starred as Zoey, a character grappling with moral questions in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking story. This marked a shift in Zendaya's roles, as she began to explore more mature themes and characters.

Zendaya and Spencer Boldman in Zapped

Venturing into Voice Acting and Superhero Franchises

Zendaya's career continued to soar as she ventured into voice acting and joined major superhero franchises. In the recent Space Jam sequel, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Zendaya lent her voice to the character Lola Bunny, adding her charm to the fun reboot of the iconic character.

Lola Bunny in Space Jam: A New Legacy

In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Zendaya made her debut as MJ, portraying a unique and captivating version of the beloved character. She continued to shine in Spider-Man: Far From Home, where her comedic timing and character development made her an integral part of the superhero narrative.

Zendaya as MJ in Spider-Man Homecoming

Her role as Chani in Denis Villeneuve's Dune showcased Zendaya's ability to command the screen with minimal screen time. Her enigmatic presence and captivating performance left a lasting impression on audiences, setting the stage for her future projects in the Dune series.

Zendaya as Chani with blue eyes in Dune 2021

Diverse Roles and Dramatic Performances

Zendaya's talent and versatility as an actress were further evidenced in the film Malcolm & Marie, where she starred alongside John David Washington. The emotionally wrought topics and authentic portrayal of complex characters showcased Zendaya's dramatic range and her ability to inhabit intricate roles.

Zendaya as Marie in Malcolm & Marie

In The Greatest Showman, Zendaya's performance as Anne, an acrobat in P.T. Barnum's circus, allowed her to showcase her musical abilities and chemistry with co-star Zac Efron. Her role in the movie musical demonstrated her versatility as a performer and her ability to excel in diverse genres.

The Greatest Showman Zendaya

Zendaya's work with strong directors and her choice of movies across various genres have cemented her status as a leading actress in Hollywood. Her impressive body of work reflects her dedication to her craft and her commitment to taking on challenging and diverse roles.

Timothee Chalamet as Paul and Zendaya as Chani in a vision of the future in Dune