The Unforgettable Filmography of Rosario Dawson: Her Top 10 Movies & TV Shows, Ranked!

With over a hundred acting credits under her belt, Rosario Dawson has a vast array of remarkable movies and TV shows to choose from. Her journey in captivating audiences began when she made her first on-screen appearance at the tender age of 15, playing the role of "Girl in the Emergency Room" in a 1993 episode of Sesame Street. Merely two years later, she skyrocketed to stardom by landing a leading role in her debut feature film, Kids. Bucking the trend of being born into privilege or fame, Dawson's success can truly be attributed to her own hard work and determination.

Prior to entering the world of acting, Dawson had contemplated a career in marine biology (as reported by US Weekly). Fortunately, she chose to pursue a path in film and television, and her repertoire now boasts an impressive collection of incredible roles. While she has showcased her talent in a plethora of compelling dramas, it is her association with comic book adaptations and genre films, alongside her remarkable ability to embody multiple characters across various cinematic universes, that has earned her a significant following among avid enthusiasts. This only further solidifies her credibility within the geek culture, especially considering that some of these roles are featured in high-caliber productions, which rank among her best movies and TV shows.

10 Men In Black II (2002)

9 Seven Pounds (2008)

Rosario Dawson made her mark in Men in Black II as Laura Vasquez, a character who reluctantly joins agents Jay and Kay in their quest to find "the light" before the treacherous alien Serleena. Although not on par with its predecessor, this sequel delivers an enjoyable and amusing experience, thanks in large part to its exceptional cast. Dawson holds her own alongside the comedic talents of Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, while also providing the film with its emotional core. Undoubtedly, she plays a pivotal role in the success of the movie.

Rosario Dawson and Will Smith joined forces once again, this time after a five-year gap since their collaboration in Men in Black II. The romantic drama, Seven Pounds, received valid criticism for its implausible and emotionally manipulative narrative, raising ethical concerns. Despite these flaws, the film resonated with audiences and enjoyed commercial success, largely due to the compelling central romance between Smith and Dawson's characters. While the movie has its share of issues, it cannot be denied that the performances delivered are truly outstanding. Even though it was primarily positioned as a Will Smith vehicle, there is a strong argument to be made that Dawson truly shines in this production.

8 Sin City (2005)

Rosario Dawson captured the attention of audiences with her unforgettable portrayal of Gail in the visually stunning film Sin City, directed by Robert Rodriguez. This marked a turning point in her career, paving the way for her future iconic roles as a fearless action hero. Sin City not only revolutionized comic book filmmaking but also showcased the remarkable use of CGI in cinema. While her debut in the world of comic book movies was technically Men in Black II, it was Sin City that truly affirmed her presence in a film based on a beloved comic.

7 The Death of Superman (2018)

Rosario Dawson's portrayal of Wonder Woman in various animated movies demonstrates her versatility and talent. Despite the character's divergence from her usual image, Dawson has served as the official voice of Wonder Woman since 2015. Her exceptional performances can be seen in films like Justice League: Throne of Atlantis, Justice League vs. Teen Titans, Justice League Dark, Reign of the Superman, Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, Justice League Dark: Apokalips War, The Death of Superman, and even in Space Jam: A New Legacy. Among these, The Death of Superman undoubtedly showcases her finest work in the role.

6 Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

Zombieland boasts an exceptional ensemble of actors, with just seven credited performers who collectively possess an impressive nine Oscar nominations — one of which was won by Emma Stone. Furthermore, it is worth noting that this film played a crucial role in launching the careers of Stone, Jesse Eisenberg, and even Amber Heard. When it came time to create a sequel a decade later, the cast and crew knew they needed to find extraordinary talent to fill any new roles. By adding Thomas Middleditch, Luke Wilson, Zoey Deutch, and Rosario Dawson into the mix, they unquestionably hit the mark.

5 The Defenders (2017)

Just like Nick Fury played a crucial role in connecting the various movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel made a smart move by doing the same with their Netflix TV shows. The character of Claire Temple, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, was first introduced in Daredevil and went on to appear in Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and ultimately, The Defenders. In this crossover series, Claire Temple served as the link that brought together the four main characters. Although The Defenders may not be the strongest of the Netflix Marvel shows, it is the one that shows the most respect for Dawson's character.

4 Trance (2013)

3 Ahsoka (2023)

In 2020, Rosario Dawson joined the Star Wars franchise by portraying the live-action version of Ahsoka, a beloved character from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Being a part of the Star Wars universe can be challenging due to the discerning and sometimes unsupportive nature of the fans. However, Dawson's casting as the live-action Ahsoka was widely seen as a stroke of brilliance. She made her first appearance as Ahsoka in The Mandalorian season 2, episode 5 titled "Chapter 13: The Jedi." Her impressive performance was followed by her appearance in The Book of Boba Fett, paving the way for her own solo series, Ahsoka. This series has garnered significant acclaim and is considered one of the most well-received projects in the Disney Star Wars lineup thus far.

2 Clerks II (2006)

1 Death Proof (2007)

Rosario Dawson has made multiple appearances in Kevin Smith's View Askewniverse, adding to her extensive filmography. Starting with her debut in Clerks II, Dawson went on to portray different characters in subsequent films. In 2019, she took on a new role in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, showcasing her versatility. Then, in 2022, Dawson reprised her role as Becky for a poignant cameo in Clerks III. Despite her limited screen time, she made a significant impact and became the emotional pillar of the film. Her seamless integration with the beloved existing characters speaks to her talent. It is worth noting that Clerks II still remains one of Kevin Smith's most acclaimed movies, with Dawson's exceptional performance playing a pivotal role in its success.

Quentin Tarantino movies are renowned for their exceptional performances. In 2007, Rosario Dawson rose to new heights by starring in one of Tarantino's films. Her role in Death Proof truly showcased her talent, allowing her to deliver Tarantino's iconic dialogue and display her badassery. Kurt Russell plays a serial killer who uses his car to murder young women. However, the tables turn on him when his intended victims fight back, and it is Dawson's character who ultimately delivers the fatal blow, stomping on Russell's head.