Zendaya (which means “to give thanks” in the language of Shona) is an American actress and singer born in Oakland, California. She began her career appearing as a child model working for Macy’s, Mervyns and Old Navy. She was a backup dancer before gaining prominence for her role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010) which also includes Bella Thorne, Kenton Duty and Roshon Fegan.
She made her film breakthrough in 2017, starring as Michelle “MJ” Jones in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and as Anne Wheeler in the musical drama film The Greatest Showman (2017) alongside actors such as Tom Holland, Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron.
Zendaya is one of the most talented young actresses working today, with an impressive range that has allowed her to tackle a wide variety of roles. Zendaya has a diverse range of movies in her filmography, and her performances have received critical acclaim.
Here are ten of her best movies, in no particular order:
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
In her breakout role as Michelle “MJ” Jones, Zendaya stole scenes as the quirky and sarcastic classmate of Peter Parker. Her chemistry with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man was a highlight of the film.
Watch trailer here
The Greatest Showman (2017)
In this musical drama, Zendaya played Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist who falls in love with Zac Efron’s character. She showed off her singing and dancing skills in several memorable musical numbers.
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Malcolm & Marie (2021)
This black-and-white drama was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic and stars Zendaya and John David Washington as a couple whose relationship is tested over the course of a night. Zendaya’s performance as Marie is raw and emotional, and she received critical acclaim for her work.
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Dune (2021)
In Denis Villeneuve’s epic science-fiction film, Zendaya plays Chani, a member of the Fremen who becomes a love interest for Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. While her screen time is limited, she makes a strong impression with her fierce and enigmatic portrayal of the character.
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Euphoria (2019-present)
While not technically a movie, Zendaya’s work on the HBO drama series Euphoria deserves to be mentioned. She plays Rue, a teenage drug addict struggling to find her place in the world. Zendaya’s nuanced performance earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
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Smallfoot (2018)
In this animated musical, Zendaya voiced Meechee, the daughter of the Yeti village’s leader. Her character is a champion of curiosity and questioning authority, and Zendaya’s upbeat performance brings her to life.
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K.C. Undercover (2015 – 2018)
Zendaya’s performance in “K.C. Undercover” is one of her earliest works and it’s clear that even at a young age, she had a natural talent for acting. Her comedic timing was also spot-on, bringing a playful and light-hearted touch to the show’s more action-packed moments. Additionally, she was able to showcase her versatility by seamlessly transitioning between moments of humor and moments of seriousness, demonstrating her range as an actress.
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The OA (2016-2019)
Again, not a movie, but Zendaya’s guest role in the Netflix series The OA is worth mentioning. She played a recurring character named Fola, a student at the school where the main character Prairie (Brit Marling) teaches. Despite her limited screen time, Zendaya made an impact with her compelling portrayal of the troubled teenager.
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Zapped (2014)
This Disney Channel original movie stars Zendaya as Zoey, a girl who gains the ability to control boys with her smartphone. While the premise is silly, Zendaya’s charm and comedic timing make the movie a fun watch.
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Frenemies (2012)
In another Disney Channel original movie, Zendaya played Halley Brandon, a fashion-savvy teenager who teams up with her frenemy Avalon (Bella Thorne) to create a successful blog. Zendaya’s performance as Halley is bubbly and energetic, and she has great chemistry with Thorne.
Watch trailer here
Overall, Zendaya has proven herself to be a versatile and talented actress, capable of tackling both dramatic and comedic roles with ease. Whether she’s swinging through the streets of New York as MJ or singing and dancing in a musical, she always brings a unique energy and charisma to her performances
