10 Best Zendaya Movies | TheReviewGeek Recommends
Zendaya’s multi-genre movies have solidified her status as a global movie star. In 2010, the Disney Channel’s comedy show Shake It Up gave Zendaya her big break. The actress dominated the box office with two consecutive hits, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “The Greatest Showman,” which received appreciation from both critics and the audience at large.
Zendaya has established a name for herself owing to her simple beginnings on Disney Channel, her part within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and her key roles in sci-fi films.
Furthermore, Zendaya has developed into a significant asset. Her true talents can also be seen in the impact she has had on larger-scale movie productions. She sticks out as a bright star that improves every aspect, even those movies with less-than-perfect execution. With that said, let’s look at the top ten movies starring Zendaya.
The Greatest Showman
This musical drama film is among Zendaya’s greatest box office successes, which maps the ascent of P.T. Barnum as well as his circus. Trapeze performer Anne Wheeler, played by Zendaya, ends up falling for Phillip Carlysle, portrayed by Zac Efron.
While the film’s untrue historical portrayal had received criticism, Zendaya’s heartfelt portrayal was applauded. The film went on to rank as the fifth-highest-grossing live-action musical film of all time.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
In spite of getting a small role, Zendaya plays MJ once more in Spider-Man: No Way Home, the third installment of the Spider-Man film series. Although notably, this was a Sony production, not an MCU movie. One could argue that this is her finest performance in the film series.
Zendaya’s multidimensional performance reveals MJ’s previously unseen vulnerability. The movie, which received positive reviews from viewers and critics alike, became the highest-grossing film of 2021 and is the sixth-highest box office-grossing film ever made.
Frenemies
This teen comedy from the Disney Channel Original is thought to be Zendaya’s first movie role. Zendaya’s Halley Brandon, an experienced editor at a publishing house, has to contend against her best friend for a higher place in the company.
Viewers and critics would agree that the three brief tales in the film were chaotically combined and underdeveloped. Nevertheless, it contributed to Zendaya’s place as an up-and-coming talent in the acting industry.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
As the second installment, this action movie elevates Zendaya as Mary Jane, from a minor part to a major role. In the action-packed film, Peter as well as his friends embark on an educational trip to Europe.
Zendaya received praise for her noteworthy appearance as MJ along with her pairing with Tom Holland. Even though Zendaya’s Spider-Man movie with Tom Holland received the lowest ratings, for the very first time, audiences can see Zendaya truly embracing the character of MJ.
Smallfoot
Zendaya’s most profitably advantageous project to date is thought to be the animated musical film Smallfoot, where Zendaya starred. It tells the tale of a Yeti culture that, following years of considering human beings to be fables, discovers a Smallfoot.
The musical comedy boasts a star-studded cast that includes Channing Tatum, Lebron James, and Danny DeVito. Zendaya plays the role of Meechee, the chief’s kid and the primary character’s romantic interest.
Zendaya contributed two songs to the music album, which peaked at the number eight spot on the Billboard Top 200. The film received positive reviews for its strong message, enduring tunes, and complex plot. After it received $214m in revenue with an $80m budgetary constraint, the director suggested there might be a place for a follow-up movie.
Malcolm & Marie
Malcolm & Marie is arguably the most heated movie in Zendaya’s filmography. She deals with a relationship that is getting more and more complicated while being entangled in discussions concerning ambition as well as the arts. She skillfully leads us through an unpleasant string of disagreements that are staged.
The very essence of it all is Zendaya’s powerful performance, but as the narrative is used to settle scores, the protagonists just start to lose importance in favor of the plot.
Zapped
The protagonist of this Disney Channel original film is a teenager who finds an app that gives her power over all the men in her life. Reviewers of the movie criticized it for depending on gender stereotypes for humor. However, despite the criticisms, Zendaya received a nomination for a Young Artist Award for her work as Zoey.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
The superhero film was under a lot of strain, but it developed its own identity and created a distinctive world. Zendaya was an element of that world; her nickname, MJ, was left out up until the very end, which heightened the anticipation of viewers that were hoping to catch Zendaya evolve into her role.
Zendaya made her big screen debut with this film. She went on to appear in the follow-up films, integrating herself into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With a $175 million budget, the action movie made over $800 million worldwide, making it the second-most profitable Spider-Man movie of all time.
Space Jam: A New Legacy
This film struggles to explain why it exists and depends on pop culture references to the point where it self-destructs. For everyone involved in this misguided failure, the movie represents a disappointing low point in their professional lives. LeBron James takes the lead role, taking Michael Jordan’s place as the renowned basketball player who is drawn into the Looney Tunes universe.
Although Zendaya does a passable job as Lola Bunny’s voice actress, the insignificant feelings of the remainder of the movie completely overshadow her efforts. Although kids might find it fun, it would still be better to stick with the original.
Dune
Timothee Chalamet’s romantic interest Chani is played by Zendaya in the highly acclaimed sci-fi movie. While Zendaya is prominently featured in the second part, Chalamet only briefly revealed Zendaya in the first. However, audiences were enthralled by her acting.
Many people were interested in Zendaya’s role, such as Pedro Almodovar, who is keen on working with her in the future.
So there we have it, our 10 picks for best Zendaya movies.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!