Viola Davis has built a career on unforgettable performances that elevate every movie she’s in. The Oscar-winner has an incredible ability to take complex stories and make them richer through her presence, transforming supporting parts into the most memorable moments of the film. Her portrayals are a masterclass in nuance, as Davis creates layered characters that become the emotional core of a story. From the shocking ending of Fences to the intense action in The Woman King, it comes as no surprise that Davis’ best movies are defined by her ability to elevate every moment she appears on the screen.
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Even in roles where she isn’t the lead, Davis has a knack for stealing the spotlight, leaving a lasting mark on the audience. The star’s commitment to authenticity makes sure that her movies resonate on a deeper level, proving time and again that she is one of the finest talents in Hollywood.
You are watching: 10 Best Viola Davis Movies, Ranked
10
The Help (2011)
Directed By Tate Taylor
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8/10
The Help
pg-13
Drama
Based on Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 novel, The Help chronicles the lives of two black maids in 1963 Mississippi through the lens of an aspiring white journalist attempting to write a book about them. Emma Stone stars as Eugenia Phelan, with Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer as Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson. The further ensemble cast includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, and Sissy Spacek.
Release Date
August 10, 2011
Runtime
146minutes
Cast
Emma Stone
, Viola Davis
, Octavia Spencer
, Jessica Chastain
, Bryce Dallas Howard
Director
Tate Taylor
Writers
Tate Taylor
Studio(s)
Disney
Distributor(s)
DreamWorks Distribution
, Disney
, StudioCanal
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According to many, the critically acclaimed drama The Help is definitely one of Viola Davis’ best movies, but the star herself doesn’t see it that way. Unfortunately, Davis regrets her Oscar-nominated role in this $216 million box-office hit, and it’s easy to see why. In the 2011 movie, Davis plays Aibileen Clark, a maid who serves white families in the racially divided 1960s Mississippi.
Despite delivering a heartfelt and nuanced performance as Aibileen, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, Davis said that she felt like she let herself down by taking on the polarizing role. The Help’s “white savior” angle is clear throughout, leaving the impression of simplifying systemic racism and offering a feel-good story that downplays the harsh realities of the time. Still, the movie persists as one of Davis’ most talked-about works.
9
Doubt (2008)
Directed By John Patrick Shanley
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In Doubt, Viola Davis plays Mrs. Miller, the mother of a boy caught in the middle of a potential scandal at a Catholic school. Interestingly, Davis only has a single scene in the 2008 movie, yet the actor made an impact strong enough for it to land among her best movies.
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In one scene, Davis skillfully shows a wide range of emotions, from desperation to quiet strength, all packed into a dramatic performance that takes center stage among the star-studded cast. However, as a dialogue-heavy drama, Doubt is less universally loved than some of the other films in Davis’ repertoire. Despite a limited audience, the powerful drama remains a testament to the star’s incredible talent, proving her ability to create unforgettable moments with even the smallest roles. Other than being one of Davis’ best works, Doubt is also widely regarded as one of Meryl Streep’s best movies.
8
Get On Up (2014)
Directed By Tate Taylor
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Get on Up
PG-13
DramaBiographyDocumentaryMusical
Get on Up is a musical biopic detailing James Brown’s incredible rise to fame after overcoming extreme poverty. Directed by Tate Taylor, Get on Up starred Chadwick Boseman as the legendary James Brown, alongside Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis, Lennie James, Fred Melamed, Craig Robinson, Jill Scott and Octavia Spencer.
Release Date
August 1, 2014
Runtime
138 minutes
Cast
Chadwick Boseman
, Nelsan Ellis
, Dan Aykroyd
, Viola Davis
, Lennie James
, Fred Melamed
Director
Tate Taylor
Writers
Jez Butterworth
, John-Henry Butterworth
, Steven Baigelman
Starring the late icon Chadwick Boseman, Get on Up is another movie that showcases Viola Davis’ remarkable ability to leave a lasting impression even in a supporting role. In the 2014 James Brown biopic, Davis plays Susie Brown, the estranged mother of the music legend. Although she doesn’t appear in every scene, her character’s impact is felt throughout the film.
Despite getting a limited amount of time on the screen, Get on Up stands out as one of the star’s best performances, as well as Davis’ favorite acting role opposite Boseman. Their chemistry is one of the movie’s greatest appeals, as the duo brought their complementing yet contrasting energies to the story and brought it to life in a very palpable way. Davis’ character grounded the story and provided context for Brown’s turbulent upbringing, adding a heartbreaking emotional weight to both roles.
7
Prisoners (2013)
Directed By Denis Villeneuve
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Prisoners
R
DramaMysteryThriller
After getting tired of waiting for the police to find the person responsible for taking two young girls, Keller Rover takes the law into his own hands to get the answers he wants. This crime drama was directed by Denis Villeneuve and stars Hugh Jackman (Keller Rover), Jake Gyllenhaal (Detective Loki), and Terrence Howard (Franklin Birch).
Release Date
September 20, 2013
Runtime
153 minutes
Cast
Hugh Jackman
, Jake Gyllenhaal
, Viola Davis
, Maria Bello
, Terrence Howard
, Melissa Leo
, Paul Dano
Director
Denis Villeneuve
Writers
Aaron Guzikowski
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
, Summit Entertainment
, Lionsgate
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Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman, Prisoners is a Denis Villeneuve movie that stays with audiences long after the credits roll. In the 2013 thriller, Viola Davis plays Nancy Birch, a mother whose daughter is kidnapped. The star’s powerful yet understated performance delivered depth, sensitivity, and emotional resonance to her character, even within the tension of the larger story.
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In a cast filled with powerhouse performances, Davis holds her own, ensuring that Nancy’s emotional journey stands out as a vital piece of the narrative. Her character’s grief and heartache as she navigates the tragic situation made Prisoners feel all the more personal and real, humanizing the chilling story. With one of those movie endings that leaves viewers speechless and Davis’ nuanced performance that effortlessly captured her talent, it’s no surprise that the film left a lasting impact on the actor’s body of work.
6
State Of Play (2009)
Directed By Kevin Macdonald
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State of Play
PG-13
Thriller
State of Play is a political thriller directed by Kevin Macdonald. The film features Russell Crowe as a journalist who investigates the death of a congressman’s aide. Co-starring Ben Affleck as the congressman, the storyline delves into themes of corruption, media, and political intrigue. The ensemble cast includes Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, and Robin Wright, who contribute to unraveling a complex narrative marked by suspense and moral ambiguity.
Release Date
April 17, 2009
Runtime
127 Minutes
Cast
Russell Crowe
, Ben Affleck
, Rachel McAdams
, Helen Mirren
, Robin Wright
Director
Kevin Macdonald
Main Genre
Thriller
Writers
Matthew Michael Carnahan
, Billy Ray
, Tony Gilroy
Studio(s)
Andell Entertainment
, Universal Pictures
, Working Title Films
, StudioCanal
, Relativity Media
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Viola Davis has a knack for masterfully bringing complex secondary characters to life, a talent she once again showcased in the 2009 State of Play. Despite her short on-screen presence, Davis’ character, Dr. Judith Franklin, had an important role in propelling the story forward. As a morgue doctor, Dr. Franklin looks the other way as Cal (played by Russell Crowe), an investigative journalist, goes through a deceased person’s phone in order to solve a murder.
Starring Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Helen Mirren, the movie juggles multiple storylines and throws unexpected plot twists at audiences. Notably, even though Davis’ character was underdeveloped, her performance was the perfect blend of calm and gravitas for this niche thriller. The role, though smaller, is still pivotal to the film’s success and proves that Davis can hold her own alongside Hollywood’s best.
5
The Suicide Squad (2021)
Directed By James Gunn
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26
8/10
The Suicide Squad
R
ActionAdventureComedyScience Fiction
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad acts as a soft reboot for David Ayer’s 2016 Suicide Squad. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is again recruiting a group of superheroes for a dangerous mission, this time pairing Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) with Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Savant (Michael Rooker), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Blackguard (Pete Davidson), and Javelin (Flula Borg).
Release Date
August 5, 2021
Runtime
132 minutes
Franchise(s)
DC Extended Universe
, The Suicide Squad
Cast
Margot Robbie
, Viola Davis
, Idris Elba
, John Cena
, Joel Kinnaman
, Michael Rooker
Director
James Gunn
Main Genre
Superhero
Writers
James Gunn
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
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The Suicide Squad, the 2021 sequel to the 2016 Suicide Squad, shines as one of Viola Davis’ best movies for several reasons. Right off the bat, Davis’ commanding performance as Amanda Waller, who serves as the moral and logistical backbone of the story, was one of the actor’s best. Her presence added a layer of seriousness and depth that helped anchor the movie in the midst of its colorful chaos.
Additionally, The Suicide Squad’s somewhat unconventional approach to superheroes, mixing irreverence, gore, and emotional highs, was a refreshing counterpoint to what we usually see in the genre. The movie struck a balance between its over-the-top action and deeper moments, while Davis’ portrayal of Waller provided a stark contrast to the squad’s absurdity. With Waller, a spin-off series starring Davis’ DC character, happening, there’s much to look forward to for fans of the actor.
4
Widows (2018)
Directed By Steve McQueen
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Widows
R
ThrillerDramaCrime
Widows follows the story of four women in Chicago who are left with a debt from their deceased spouses’ criminal activities. With little in common except their losses, they unite in an attempt to control their destinies by executing a heist.
Release Date
November 16, 2018
Runtime
130 Minutes
Cast
Daniel Kaluuya
, Brian Tyree Henry
, Liam Neeson
, Cynthia Erivo
, Michelle Rodriguez
, Colin Farrell
, Carrie Coon
, Robert Duvall
, Viola Davis
, Elizabeth Debicki
, Andre Holland
, Jacki Weaver
Director
Steve McQueen
Main Genre
Thriller
Writers
Gillian Flynn
, Steve McQueen
Studio(s)
20th Century
Distributor(s)
20th Century
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In Widows, Viola Davis is Veronica Rawlings, a grieving widow who takes charge of a dangerous heist after her husband’s death. The star delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman forced to navigate grief, betrayal, and survival while stepping into an unfamiliar world of crime. Davis’ portrayal in this underrated heist gem is both fierce and vulnerable, capturing the complexities of Veronica’s journey with ease.
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With a stellar ensemble cast, including Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo, Davis drives the story with her intense presence while also enhancing the performances of those around her. Despite not being one of the most popular movies in general, Widows is undoubtedly one of Davis’ finest works. Featuring sharp writing, a strong direction, and one of the best movie plots of its decade, the 2018 crime thriller directed by Steve McQueen is definitely worth a watch.
3
Fences (2016)
Directed By Denzel Washington
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7/10
Fences
PG-13
Drama
Fences is a period drama written by American playwright August Wilson. It was directed by Denzel Washington, who also plays Troy Maxson, a garbage collector whose checkered past prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a baseball player. The movie was well-received by both critics and viewers, with many praising Washington’s performance as the bitter sanitation worker.
Release Date
December 25, 2016
Runtime
139 Minutes
Cast
Mykelti Williamson
, Stephen Henderson
, Russell Hornsby
, Denzel Washington
, Christopher Mele
, Saniyya Sidney
, Viola Davis
, Jovan Adepo
Director
Denzel Washington
Writers
August Wilson
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
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Starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis as Troy and Rose Maxon, Fences marks one of Davis’ best-rated movies. Based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, the movie was built on a rich foundation. The strong material, combined with Washington and Davis’ performances, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
As Rose, Davis serves as the emotional heart of the story, grounding the movie with her strength and compassion. Her character’s journey from merely being a supportive partner to someone reclaiming her own voice is one of the most compelling arcs in the film. The role got Davis an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, cementing her Hollywood superstar status. While Fences’ heavy tone may have slightly limited its audience reach, Davis’ Oscar-winning performance remains a defining moment in her career.
2
The Woman King (2022)
Directed By Gina Prince-Bythewood
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The Woman King
PG-13
HistoryDrama
The Woman King is a historical action/drama film about the Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful nation with an elite warrior force known as the Agojie. The core events follow Nanisca, general of an all-female military unit, and Nawi, an ambitious recruit, who together fight enemies who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they’ve lived for. Nanisca will prepare her soldiers for a war against the Oyo, another nation that has aligned itself with a group of European slave traders. In addition, Nanisca will seek to free her enslaved people from the Oyo.
Release Date
September 16, 2022
Runtime
135 minutes
Cast
Thuso Mbedu
, Lashana Lynch
, John Boyega
, Viola Davis
Director
Gina Prince-Bythewood
Writers
Dana Stevens
Studio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
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The Woman King stands out as Viola Davis’ unprecedented lead role, marking one of the most successful projects in the star’s repertoire. Davis plays General Nanisca, the fierce and fearless leader of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit in 19th-century Dahomey. This was one of Davis’ most physically demanding and emotionally powerful roles, highlighting her immense range as an actor and making Nanisca a truly unforgettable character.
Davis’ commitment to the role is evident in every scene, as she masterfully balanced Nanisca’s strength as a leader with her vulnerability as a woman carrying emotional scars from the past. She brought emotional depth to the story like few others could, making Nanisca feel real and relatable despite her almost mythic stature. The Woman King showcases Davis’ unmatched ability to embody a complex, larger-than-life character, making it easy to see why it’s one of her greatest all-time hits.
1
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Directed By George C. Wolfe
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6/10
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
R
MusicDrama
Set in 1927 Chicago, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom focuses on Ma Rainey, the real-life trailblazing jazz singer who had a successful music career from 1899 to 1939. The George C. Wolfe-directed film stars Viola Davis as Ma Rainey and also marks Chadwick Boseman’s last film released after his tragic passing in 2020.
Release Date
December 18, 2020
Runtime
93 minutes
Cast
Glynn Turman
, Chadwick Boseman
, Colman Domingo
, Viola Davis
, Michael Potts
Director
George C. Wolfe
Writers
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Studio(s)
Netflix
Distributor(s)
Netflix
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In Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Viola Davis delivers an electrifying and transformative portrayal of Ma Rainey, the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” With her commanding presence, expressive body language, and a voice bursting with raw emotion throughout, Davis fully embodies Ma’s larger-than-life persona, making her feel both iconic and deeply human.
|
Viola Davis’ Best Movies |
IMDb Rating |
|---|---|
|
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom |
6.9 / 10 |
|
The Woman King |
6.9 / 10 |
|
Fences |
7.2 / 10 |
|
Widows |
6.8 / 10 |
|
The Suicide Squad |
7.2 / 10 |
|
State Of Play |
7.1 / 10 |
|
Prisoners |
8.2 / 10 |
|
Get On Up |
6.9 / 10 |
|
Doubt |
7.5 / 10 |
|
The Help |
8.1 / 10 |
Notably, Davis underwent a major physical transformation for the magnetic portrayal, wearing heavy makeup, gold teeth, and prosthetics to personify Ma’s look and spirit. While the blues singer is bold and intimidating, Davis also shows her softer, more vulnerable side in her quieter moments. This duality makes the character unforgettable and showcases Davis’ unparalleled ability to portray emotional nuance with ease. Not only is Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom considered to be one of the best jazz and blues movies of all time, it’s arguably the greatest film of Viola Davis’ career.
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Viola Davis
Birthdate
August 11, 1965
Birthplace
Saint Matthews, South Carolina, USA
Notable Projects
Suicide Squad
, The Help
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment