Zoe Saldana's top 20 movie roles, ranked from worst to best

About this gallery:

For this list, we have decided to focus only on movies where Zoe Saldana appears, no matter how small her role is. For this reason, don’t expect any of her performances in series, short films, or commercials. And remember, this list is subjective! If you think any movie is not in the right spot, share your opinion!

| © Zoe Saldana

20. Drumline (2002)

Ah, Drumline. A film that could have easily been a simple marching band movie, but somehow, it’s more than that. Zoe Saldana plays the love interest, a role that’s more of a cheerleader than a character with depth. The movie itself is fine – full of high-energy drum battles and inspiring performances – but let’s be real: Zoe isn’t exactly the breakout star here. It’s more about Nick Cannon’s drumline than her character’s arc. She’s charming, but let’s just say her role here is... less memorable compared to what she’d later deliver. Still, it’s a fun watch for those nostalgic for early 2000s teen flicks. | © 20th Century Fox

19. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Now, don’t get me wrong – Vol. 3 has its moments. Zoe Saldana’s Gamora is put in a difficult position here, as the version of the character we’ve grown to love is gone, replaced by a more emotionally distant one. It's a little confusing at first, especially for fans who’ve been following the evolution of Gamora through all the Guardians films. Saldana does a good job with the material she’s given, but the emotional punch that would make her character's journey hit hard just doesn’t quite land. It’s a fitting end to the trilogy, but it’s not exactly Gamora’s story. Still, Gamora fans won’t leave disappointed, though maybe not as thrilled as in previous films. | © Marvel Studios

18. Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Star Trek Beyond is a solid sci-fi action flick with its fair share of thrills, but Saldana’s Uhura feels a bit sidelined in this one. While she’s always a force to be reckoned with, her role in the movie feels less impactful than in the previous installments. Sure, she kicks butt, looks amazing, and has her moments of cleverness, but compared to the other crew members, she doesn't quite shine as brightly here. It’s a fun movie, but Zoe’s portrayal of Uhura doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. Fans of the character may feel like her arc is underwhelming. Still, if you’re a Star Trek die-hard, you'll appreciate the crew’s camaraderie and action-packed adventure. | © Paramount Pictures

17. The Adam Project (2022)

Zoe Saldana is undeniably a strong presence in The Adam Project, but this time she’s playing a very different role – a no-nonsense fighter alongside Ryan Reynolds' time-traveling adventure. It's a family sci-fi romp, with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of heart. Saldana’s performance is one of the standout elements, bringing a much-needed emotional depth to a movie that, let’s be honest, sometimes feels like it’s trying a bit too hard to be a mix of Back to the Future and Guardians of the Galaxy. Despite some predictable plot points, Zoe injects her character with a solid mix of tough love and vulnerability. It’s not her most groundbreaking role, but it’s a fun ride that gives her room to shine. | © Netflix

16. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2016)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 gave us more of the eccentric space family we all loved, and Zoe Saldana’s Gamora remains the fierce, strong-willed warrior we know and adore. However, her role in this film feels a bit overshadowed by the others – especially with the introduction of Yondu’s emotional arc and Star-Lord’s daddy issues. It’s a fun movie, but Gamora’s journey here doesn’t quite have the same emotional depth it did in the first film. Still, Saldana manages to add a layer of complexity to her character as she faces her past and tries to figure out her place within the team. It’s a solid performance, but there’s no denying that Vol. 1 made a stronger impact for her character. | © Marvel Studios

15. Nina (2016)

Sigh. Nina is the kind of movie that tries to be deep but trips over its own feet in the process. Zoe Saldana was given the difficult task of portraying the iconic and complicated Nina Simone, and while she gave it her all, the film itself... well, it didn’t do her justice. The makeup choices, the controversial casting, and the uneven writing all make this movie feel more like a missed opportunity than a celebration of Simone’s genius. Saldana’s performance, while passionate, gets overshadowed by the film’s glaring issues. The whole thing feels awkward and tone-deaf, which is a real shame given how much potential there was to tell Nina’s story. This one’s hard to recommend, even for die-hard Saldana fans. | © eOne Films

14. The Words (2012)

Sigh again. The whole "writer’s block turned literary success" plot of The Words feels like it’s trying to be a deep, mind-bending journey into the consequences of artistic theft... but it just ends up feeling like a melodramatic mess. Zoe Saldana plays the love interest of Bradley Cooper’s character, but her role doesn’t offer much beyond being a plot device for his emotional crisis. The movie meanders through multiple timelines and confusing narrative layers, and while Saldana’s performance is solid, her character doesn’t really leave much of an impact. She deserves better material, and unfortunately, The Words doesn’t deliver it. Still, if you’re in the mood for a slow, artsy flick with confusing plot twists, go ahead and give it a shot. | © CBS Films

13. Colombiana (2011)

Colombiana is what happens when you mix action movie clichés with a revenge plot and just a hint of stylized violence. Zoe Saldana plays Cataleya, a woman hell-bent on avenging her parents’ death, and let’s just say the action sequences are a blast. Saldana brings a lot of physicality to the role, and you can tell she’s having a lot of fun playing this badass assassin. However, the film’s storytelling feels a little too predictable, relying heavily on action over character development. Still, it’s a fun ride if you’re looking for a no-brainer action flick, and Saldana does her best to make it entertaining. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking. | © Sony Pictures Releasing

12. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Star Trek Into Darkness ups the ante with intense action and a fantastic villain in Benedict Cumberbatch, but unfortunately, Zoe Saldana’s Uhura gets slightly buried in all the chaos. She’s still one of the most competent and tough members of the crew, but her relationship with Spock, which had great potential for further exploration, gets lost in the shuffle. The movie leans a bit too heavily on spectacle over substance, and while it’s an enjoyable watch, Saldana’s character doesn't get as much shine as she deserves. Uhura still gets to be fierce and whip-smart, but the movie doesn’t quite give her the focus she had in the first film. Still, if you’re a fan of space-faring action, it’s a worthy watch. | © Paramount Pictures

11. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Sigh for the last time... If you’re wondering what happens when a movie tries to juggle too many characters and plot lines, look no further than Avengers: Infinity War. Zoe Saldana's Gamora, once again, faces a huge emotional conflict, but with so many characters to balance, her role feels slightly overshadowed by the ensemble chaos. She does a great job of bringing depth to Gamora, especially in her relationship with Thanos, but the movie's massive scale means she doesn’t quite get the spotlight like she did in Guardians of the Galaxy. Still, her performance is one of the more emotionally charged in a movie full of heroes and villains. And hey, if you’re a fan of intergalactic stakes and superhero showdowns, you’re in for a treat, even if Infinity War isn't all about Gamora. | © Marvel Studios

10. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Avatar: The Way of Water is a stunning visual experience, but let’s be real, the plot’s not exactly winning any Oscars for originality. Zoe Saldana returns as Neytiri, and she does what she does best: bringing emotion to a character who spends most of the movie running through lush forests, avoiding danger, and... you know, swimming. Her chemistry with Sam Worthington’s Jake Sully is still solid, and her fierce dedication to her family is something we can all root for. However, the film's real star is the CGI, not the plot or the characters. While Saldana shines as Neytiri, the film’s pacing and reliance on spectacle over substance leave you wishing for a bit more meat on the bones. Still, the underwater scenes are beautiful enough to distract you for a while. | © 20th Century Studios

9. Infinitely Polar Bear (2014)

In Infinitely Polar Bear, Zoe Saldana plays the long-suffering wife of a man (Mark Ruffalo) struggling with bipolar disorder, and honestly, this one’s a bit of a heartbreaker. It’s a quirky, indie dramedy that doesn’t quite hit the emotional highs it tries for. Saldana’s character is kind of a saint, patiently navigating her husband's erratic behavior while trying to hold the family together. While the film's tone shifts between comedy and drama, Saldana’s performance is grounded and shows off her ability to play against the wildness of Ruffalo’s character. Still, the movie can feel like it’s trying a little too hard to be both funny and tragic at the same time. It's charming, but it’s definitely not for everyone. | © Sony Pictures Classics

8. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Oh, Guardians of the Galaxy – a movie that pretty much changed the game for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Zoe Saldana plays Gamora, the deadliest woman in the galaxy, and honestly, it’s a role she owns from start to finish. She’s tough, she’s sassy, and she can throw down with the best of them. However, when it comes to the actual emotional depth of her character, the film doesn’t quite go as deep as you’d expect – especially given her tragic backstory. Still, Saldana’s chemistry with the ragtag group of misfits is undeniable, and she definitely helps make the movie a more heartfelt experience. Plus, she gets to kick some serious butt, so who’s complaining? | © Marvel Studios

7. Star Trek (2009)

In Star Trek, Zoe Saldana takes on the iconic role of Uhura, a character that was originally defined by her calm, poised demeanor, and turns her into a modern, badass communications officer. While the film itself is a fun, action-packed reboot of the franchise, Saldana’s Uhura gets a little lost in the shuffle. She’s strong and capable, but the movie focuses more on Kirk, Spock, and the space battles than on developing her character. That said, Saldana’s charisma still shines through, and she definitely adds a layer of cool to the whole crew dynamic. Star Trek is a wild ride, and while Uhura doesn’t get all the screen time she deserves, Zoe still makes it memorable. | © Paramount Pictures

6. Center Stage (2000)

Ah, Center Stage. The ultimate guilty pleasure for anyone who’s ever wanted to be a prima ballerina. Zoe Saldana plays Eva Rodriguez, a fellow dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Academy, and honestly, her role here is one of the film’s highlights. While the plot is pure teen drama with a side of pirouettes, Saldana brings a surprising amount of depth to her character, making her the most relatable and grounded dancer in the film. The film’s main focus is on the romantic and personal struggles of its lead (played by Amanda Schull), but Saldana steals many of the best moments with her fiery performances and natural charisma. Plus, if you like dance movies, you know it’s got that infectious energy. | © Columbia Pictures

5. The Book of Life (2014)

The Book of Life is an absolute visual delight. Zoe Saldana voices the vibrant and spirited María, the love interest in a whimsical tale inspired by the Day of the Dead. The movie itself is a colorful fiesta of animation, culture, and music, and Saldana’s voice brings warmth and charm to her character. While the plot is sweet and heartfelt, the pacing can feel a bit rushed at times, and María’s character, though important, sometimes feels a bit one-dimensional. Still, Saldana's performance stands out as the heart of the film, and her vocals help elevate the emotional moments. It’s a movie you can enjoy with your whole family, and Saldana’s energy makes it that much more memorable. | © 20th Century Fox

4. Avatar (2009)

Avatar made history, and Zoe Saldana made Neytiri unforgettable. Despite the whole "blue alien" thing, Saldana brings such emotion and fierceness to the role that you forget you’re watching CGI. As the warrior princess of Pandora, Neytiri is an iconic character, full of strength, intelligence, and empathy. Saldana’s performance is magnetic – she has this way of grounding her character amidst the world of floating mountains and alien creatures. That said, the story itself is as predictable as they come, relying heavily on visual spectacle over complex narrative. Still, Saldana’s work as Neytiri deserves recognition, especially since she made us believe in a whole new world of blue-skinned aliens. | © 20th Century Fox

3. Missing Link (2019)

In Missing Link, Saldana voices Adelina Fortnight, a tough, no-nonsense adventurer who adds a lot of heart to this quirky stop-motion animation. While the movie's lead, Hugh Jackman, gets more of the limelight, Saldana’s role isn’t just an afterthought. She brings a sharp wit and a strong presence to her character, a refreshing contrast to the more comedic and whimsical elements of the film. Though the plot is charming and the animation is gorgeous, Missing Link never fully reaches the emotional highs that some other animated films do, and Saldana’s character is fun but not as fleshed out as she could have been. Still, it’s an easy watch with a few great moments. | © Laika Entertainment

2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

SPOILER ALERT! Zoe Saldana’s return as Gamora in Avengers: Endgame is a significant moment in the MCU, even though it’s a bit complicated by time travel and the fact that this Gamora isn’t exactly the one we’ve followed throughout the series. However, Saldana still manages to bring depth to the character, balancing the tough-as-nails warrior with moments of vulnerability. It’s a testament to her ability to navigate the high-stakes, action-packed world of Endgame while still making us care about Gamora’s journey. Her character arc may be somewhat overshadowed by the film’s sprawling ensemble cast, but make no mistake – her moments of action and emotional growth land solidly. It’s a crucial role in the saga, and Saldana delivers on all fronts. | © Marvel Studios

1. Emilia Pérez (2024)

Emilia Pérez is a role that truly shows off the full range of Zoe Saldana’s acting chops. In this captivating and bold film, Saldana steps into the titular role of Emilia Pérez, a character who’s complex, multifaceted, and downright unforgettable. Her performance weaves together humor, vulnerability, and strength in a way that’s both raw and captivating. The film itself is a powerful exploration of identity, culture, and personal growth, and Saldana anchors it all with her impeccable portrayal. It’s a career-defining role for her – no longer just the fierce warrior or the sidekick, Saldana takes center stage and proves once again why she’s one of the best in the business. Emilia Pérez will be remembered as one of her most standout performances to date. | © Pathé