Ranking All Zendaya's Movie Roles From Worst To Best

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Ignacio Weil

TV Shows & Movies - September 4th 2024, 18:00 GMT+2

About this list:

It is worth noting that we are creating this list based on Zendaya's performance, rather than how good the movie itself is. Additionally, we decided not to include short films, commercials, or music videos, in which she has appeared dozens of times. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Cropped Frenemies — 13. Frenemies (2012)

In *Frenemies*, Zendaya plays Halley Brandon, a high school student navigating friendship challenges. The movie is a typical early Disney Channel offering with three intertwined stories. Zendaya’s role is minor and does not showcase her full potential as an actress. It is more of a stepping stone in her career rather than a highlight. | © Disney

Cropped Zapped — 12. Zapped (2014)

Zendaya stars as Zoey Stevens in *Zapped*, a typical Disney Channel movie where she gains the ability to control boys with a smartphone app. Her performance is fun and lighthearted, fitting for a younger audience. However, the movie lacks depth and originality, making it one of her less remarkable roles. | © Disney

Cropped Space Jam A New Legacy — 11. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

Zendaya voices Lola Bunny in *Space Jam: A New Legacy*. While her portrayal adds a modern and confident twist to the character, the movie itself was criticized for being more of a showcase for Warner Bros. IPs than a coherent story. Zendaya’s contribution is solid, but her role is limited, and the film is not considered a standout in her career. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped Duck Duck Goose — 10. Duck Duck Goose (2018)

In *Duck Duck Goose*, Zendaya voices Chi, a spirited duckling on a journey with a carefree goose. The film did not receive much critical acclaim, but Zendaya's voice acting brought energy and enthusiasm to her character. The movie is largely forgettable, but her role adds some charm to an otherwise standard animated film. | © Original Force / Open Road Films

Cropped Smallfoot — 9. Smallfoot (2018)

Zendaya voices Meechee in *Smallfoot*, an animated film that explores themes of curiosity and understanding. While the movie is aimed at younger audiences, it was appreciated for its humor and positive messages. Zendaya’s voice performance is lively and engaging, adding warmth to the character and making her a highlight of the film. | © Warner Animation Group

Cropped Spider Man Homecoming — 8. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

In *Spider-Man: Homecoming*, Zendaya's portrayal of MJ is introduced as a quirky, enigmatic classmate of Peter Parker. Although her role is smaller compared to later movies, she stands out with her witty lines and nonchalant attitude, hinting at her future significance in the series. The movie itself is a fun and refreshing take on the Spider-Man franchise, and Zendaya's role, while minimal, was a strong introduction that left audiences wanting more of her character. | © Marvel Studios / Sony Pictures

Cropped Malcom and Marie — 7. Malcolm & Marie (2021)

Zendaya stars alongside John David Washington in *Malcolm & Marie*, a dialogue-heavy film that centers around a couple's emotional and intense night after a movie premiere. Her performance is raw and captivating, exploring themes of love, resentment, and identity. While the movie itself garnered mixed reviews due to its repetitive arguments and some perceived pretentiousness, Zendaya's acting was widely acclaimed for its maturity and depth, showcasing her range as an actress beyond her previous roles. | © Netflix

Cropped The Greatest Showman — 6. The Greatest Showman (2017)

In *The Greatest Showman*, Zendaya plays Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist who faces societal challenges due to her interracial romance with Zac Efron’s character. Her role is significant, adding emotional depth to the film's exploration of acceptance and love. The movie is known for its catchy soundtrack and visual spectacle, though some criticized its historical inaccuracies. Zendaya's performance, particularly her acrobatics and chemistry with Efron, received praise for bringing heartfelt moments to the musical. | © 20th Century Fox

Cropped Far from Home — 5. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

In *Spider-Man: Far From Home*, Zendaya's role as MJ expands, showcasing her character's intelligence, wit, and developing romance with Peter Parker. She adds a unique dynamic to the story, bringing a blend of humor and realism. The film itself received positive reviews for its mix of humor, action, and the continuation of Spider-Man's story post-Avengers. Zendaya's MJ is refreshing compared to previous iterations, and her portrayal adds charm and authenticity to the teenage superhero narrative. | © Marvel Studios / Sony Pictures

Cropped Challengers — 4. Challengers (2024)

*Challengers* sees Zendaya in a lead role as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy who becomes a coach for her husband, sparking a love triangle. The movie is praised for its exploration of ambition, love, and rivalry within the world of professional sports. Zendaya’s performance is compelling, showing off her range as she navigates complex emotional dynamics. The film has been well-received for its fresh take on a sports drama, and Zendaya is singled out for her strong screen presence and chemistry with her co-stars. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Cropped Dune 1 — 3. Dune (2021)

In *Dune*, Zendaya plays Chani, a mysterious and fierce warrior of the Fremen, who appears in Paul Atreides' visions. Though her screen time in the first part is limited, her presence is powerful and hints at a more significant role in the sequel. The movie itself is critically acclaimed, praised for its epic storytelling, stunning visuals, and faithful adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel. Zendaya's portrayal of Chani captures the character's strength and enigma, making her a standout even with minimal dialogue. It's a great movie, and Zendaya's performance is promising. | © Legendary Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

Cropped No Way Home — 2. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Zendaya reprises her role as MJ in *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, where she is Peter Parker's girlfriend and an integral part of his support system. Her character offers emotional depth and grounding to Peter’s arc, especially as the film explores the multiverse and the consequences of his actions. The movie is considered a fantastic addition to the MCU, with praise for its nostalgia, character development, and thrilling plot. Zendaya's chemistry with Tom Holland is undeniable, and her performance is both heartfelt and engaging, making her a memorable part of the film. | © Marvel Studios / Sony Pictures

Cropped Dune 2 — 1. Dune: Part Two (2024)

In *Dune: Part Two*, Zendaya's character, Chani, takes on a much more central role compared to the first part. She becomes Paul Atreides' key ally and love interest, playing a pivotal role in the ongoing struggle against the oppressive forces on Arrakis. Her performance is lauded for its intensity and depth, bringing a strong emotional core to the epic sci-fi narrative. The movie has been praised for its grand scale, faithful adaptation of the source material, and Zendaya’s elevated role, solidifying her status as a formidable talent in Hollywood. | © Legendary Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

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Zendaya has quickly become one of Hollywood's brightest stars, known for her versatility and powerful performances across a range of genres. From her early days on the Disney Channel to her more recent roles in blockbuster films and critically acclaimed dramas, she has consistently proven herself as a talented actress with a unique on-screen presence.

In this article, we’ll rank all of Zendaya’s movie roles from worst to best, focusing on the depth of her performances and the impact of her characters. Whether she’s stealing scenes in a superhero epic or delivering raw emotion in an intimate drama, Zendaya’s filmography is as diverse as it is impressive. Let's dive in and see which roles truly showcase her incredible range and talent.