10 Best Viola Davis Movies, Ranked

Viola Davis He has built a career on unforgettable performances that elevate every film he appears in. The Oscar winner has an uncanny ability to take complex stories and make them richer through her presence, turning supporting roles into the film's most memorable moments. His 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 intense action The Woman KingIt's no surprise that Davis's best films are defined by his ability to elevate every moment that appears on screen.

Even in roles where she is not the protagonist, Davis has a knack for stealing the spotlightleaving a lasting mark on the public. The star's commitment to authenticity ensures that her films resonate on a deeper level, proving time and time again that she is one of Hollywood's finest talents.

10

The Help (2011)

Directed by Tate Taylor

According to many, the critically acclaimed drama The help is definitely one of Viola Davis' best films, but the star herself doesn't see it that way. Sadly, Davis regrets her Oscar-nominated role in this $216 million box office hit, and it's easy to see why. In the 2011 film, Davis plays Aibileen Clark, a maid serving white families in the racially divided Mississippi of the 1960s.

Despite giving a sincere and nuanced performance as Aibileen, which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, Davis said he felt he let himself down by taking on the polarizing role. The help The “white savior” angle is clear from beginning to end, leaving the impression of simplifying systemic racism and offering a light-hearted story that minimizes the harsh realities of the time. Still, the film persists as one of Davis's most talked about works.

9

Doubt (2008)

Directed by John Patrick Shanley

In DoubtViola Davis plays Mrs. Miller, mother of a boy caught in the middle of a potential scandal at a Catholic school. Interestingly, Davis only has one scene in the 2008 film, but the actor made a strong enough impact to rank among his best films.

In one scene, Davis deftly displays a wide range of emotions, from despair to quiet strength, all brought together in 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. In addition to being one of Davis's best works, Doubt It is also widely considered one of Meryl Streep's best films.

8

Get Up (2014)

Directed by Tate Taylor

Starring the late icon Chadwick Boseman, Get on Up is another film 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 music legend's estranged mother. Although she doesn't appear in every scene, Her character's impact is felt throughout the film.

Despite spending limited screen time, Climb stands out as one of the star's best performances, as well as Davis' favorite role alongside Boseman. Their chemistry is one of the film's biggest appeals, as the duo brought their complementary 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 poignant emotional weight to both roles.

7

Prisoners (2013)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman, Prisoners is a Denis Villeneuve film 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 provided depth, sensitivity and emotional resonance to her character, even within the tension of the larger story.

In a cast full of powerful performances, Davis holds his own, ensuring that Nancy's emotional journey stands as a vital piece of the narrative. Her character's pain and heartache as she navigates the tragic situation made Prisoners feel even more personal and real, humanizing the chilling story. With one of those film endings that leaves viewers speechless and Davis' subtle performance that effortlessly captured his talent, it's no surprise that the film left a lasting impact on the actor's work.

6

State of play (2009)

Directed by Kevin Macdonald

Viola Davis has a knack for bringing complex secondary characters to life, a talent she once again showcased in 2009. Situation. Despite her short screen presence, Davis' character, Dr. Judith Franklin, played an important role in moving the story forward. As a morgue doctor, Dr. Franklin looks the other way as Cal (played by Russell Crowe), an investigative journalist, accesses a deceased person's phone to solve a murder.

Starring Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Helen Mirren, the film juggles several stories and brings unexpected twists for the audience. Notably, although Davis' character was underdeveloped, his performance was the perfect blend of calm and seriousness for this niche thriller. The role, although smaller, is still pivotal to the film's success and proves that Davis can stand out alongside Hollywood's best.

5

The Suicide Squad (2021)

Directed by James Gunn

The Suicide Squadthe 2021 sequel to the 2016 film Suicide SquadIt shines as one of Viola Davis' best films 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. His presence added a layer of gravitas and depth that helped anchor the film amid its colorful chaos.

Additionally, The Suicide Squad a somewhat unconventional approach to superheroes, mixing irreverence, violence and strong emotions, was a refreshing counterpoint to what we normally see in the genre. The film found a balance between its over-the-top action and deeper moments, while Davis' portrayal of Waller provided a stark contrast to the team's absurdity. With Waller, a spin-off series starring Davis' DC character, happening, there's a lot for fans of the actor to look forward to.

4

Widows (2018)

Directed by Steve McQueen

In WidowsViola Davis stars as Veronica Rawlings, a grieving widow who takes charge of a dangerous heist after her husband's death. The star delivers a powerful performance as a woman forced to face pain, betrayal and survival as she enters 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.

With a stellar cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo Davis drives the story with his intense presence while enhancing the performance of those around him.. Despite not being one of the most popular films overall, Widows is without a doubt one of Davis' best works. Featuring sharp writing, strong direction, and one of the best film plots of its decade, the 2018 crime thriller directed by Steve McQueen is definitely worth a watch.

3

Fences (2016)

Directed by Denzel Washington

Starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis as Troy and Rose Maxon, Fences marks one of Davis's highest-rated films. Based on August Wilson Pulitzer Prize Winner play of the same name, the film was built on a rich foundation. The strong material, combined with Washington and Davis' performances, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Like Rose, Davis serves as the emotional heart of the storygrounding the film with his strength and compassion. Her character's journey from just a supportive partner to someone claiming her own voice is one of the film's most compelling arcs. The role caught Davis an Oscar for Best Supporting Actresscementing his status as a Hollywood superstar. While Fences While the heavy tone may have limited the audience's reach slightly, Davis' Oscar-winning performance remains a defining moment in his career.

2

The King Woman (2022)

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

The Woman King stands out as Viola Davis's new protagonist, 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 actress and making Nanisca a truly unforgettable character.

Davis' commitment to the role is evident in every scene, such as she masterfully balanced Nanisca's strength as a leader with her vulnerability as a woman who bears emotional scars from the past. She brought emotional depth to the story like few others have, making Nanisca feel real and relatable despite her almost mythical stature. The Woman King showcases Davis' unparalleled ability to embody a complex, larger-than-life character, making it easy to see why it's one of his biggest hits of all time.

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1

Ma Rainey's Dark Bottom (2020)

Directed by George C. Wolfe

In Ma Rainey Black BottomViola Davis offers an electrifying and transformative portrait of Ma Rainey, the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” With his commanding presence, expressive body language and a voice filled with raw emotion, Davis fully embodies Ma's larger-than-life personalitymaking her feel iconic and deeply human.

Notably, Davis underwent a major physical transformation for the magnetic portrait, wearing heavy makeup, gold teeth and prosthetics to embody Ma's appearance and spirit. Although the blues singer is bold and intimidating, Davis also shows her softer side and vulnerable in her calmer moments. This duality makes the character unforgettable and showcases Davis' unparalleled ability to portray emotional nuances with ease. Not only is it Ma Rainey Black Bottom considered one of the best jazz and blues films of all time, it is without a doubt the best jazz and blues film Viola Davis' career.