The 12 Best Zendaya Movies And TV Shows You Need To Watch

Swinging through New York City as Spider-Man’s MJ or navigating the deserts of Arrakis in Dune, Zendaya has quickly become one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Emmy Awards, box office hits, and a fearless approach to challenging roles have proven her versatility and star power.

Longtime fans and newcomers alike can see why she’s one of the most talked-about actors in the industry. These twelve standout projects highlight her talent, charisma, and undeniable presence on both the big and small screen.

1. Euphoria

Raw emotion pours from every frame when Zendaya transforms into Rue Bennett, a troubled teen fighting addiction while trying to survive high school. This HBO drama doesn’t pull punches, showing the messy reality of growing up in today’s world.

Her performance earned two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress, making her the youngest person ever to win in that category. The show tackles heavy topics with honesty and heart, proving Zendaya can handle complex, challenging roles.

2. Spider-Man: No Way Home

When the multiverse breaks open, MJ becomes Peter Parker’s anchor to reality in this mind-blowing Marvel adventure. Zendaya brings warmth and wit to Spider-Man’s girlfriend, creating chemistry that feels genuine and earned.

This blockbuster shattered records by earning over $1.9 billion worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing films ever made. Her emotional scenes hit differently, especially during the film’s heartbreaking finale that left audiences sobbing into their popcorn.

3. Dune: Part Two

Blue-eyed and fierce, Zendaya commands the screen as Chani, a Fremen warrior fighting for her planet’s freedom. Unlike the first Dune where she appeared briefly, this sequel gives her character major storyline real estate.

She holds her own alongside Timothée Chalamet in Denis Villeneuve’s stunning sci-fi epic. The desert planet Arrakis becomes her playground as she showcases action chops and emotional depth, proving she belongs in massive franchise films.

4. Challengers

Tennis becomes a battlefield for love and ambition in this spicy drama directed by Luca Guadagnino. Zendaya plays Tashi, a former tennis champion caught in a complicated love triangle with two players competing for her heart.

The film serves up steamy romance mixed with competitive sports action, showing a more mature side of her acting range. Critics praised her commanding presence, proving she can carry a grown-up drama without superpowers or special effects backing her up.

5. The Greatest Showman

Soaring through the air as trapeze artist Anne Wheeler, Zendaya literally reaches new heights in this musical spectacular. Her character falls for Zac Efron’s character, creating one of the film’s most memorable romantic storylines.

The song “Rewrite The Stars” became a viral sensation, showcasing her vocal talents alongside her acrobatic skills. She actually learned real trapeze work for the role, performing many of her own stunts while singing beautiful melodies.

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Before she became Peter Parker’s girlfriend, MJ was the quirky classmate who read books about protest movements during gym class. Zendaya introduced audiences to this reimagined version of the classic Spider-Man character with deadpan humor and subtle charm.

Her performance felt refreshingly different from previous MJ portrayals, giving the character modern sensibilities and sharp wit. Though her role started small, she made every scene count, setting up the deeper relationship explored in later films.

7. Spider-Man: Far From Home

European vacation vibes meet superhero chaos as MJ and Peter’s relationship blossoms across iconic cities. Zendaya brings vulnerability and humor to scenes where her character discovers Peter’s secret identity while dodging elemental monsters.

Zendaya’s chemistry with Tom Holland reaches peak levels here, making their romance feel authentic and swoon-worthy. The film balances action with teenage romance perfectly, giving Zendaya plenty of moments to shine beyond just being the hero’s girlfriend.

8. Malcolm & Marie

Shot entirely in black and white during the pandemic, this intimate two-person drama showcases Zendaya’s dramatic range like never before. She plays Marie, a woman confronting her filmmaker boyfriend after his movie premiere in raw, unfiltered conversations.

The entire film unfolds in real-time within one house, relying purely on dialogue and performance. Zendaya matches intensity with John David Washington, delivering monologues that crackle with emotion and proving she can anchor serious adult dramas.

9. Dune

Though she appears mostly in visions and dreams throughout the first Dune film, Zendaya’s presence haunts every frame. Her character Chani becomes Paul Atreides’ obsession, the mysterious woman from his prophetic dreams calling him toward his destiny.

Director Denis Villeneuve wisely saved her bigger role for the sequel, building anticipation masterfully. Even with limited screen time, she makes a lasting impression that sets up the epic romance and conflict explored in Part Two.

10. The Greatest Showman: Reimagined

Music takes center stage in this reimagined album featuring new versions of The Greatest Showman’s beloved songs. Zendaya contributed her vocals to fresh interpretations, showing her musical talents extend beyond the original film soundtrack.

Artists from various genres collaborated to create unique takes on the movie’s hits. Her participation helped introduce the film’s music to new audiences, cementing the soundtrack’s status as a cultural phenomenon that dominated charts worldwide.

11. K.C. Undercover

Before conquering Hollywood, Zendaya starred as a teenage spy balancing high school drama with secret missions for Disney Channel. K.C.

Cooper became a role model for young viewers, showing a smart, capable Black girl saving the world weekly. She also served as a producer on the show, gaining behind-the-scenes experience that shaped her career.

The series ran for three successful seasons, building her fanbase and proving she could lead a television show.

12. Shake It Up

Dancing onto screens alongside Bella Thorne, young Zendaya captured hearts as Rocky Blue, a talented dancer chasing her dreams. This Disney Channel sitcom launched her career, introducing the world to her charm, comedic timing, and impressive dance moves.

Rocky’s friendship with CeCe formed the show’s emotional core, teaching lessons about loyalty and following your passions. The series ran from 2010 to 2013, establishing Zendaya as a rising star worth watching closely.