Zendaya’s Best Roles

Zendaya has completed one of the most impressive career evolutions in recent memory, transitioning from a beloved Disney Channel star into a respected and decorated Hollywood A-lister. Her journey has been defined by bold choices and a clear commitment to taking on complex, character-driven work. With each new project, she has challenged audience expectations and proven that her talent knows no bounds, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards along the way.

Beyond her acting, Zendaya has become a global icon known for her captivating presence, both on screen and off. Whether she is leading a blockbuster franchise, anchoring a dramatic series, or lighting up a movie musical, she brings a unique combination of strength, vulnerability, and undeniable charisma. This list explores the key performances that have marked her remarkable rise to the top of the entertainment industry.

‘Shake It Up’ (2010–2013)

This Disney Channel sitcom was the role that first introduced Zendaya to a wide audience. She starred as Raquel “Rocky” Blue, a smart and ambitious teenager who, along with her best friend CeCe Jones, fulfills her dream of becoming a professional dancer. The two land roles as background dancers on a local television show called ‘Shake It Up, Chicago!’ which serves as the backdrop for their adventures.

Rocky is portrayed as the more studious and responsible of the pair, often trying to keep CeCe’s impulsive antics in check. The series followed their lives as they navigated the pressures of school, friendships, and their budding careers in show business. Zendaya’s performance showcased her natural comedic timing and impressive dancing skills, establishing her as a promising young star.

‘Frenemies’ (2012)

In this Disney Channel original movie, Zendaya starred in one of three interconnected stories about friends who become rivals. The film is an anthology that explores different friendship dynamics that turn sour. Zendaya’s segment focuses on her character, Halley Brandon, who is best friends with a girl named Avalon and runs a popular web magazine with her.

Their close bond is put to the test when a major publisher offers to buy their magazine, but only wants to hire one of them as the senior editor. What begins as a friendly competition soon spirals into a full-blown feud as Halley and Avalon try to outdo one another. The story examines themes of ambition, jealousy, and the importance of true friendship.

‘K.C. Undercover’ (2015–2018)

Zendaya took the lead role in this Disney Channel action-comedy series, where she also served as a producer. She played K.C. Cooper, a high school math genius and black belt in karate who discovers that her parents are not accountants but are actually undercover spies. Her life is turned upside down when they recruit her to join their secret government organization.

The series follows K.C. as she learns to balance her life as a regular teenager with her new identity as a skilled spy. Each episode featured a new mission that required her to use her intelligence, athleticism, and a variety of clever gadgets. Zendaya’s role allowed her to showcase both her comedic abilities and her talent for action sequences.

‘Smallfoot’ (2018)

In this animated musical adventure, Zendaya lent her voice to the character Meechee. The film is set in a community of Yetis who live in isolation high in the Himalayan mountains and believe that humans, or “smallfeet,” are just a myth. Meechee is the curious and open-minded daughter of the village chief, known as the Stonekeeper.

Meechee is fascinated by the legend of the Smallfoot and is one of the few Yetis who believes they might actually exist. Her beliefs are confirmed when a young Yeti named Migo accidentally encounters a human, causing an uproar in their village. Zendaya’s voice work brings a warmth and intelligence to the character, who plays a key role in bridging the gap between the two worlds.

‘Malcolm & Marie’ (2021)

This black-and-white drama features Zendaya in one of her most intense and mature roles. She plays Marie, the girlfriend of a filmmaker named Malcolm, in a story that unfolds in real time over the course of a single evening. The couple returns home from the successful premiere of Malcolm’s latest film, but the celebratory mood quickly evaporates as deep-seated resentments come to the surface.

The film is essentially a two-person play, with the entire narrative driven by the couple’s raw and escalating argument about their relationship and their creative lives. Zendaya’s performance is a powerful display of emotional range, as Marie confronts Malcolm about his perceived betrayals and her unacknowledged contributions to his work. The role allowed her to deliver a compelling and layered dramatic performance.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

Zendaya made a memorable guest appearance in an episode of this acclaimed family sitcom. She played Rasheida, a friend of the eldest daughter, Zoey Johnson. The episode tackles the topic of cultural appropriation when Zoey’s younger brother, Jack, performs a famous rap song at his school talent show, causing a debate within the family and the community.

Rasheida is brought into the conversation to offer her perspective on the issue. While her appearance was brief, it was part of a significant episode that explored complex social themes with the show’s signature blend of humor and insight. Her role contributed to a nuanced discussion about culture, art, and identity.

‘Challengers’ (2024)

In this intense romantic drama, Zendaya stars as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy whose career was cut short by a devastating injury. The film’s story is told across different timelines, following her evolution from a star player into a fiercely competitive coach. Tashi finds herself in a complicated love triangle with two fellow tennis players, who are also best friends.

The narrative centers on the shifting dynamics between Tashi, her husband, and his opponent, who is also her former lover. The tension culminates at a high-stakes professional tennis match where the personal and professional histories of all three characters collide. Zendaya’s performance captures the character’s ambition, intelligence, and her complex emotional manipulations.

‘Spider-Man: Far from Home’ (2019)

Zendaya reprised her role as Michelle “MJ” Jones in this superhero sequel, where her character becomes much more central to the story. The film follows Peter Parker and his classmates on a summer trip to Europe, where he is recruited to help fight a new global threat. During the trip, Peter’s feelings for MJ grow, and he plans to tell her how he feels.

MJ’s sharp intelligence and observant nature lead her to deduce that Peter is Spider-Man, a revelation that brings them closer together. She becomes his confidante and an active participant in the film’s climactic conflict. Zendaya’s portrayal adds a layer of dry wit and emotional grounding, as her character’s relationship with Peter becomes a key focus of the narrative.

‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

This film introduced Zendaya’s unique take on the iconic character of MJ. In this version, she is Michelle Jones, an intelligent, sarcastic, and socially awkward classmate of Peter Parker. She is often seen sketching in her notebook or making witty observations about her peers, setting her apart from previous portrayals of the character.

Throughout the film, MJ is an observant background presence, constantly watching Peter and his friends from a distance. Her role is primarily to provide comedic relief and a grounded high school perspective on the extraordinary events unfolding around them. A surprise reveal at the end of the movie established her as the new MJ, setting the stage for her expanded role in future installments.

‘The Greatest Showman’ (2017)

In this hit movie musical, Zendaya played Anne Wheeler, a gifted and graceful trapeze artist who becomes one of the star attractions in P.T. Barnum’s circus. Her character is fiercely independent and proud, but she faces the constant prejudice of a society that looks down on her for her race and her profession.

The film features a prominent romantic subplot between Anne and Phillip Carlyle, a wealthy playwright who becomes Barnum’s partner. Their relationship is a forbidden one, and their emotional duet “Rewrite the Stars” is a standout musical number. Zendaya performed her own impressive aerial stunts for the role, adding an incredible layer of authenticity to her captivating performance.

‘The OA’ (2016–2019)

Zendaya joined the cast of this mind-bending science fiction series in its second season. She played Fola, a sharp and resourceful young woman who gets pulled into the show’s central mystery. Her character works for a private investigator and is an expert at solving complex puzzles, which makes her an asset in a strange alternate reality game.

Fola’s storyline intersects with one of the main characters as they try to solve a case involving the disappearance of a young girl. She becomes a key player in unraveling a vast conspiracy that connects technology, consciousness, and multiple dimensions. Her role, though not a lead, was crucial to the season’s intricate and mysterious plot.

‘Dune’ (2021)

Zendaya took on the role of Chani in this epic science fiction adaptation. Chani is a member of the Fremen, the native people who inhabit the harsh desert planet of Arrakis. Throughout the first half of the film, she appears mostly in the prophetic visions of the main character, Paul Atreides, serving as a mysterious and alluring figure guiding him toward his destiny.

Although her screen time is limited in the first installment, her presence is felt throughout the entire story. Paul’s visions of Chani motivate many of his actions and hint at the powerful connection they will share. The film ends when Paul and Chani finally meet in person, setting up her much larger role in the continuation of the saga.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

In this climactic chapter of the trilogy, Zendaya’s MJ becomes the emotional anchor of the story. After Spider-Man’s identity is revealed to the world, she, Peter, and their friend Ned face intense public scrutiny and dangerous new threats. She stands by Peter’s side, offering unwavering support as his life descends into chaos.

MJ’s role is integral to the film’s high stakes, as she is put directly in harm’s way by villains from other universes. The deep love and connection between her and Peter become the heart of the narrative, leading to a truly devastating conclusion. Zendaya’s performance powerfully conveys MJ’s courage, love, and heartbreak in the face of impossible circumstances.

‘Euphoria’ (2019– )

Zendaya delivered a transformative performance as Rue Bennett, the series’ protagonist and narrator. Rue is a 17-year-old girl struggling with severe anxiety and substance abuse following the death of her father. The show opens with her returning home from rehab with no intention of staying sober, and it follows her troubled journey through high school.

The role is raw and emotionally demanding, exploring the darkest aspects of addiction, grief, and mental illness. Zendaya’s portrayal is unflinchingly honest, capturing Rue’s vulnerability, self-destruction, and glimmers of hope. Her work on the series has earned her numerous awards and widespread critical acclaim for its depth and authenticity.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Zendaya’s character Chani is elevated from a supporting figure to a central lead in this stunning sequel. The film explores the developing relationship between Chani and Paul Atreides as he lives among the Fremen and learns their ways. Chani serves as his mentor, warrior companion, and lover, teaching him how to survive in the desert.

Her role is far more complex this time, as she becomes the moral conscience of the story. She fiercely believes in the freedom of her people and grows wary of the religious prophecy that begins to surround Paul. Zendaya’s powerful performance captures Chani’s strength, love, and her heartbreaking struggle between her feelings for Paul and her deep-seated principles.

Tell us which Zendaya role you believe is her absolute best in the comments.