The Most Rewatachable Black Actresses of All Time

From genre-defining dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, these performers have anchored films and series that people revisit again and again. Below, you’ll find essential roles, awards, and career highlights that explain their enduring appeal, plus the standout projects that keep audiences coming back for repeat viewings.

Viola Davis

A triple–crown-of-acting winner, Viola Davis has delivered powerhouse performances in ‘Fences’, ‘Doubt’, and the long-running series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for that show. Her filmography spans prestige dramas like ‘The Woman King’ and ensemble pieces such as ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Davis is also a bestselling author and producer, further cementing her influence across mediums.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett’s portrayal of real-life icons in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ and ‘The Jacksons: An American Dream’ showcased her range early on. She brought regal gravitas to ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel, earning major awards recognition. On television, she headlines ‘9-1-1’ as both star and producer, blending action with character-driven stories. Bassett has multiple Golden Globe wins and an honorary Academy Award acknowledging a decades-spanning career.

Regina King

Regina King won the Academy Award for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and an Emmy for embodying Sister Night in ‘Watchmen’. She’s a four-time Emmy winner across limited series and anthology formats. King directed ‘One Night in Miami…’, which received widespread critical acclaim and industry nominations. Her early work in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Friday’ established a film base that audiences still revisit.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson’s breakout in ‘Hustle & Flow’ led to an Oscar nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She headlined ‘Empire’ as Cookie Lyon, a role that became a cultural touchpoint over multiple seasons. Henson also fronted crowd-pleasers like ‘Hidden Figures’ and the remake ‘What Men Want’. Beyond acting, she founded a mental health foundation focused on underserved communities.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry remains the only Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, for ‘Monster’s Ball’. She is a franchise veteran, starring in ‘X-Men’ entries and the action hit ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’. On streaming and in theaters, she has expanded into directing with the sports drama ‘Bruised’. Berry’s long-standing brand partnerships and advocacy work have kept her highly visible across entertainment.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is central to three major franchises: ‘Avatar’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, and ‘Star Trek’. She is among the highest-grossing actors globally thanks to those ensemble blockbusters. Saldaña also led the action thriller ‘Colombiana’ and co-starred in the drama ‘From Scratch’. Her production ventures aim to champion underrepresented voices in science fiction and beyond.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for ‘The Help’ and received additional nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She has led and produced series such as ‘Truth Be Told’, highlighting her behind-the-camera impact. Spencer frequently balances drama with crowd-pleasing genre pieces like ‘Ma’ and inspirational films like ‘Gifted’. She is also a children’s book author, broadening her creative footprint.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o earned an Academy Award for ’12 Years a Slave’ and later headlined the acclaimed horror film ‘Us’. She plays Nakia in ‘Black Panther’, contributing to one of the most successful superhero films. Nyong’o has narrated award-winning documentaries and authored a bestselling children’s book. Her stage work and voice performances, including ‘The Jungle Book’, add to a diverse resume.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington made television history leading ‘Scandal’, which reshaped prime-time drama. She earned Emmy nominations for ‘Confirmation’ and the limited series ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. On film, Washington’s credits include ‘Ray’, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘The Last King of Scotland’. She also co-founded a production company focused on inclusive storytelling.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is an EGOT winner with a filmography that includes ‘The Color Purple’, ‘Ghost’, and the ‘Sister Act’ films. She has anchored daytime television as a longtime co-host on ‘The View’. Goldberg has performed stand-up, produced Broadway shows, and appeared in genre series such as ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. Her philanthropic and advocacy efforts span health, arts education, and civil rights.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall became a comedy staple through the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise and later led ‘Girls Trip’ to major box office success. She has starred in acclaimed indie projects like ‘Support the Girls’, earning significant critical praise. Hall co-hosted the Oscars and has produced series and films, expanding her industry role. Television turns include ‘Black Monday’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’, showing her range beyond comedy.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan’s fan-favorite credits include ‘Love & Basketball’, ‘The Best Man’ films, and ‘Brown Sugar’. She has voiced characters on ‘The Cleveland Show’ and appeared in series like ‘Succession’. Lathan made her feature directorial debut with ‘On the Come Up’. Her stage work on and off Broadway rounds out a career that spans multiple formats.

Nia Long

Nia Long built a devoted following with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, ‘The Best Man’ films, and ‘Boyz n the Hood’. She has headlined thrillers such as ‘Fatal Affair’ and ‘Missing’. Long’s television roles include ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ and limited series appearances. Her work bridges nostalgic favorites and contemporary releases, keeping her projects in regular rotation for viewers.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton won an Emmy for ‘Westworld’ and earned BAFTA and SAG recognition for ‘Crash’. She has starred in prestige dramas like ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and action films such as ‘Mission: Impossible II’. Newton’s television work also includes ‘Line of Duty’, noted for complex storytelling. She supports multiple humanitarian causes, integrating advocacy with a global career.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira commands screens in ‘The Walking Dead’ and the ‘Black Panther’ films. She is a celebrated playwright of ‘Eclipsed’, which earned a Tony nomination and spotlighted stories of Liberian women. Gurira has served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on gender equality. Her work across stage and screen underscores a commitment to character-driven narratives.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae created and starred in ‘Insecure’, a series that netted multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She co-founded a record label and a production banner supporting emerging creators. Rae’s film roles include ‘The Photograph’, ‘Little’, and voice work in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. She has launched initiatives for inclusive hiring and community development in entertainment.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith’s career spans ‘Set It Off’, the ‘Matrix’ franchise, and ‘Girls Trip’. She co-created and hosted ‘Red Table Talk’, which won a Daytime Emmy. Pinkett Smith has produced films and documentaries and voiced a lead character in the ‘Madagascar’ animated series. Her work frequently blends action, comedy, and candid conversations on culture.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson’s credits range from ‘Creed’ and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ to the anthology series ‘Westworld’. She has produced projects such as ‘Little Woods’ and championed indie filmmakers. Thompson’s music collaborations include performances connected to ‘Creed’ and ‘Janelle Monáe’ projects. She has received multiple nominations from major critics’ groups for film and television work.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is an Oscar-nominated actor with a Grammy win and a Golden Globe for ‘Life Support’. She led hit films like ‘Bringing Down the House’ and ‘Last Holiday’ and stars in ‘The Equalizer’ on television. Latifah co-founded Flavor Unit Entertainment, producing a slate of films and series. Her influence spans music, film, TV, and entrepreneurship, making her a cross-medium mainstay.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross won a Golden Globe for ‘Black-ish’ and received multiple Emmy nominations for the role. She starred in ‘Girlfriends’, a long-running series that remains a streaming favorite. Ross launched a successful haircare brand focused on textured hair and has hosted major award shows. Her film work includes ‘The High Note’, adding musical performance to her screen repertoire.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union’s breakout roles in ‘Bring It On’, ‘Deliver Us from Eva’, and ‘Bad Boys II’ turned her into a go-to lead for romantic comedies and action films. She headlined and produced the series ‘Being Mary Jane’, drawing strong ratings and cultural conversation. Union co-authors bestselling children’s books and runs a production company focused on inclusive stories. She is also an entrepreneur with fashion and beauty ventures.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has earned widespread acclaim for roles in ‘Cross Creek’, ’12 Years a Slave’, and the series ‘Desperate Housewives’. She has collected multiple Emmys across drama, comedy, and limited series formats. Woodard’s voice work in ‘The Lion King’ and numerous audiobooks highlights her versatility. She is an advocate for arts education and humanitarian causes, frequently mentoring emerging talent.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became a cultural icon with action classics like ‘Foxy Brown’ and ‘Coffy’. She enjoyed a celebrated resurgence with ‘Jackie Brown’, earning major critics’ awards and nominations. Grier has appeared in television projects including ‘The L Word’ and ‘Smallville’, expanding her multigenerational appeal. Her memoir and public speaking amplify a legacy that bridges genre filmmaking and mainstream recognition.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson earned landmark recognition for ‘Sounder’ and the television event ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. She continued to win awards for later work, including guest roles on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Tyson’s stage performances garnered Tony honors, underscoring a career rooted in theatrical excellence. Her memoir details a lifetime of trailblazing choices and mentorship.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashād became a household name through ‘The Cosby Show’, later earning a Tony Award for her stage work. She has guided numerous productions as a dean and arts leader in higher education. Rashād’s television performances in ‘This Is Us’ and ‘Empire’ showcase lasting dramatic nuance. She remains a sought-after voice for narration and cultural programming.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba won multiple Emmys for ‘Orange Is the New Black’, playing a character that became a streaming-era touchstone. She led ‘Mrs. America’ and ‘In Treatment’, proving dramatic range beyond comedy-drama. Aduba’s stage background includes acclaimed Broadway turns and concert work. She is active in philanthropy, especially around education and mental health initiatives.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor earned wide praise for ‘King Richard’ and the series ‘When They See Us’. She has balanced historical dramas with genre projects like ‘Lovecraft Country’. Ellis-Taylor frequently collaborates on ensemble casts that highlight community and family narratives. Her producing and advocacy work center on amplifying underrepresented voices.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris brought emotional depth to ‘Moonlight’, earning major awards recognition. She is a modern staple of franchise cinema with standout turns in ‘Skyfall’ and subsequent ‘James Bond’ entries. Harris has also led survival and thriller films, showcasing action chops and dramatic intensity. She supports environmental and health causes through global ambassador roles.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright’s portrayal of Shuri in ‘Black Panther’ helped redefine a tech-genius hero in blockbuster storytelling. She has headlined dramas such as ‘The Silent Twins’ and appeared in anthology TV like ‘Black Mirror’. Wright’s stage and indie work broaden her range beyond franchise films. She often speaks about expanding STEM representation through media.

Zendaya

Zendaya’s lead performance in ‘Euphoria’ earned historic Emmy wins for a young actor in a drama series. On the big screen, she anchors tentpoles like ‘Spider-Man’ and acclaimed epics alongside heavyweight ensembles. She began as a Disney star and successfully transitioned to adult roles with careful project choices. Zendaya is also a producer and fashion collaborator, shaping her career across media.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer broke out in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and has since led projects across film, TV, and animation. She earned acclaim for ‘Hustlers’ and genre hits like ‘Nope’, while voicing major animated characters. Palmer hosted talk and variety programs, becoming a multiformat personality. She also releases music and produces, demonstrating a wide-ranging skill set.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett drew early attention with ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and later led ‘Lovecraft Country’. She joined the superhero sphere with ‘Birds of Prey’, adding action credentials to her resume. Smollett’s TV work spans procedural, fantasy, and prestige drama. She regularly collaborates with filmmakers who foreground complex, resilient protagonists.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris earned notice in ‘Dear White People’ and anchored the limited series ‘Chi-Raq’ collaborations. She joined the superhero landscape with ‘WandaVision’ and related films, expanding her mainstream footprint. Parris also leads indie dramas and romantic comedies that highlight her versatility. She produces and advocates for creative opportunities behind the camera.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s breakout came with ‘Belle’ and continued with acclaimed episodes of ‘Black Mirror’. She has fronted sci-fi, romance, and courtroom dramas across streaming and film. Mbatha-Raw also stars in stage productions and serves as a goodwill ambassador for arts and humanitarian efforts. Her choices consistently mix genre exploration with character-driven storytelling.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel created and starred in ‘I May Destroy You’, earning top industry awards for writing and acting. She joined franchise cinema with a role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Coel’s earlier comedy series ‘Chewing Gum’ showcased her singular voice and inventive structure. She continues to develop boundary-pushing projects as a writer, director, and performer.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback impressed critics with ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and led the series ‘Swarm’. She has taken on action and sci-fi projects, including ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. Fishback’s background in spoken-word performance informs her character work and collaborations. She is frequently cited as a compelling new lead with strong dramatic instincts.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts won major awards for her performance in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She balances drama and comedy with credits like ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. Nash-Betts has hosted, produced, and appeared in talk and reality formats, expanding her reach. She is also an advocate for survivors’ rights and community initiatives.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose voiced Disney royalty in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and starred in ‘Dreamgirls’. She appears in television dramas and limited series that showcase her musical and dramatic talents. Rose’s Broadway career includes a Tony Award, underscoring her stage bona fides. She continues to develop projects that center music-forward narratives.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is an EGOT recipient whose acting highlights include ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘Respect’. She leads a daytime talk show while continuing to record and perform music. Hudson often produces and curates projects that spotlight musical legends and biographical stories. Her foundation and charity concerts support education and community health.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch made waves with ‘No Time to Die’ and delivered a standout turn in ‘The Woman King’. She appears in action, historical epics, and musical adaptations, reflecting wide-ranging interests. Lynch also works in theater and supports emerging creators through mentorship. Her roles frequently emphasize resilience, strategy, and physical intensity.

Share your picks in the comments—who would you add to this list of endlessly rewatchable stars?