Zendaya, born on September 1, 1996, has come a long way since her early days as a Disney Channel star. With standout roles in shows like Shake It Up and K.C. Undercover, Zendaya’s career skyrocketed, leading her to embrace more mature roles increasing Zendaya’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at $30 million, such as her portrayal of MJ in Marvel’s Spider-Man films and her Emmy-winning performance as Rue in Euphoria. This ranking covers the best Zendaya movies and TV shows, showcasing her versatility and talent that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
11 Best Zendaya Movies and TV Shows
Below, we delve into the best Zendaya movies and TV series that have helped her establish a unique place in Hollywood.
11. Shake It Up (2010-2013)
Zendaya first captured hearts in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up, portraying Rocky Blue, a high-energy teen who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. The show follows Rocky and her best friend, CeCe Jones (played by Bella Thorne), as they navigate teenage life while landing dance gigs in their hometown of Chicago. Rocky’s character set the stage for Zendaya’s talent, charm, and dance abilities, foreshadowing her future stardom.
10. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
In the 2021 reboot of the iconic Space Jam franchise, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Zendaya lent her voice to the beloved Looney Tunes character, Lola Bunny. Voicing Lola alongside LeBron James, Zendaya contributed a fresh energy to this animated sequel, taking on a character previously voiced by Kath Soucie. She embraced the role as a fan of the original Space Jam movie and seized the opportunity to work with Ryan Coogler, who produced the film. This voice role in Space Jam: A New Legacy introduced her to a younger audience, proving that Zendaya’s appeal spans generations.
9. Smallfoot (2018)
Zendaya’s impressive vocal abilities took center stage in Smallfoot, where she voiced Meechee, a young Yeti with a compassionate heart and a fierce loyalty to her community. The animated adventure film, produced by Warner Bros., follows the yetis as they unravel a mystery about the existence of humans, who they once believed were myths. With co-stars like Channing Tatum and Common, Zendaya’s character stood out, showcasing her versatility as both an actor and a vocalist in an animated landscape.
8. K.C. Undercover (2015-2018)
Returning to Disney Channel, Zendaya not only starred in K.C. Undercover but also co-produced it. She played K.C. Cooper, a high school math genius turned undercover spy who juggles typical teenage issues with her secret espionage life. Zendaya’s involvement in the show’s production demonstrated her dedication to breaking stereotypes and promoting diverse, strong female leads. K.C. Undercover became a fan-favorite for young audiences, further solidifying Zendaya’s position as a powerful role model.
7. The OA (2019)
In the second season of Netflix’s The OA, Zendaya played Fola Uzaki, a skilled gamer who becomes an integral part of the series’ dark, intricate storyline. Although she appears only briefly, Zendaya’s character adds depth to the show’s complex plot. The cult sci-fi series, which was unfortunately canceled after two seasons, still left an impression on fans, and Zendaya’s performance in The OA added to her growing portfolio of diverse roles.
6. The Greatest Showman (2017)
Stepping into the musical realm, Zendaya shone as Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist and acrobat in The Greatest Showman. Playing opposite Zac Efron’s character, Phillip Carlyle, Zendaya portrayed the romantic struggle of their interracial relationship, a storyline that resonated deeply with audiences. She also showcased her vocal talents, performing songs like Rewrite the Stars, which became a standout track on the film’s popular soundtrack. Her aerial stunts in The Greatest Showman underscored her dedication and physical prowess, adding yet another dimension to her skill set.
5. Spider-Man Series (2017, 2019, 2021)
Zendaya’s role as Michelle “MJ” Jones in the Spider-Man movies has become iconic. Her portrayal of MJ, Peter Parker’s witty and intelligent classmate, added a fresh dynamic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her character arc across Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home explored her evolving relationship with Peter, played by Tom Holland. In each installment, Zendaya brought her unique charisma to MJ, redefining the role of Peter Parker’s love interest for a new generation of Spider-Man fans.
4. Malcolm & Marie (2021)
In Malcolm & Marie, Zendaya starred alongside John David Washington in a raw, emotionally charged narrative that revolved around a single night of conflict between a filmmaker and his girlfriend. Shot entirely in black-and-white during the pandemic, the film is a deep dive into the complexities of relationships and communication. Zendaya’s role as Marie showcased her dramatic range, earning praise for her ability to convey vulnerability, resilience, and passion. Her work in Malcolm & Marie cemented her transition from teen star to serious actress.
3. Dune (2021 and 2024)
Playing the enigmatic Chani in Dune, Zendaya appeared briefly in Dune: Part One but left a lasting impact. Her character, a member of the Fremen tribe, is a fierce warrior and potential love interest of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet. Director Denis Villeneuve expressed admiration for Zendaya’s nuanced performance, which is set to expand in Dune: Part Two. Her portrayal of Chani has fans eagerly awaiting her return, as she becomes central to the narrative in the sequel.
2. Challengers (2024)
In Challengers, Zendaya plays Tashi Donaldson, a professional tennis player entangled in a passionate love triangle with two former friends, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) and Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor). Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Challengers dives into the high-stakes world of competitive tennis and explores the complexities of desire and ambition. As Tashi, Zendaya took on a mature and multifaceted role that promises to captivate audiences and further showcase her incredible range as an actress.
1. Euphoria (2019-present)
Arguably Zendaya’s most acclaimed role to date, her portrayal of Rue Bennett in Euphoria has earned her both critical and popular acclaim. As Rue, a teenage drug addict grappling with mental health issues, Zendaya delivered an unforgettable performance that led to her winning an Emmy for Best Drama Actress in 2020, making her the youngest recipient of the award. Her work on Euphoria, especially in Season 2, where she won a second Emmy, solidified her status as one of Hollywood’s most talented young actresses.
Exploring Zendaya’s Impact
Through each role, Zendaya continues to redefine what it means to be a young, multifaceted actress in Hollywood. She brings depth, authenticity, and relatability to every character, making her performances memorable and impactful. From her early Disney Channel days to award-winning drama on HBO, Zendaya’s filmography illustrates her journey as a versatile and boundary-pushing artist.
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