Recently, the first teaser trailer for the upcoming live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid arrived and has had everyone talking. A member of that film’s immensely talented cast is Awkwafina, who will be lending her voice to the character of Scuttle, adding to her already impressive filmography.
Although Awkwafina only started appearing in movies less than a decade ago, her career has already seen her star in some great films. They include award winners, hilarious comedies, ensemble pieces, starring roles, and even a superhero blockbuster. The users at Letterboxd have found plenty of reasons to love the best of her movies.
Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019) – 2.82
Stream On Netflix
If you knew nothing about Between Two Ferns, the cast list would likely shock you. Along with Awkwafina, the film includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Jon Hamm, Paul Rudd, Hailee Steinfeld, Tessa Thompson, and so many others appearing as themselves.
A spin-off of the show of the same name, Between Two Ferns: The Movie sees Zach Galifianakis interview various celebrities in the most awkward of ways, with Awkwafina being one of them. Though the film was seen as just an extended version of the series, that was enough to make audiences laugh.
Storks (2016) – 2.93
Rent On Vudu
It was in 2016 that Awkwafina started to get noticed on a grander level thanks to a part in the Bad Rap documentary, small role in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and her voice acting performance in Storks, where she played a character named Quail.
Although it wasn’t a big role, it was enough to kickstart an underrated career in voice acting for Awkwafina. The film seemed like it might be generic on paper but it surprised audiences with quality humor, strong visuals, and a great voice cast.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) – 2.99
Stream On Fubo TV
2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle proved to be a massive success, grossing over $900 million at the box office. As expected, that led to another sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level, which added the likes of Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, and Awkwafina to the cast.
While DeVito and Glover were part of the real world, Awkwafina portrayed Ming Fleetfoot, a player avatar in the world of the video game. Spencer and Eddie both controlled her and utilized her skills of pickpocketing. Though not seen as something original, this sequel was praised for simply being a good time.
Ocean’s 8 (2018) – 3.31
Rent On Vudu
While 2016 was when the name Awkwafina started to be known, it was in 2018 that she truly broke out. First came Ocean’s 8, the all-female sequel to the Ocean’s trilogy centered around Danny’s sister Debbie (Sandra Bullock).
Awkwafina joined Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway to form one of the most entertaining female ensembles in recent memory. The film received strong reviews and Awkwafina was one of the highlights as a street hustler named Constance.
Raya And The Last Dragon (2021) – 3.46
Stream On Disney+
The news that Walt Disney Animation Studios was centering a film about Southeast Asian cultures was met with widespread excitement. Raya and the Last Dragon ultimately lived up to the hype, earning Best Animated Feature nominations at the Oscars and Golden Globes.
The movie focused on a female warrior who teams with the last surviving dragon on a quest to save millions from a dire fate. Awkwafina’s voice acting was once again praised as she brought life to that titular final dragon, Sisu. The character beautifully blended bravery with goofy awkwardness in a way that only Awkwafina can.
The Bad Guys (2022) – 3.50
Stream On Peacock
Once again returning to the world of voice acting, Awkwafina was a key member of the cast for The Bad Guys. This film kind of flew under the radar but still managed to be one of the best animated movies of 2022.
The more important note was that the reviews for it were strong. Based on a kids’ book series of the same name, The Bad Guys followed anthropomorphic animals who are criminals that attempt to turn things around and become model citizens. Awkwafina voiced Tarantula, a hacker spider with a sarcastic attitude.
Swan Song (2021) – 3.50
Stream On Apple TV+
For the most part, Awkwafina is known for her comedic roles. When given the chance though, she has shown off some dramatic acting chops, including doing so in Swan Song, one of the best Apple TV+ movies released so far.
The trippy sci-fi tale told the story of a dying man who undergoes a procedure to replace himself with a clone so his family doesn’t miss him. Mahershala Ali had the lead role but it was his scenes with Awkwafina that stole the show for many. She appeared as Kate, someone who previously cloned herself and has poignant conversations with the protagonist.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – 3.51
Rent On Apple TV
If there was one absolute breakout role for Awkwafina, it was Crazy Rich Asians. The film quickly became one of the most iconic modern rom-coms and was the first by a major studio with a predominantly Asian cast in over a decade, ultimately grossing over $200 million.
Based on a novel of the same name, the film saw a Chinese-American professor travel to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family, only to learn that they are incredibly wealthy. Though almost every aspect was praised, Awkwafina’s performance as Goh Peik Lin, best friend of the protagonist, is memorable and hilarious. In fact, she was nominated for several awards.
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings (2021) – 3.66
Stream On Disney+
Like so many talented actors these days, Awkwafina joined the ranks of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She debuted in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as Katy, the best friend of the titular character. It has only been one film but Katy and Shang-Chi are already a great friendship in the franchise.
While the movie is about Shang-Chi’s journey to becoming a hero and fighting his father, Katy is the trusty friend who is always at his side even when he’s in over his head. Awkwafina and Simu Liu’s chemistry was one of the many things critics and viewers loved about this release.
The Farewell (2019) – 4.05
Stream On Kanopy & Showtime
As noted, Awkwafina has always been known for comedy but she proved that she can do so much more with The Farewell. This comedy-drama focused on a Chinese-American family who decides not to tell their grandmother that she has a terminal illness.
Awkwafina portrayed the protagonist, Billi, who was against the idea of hiding this news. The film was a critical darling for telling an emotional story and for the performances. Of note, Awkwafina won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, so it’s the best thing to watch to see her acting talents.
