Beyoncé just released her newest single, “Break My Soul,” cementing herself as her generation’s most influential and acclaimed artist. With a beautiful voice, an admirable public image, and a discography full of certified hits, Beyoncé has been on top of the world for over two decades, and she’s not showing any signs of stopping.
Although best-known for her music, Beyoncé is also a respected actress with several acclaimed hits under her belt. She’s also stepped into the director’s chair, helming her highly-acclaimed and ambitious visual albums. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gives high marks to several of her films, confirming there’s more to her than just music.
Coldplay: A Head Full Of Dreams (2018) – 50%
Mat Whitecross directed this documentary that accompanied Coldplay’s seventh studio album, also titled A Head Full of Dreams. The documentary tracks the band’s beginnings and rise to fame, featuring interviews with the members and key people involved with the album’s production and Coldplay’s career in general.
Beyoncé, who appeared as a featured singer in the algum’s single “Hymn for the Weekend,” appears in the documentary while recording the song. A Head Full of Dreams received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated the insight into the band but criticized the documentary’s lack of bite, considering it safe and unchallenging.
Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001) – 50%
Beyoncé co-starred with Mekhi Phifer in 2001’s made-for-television musical romance film Carmen: A Hip Hopera. The plot follows an engaged Philadelphia police officer who falls in love with a beautiful seductress. As the name implies, it is an adaptation of the 1875 opera Carmen.
Carmen: A Hip Hopera marked Beyoncé’s acting debut. The film received mixed reviews from critics; Beyoncé’s performance was well-received, as was her chemistry with Phifer, but the film’s tone and musical numbers earned a more divisive reception.
The Lion King (2019) – 52%
The original Lion King is one of Disney’s greatest tearjerkers. The film received a photorealistic animated remake in 2019, starring the voice talents of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Beyoncé, who played Simba’s love interest, Nala.
The Lion King received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics, who considered it unnecessary and vastly inferior to the original. Beyoncé accompanied her performance in the film with The Lion King: The Gift, a soundtrack album that received better reviews than the film itself.
Austin Powers In Goldmember (2003) – 53%
Beyoncé made her first incursion into theatrically-released films by co-starring opposite Mike Myers in the third entry of his James Bond-spoof franchise, Austin Powers. Titled Austin Powers in Goldmember, the film features Austin traveling back to the 70s and teaming up with Beyoncé’s Foxxy Cleopatra to stop Dr. Evil and his Dutch ally, Goldmember.
The film received mixed reviews. Critics considered it inferior to its two predecessors but appreciated Myers’ multiple performances and his chemistry with Beyoncé. The film was the last entry in the series, although Myers and the company have discussed the possibility of doing a fourth film.
Epic (2013) – 65%
2013’s Epic follows a young girl who gets shrunk and joins a group of flower people in a battle between good and evil. The animated film features an ensemble cast led by Amanda Seyfried and including Josh Hutcherson, Colin Farrell, Johnny Knoxville, Christoph Waltz, and Beyoncé, who voices Queen Tara.
Epic received mainly positive reviews from critics. Praise went to the film’s animation, humor, and voice cast but criticized its safety and lack of originality. Beyoncé and Sia co-wrote an original song for the film titled “Rise Up,” released as a single in early 2013.
Cadillac Records (2008) – 66%
Beyoncé joined an ensemble cast including Adrian Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, and Cedric the Entertainer in 2008’s Cadillac Records. The film chronicles the life of record executive Leonard Chess and the musicians who recorded for his label, Chess Records. Beyoncé plays legendary singer Etta James, serving as one of the film’s female leads.
While far from one of the best musical biopics of all time, Cadillac Records received positive reviews from critics. Praise focused on the cast’s performances and the soundtrack’s songs — Beyoncé recorded several of James’ signature songs, attracting positive reviews.
Dreamgirls (2006) – 79%
Based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, Dreamgirls follows an all-female group of singers as they become stars, suffering personal turmoil throughout the journey. The musical drew inspiration from successful R&B acts from the 60s, mainly The Supremes. Beyoncé played Dinah, who acted as the Dream’s lead singer in a nod to Diana Ross.
Dreamgirls features incredible costume design, iconic songs, and bravura performances from Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy, who both received Oscar nominations, although only Hudson won. Beyoncé’s performance also attracted positive reviews and received a Golden Globe nomination for her work.
Black Is King (2020) – 94%
Beyoncé acted as director, writer, and executive producer on her 2020 musical film and visual album, Black is King. It tells the story of a young African prince exiled from his kingdom as a child. He then goes on a journey of self-discovery on his way to reclaim his throne, guided by several people, including one of his ancestors, played by Beyoncé herself.
Black is King received universal critical acclaim. Beyoncé’s direction received positive reviews, while the film’s themes, cinematography, costume design, score, and editing also attracted praise. Black is King received several awards and nominations, including two Grammys and an Emmy.
Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé (2019) – 98%
Homecoming is a 2019 Netflix concert film focusing on Beyoncé’s performance at the 2018 Coachella Festival. Written, executive produced, and directed by Beyoncé, the film provides insights into the performance and Beyoncé’s process and planning.
Released in April 2019 by Netflix, Homecoming received critical acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes discarded its more in-depth summary of the film, instead choosing to accompany its near-perfect score of 98 with the words “Baychella forever.” Homecoming won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film and earned six Emmy nominations.
Lemonade (2016) – 100%
Airing on HBO in 2016, Lemonade is a film and visual album executive produced by Beyoncé. It serves as a companion for her album of the same name, described as “a woman’s journey through life.” The film features numerous prominent figures, including Zendaya, Quvenzhané Wallis, Chloe x Halle, and Zendaya.
Lemonade received universal acclaim. Critics called it “a revolutionary work of Black feminism” and celebrated the film’s themes and visuals. Lemonade marked the beginning of Beyoncé’s incursion into visual albums, which continues to this day.
