Viola Davis’ new movie The Woman King is already promising to be one of her most intense and thought-provoking movies yet, and with a filmography that’s as dense and acclaimed as Davis’, that’s quite a bold statement. The actress has been involved in several unforgettable projects over the years, leading to her becoming one of this generation’s most sought-after talents.
The Oscar-winning actress has developed a reputation as one of the most consistent and reliable actresses working today, so it’s fair to say that expectations for The Woman King probably couldn’t be higher. Audiences are more than excited to see Davis on the big screen again, delivering one of her most ferocious performances yet.
Fences (2016) – 3.5/5
Stream On Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, & Epix
Viola Davis stars opposite Denzel Washington in this dramatic reimagining of August Wilson’s famous play, with many of the actress’ fans citing this as her best performance to date. She brings the character of Rose to life in a way that no other actress could have managed, navigating her trauma and poverty with overwhelming emotion.
Davis has a long history with August Wilson and his works, so her involvement in Fences was an especially important and personal one for her. Alongside Washington, she works tirelessly in the film to explore the many societal themes that Wilson first put to paper in 1983.
Widows (2018) – 3.5/5
Stream On Fubo TV
Steve McQueen’s Widows is one of the most underrated dramas of the past few years, telling the story of a group of women who come together to pull off a heist that their husbands had died executing. Like many of Davis’ works, Widows is an incredibly emotional piece of art that explores the value of women in society.
The entire cast of Widows is incredibly talented, with standout performances from Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki, but it’s Viola Davis that steals the show as the film’s protagonist. She’s simply one of the most compelling and gripping actresses in the business – whenever she appears on the screen, she’s impossible to look away.
Traffic (2000) – 3.6/5
Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, & Redbox
Viola Davis’ role in Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic may only be small, but that doesn’t mean that she’s not memorable. She plays a social worker who finds herself caught up in America’s war on drugs, bringing a much needed glimpse of humanity into this dark and impersonal story about crime and consequences.
Traffic remains one of Steven Soderbergh’s very best films, thanks to its stylish storytelling and fast-paced editing. These elements push the story forward at a breakneck pace and keep the audience invested from start to finish. There are few directors who can keep a story as electric as Soderbergh can, and Traffic proves just that.
The Suicide Squad (2021) – 3.6/5
Stream On HBO Max
Davis first appeared as the sinister government agent Amanda Waller in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, but it wasn’t until James Gunn’s stylish soft reboot of the franchise that she was finally given a chance to shine. Gunn’s script works much better than Ayer’s on several levels, but one of the most obvious is his development of Waller’s character.
Even in a film that boasts one of the most expansive ensembles in recent memory, Davis still manages to hold her own as the film’s secondary antagonist – and one of the most complex characters in this twisted story. She brings the ferocity and power to the role that makes her so memorable in all of her projects.
Out Of Sight (1998) – 3.7/5
Stream On Starz
Out Of Sight was one of Davis’ very first mainstream projects, and although she only appears briefly in a supporting role, she immediately makes her presence known. Thanks to a generous portion of Soderbergh’s signature flashiness, Out Of Sight is actually one of the most entertaining action flicks of the ’90s.
Davis’ character isn’t really given much to do in the film, but she certainly makes the most out of the little material that she has. It’s this dedication to her role that likely persuaded Soderbergh to cast her again in Traffic, which in turn began her journey into the Hollywood superstar that she is today.
Far From Heaven (2002) – 3.7/5
Stream On Starz
Viola Davis has always used her talent and her influence to raise awareness of topical social issues, and her involvement in Far From Heaven is a poignant example of this. The film offers a critical and reflective examination of racial tensions in 1950s America, told from the perspective of an upper-class housewife.
Given the topic matter of the film, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Far From Heaven features another of Davis’ most gripping and emotional performances to date, even if it’s more restrained and subtle than audiences have come to expect from the actress.
The Help (2011) – 3.8/5
Stream On HBO Max
The Help is yet another example of why Viola Davis’ career is influential and impactful, as she plays a maid in 1950s Jackson, Mississippi. As always, Davis’ allows the audience to connect with her character in a way that few other actresses could achieve, making The Help one of the saddest movies ever that audiences still can’t help but love.
Davis is at her most vulnerable and humane in The Help, channeling a character who has experienced things that no human being should ever have to experience. And from the expressions on her face alone, she’s heartbreakingly convincing in the role.
Doubt (2008) – 3.8/5
Stream On Fubo TV
Viola Davis stars opposite veteran actors Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Doubt, which has become tragically more relevant in the years following its release. The film explores one priest’s ambiguous relationship with a young student, scathingly placing the ethics and practice of religion on trial.
Davis might not be the show’s star in Doubt, but that doesn’t stop her from stealing the show whenever she appears. Even opposite acting legends like Streep and Hoffman, Davis manages to hold her own and solidify herself as one of the industry’s most compelling actresses.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001) – 3.8/5
Stream On Tubi TV
Ocean’s Eleven is the kind of heist movie that promises to get a heart racing, and it succeeds in every way possible. Filled to the brim with early 2000s style, the film features a wide cast of characters that all bring something unique to the table in order to create one of the most entertaining stories ever told in film.
Viola Davis appears very briefly in one of the movie’s several uncredited roles. It’s hard to really praise her performance too much, but Ocean’s Eleven remains one of the highlights of Viola Davis’ early career, regardless.
Prisoners (2013) – 4.2/5
Rent On Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, & Redbox
Denis Villeneuve’s gritty crime thriller Prisoners is hailed by many cinephiles as one of the most thrilling and blood-pumping movies of the past decade, with both Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal providing two of their most gripping and impressive performances to date in the opposing lead roles.
As always, Viola Davis also manages to shine as one of the film’s most memorable side characters, bringing a huge amount of emotion and empathy to her role that very few actresses would be able to emulate. It’s roles like this that prove why Davis is such a one-of-a-kind talent.
