Davis’ best movies are defined by her ability to elevate every moment she appears on the screen.

Even in roles where she isn’t the lead, Davis has a knack for stealing the spotlight, leaving a lasting mark on the audience. The star’s commitment to authenticity makes sure that her movies resonate on a deeper level, proving time and again that she is one of the finest talents in Hollywood.

15 G20 (2025)

Directed By Patricia Riggen

The latest action thriller by Amazon Prime, G20 revolves around United States President Sutton, who must defend both her family and fellow leaders after the G20 summit in Capetown, South Africa is taken over by terrorists. The streaming giant is no stranger to putting out action thrillers like this, and G20 is another solid addition to their catalog, with some thrilling action set pieces throughout and an overall solid cast of characters present, with Viola Davis being the obvious standout.

Viola Davis has proven herself capable of being an action hero over the years with several of her roles, and she does another fantastic job in G20 as President Danielle Sutton, continuing to show her ability to physically commit to her performance. While the film itself isn't necessarily treading any new ground in the genre, Viola Davis helps elevate it significantly, making it a worthwhile watch on Amazon Prime.

14 Troop Zero (2019)

Directed By Bert & Bertie

Small scale in all the best ways, Troop Zero is a charming little film about a group of elementary school misfits who band together to form their own troop of Birdie Scouts in rural Georgia in 1977. Not the most complex film out there, Troop Zero makes up for its narrative shortcomings by being incredibly feel-good throughout, as the inspirational underdog story plays out in satisfying fashion, and features some really fine performances, especially from McKenna Grace as the lead.

Viola Davis is so great in the film as Rayleen, the secretary to the father of McKenna Grace's Christmas, who becomes the troop mother for Troop Zero. While she might seem reluctant at first, Rayleen wants what is best for Troop Zero and is often protective of them as the movie goes on, with a charming performance by Viola Davis that highlights the kind nature of her character. It's another low-key work in her filmography, but one that is pretty great.

13 Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Directed By Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Ma Stine

Kung Fu Panda has been one of the most consistently great animated franchises since the first one came out in 2008. While Kung Fu Panda 4 might not be as incredible as some of the best in the series, it is still a solid entry that features everything fans love about the eponymous character and his martial arts escapades. Kung Fu Panda 4 is another gorgeous entry in the series, and it features some fantastic martial arts sequences, with a stellar cast of characters and actors to elevate it.

Viola Davis s the franchise for Kung Fu Panda 4 as she plays The Chameleon, the evil sorceress and main villain of the film who can shapeshift and copy others' kung fu by absorbing their abilities. The franchise has featured some strong villains and Viola Davis fits in well with her performance as The Chameleon, who is unsettling and dangerous over the course of the film. She is often arrogant and cunning, and Viola Davis channels her energy perfectly in her performance.

12 The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

Directed By Francis Lawrence

The Hunger Games was one of the biggest movie franchises of the 2010s, with it largely kicking off the YA dystopian adaptation era in Hollywood. Eight years after the initial saga ended, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes helped restart the love of the franchise on film, and it did well in that regard, setting itself in the past as it explored the early days of before Snow became who he was. The movie adds to the overall lore of the universe, expanding it in impressive ways while also being a pretty affecting romance in the process.

Viola Davis had big shoes to fill as another Gamemaker in the franchise after the most prominent one was played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and she does an irable job as Dr. Volumnia Gaul. She acted as the Head Gamemaker and overseer of every Hunger Games since its inception, making her an incredibly experienced one when it came to the 10th annual games. Viola Davis nails her role in the film, and is often unnerving to see play out on screen, a testament to Davis' massive talent.

11 Air (2023)

Directed By Ben Affleck

Films based on an "underdog" company that went on to change the world seem to happen every year, and while Air doesn't necessarily bring much new to the table in of it, the movie is very well-made, with some great performances featured throughout. The film chronicles the origin of the Air Jordan shoe as a Nike employee named Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) attempts to strike a deal with rookie Michael Jordan to have his own shoe line with the company. It's a lowkey film that shows how talented Ben Affleck can be as a director.

Viola Davis does an incredible job at playing Deloris Jordan as she is often negotiating with Damon's Sonny or being ive of her son.

While the character of Michael Jordan never actually appears in the movie, his mom, Deloris Jordan, does often. Viola Davis does an incredible job at playing Deloris Jordan as she is often negotiating with Damon's Sonny or being ive of her son. Some of Viola Davis' best performances have been big, loud, and emotionally powerful performances, but her role in Air isn't necessarily that, and she still does an incredible job.

10 The Help (2011)

Directed By Tate Taylor

According to many, the critically acclaimed drama The Help is definitely one of Viola Davis’ best movies, but the star herself doesn’t see it that way. Unfortunately, Davis regrets her Oscar-nominated role in this $216 million box-office hit, and it’s easy to see why. In the 2011 movie, Davis plays Aibileen Clark, a maid who serves white families in the racially divided 1960s Mississippi.

Despite delivering a heartfelt and nuanced performance as Aibileen, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, Davis said that she felt like she let herself down by taking on the polarizing role. The Help's "white savior" angle is clear throughout, leaving the impression of simplifying systemic racism and offering a feel-good story that downplays the harsh realities of the time. Still, the movie persists as one of Davis’ most talked-about works.

9 Doubt (2008)

Directed By John Patrick Shanley

In Doubt, Viola Davis plays Mrs. Miller, the mother of a boy caught in the middle of a potential scandal at a Catholic school. Interestingly, Davis only has a single scene in the 2008 movie, yet the actor made an impact strong enough for it to land among her best movies.

In one scene, Davis skillfully shows a wide range of emotions, from desperation to quiet strength, all packed into a dramatic performance that takes center stage among the star-studded cast. However, as a dialogue-heavy drama, Doubt is less universally loved than some of the other films in Davis' repertoire. Despite a limited audience, the powerful drama remains a testament to the star’s incredible talent, proving her ability to create unforgettable moments with even the smallest roles. Other than being one of Davis’ best works, Doubt is also widely regarded as one of Meryl Streep’s best movies.

8 Get On Up (2014)

Directed By Tate Taylor

Starring the late icon Chadwick Boseman, Get on Up is another movie that showcases Viola Davis' remarkable ability to leave a lasting impression even in a ing role. In the 2014 James Brown biopic, Davis plays Susie Brown, the estranged mother of the music legend. Although she doesn’t appear in every scene, her character’s impact is felt throughout the film.

Despite getting a limited amount of time on the screen, Get on Up stands out as one of the star’s best performances, as well as Davis’ favorite acting role opposite Boseman. Their chemistry is one of the movie’s greatest appeals, as the duo brought their complementing yet contrasting energies to the story and brought it to life in a very palpable way. Davis’ character grounded the story and provided context for Brown’s turbulent upbringing, adding a heartbreaking emotional weight to both roles.

7 Prisoners (2013)

Directed By Denis Villeneuve

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman, Prisoners is a Denis Villeneuve movie that stays with audiences long after the credits roll. In the 2013 thriller, Viola Davis plays Nancy Birch, a mother whose daughter is kidnapped. The star’s powerful yet understated performance delivered depth, sensitivity, and emotional resonance to her character, even within the tension of the larger story.

In a cast filled with powerhouse performances, Davis holds her own, ensuring that Nancy’s emotional journey stands out as a vital piece of the narrative. Her character’s grief and heartache as she navigates the tragic situation made Prisoners feel all the more personal and real, humanizing the chilling story. With one of those movie endings that leaves viewers speechless and Davis' nuanced performance that effortlessly captured her talent, it’s no surprise that the film left a lasting impact on the actor’s body of work.

6 State Of Play (2009)

Directed By Kevin Macdonald

Viola Davis has a knack for masterfully bringing complex secondary characters to life, a talent she once again showcased in the 2009 State of Play. Despite her short on-screen presence, Davis’ character, Dr. Judith Franklin, had an important role in propelling the story forward. As a morgue doctor, Dr. Franklin looks the other way as Cal (played by Russell Crowe), an investigative journalist, goes through a deceased person’s phone in order to solve a murder.

Starring Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Helen Mirren, the movie juggles multiple storylines and throws unexpected plot twists at audiences. Notably, even though Davis’ character was underdeveloped, her performance was the perfect blend of calm and gravitas for this niche thriller. The role, though smaller, is still pivotal to the film’s success and proves that Davis can hold her own alongside Hollywood's best.