Becoming a household name, after starring in three successful sci-fi franchises, Zoe Saldaña has witnessed prolific growth in her career. Further, cementing herself as one of the most recognizable faces in the industry, Saldaña went on to join the Oscar race with her latest project Emilia Pérez.
So today, let’s take a look at a few of her iconic movies, spanning independent dramas, live-action animation, and even sci-fi iterations. Delving deeper into Zoe Saldaña’s enviable filmography, we’ve come up with 10 of her best movies so far. Believe it or not, it wasn’t easy to pick just 10 out of so many of her phenomenal movies. So, join us to check out our list.
10. The Words (2012)
Director: Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldaña, Olivia Wilde
Following the story of a shallow wannabe writer Rory (played by Bradley Cooper), The Words narrates his journey of finding an old manuscript, which he then decides to pass off as his own. Thereafter, although the book brings Rory great acclaim, he soon starts to grapple with the threat of career destruction after the real author shows up.
As Rory grapples with his newfound fame and the consequences of his deception, Zoe Saldaña appears as Dora, Rory’s supportive yet conflicted wife, whose suspicion about her husband’s success ends up complicating their relationship. In the movie, although the actress played a side role, her performance earned great appreciation and praise from audiences.
The Words is available on Prime Video.
9. Infinitely Polar Bear (2015)
Director: Maya Forbes
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldaña, Imogene Wolodarsky
Narrating the tale of Cameron Stuart (played by Mark Ruffalo), a jobless man suffering from bipolar disorder, who tries to take care of his young daughters in an attempt to win back his wife, Maggie (played by Zoe Saldaña), Infinitely Polar Bear turned out to be a thought-provoking, heartfelt movie.
In the film, Saldaña plays a determined wife and mother struggling to provide for her family while taking care of her mentally struggling husband. The actress’ performance is what evoked emotions, showcasing her resilience, vulnerability, and the emotional toll of trying to hold her family together under all circumstances.
Infinitely Polar Bear is available on Apple TV.
8. Center Stage (2000)
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Starring: Amanda Schull, Zoe Saldaña, Susan May Pratt, Peter Gallagher
Center Stage showcased the competitive world of ballet, wherein Zoe Saldaña played the role of Eva Rodriguez, a talented and determined dancer striving to prove herself. While this movie was the actress’ debut feature film role, Saldaña proved her talent in the industry portraying the nuance of Eva’s growth as an artist and how she dealt with the challenges of self-doubt and ambition.
This movie was released more than two decades before Saldaña’s career kicked off and stood out for its blend of athleticism and vulnerability.
Center Stage is available on Prime Video.
7. Nina (2016)
Director: Cynthia Mort
Starring: Zoe Saldaña, David Oyelowo, Ella Thomas
In Cynthia Mort’s 2016 biopic about legendary jazz musician and civil rights icon Nina Simone, Zoe Saldaña played the titular role. Portraying Simone’s rise to stardom, her 1960s heyday, followed by her almost disappearance from the industry, Saldaña delivered a brilliant performance, despite initial controversy surrounding her casting.
The movie showcased Simone’s rough patch of financial woes, ailment, and deteriorating alcoholism that affected her career. Further, showcasing how her manager, Clifton, helped her fight her inner demons, the movie captured the complexity and intensity of Simone’s life and career.
Nina is available on Apple TV.
6. Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Director: Justin Lin
Starring: Chris Pine, Zoe Saldaña, Karl Urban, Idris Elba
The third movie in the Star Trek reboot series, Star Trek Beyond, follows the USS Enterprise crew led by Captain James T. Kirk’s (played by Chris Pine) on a journey of survival after the Enterprise is destroyed by the dictator Krall. So now, as they travel through outer space, the crew must find a way to stop Krall before he destroys the Federation.
In the movie, Zoe Saldaña plays the role of Nyota Uhura, originally played by Nichelle Nichols. While she based her portrayal on the original depiction of the character, the actress also added her own spin. In Star Trek Beyond, Saldaña played an integral part of the crew.
Star Trek Beyond is available on Paramount+.
5. Missing Link (2019)
Director: Chris Butler
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Fry
Appearing in the animated adventure comedy that follows Hugh Jackman’s character, Sir Lionel Frost, whose job is to find mythical creatures, Zoe Saldaña voices the role of Adelina Fortnight, an adventurer. The movie initially starts with Adelina resenting Lionel, only to later reconnect in their search for Yeti, and accept their mutual feelings.
The movie takes their animated adventure to the Himalayas and turns the enemies into teammates and later into lovers. In the movie, Saldaña’s character exhibits fiercely independent qualities, which makes her a relatable thriller seeker.
Missing Link is available on Disney+.
4: Avatar (2009)
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver
Zoe Saldaña has been a major highlight of James Cameron‘s hugely successful sci-fi franchise Avatar. Playing the role of Neytiri, Saldaña appeared in the 2009 movie that narrates the tale of former U.S. Marine Jake Sully’s invasion of a distant moon Na’vi, where Indigenous inhabitants like Neytiri reside.
Soon, after falling in love with the surroundings and the inhabitants, Jake realizes how destructive his mission could prove to be for Na’vi. So, being particularly influenced by Neytiri, he then becomes an ally and tries to protect the land alongside the Indigenous inhabitants.
Avatar is available on Disney+
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Director: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper
Although the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marked the end of a chapter for the beloved Marvel saga, Zoe Saldaña managed to shine as green-tinted Gamora, who was reintroduced to the storyline after her character was previously killed by Thanos. So in this movie, she was brought back from a different timeline, where she spent years with the Ravagers.
The movie marks her reunion with her teammates, simultaneously focusing on the journey she has been through while highlighting her growth as a character. Apart from being a tearjerker, the movie also turned into a box-office success and a beautiful conclusion for the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is available on Disney+.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Director: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Zoe Saldaña, Elizabeth Olsen.
Much like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, even the 2019 iteration of Avengers: Endgame, marked the end of an era for the fan-favorite Avengers. Even there, Zoe Saldaña delivered a phenomenal performance as Gamora. Although this movie marked the end of her character, Saldaña certainly made fair use of her limited screen time.
Showing her ability to stand out in an ensemble of A-listers, Saldaña used every moment of her screentime to narrate Gamora’s heartbreaking tale and once again proved, why she has been a lovable part of the Marvel universe, since her introduction.
Avengers: Endgame is available on Disney+.
1. Emilia Pérez (2024)
Director: Jacques Audiard
Starring: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz,
Starring in the Oscar-nominated movie as a scrappy and ambitious Mexican lawyer Rita Mora Castro, who finds herself in a never-ending, dead-end job, Zoe Saldaña turned eyes with her performance. In the movie, as her story unfolds, she finds a new chapter of her career, after meeting a kingpin who wishes to undergo gender-affirming surgery.
Emilia Pérez tapped into a side of Saldaña that we’ve never witnessed before. Dominating the screen with Rita’s resilience, determination, and emotional complexity, the actress stole the deserving first Oscar win of her career.
Emilia Pérez is available on Netflix.
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