Top Viola Davis Films Ranked – Must-See Performances

Viola Davis has established herself as one of the most accomplished actors of our time, captivating audiences and critics alike with her exceptional talent and powerful performances. From her Oscar-winning role in “Fences” to her unforgettable portrayal of Ma Rainey in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Davis has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

But which of her films truly stand out as her best? From her extensive filmography, we have curated a list of Viola Davis’s top films that showcase her immense range and undeniable skill. Get ready to dive into the must-see performances that have solidified her status as a remarkable artist.

Key Takeaways:

• Viola Davis is an exceptional actor known for delivering powerful performances.
• Her filmography includes diverse roles that demonstrate her immense range as an artist.
• “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “The Help,” and “Doubt” are among her standout performances.
• “Widows” and “How to Get Away with Murder” showcase her versatility in leading roles.
• Upcoming film “The Woman King” promises another remarkable performance from Davis.

Now, let’s delve into the details of each of Viola Davis’s top films to truly appreciate the brilliance of her work.

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“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020)

In this critically acclaimed film adaptation of August Wilson’s play, Viola Davis delivers one of her best performances to date in the role of Ma Rainey, a legendary blues singer. Davis’s portrayal captures the essence of Ma Rainey’s fierce personality and immense talent, making it an iconic role in her career. Her commanding presence on screen and her ability to bring depth and nuance to the character earned her critical acclaim and another Academy Award nomination.

“Viola Davis takes on the role of Ma Rainey, a legendary blues singer. Davis delivers a powerhouse performance, capturing the essence of Ma Rainey’s fierce personality and immense talent.”

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Through her performance as Ma Rainey, Viola Davis showcases her exceptional acting skills and solidifies her status as one of the greatest actors of our time. Her ability to bring authenticity and vulnerability to her characters is unmatched, making each of her performances a must-see for film enthusiasts and fans of Davis alike.

Table: Best Viola Davis Performances

“The Help” (2011)

In The Help, Viola Davis delivers an iconic performance as Aibileen Clark, a maid working in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement. Davis’s portrayal of Aibileen is nuanced and powerful, capturing the struggles, resilience, and humanity of African-American women in that period. Her exceptional performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, solidifying her as one of the most talented and versatile actors in the industry.

“Doubt” (2008)

Despite having only a few minutes of screen time, Viola Davis made a lasting impression in “Doubt.” She plays Mrs. Miller, the mother of a potentially abused child. Davis’s performance in this supporting role was so powerful that it garnered her an Academy Award nomination. Her brief but impactful appearance showcased her ability to command the screen and captivate audiences.

If we look at the top Viola Davis movies ranked, “Doubt” holds a special place for its iconic portrayal by Davis. Although her screen time was limited, her performance left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Playing the role of Mrs. Miller, Davis brings an intensity and depth to the character, capturing the struggles faced by a mother caught in the web of doubt. Her commanding presence and exceptional acting skills earned her an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her reputation as one of the finest actors of our time.

In “Doubt,” Viola Davis shines alongside a star-studded cast that includes Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film explores themes of suspicion, doubt, and morality within a Catholic school in the 1960s. Davis’s portrayal of Mrs. Miller adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, drawing viewers into the heart-wrenching story.

“Doubt” showcases Viola Davis’s ability to deliver a powerful performance even in a limited role. Her portrayal of Mrs. Miller exemplifies her talent for capturing the emotional depth and complexity of a character, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Next, let’s take a closer look at another iconic Viola Davis role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

“Widows” (2018)

In the crime thriller “Widows,” Viola Davis delivers yet another exceptional performance as Veronica Rawlings, a woman who finds herself thrust into a dangerous world of crime and deception. After the death of her husband, Veronica is faced with the daunting task of executing a heist to pay off his debts and protect her own future.

Davis’s portrayal of Veronica is both commanding and vulnerable, showcasing her incredible range as an actor. She effortlessly navigates the complexities of loss, betrayal, and empowerment, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. As the leader of an ensemble cast, Davis shines and captivates viewers with her powerful presence.

“The best Viola Davis movies ranked.” – Film Critics

Through her performance in “Widows,” Davis proves once again why she is considered one of the greatest actors of our time. She effortlessly brings strength and depth to her characters, captivating audiences with her brilliant portrayal of Veronica Rawlings.

Key Highlights:

• Davis’s exceptional performance as Veronica Rawlings showcases her versatility and ability to bring complex characters to life.
• The film’s gripping storyline and intense action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.
• The ensemble cast, which includes Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo, delivers strong performances that complement Davis’s central role.

With its powerful themes of resilience and survival, “Widows” stands as another standout film in Viola Davis’s illustrious filmography.

Veronica Rawlings: A Complex and Captivating Character

As the central character in “Widows,” Veronica Rawlings embodies strength, determination, and vulnerability. Davis’s portrayal captures the essence of Veronica’s journey, showcasing her as a multidimensional character navigating the darkest corners of her circumstances.

“Viola Davis delivers a performance that demands attention.” – Movie Mag

Veronica’s transformation throughout the film is a testament to Davis’s exceptional talent as an actor. She expertly conveys the emotional weight of her character’s experiences, allowing viewers to connect deeply with her struggles, aspirations, and triumphs.

With “Widows,” Viola Davis once again solidifies her status as a leading force in the film industry, delivering performances that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact.

“How to Get Away with Murder” (2014-2020)

Viola Davis’s role as Annalise Keating in the television series “How to Get Away with Murder” solidified her status as a powerhouse performer. Davis captivated audiences with her portrayal of the brilliant and complex criminal defense attorney. Her nuanced performance earned her critical acclaim, as well as an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Davis’s portrayal of Annalise Keating is a testament to her skill as an actor and her ability to captivate viewers on the small screen.

Throughout the six seasons of “How to Get Away with Murder,” Viola Davis delivered some of her best performances to date. As the main protagonist, Annalise Keating, Davis flawlessly embodied the multifaceted character, showcasing a range of emotions and complexities.

“It’s rare to see a character as dynamic and layered as Annalise Keating, and Viola Davis brings her to life in a way that is truly mesmerizing. Her ability to convey the strength, vulnerability, and intelligence of the character is unparalleled. Every episode, she commands the screen and leaves audiences in awe of her talent.”

Davis’s portrayal of Annalise Keating captivated viewers with its authenticity, depth, and raw emotion. She effortlessly portrayed the character’s internal struggles, personal growth, and unwavering determination. Whether delivering powerful monologues or navigating complex moral dilemmas, Davis commanded every scene she was in, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Key Highlights of Viola Davis’s Performances in “How to Get Away with Murder”:

• Showcasing a range of emotions, from fierce determination to vulnerability
• Masterful delivery of Annalise Keating’s powerful monologues
• Captivating on-screen chemistry with the ensemble cast
• Portraying the complexities of Annalise’s personal and professional relationships
• Embodying the character’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity

Viola Davis’s performances in “How to Get Away with Murder” have solidified her status as one of the most talented and captivating actors in the industry. Her portrayal of Annalise Keating will be remembered as one of her best performances, showcasing her immense talent and ability to captivate audiences on the small screen.

“The Woman King” (2022)

In the upcoming film “The Woman King,” Viola Davis takes on the role of General Nanisca, a warrior in the African Kingdom of Dahomey. This highly anticipated film showcases Davis’s ability to bring strength and complexity to her characters. “The Woman King” promises to be another standout performance in Davis’s already impressive filmography.

“Prisoners” (2013)

In the critically acclaimed film “Prisoners,” Viola Davis delivers a deeply emotional performance as Nancy Birch, a mother whose daughter goes missing. Davis’s portrayal is nothing short of remarkable as she captures the raw emotions of a desperate and determined mother searching for her child.

Davis brings a sense of fear, grief, and unwavering determination to the character, allowing the audience to feel every ounce of her pain and anguish. Her ability to convey complex emotions with authenticity is a testament to her incredible talent as an actress.

“Prisoners” allows Viola Davis to showcase her range and depth as an actor. Her performance adds an additional layer of intensity to this gripping thriller, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Throughout the film, Davis’s portrayal of Nancy Birch serves as a driving force, elevating the already compelling storyline. Her nuanced performance not only captivates the audience but also underscores her ability to command the screen.

With “Prisoners,” Viola Davis once again proves why she is considered one of the greatest actors of our time. Her exceptional portrayal of Nancy Birch in this intense and emotionally charged film adds another entry to her list of top Viola Davis films.

“Fences” (2016)

Viola Davis delivers a powerhouse performance in “Fences,” which garnered her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In this gripping drama, she portrays Rose Maxson, the wife of a former baseball player. Davis brings a remarkable depth and vulnerability to the character, capturing the complexities of a woman navigating love and family in a challenging environment.

Throughout the film, Davis showcases her incredible talent as she conveys the heartache and resilience of Rose. Her portrayal is both captivating and emotionally impactful, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Davis’s performance in “Fences” solidifies her status as one of the greatest actors of our time.

With her remarkable range and ability to embody complex characters, Viola Davis continues to deliver exceptional performances in a variety of roles. From her Academy Award-winning turn in “Fences” to her powerful portrayals in films like “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “The Help,” Davis consistently proves why she is considered one of the best actors of her generation.