Not many actresses have made movies audiences cherish like Naomie Harris. Since her rise to fame in the 1990’s, Harris has made memorable movies. Whether it’s grieving mothers, spy managers or political leaders, Harris has portrayed several characters. Given the number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Moonlight
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Several years ago, I witnessed the hardships faced by a gay cousin in my family that sought social acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s feminine attire, he was a bright person that my entire family would always admire. Unaware that he was queer, I formed a strong bond with a great cousin about whom I had come to deeply care. However, the shocking discovery of his secret sexual identity ended our short bond forever. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the grim plight faced by queer people that keep their sexuality hidden in plain sight as powerfully as “Moonlight”. Released in 2016, Naomie Harris’ best movie captured a queer black boy’s dark journey to discover his grim sexual identity. In the greatest role of her career, Harris portrayed a grieving mother struggling to take care of a queer boy causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Harris has spent most of her career playing likeable heroines in period pieces. With “Moonlight”, however, the actress showcased rare emotional range she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Mahershala Ali who is also outstanding, Harris created a portrait of queer men that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Paul meets Chiron after several years of separation becoming aware that he is queer causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Moonlight” Naomie Harris’ best movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about the LGBTQ men, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 10 years after the release of a film about gay black boys keeping sexual identity hidden in plain sight, it’s a bold reminder of a great actress that has made strong movies which definitely deserve spotlight.
2. Skyfall
James Bond is a spectacular spy of whom my father was always fond. I remember my father was once a huge fan of the iconic spy saving the world from grave danger. He would often seek to explain why she adored a spy with no time to die. In 2012, Naomie Harris honoured the iconic spy facing a skyfall in her movie “Skyfall”. In the most intelligent role of her career, Harris portrayed the personal assistant of a spy embarking on dangerous missions causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for stealing the show as a supporting character with limited screen-time. Working alongside Daniel Craig who is also outstanding, Harris honoured a spy that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Moneypenny is first introduced seeking to prepare Bond for his first mission is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Skyfall” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Bond franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A spectacular tribute towards a legendary spy, it’s a superb reminder of a great actress making movies which satisfy.
3. Southpaw
Boxers are figures with strong stature that always impressed by grandfather. I remember my grandfather was once a huge fan of boxers competing in professional wrestling with a charismatic nature. Fond of boxing, he would always love discussing athletes he found inspiring. As someone treasuring memories of a grandfather that loved boxers inspiring awe, I adored “Southpaw”. Released in 2015, Naomie Harris’ sports movie captured the life of a boxer facing adversity. In the most compassionate role of her career, Harris portrayed a social worker seeking to care for a boxer facing despair. I gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing compassionate women with success. Working alongside Jake Gyllenhaal who is also outstanding, Harris created a drama that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Angela first meets Billy Hope becoming aware of the mental issues faced by the boxer is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Southpaw” a classic is its message. It delivers an inspiring message about determination which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Billy Hope’s desire to become a successful boxer, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actress that has made bold movies audiences treasure.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
Pirates of the Caribbean is an iconic franchise about pirates that always earned my brother’s appreciation. Several years ago, my brother was once a huge fan of Jack Sparrow. He would always enjoy heading to the theatre to see movies about pirates in danger. In 2006, Naomie Harris honoured the iconic franchise that left my brother impressed in her movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”. In the most adventurous role of her career, Harris portrayed a fortune teller seeking to prepare pirates for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside Johnny Depp who is also amazing, Harris honoured a franchise about pirates that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Tia Dalma gives Jack Sparrow valuable advice seeking to prepare him for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” a fantasy classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the pirates franchise, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As precious as Davy Jones’ chest, it’s a captivating reminder of an actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies which have always left audiences impressed.
5. Black Bag
Extramarital affairs often cause marriages to face tragedy. At an early age, I witnessed a family friend engage in an extramarital affair causing his marriage to face damage. His decision to cheat on his wife caused his marriage to become obsolete. Left emotionally devastated, he was separated from beloved children he appreciated. As someone that witnessed marriages affected by affairs drag, I adored “Black Bag”. Released in 2025, Naomie Harris’ movie captured the lives of spies affected by infidelity. In the most provocative role of her career, Harris portrayed a female agent engaging in an extra-martial affair causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing an adulterous woman that feels alone. Working alongside Michael Fassbender who is also outstanding, Harris created an espionage thriller that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Zoe becomes aware that her boyfriend has been having an affair causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Black Bag” a spy classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about spies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of infidelity causing marriages to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has manufactured commemorated films audiences appreciate.
6. 28 Days Later
Over the past decade, the zombie movie genre has faced a decline in quality. With their cartoonish characters, over-the-top action and lacklustre effects, most zombie movies are a chore to sit through. In a genre that has faced disaster, it’s worth discussing “28 Days Later”. Released in 2002, Naomie Harris’ movie revived the zombie genre from a realistic point-of-view. In the most heroic role of her career, Harris portrayed a survivor of a zombie apocalypse causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a rare chance to showcase talent for horror she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Cillian Murphy who is also outstanding, Harris created a zombie movie that’s engaging. A dazzling depiction of a zombie disaster occurring over 28 days, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose movies have earned immense praise.
7. Miami Vice
When it comes to the greatest television series ever made about cops with a vice, it’s worth discussing Miami Vice. Since its creation in the 1980’s, Anthony Yerkovich’s show has built a lasting legacy. In 2006, Naomie Harris honoured the iconic show about vice in her movie “Miami Vice”. In the most mischievous role of her career, Harris portrayed a detective seeking to resolve crimes in a city facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing emotional women under stress. Working alongside Jamie Foxx who is also outstanding, Harris honoured a show that’s captivating. A spectacular tribute to a beloved television show, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout her impressive career which give audiences big dreams to follow.
8. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Few political figures in Africa are as beloved as Nelson Mandela. With his strong charisma, larger-thna-life personality and commanding presence, Mandela built a lasting legacy. In 2013, Naomie Harris honoured the iconic political leader that sought freedom in her movie “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”. In the most political role of her career, Harris portrayed a woman that supported Mandela during an era of warfare. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by playing a political figure that’s well-known. Working alongside Idris Elba who is also outstanding, Harris honoured Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Nearly 80 years after Nelson Mandela became a powerful political leader in South Africa, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with charisma that has made memorable movies attracting audiences towards Cinema.
9. No Time to Die
It isn’t easy to bring a beloved spy franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most franchises often start with a bang keeping audiences invested. However, famous franchises rarely ever come to a satisfying ending. That being said, “No Time to Die” is an exception. Released in 2021, Naomie Harris’ movie did an extraordinary job bringing the Bond franchise to a satisfying conclusion. In the most emotional role of her career, Harris portrayed a manager seeking to care for a retired spy facing despair. It gave the actress a rare chance to bring emotion to Moneypenny she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Daniel Craig who is also outstanding, Harris honoured a spy that’s captivating. A fantastic farewell towards a beloved agent, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actress that has manufactured unforgettable entertainment.
10. Rampage
Naomie Harris hasn’t always made great movies audiences cherish. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Rampage” falls into the latter category. Released in 2018, Brad Peyton’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Harris portrayed an intelligent scientist seeking to prevent a monster invasion causing despair. Harris brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “Rampage” is a bad movie, it honoured Harris’ commemorated legacy. As strong as gorillas causing a rampage catastrophe, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has manufactured a lasting legacy making movies I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking which I have valued highly.
The Film Buff 