My Favourite Viola Davis Films of All-Time

Not many actresses in Hollywood are as beloved as Viola Davis. Since the 1990’s, Davis has become a legendary icon. Whether it’s loyal housekeepers, emotional mothers or singers, Davis has portrayed several strong characters. Given the number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Fences

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared strong relationships with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she has always been an endless source of inspiration guiding my life in the right direction. A single mother without employment, she has made huge sacrifices raising me and my brother. Through her wisdom, I was inspired to make my dreams come true. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the fences barriers faced by mothers seeking to raise families as powerfully as “Fences”. Released in 2016, Viola Davis’ movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved Broadway play about mothers. In the greatest role of her career, Davis embodies a conflicted African-American mother struggling raising a family that becomes a heavy burden to bear. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, emotional and vulnerable in her most memorable role. Davis has always had an aptitude for conveying strong emotions through delivering monologues, and “Fences” showcased her strengths as a performer. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Davis creates a powerful portrait of an African-American family that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Rose experiences an emotional breakdown standing up against Troy after discovering that he is having an extramarital affair is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Fences” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about family tragedy which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the establishments of a commemorated Broadway play about African-American families experiencing fences barriers with an exrcuciating price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a commemorated actress whose timeless films deserve to be celebrated today.

2. The Help

Housekeepers have always helped my family. At an early age, I bonded with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. Dedicated to every chore, she was a person my family came to adore. A devoted housemaid, she often devoted herself to her job regardless of how much she was paid. As someone treasuring fond memories of a housemaid that gave my family valuable help, I adored “The Help”. Released in 2012, Viola Davis’ movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about helpful housekeepers. In the most compassionate role of her career, Davis embodies a helpful housekeeper that seeks to take care of a privileged white family that becomes a burden to bear. Davis has always had an aptitude for conveying strong emotions through her strong expressions, and “The Help” showcased her strengths as an actress. Through meaningful expressions, Davis captured the hardships black housemaids in the 1960’s went through. For instance, the scene in which Aibileen faces despair bidding tearful goodbyes to a young child she was taking care of after being fired by her employer is one of the greatest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Help” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about housemaids that would resonate with everyone. A bold adaptation of a book about maids that are helpful, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress whose movies audiences consider special.

3. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Music is a passion that my father has always enjoyed pursuing. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a father that had dreams of becoming a maestro. I remember a father that sought to become a famous singer. Drawn towards the sound of music, he often found enjoyment in composing melodies that were profound. As someone treasuring fond memories of a father that sought music stardom, I adored “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. Released in 2020, Viola Davis’ movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical. In the most melodious role of her career, Davis embodies a musical diva that achieved stardom composing melodies people love to hear. Davis has spent most of her career playing conflicted women facing turmoil in serious dramas With “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, however, the actress showcased an aptitude for singing melodies audiences hadn’t seen before. For instance, the opening scene in which Ma Rainey performs the song Deep Moaning Blues showcased the actress’ talent for singing. Ultimately, what makes “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” a musical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about racism that would resonate with everyone. As strong as melodies that Ma Rainey seeks to orchestrate, it’s a bold reminder of an actress whose timeless movies audiences appreciate.

4. Prisoners

Child abduction is a painful process causing stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. I recall the expression of terror on the face of my mother as she searched the store for my baby brother. Fearful that my brother had been abducted, my mother couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the dangers of child abduction as powerfully as “Prisoners”. Released in 2013, Viola Davis’ movie captured child abduction. In the most emotional role of her career, Davis embodies a mother that faces despair when her children disappear. Davis has a flair for playing women facing turmoil, and “Prisoners” showcased her strengths. For instance, the scene in which Nancy discovers the sad news that her children have been abducted causing despair is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Prisoners” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about child abduction which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of pressure faced by parents whose kids are abducted, it’s a strong reminder of an actress that thrives playing bold women in movies audiences appreciated.

5. The Woman King

Ancient tales about African tribes that faced disaster have always fascinated my teacher. At an early, I formed a strong bond with an English teacher that immense knowledge about African tribes facing damage. He always sought to educate students about African tribes that he had grown up to appreciate. As someone treasuring a teacher that found African tribes inspiring, I adored “The Woman King”. Released in 2022, Viola Davis’ movie honoured an African tribe in the 19th Century. In the most empowering role of her career, Davis embodies a fierce female warrior facing fear. Davis has always been one of those actresses that excels at playing powerful women, and her strengths are evident in “The Woman King”. For instance, the scene in which General Nanisca is crowned as the woman king achieving victories is one of the best moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Woman King” a historical masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a strong message about womanhood that would resonate with everyone. Centuries after the creation of an African-American tribe that was determined to protect its kingdom, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with wisdom whose movies have achieved great stardom.

6. Widows

Viola Davis is one of those actresses that has always excelled at playing strong characters in positions of power. Davis has built an image for playing powerful female protagonists that deliver an inspiring message. Davis’ strength for playing inspirational feminist heroes is clearly evident in her film “Widows”. Released in 2018, Viola Davis’ movie captured strong widows committing bank robberies. In the most commanding role of her career, Davis embodies a grief-stricken widow seeking to plan a robbery following the loss of her husband causing despair. It’s a larger-than-life role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her commanding screen presence. As precious as robberies planned by widows, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actress that has always chose her roles wisely by playing inspiring feminist heroes.

7. Air

Nike is a fantastic footwear company that has built a strong legacy. In 1984, the company formed a business partnership with a famous basketball player to create shoes athletes consider precious. Forming a partnership with Michael Jordan, the company designed revolutionary shoes earning recognition. In 2023, Viola Davis did an exceptional job celebrating the legacy of the renowned footwear company in her movie “Air”. In the most persuasive role of her career, Davis embodied the mother of a famous basketball player. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing strong women. Despite her limited screen-time, Davis left a strong impression. As precious as Nike’s footwear, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has built an illustrious career making movies about which audiences care.

8. Doubt

Religion is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has avoided stories about religion. Filmmakers find it challenging to make movies about religion. In an industry where religion is an issue that’s rarely talked about, “Doubt” is a film that stands out. Released in 2008, Viola Davis’ movie did an extraordinary job depicting the lives of religious priests facing doubt. In the most courageous role of her career, Davis embodied a woman questioning her religious faith facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress chances to step out of her comfort zone playing a woman that isn’t in a position of power. A disturbing depiction of the dangers faced by nuns that are devout, it’s a dazzling reminder of an actress that thrives making movies about issues that are rarely talked about which are worth watching without a doubt.

9. Get On Up

Few musicians that became the talk of the town years ago are as beloved as James Brown. During the 1950’s, Brown was a black singer that composed timeless melodies. With his charming personality, strong presence and strong vocals, Brown earned a following. In 2014, Viola Davis celebrated the legendary musician in her film “Get On Up”. In the most subtle role of her career, Davis embodies a caring mother supporting her son’s dreams to become a musician. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her aptitude for playing strong women. Working alongside Chadwick Boseman who is also excellent, David honoured an icon in entertainment. A marvellous tribute towards a legendary musician crafting songs which were melodious, it’s a magnificent reminder of an actress whose movies audiences consider to be precious.

10. Suicide Squad

Viola Davis hasn’t always made great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema. While most movies the actress has made have been successful, a few have fallen short. Unfortunately, “Suicide Squad” falls into the latter category of movies that’s flawed. Released in 2016, David Ayer’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most wooden role of her career, Davis embodies an authoritative manager taking care of a supervillain team. Davis brought her usual charisma to the role proving to be the bright spot of a bad movie. Although it’s a film that’s flawed, “Suicide Squad” is a reminder of an actress whose movies audiences applaud. As strong as bonds between the suicide squad team, t’s a strong reminder of a supreme actress whose films appealing to mainstream audiences I will forever cherish for leading me to achieve my film criticism dream.