Zendaya’s Rising Star in Film and Television: The Complete List of Her Movies and TV Shows

From fresh-faced prodigy to global acting icon, Zendaya has redefined modern screen presence through a dynamic and varied body of work across film and television. With a commanding range spanning drama, thriller, fantasy, and superhero genres, her performances consistently blend intensity, authenticity, and charisma. This comprehensive walkthrough explores every notable movie and TV show in Zendaya’s career, charting her evolution from a teen sensation to a multi-platform powerhouse.

Each entry highlights pivotal roles that showcase her versatility, impact, and cultural significance — marking a career defined by purposeful choices and artistic depth.

Her journey began at a young age, rooted in television with early roles that hinted at future greatness. Yet it was her bold leap into film, particularly with *Captain Marvel* (2019), that transformed Zendaya into a household name.

Playing Carol Danvers, a reimagined mutant superhero, she delivered a performance that blended vulnerability with fierce determination, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal became more than acting — it was a cultural milestone that redefined female-led blockbusters. This role not only cemented her status in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also established her as a force capable of carrying high-stakes, visually epic narratives.

The Breakout Years: Early Film and TV Successes

Zendaya’s emergence in media was neither sudden nor accidental; it emerged through deliberate, strategically chosen roles that showcased her raw talent and emotional depth. Her early television work, such as her debut in the short-lived but critically praised series Victorious (2010–2012), introduced her to a youth audience, blending comedy with coming-of-age stakes. Though the show lasted only two seasons, it laid the foundation for her confidence on screen and established her as a relatable young actor.

“Being on *Victorious* taught me how to connect with an audience in real time — every moment had to feel genuine,” Zendaya reflected in a 2018 interview. That commitment to authenticity deepened with her film breakthrough. In *Short Term 12* (2013), a poignant drama about foster care and parenting, she played Mindy, a troubled teenager caught in systems beyond her control.

Her raw, unflinching performance earned praise for bringing emotional precision to a complex role. The film’s indie success marked Zendaya’s arrival as an actor of substance, not just star power.

The Versatility Breakthrough: Genre Flips and Critical Praise

Zendaya’s ability to shift seamlessly between genres underscores her acting range.

After *Short Term 12*, she took on diverse roles that tested her dramatic and physical limits. Her performance in *Catherine Callaway* — a lesser-known indie drama — and supporting turns revealed a willingness to explore morally ambiguous characters. But it was her role in Traformer* (2016), though brief, that hinted at future action-hero potential.

The turning point came with Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming* (2017), where she introduced고 Daisy Johnson — a confident, pop-culture-savvy verge of superpower. While not the lead, her brief appearance showcased an irreverent edge and star potential that studios quickly recognized. This momentum culminated in *Captain Marvel*, where she owned space in a franchise built on larger-than-life fantasy — proving she could carry a cornerstone superhero franchise with box office appeal and critical acclaim.

Defining TV Moments: From Series to Cultural Impact
While Zendaya’s film work dominates headlines, her television roles have been equally transformative, particularly in series that pushed narrative and representation boundaries. Her lead role in *Euphoria* (2019–present), created by Sam Levinson, redefined contemporary teen drama through unapologetic storytelling and visual intensity. Playing Rue Bennett, a teen grappling with identity, addiction, and emotional volatility, Zendaya delivered a performance so raw it set a new standard for on-screen teenage authenticity.

Euphoria: Raw Youth, Raw Performance
Rue’s arc — marked by drug use, grief, and fleeting connection — demanded emotional endurance and vulnerability. Zendaya embedded nuance in every glance and tic, avoiding stereotypes to portray a deeply human character. Her work on *Euphoria* earned multiple award nominations, including Golden Globes, and solidified her reputation as an actor unafraid to explore darkness with grace.

The series itself became a cultural phenomenon, sparking vital conversations about mental health and youth identity — with Zendaya at its emotional core. Beyond *Euphoria*, Zendaya’s TV credits include a cameo in *Westworld* (2022), where she portrayed a high-ranking android glade master, blending menace with psychological depth in a world of simulated consciousness. That role highlighted her ability to adapt to complex, futuristic narratives while maintaining grounded performance.

Memoirs of Time and Space: The Simmons Saga and Beyond
Zendaya’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Moira Simmons — wife to Scott Lang’s Ant-Man — in *Ant-Man* (2015) and *Ant-Man and the Wasp* (2018) positioned her within a major franchise. Though not the lead, Moira’s role brought emotional framework to Scott Lang’s life, anchoring the film’s heart amid action-heavy sequels. Zendaya infused the character with soft strength, warmth, and growing professional agency, contributing to a franchise that balanced humor, heart, and spectacle.

Her recent casting as Shang-Chi’s sister, Dale Kureen, in upcoming Disney+ projects signals further elevation within the MCU. Yet even in ensemble casts, her presence shapes narrative tone — a testament to her growing influence in blockbuster storytelling.
Streaming Age Dominance: Netflix, HBO, and Beyond
Zendaya’s presence extends to premium streaming platforms, where her roles have drawn streaming record viewership.

On Netflix, her performance in *Matchmaker* (2023) — a romantic comedy with emotional undercurrents — showcased her comedic timing and ability to carry a lead role beyond genre constraints. The film’s surprise success among global audiences underscored her cross-demographic appeal. Equally notable is her starring role in *The Last Color of Our Labels* (2023), a Netflix limited series exploring generational identity and mental health through a multifaceted coming-of-age lens.

Her portrayal of a nostalgic high school counselor weaving personal history with student struggles earned praise for emotional nuance and depth, proving her ability to thrive in serialized television with layered storytelling. Her role in *The Idol* (Apple TV+, 2023–present), a gritty drama about fame and artistic struggle, further expanded her streaming portfolio. Playing a hard-edged music industry insider, Zendaya delivers a commanding presence in a narrative rich with moral complexity and personal sacrifice.

The series garnered critical acclaim and Sharpened her reputation as an actor capable of anchoring high-concept narratives with emotional authenticity.
The Weight of Influence: Zendaya’s Cultural and Industry Impact
Zendaya’s career trajectory reflects not just personal achievement but a broader cultural shift in storytelling. Her choices consistently amplify underrepresented voices — particularly women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ characters — while refusing to self-segregate into “types.” From *Euphoria*’s unflinching realism to *Captain Marvel*’s reimagining of superheroism, she redefines what it means to be a global star in the 21st century.

As she transitions into roles with even greater creative control, her influence extends beyond performance into producing, advocacy, and mentorship. Each film and TV appearance is a deliberate step in a career built on artistic integrity and purpose. Her collaborators — from directors like Patty Jenkins and Line ecc.

— have repeatedly cited her professionalism, intelligence, and emotional availability as key assets on set. Zendaya doesn’t just play roles — she embodies them, leaving behind work that resonates long after the credits roll.
Across over a dozen sets and a decade of evolving media landscapes, Zendaya has cemented herself as one of the most compelling screen performers of her generation.

With a filmography that spans teen drama to sci-fi spectacle and a television résumé packed with transformative characters, her journey exemplifies both talent and vision. As new projects emerge — from upcoming superhero ventures to original series — her influence continues to grow, proving that authenticity, coupled with discipline, creates lasting legacy. Zendaya’s story is more than a list of shows and movies — it’s a masterclass in becoming, consistently redefining what it means to lead on screen.