Viola Davis won prominent awards and hearts in Hollywood because of her fantastic acting, realness, and belief that seeing people like you on screen is important. From intense dramas to powerful true stories, Viola has wowed audiences and made a significant impact.
So, get your popcorn ready, and let’s get inspired by these 9 incredible Viola Davis movies and TV shows.
How to Get Away with Murder
| Director | Various |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Billy Brown, Alfred Enoch |
| Duration | Varies (TV series) |
| Genre | Legal Drama, Thriller |
| Release Date | 2014 – 2020 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 89% |
Viola Davis made history by being the first Black woman to win an Emmy award for her role as Annalise Keating in this thrilling legal drama. When you watch this show, you’ll realize that Annalise is a highly complex character, and Viola owns every scene.
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Fences
| Director | Denzel Washington |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Denzel Washington |
| Duration | 2h 19min |
| Genre | Drama |
| Release Date | 2016 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 93% |
Viola’s acting in this movie, based on August Wilson’s play, is exceptional. She won an Academy Award for playing Rose Maxson, a strong and loving woman dealing with family and marriage challenges.
The Help
| Director | Tate Taylor |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer |
| Duration | 2h 26min |
| Genre | Drama |
| Release Date | 2011 |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 76% |
In this powerful movie based on a book by Kathryn Stockett, Viola plays Aibileen Clark, a 69-year-old African-American maid who works for the Leefolts in 1960s Mississippi. Her performance not only got her an Oscar nomination but also showed how important it is to hear from people whose voices are often ignored.
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Doubt
| Director | John Patrick Shanley |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman |
| Duration | 1h 44min |
| Genre | Drama, Mystery |
| Release Date | 2008 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 77% |
In the movie “Doubt,” Viola Davis delivers a powerful performance. Set in a strict Catholic school, she portrays Mrs. Miller, a mother struggling with a difficult choice. Her acting is gripping, leaving you in “doubt” about the truth.
Widows
| Director | Steve McQueen |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki |
| Duration | 2h 9min |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Release Date | 2018 |
| IMDb Rating | 6.9/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 91% |
Viola is Veronica Rawlings, a fearless woman in this heist movie that goes beyond expectations. Her role as a woman taking control of her life after her husband’s death is gripping and inspiring.
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The Birth of a Nation
| Director | Nate Parker |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King |
| Duration | 2h |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, History |
| Release Date | 2016 |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 73% |
Viola Davis is Nancy Turner, a brave enslaved woman fighting for her freedom in this historical drama. She shows the bravery and strength of those who fought against oppression.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
| Director | George C. Wolfe |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman |
| Duration | 1h 34min |
| Genre | Drama, Music |
| Release Date | 2020 |
| IMDb Rating | 7/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 98% |
Viola Davis delivers a breathtaking performance as the legendary Ma Rainey, a pioneering Black blues singer. This movie takes us back in time and allows us to witness the struggles and triumphs of a true musical icon.
Read More: The 30 Best Black Movies on Hulu: Exploring Black Cinema
Antwone Fisher
| Director | Denzel Washington |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Derek Luke |
| Duration | 2h |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, Romance |
| Release Date | 2002 |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 79% |
In this heartwarming drama, Viola plays Dr. Jerome Davenport, a compassionate psychiatrist helping a troubled young sailor, Antwone Fisher, played by Derek Luke. Her role as a guiding and empathetic figure is genuinely touching.
Lila & Eve
| Director | Charles Stone III |
|---|---|
| Cast | Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez |
| Duration | 1h 34min |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Release Date | 2015 |
| IMDb Rating | 5.8/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 39% |
Viola Davis teams up with Jennifer Lopez in this crime drama as Lila, a grieving mother who seeks justice after her son’s murder. The movie shows us resilience and the bonds that form in the face of tragedy.
Conclusion
Viola Davis always leaves a significant mark with her roles, whether on the small screen or the big one. Her ability to become intense and complex women and authenticate their stories is unique.
So, let these 9 Viola Davis movies and TV shows motivate you, lift your spirits, and remind you of your strength and power. As Viola once said, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” Let’s celebrate the chances and Viola Davis’s incredible talent together.
