Zoe Saldana is one of those actors who brightens up any project she is involved in. She has an effortless charm and power onscreen which she’s used in a variety of roles. Though she isn’t often considered one of the biggest movie stars around, you’re likely to see her in some of the biggest movies ever made.
From her early beginnings in small supporting roles to her current reign as the queen of the science-fiction genre, Saldana has an incredibly impressive filmography to her name. A list of her best movies will include plenty of hits you know as well as some hidden gems. Here are Zoe Saldana’s 10 best movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
10 Avatar (82%)
Saldana doesn’t get enough credit for appearing in several of the biggest films of all time, including this box-office juggernaut. Avatar is the science-fiction story set on the planet of Pandora. A young marine (Sam Worthington) is tasked with gaining the trust of the planet’s inhabitants only to find himself falling in love with one of them, played by Saldana.
Critics admitted that the storytelling elements of the film were a little weak, but the visual spectacle of the film more than made up for it. They were blown away by the ground-breaking effects and James Cameron’s handling of the epic scale.
9 Star Trek Into Darkness (84%)
Saldana has a number of science-fiction franchises under her belt, including the iconic Star Trek series. Star Trek Into Darkness is the first sequel in the rebooted series with Saldana playing Uhura. The film follows the crew of the Enterprise hunting down a mysterious man who represents an unstoppable threat.
The film did not have the same level of excitement and freshness as the original, but critics still found plenty to recommend. The likable cast still brought a lot of life to the film and it was a suitably action-packed ride.
8 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (84%)
Saldana added yet another sci-fi franchise to her resume with her role as Gamora in the MCU. Gamora and the other Guardians return in this sequel which finds them being chased across the cosmos by a number of enemies and encountering an all-powerful being known as Ego (Kurt Russell).
Like Star Trek Into Darkness, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 failed to recapture the magic of its predecessor for many critics. However, the characters were still incredibly entertaining to spend time with, the colorful visuals were engrossing and the movie was absolutely hilarious.
7 Avengers: Infinity War (85%)
The Guardians finally got to join the big leagues in Avengers: Infinity War with Gamora getting a very significant role in the cosmic adventure. The film shows Thanos is full-Titan mode as he storms across the universe collecting Infinity Stones while the heroes do everything they can to prevent him from carrying out his devastating plan.
Some critics thought the story and character list made the film feel a little overwhelming, but many enjoyed the epic nature of the film. They praised the action and humor, as well as one of the most impactful endings in recent memory.
6 Star Trek Beyond (86%)
The third Star Trek film in the new series was an attempt to get the franchise back to its exploration roots. The film follows the crew of the Enterprise being stranded and separated on an alien planet where they are hunted by a ruthless enemy (Idris Elba).
Most critics agreed that this film but the series back on the right track. Critics once again praised the action-packed feel of the film even on a smaller scale this time around. They were also pleased by the film’s ability to honor the original series in its storytelling.
5 Missing Link (89%)
Saldana stepped away from the live-action world to lend her voice to the animated adventure film, Missing Link. The film follows the fabled missing link who hires an explorer and an adventurer to help him find his long-lost relatives. Saldana voices the adventurer, Adelina Fortnight.
The movie was praised as another animation triumph for Laika Entertainment. The visual style of the movie impressed many critics and the humor and heart made it a special family-friendly adventure.
4 Guardians Of The Galaxy (91%)
Saldana made her MCU debut as Gamora along with the other Guardians in Guardians of the Galaxy. The film found the group of outcasts forming a reluctant alliance to keep a powerful weapon out of the hands of a deranged radical.
The movie was another huge win for the MCU and a breath of fresh air in the genre. James Gunn’s stylish approach to the cosmic world was a hit with critics, as was his irreverent humor. The cast was also praised for bringing these colorful characters to life in touching and entertaining ways.
3 Star Trek (94%)
The long-running science-fiction series got an update with J.J. Abrams’s Star Trek. The film followed a time-traveling Romulan on a mission of revenge who faces off with the new crew of the Enterprise, forever changing the destiny of these characters.
While many were skeptical of the reboot and new actors taking over the iconic roles, critics loved the updated version. The clever storytelling, great humor, and thrilling action were highlighted. The cast was also considered a high-point with all the new actors filling their iconic roles wonderfully.
2 Avengers: Endgame (94%)
After over a decade of filmmaking, the first chapter of the MCU had its epic climax with Avengers: Endgame. As the world deals with the aftermath of Thanos’ devastating victory, the remaining heroes undertake a desperate mission to set things right.
The film had some massive expectations to reach but most critics agreed that the film met them. The ambitious story was filled with the kind of action and humor that the MCU is known for. The conclusion of the story was also highly emotional and resulted in a satisfying end to the Infinity Saga.
1 Premium (100%)
Before she was starring in some of the biggest movies of all time, Saldana was taking small roles in films, or in the case of Premium, having a leading role in small independent films. Saldana stars as a young woman who happens to run into her former boyfriend just before she is going to be married.
The simple romantic comedy did not reach a large audience, but it impressed those who were able to see it. Critics praised the charm and humor of the film as well as its authentic feel. The leads, especially Saldana were also singled-out as a strong aspect of the film.
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