Black Actresses Who Carried Movies That Didn’t Deserve Them

It’s common in Hollywood for incredibly talented actors to appear in weak films. This is especially true for Black actresses, who frequently have to carry poorly written scripts or films with unclear direction, relying on their own charm and skill to make them work. Despite the flawed projects, these actresses consistently deliver strong and memorable performances, proving their talent can still shine through even in bad movies. They often end up being the best part of films that otherwise fall flat.

Halle Berry

Despite a poorly received script and costume, Halle Berry gave a committed performance as Patience Phillips in ‘Catwoman’ (2004). She used her athleticism and charisma to try and salvage the film’s confusing and disjointed storyline. The movie struggled with bad editing and an inconsistent tone, unsure whether to be campy or serious. Berry later playfully acknowledged the film’s shortcomings when she accepted a Razzie Award. Even though the movie wasn’t successful, her performance stands out as the one bright spot.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis delivered a powerful and intense performance as Amanda Waller in the 2016 film ‘Suicide Squad’. Despite the movie having problems with its speed and story, Davis was consistently compelling and intimidating on screen. She played the government official with cold, calculating effectiveness, which helped balance the film’s more fantastical elements. Many critics highlighted her performance as a standout part of an otherwise flawed movie, making her character, a non-powered official, feel more threatening than the supervillains themselves.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer carries the 2019 psychological horror film ‘Ma’ with a captivating performance, expertly shifting between charming and unsettling. She portrays a solitary vet tech who lets local teens use her basement to party, but her generosity quickly takes a dark turn. While the movie’s script had some silly moments and plot gaps, Spencer’s strong acting saved it. She transformed what could have been a low-budget film into a fun, quirky favorite, largely thanks to her dedication to the character’s strange way of thinking. Even her facial expressions added nuance that wasn’t in the writing.

Taraji P. Henson

In the 2018 thriller ‘Proud Mary,’ Taraji P. Henson took on a role inspired by 1970s action heroines. She played a professional killer for a crime organization who begins to question her life after a mission doesn’t go as planned. While the movie didn’t have a large budget and its action scenes were unremarkable, Henson’s performance shone through. She convincingly portrayed a woman striving for forgiveness in a dangerous environment, elevating even the weaker parts of the story with her powerful and emotional acting.

Lupita Nyong’o

Despite boasting a famous cast, the 2022 spy film ‘The 355’ didn’t quite succeed with its story, feeling unoriginal and disjointed. Lupita Nyong’o, playing a British intelligence expert, was a standout, demonstrating impressive skill in both physically demanding fight scenes and maintaining a believable accent. However, the film generally relied too much on familiar tropes, which ultimately overshadowed the talents of the actors. Nyong’o managed to elevate her character with intelligence and a sense of immediacy that the overall plot didn’t possess.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé starred in the 2009 thriller ‘Obsessed’ as a wife desperately trying to safeguard her family from a dangerous stalker. While critics found the movie to be a typical and overly dramatic story, audiences were impressed by Beyoncé’s powerful and protective performance, especially in the final scenes. Despite a script that didn’t offer much depth, she skillfully heightened the emotional impact, and her climactic showdown with the villain remains a standout moment thanks to her compelling delivery.

Queen Latifah

The 2004 action-comedy ‘Taxi’ was a remake of a French film starring Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon. While the movie’s humor didn’t always land and the action wasn’t very exciting, Queen Latifah’s strong personality and screen presence saved it from being a total failure. She confidently played the role of a talented driver, elevating the somewhat ridiculous storyline. Even in a silly, slapstick movie, she managed to maintain a sense of poise and professionalism.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett brought her powerful presence to the role of Dr. Amanda Waller in the 2011 film ‘Green Lantern,’ trying to ground a troubled production. The movie became well-known for its excessive use of special effects and a poor script that prevented any sequels from happening. Despite limited screen time, Bassett’s performance was memorable, delivering her lines with her characteristic intensity and treating the source material with a dramatic seriousness. Unfortunately, her talent wasn’t fully utilized, as the script didn’t give her character much depth.

Tessa Thompson

‘Men in Black: International’ (2019), a new installment in the series, didn’t quite recapture the magic of the original ‘Men in Black’ films. Tessa Thompson played a new agent and was the main focus of the story. While she had great on-screen chemistry with her co-star, the movie’s script lacked strong comedic moments and action. Despite the slow pace, Thompson was consistently engaging and proved she has leading-star potential, even though the film itself wasn’t particularly memorable.

Janelle Monáe

The 2020 horror film ‘Antebellum’ sparked strong reactions, dividing both critics and viewers with its complex premise. Janelle Monáe delivered a powerful performance in two roles, demanding both physical and emotional strength. Despite a script that often felt clumsy, she handled the sensitive and challenging subject matter with remarkable skill and nuance. Monáe’s performance was the heart of the film, grounding the shocking visuals with genuine emotion and showcasing her talent as a dramatic actress, even when the story itself wasn’t fully successful.

Jennifer Hudson

The 2019 movie version of the musical ‘Cats’ was widely disliked by critics and audiences, largely because of its strange and unsettling visual effects. Jennifer Hudson, who played the character Grizabella, sang the show’s most famous song and delivered a deeply emotional performance, even shedding real tears during the scene. Despite the odd CGI and overall bizarre nature of the film, her performance was a genuine highlight and reminded everyone of her incredible singing talent.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris stars in the 2019 action thriller ‘Black and Blue’ as a new police officer who accidentally records a crime with her body camera. While the story follows a familiar chase plot, Harris delivers a powerful and energetic performance. She fully committed to the physically demanding action sequences, making the danger feel authentic. Her work transforms what could have been a typical police corruption film into a gripping story of survival.

Sanaa Lathan

The 2015 thriller ‘The Perfect Guy’ used familiar story elements – a seemingly perfect boyfriend who hides a dangerous side. While the script had plot holes and relied on predictable scares, Sanaa Lathan delivered a strong performance as the lead. She portrayed her character as smart and resourceful, even when the story forced her into unbelievable situations. Lathan’s chemistry with her fellow actors helped build genuine tension and fear, ultimately turning what felt like a TV movie into a successful film in theaters.

Meagan Good

The 2019 thriller ‘The Intruder’ centers around a couple who buy a house from a seller who can’t seem to move on. Meagan Good plays the wife, and while she first feels sorry for the seller, she soon realizes he’s dangerous. The movie is over-the-top and unintentionally humorous, but Good delivers a serious and believable performance. Her realistic fear and emotional honesty help balance the film’s increasingly wild plot, and make the audience care about what happens to her and her husband.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

The 2018 science fiction mystery ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ had a troubled making-of process and a messy storyline. Gugu Mbatha-Raw gave a deeply moving performance as a communications officer dealing with personal loss while aboard a space station, a performance that deserved a stronger film. Despite the chaotic plot and special effects, her character’s emotional journey was the most compelling part of the movie, and she skillfully carried the film through its many confusing moments.

Paula Patton

The 2013 romantic comedy ‘Baggage Claim’ follows Paula Patton as she travels across the country with a thirty-day deadline to find a husband. While the plot was somewhat weak and relied on unrealistic scenarios, Patton’s charisma and comedic skills made her character endearing. She stood out amongst a large supporting cast and her lively performance kept the movie engaging, even when the humor fell flat.

Zoe Saldaña

In the 2011 action movie ‘Colombiana,’ Zoe Saldana starred as a skilled assassin driven by revenge for her parents’ death. While reviewers criticized the film’s story and editing, they were impressed by Saldana’s impressive physical performance and ability to handle many of her own stunts. She brought a quiet power to the role and, despite the movie’s weak plot, made the action scenes exciting to watch. The film demonstrated Saldana’s potential to lead an action movie on her own, separate from larger team-based franchises.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union stars in the 2018 home invasion thriller ‘Breaking In’ as a mother desperately trying to protect her children from intruders. While the movie follows a familiar action formula, Union’s powerful performance elevates the story. She brought incredible intensity and believable maternal fury to the role, making the danger feel very real. Despite a fairly standard script, Union convincingly portrays a determined and seemingly unstoppable force.

Thandiwe Newton

Eddie Murphy’s 2007 comedy ‘Norbit’ is often cited as a low point in his career because of its reliance on crude jokes. Thandiwe Newton played the female lead and brought a sense of warmth and realism to the film, standing out amidst the silly costumes and physical humor. Her sincere performance was a stark contrast to the movie’s over-the-top style. Even with questionable material around her, Newton was able to create a charming and relatable character, offering a much-needed touch of authenticity to an otherwise outlandish movie.

Keke Palmer

The 2022 thriller ‘Alice’ tried to combine the style of blaxploitation films with a story about slavery, but it struggled to maintain a consistent feel. Keke Palmer delivered a strong performance as a woman adjusting to modern life after escaping a plantation. She skillfully handled the script’s abrupt changes in direction, portraying both strength and confusion in her character. Palmer’s dedication was the main thing that prevented the film’s ambitious idea from completely unraveling.

Rosario Dawson

The 2002 sci-fi comedy ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ is famous for being a huge flop at the box office. Rosario Dawson, as the lead actress, brought a lot of life and charm to the film’s cold, futuristic environments. She fully embraced the movie’s imagined world and worked hard to share good chemistry with Eddie Murphy, even though the script wasn’t very strong. Dawson was able to maintain her good reputation because she delivered a professional performance. She stood out as a positive element in a film that, despite its high budget, felt hollow.

Kerry Washington

The 2006 comedy ‘Little Man’ used special effects to place a grown man’s head onto a child’s body. Kerry Washington played the wife who unwittingly takes in a criminal who is pretending to be a little boy. While the movie’s idea was silly and relied on crude humor, Washington delivered a committed performance. She reacted to the outlandish situation with a serious expression, which actually made the movie’s few funny moments even better. Her ability to perform convincingly alongside the strange effects demonstrated her professionalism and patience.

Jada Pinkett Smith

The 2008 remake of ‘The Women’ had an all-female cast, but critics didn’t like it, finding it lacked the depth of the original. Jada Pinkett Smith played a writer and brought a lot of energy and flair to the film. She delivered her lines with a cleverness that the movie’s script didn’t always achieve. Pinkett Smith’s character felt fresh and modern, and she remained engaging even when the film relied on old-fashioned tropes.

Sophie Okonedo

In the 2013 science fiction film ‘After Earth,’ Sophie Okonedo played the mother and wife of the central characters. While the movie generally received criticism for weak acting and casting choices, Okonedo’s performance stood out as strong and believable. Mostly appearing on screens communicating with the main actors, she effectively portrayed genuine concern and affection. Her scenes provided a welcome moment of emotional truth in a film that often felt detached, and she made the most of her limited screen time to create a well-developed character.

Cynthia Erivo

The 2021 science fiction film ‘Chaos Walking’ needed significant reshoots and wasn’t well-received by critics. Cynthia Erivo stood out as the powerful leader of a settlement, bringing a strong and intimidating presence to every scene. While the film struggled with establishing a believable world, Erivo’s performance suggested she would have thrived in a better-developed story. She created a compelling villain, but the movie didn’t fully take advantage of her character.

Nia Long

The 2020 thriller ‘Fatal Affair’ follows a familiar story of obsession, released directly to streaming. Nia Long delivers a strong, relatable performance as a woman tormented by someone from her past. She convincingly portrays the growing fear and suspense, and her natural charisma makes the audience genuinely worried about her character’s fate. Despite a somewhat predictable storyline, Long’s compelling presence as the lead actress significantly improves the film.

Tiffany Haddish

The 2020 comedy ‘Like a Boss’ had trouble mixing crude humor with a genuine story about friendship. Tiffany Haddish, known for her energetic and spontaneous performance style, did her best to liven up a predictable storyline. While she and her co-star had good on-screen chemistry, the script didn’t give them much to work with. Even when the jokes weren’t very funny, Haddish’s timing remained excellent.

Amandla Stenberg

As a big fan of dystopian films, I remember checking out ‘The Darkest Minds’ when it came out in 2018, and honestly, it felt a little…late to the party. It definitely wore its influences on its sleeve. But you know what really stood out? Amandla Stenberg. She played the lead, a teenager with these incredible powers, and she absolutely carried the movie. She brought so much vulnerability and strength to the role, I was immediately rooting for her. She managed to make even the typical teen romance and rebellion stuff feel fresh because of her performance. Honestly, she proved she had what it takes to be a franchise lead – it’s a shame the movie itself didn’t quite take off.

Ruth Negga

The 2016 film ‘Warcraft’ had impressive visuals, but its story was difficult for most viewers to follow. Ruth Negga, who played Lady Taria, brought a sense of dignity and realism to the fantastical world. Despite acting opposite mostly green screens and computer-generated characters, she delivered a convincing and graceful performance. Negga helped make the film’s political conflicts feel more believable, and her acting stood out as a highlight in a movie filled with special effects.

Rashida Jones

The 2010 comedy ‘Cop Out’ received mostly negative reviews, with critics finding it unfunny and poorly directed. Rashida Jones, who played the wife of one of the detectives, was stuck with a limited and unrewarding part. Despite this, she brought a refreshing charm and intelligence to the film, offering a contrast to the constant arguing between the two main actors. Even though the script didn’t give her much to work with, Jones was able to deliver both humor and warmth, and she truly stood out in a movie that didn’t utilize the full potential of its cast.

Alfre Woodard

While the ‘Annabelle’ prequel (2014) made a lot of money, critics weren’t sure what to make of its heavy use of jump scares. Veteran actress Alfre Woodard stood out as a neighbor who helped explain the story and offered spiritual support to the main characters. She brought a sense of weight and respect to a script that otherwise felt predictable, and her serious approach to the supernatural elements made the horror feel more genuine. Woodard’s performance elevated the film beyond a typical studio horror movie.

Danai Gurira

The 2017 film ‘All Eyez on Me,’ a biography of Tupac Shakur, received criticism for presenting a rather simple and shallow portrayal of his life. While the movie itself wasn’t highly regarded, Danai Gurira’s performance as Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, was a standout. She powerfully conveyed Afeni’s strength and inner life, even with a weak script. Gurira consistently commanded the screen and gave much-needed emotional weight to the story, ultimately delivering the most compelling performance in an otherwise underwhelming film.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah starred as the ancient Queen Akasha in the 2002 vampire movie ‘Queen of the Damned.’ While the film was criticized for deviating from the original story and having a confusing plot, Aaliyah’s performance was captivating. She brought a mesmerizing and queenly energy to every scene, creating a memorable horror villain through her movements and unique style. Her performance is largely why the movie still has a dedicated fanbase.

Regina Hall

The 2016 thriller ‘When the Bough Breaks’ wasn’t particularly original, following a fairly typical storyline. However, Regina Hall delivered a powerful and emotionally rich performance as a woman longing for a child. She convincingly portrayed the character’s journey from hopeful anticipation to growing fear, demonstrating her ability to excel in dramatic roles as well as comedic ones. Even as the villain became over-the-top, Hall’s realistic performance kept the film believable.

Vivica A. Fox

The 2002 comedy ‘Boat Trip’ was widely criticized for its crude and outdated jokes. Despite the film’s flaws, Vivica A. Fox stood out as the tour operator. She looked great and delivered her lines with a polished skill that the other actors didn’t match. Fox brought a playful energy to her character without resorting to the script’s often harsh and insensitive humor, proving to be a dependable performer in an otherwise messy and poorly conceived film.

Carmen Ejogo

The 2012 thriller ‘Alex Cross’ tried to relaunch the detective series as an action-packed film, but it wasn’t well-received by critics. Carmen Ejogo, who played the detective’s wife, was a highlight, bringing genuine emotion and raising the stakes in the film’s first half. She convincingly portrayed a loving family, making a later tragic event all the more impactful. Ejogo is a nuanced actress who gave depth to a character that was largely intended to simply move the plot forward, and she excelled in her role despite the film’s overall casting and direction issues.

Kimberly Elise

Tyler Perry’s 2005 film, ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman,’ received varied reactions, with some criticizing its blend of comedy and serious drama. However, Kimberly Elise, who played the main character Helen, was praised for her strong and moving performance. She skillfully portrayed the emotional depth of the story, focusing on themes of abuse and healing, and made Helen’s experiences truly captivating, even despite the film’s mixed reviews. Elise brought a necessary gravitas to the material, significantly enhancing the overall impact of the story.

Tika Sumpter

I remember watching ‘Ride Along’ back in 2014, and honestly, it lived and died on the chemistry – and the yelling! – between Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. But what I really appreciated was Tika Sumpter. She played the sister caught in the middle of all the madness, and she was fantastic. She didn’t get overshadowed by their energy at all; she played the perfect grounded counterpoint. Even when the movie shifted focus to car chases and action, she remained charming and felt crucial to the story. She really held everything together, honestly – the glue that made that chaotic setup work.

Brandy Norwood

While not as well-received as the first film, the 1998 horror sequel ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ featured Brandy in a memorable role. She played the protagonist’s roommate, bringing a lively and energetic presence to the movie. Brandy excelled at portraying fear and panic, and her character’s personality stood out among the other victims. Despite the film’s somewhat ridiculous plot, Brandy’s charisma made her a popular character, and she’s become a beloved figure in 90s horror thanks to her spirited performance.

Sharon Leal

The 2014 thriller ‘Addicted’ explored the topic of sex addiction, but many critics found it overly dramatic and sensational. Sharon Leal delivered a fearless performance as the main character, portraying her downward spiral with a touching vulnerability that made audiences feel for her. While the film often resembled a soap opera, Leal gave a brave and honest performance that deserved a more sophisticated story.

Aja Naomi King

The American remake of the French film ‘The Upside’ received some criticism for feeling predictable and overly emotional. Aja Naomi King stood out in a supporting role as the assistant to the main character, bringing a smart and lively energy to what could have been a forgettable part. She confidently acted alongside established stars like Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, and her skillful and witty performance made every scene better.

Laverne Cox

The 2021 action movie ‘Jolt’ had an interesting idea – a detective with anger issues – but received a mixed response from critics. Laverne Cox played the detective, bringing a cool, detached energy that suited the film’s slightly noir style. Even when delivering a lot of explanatory dialogue, Cox was captivating to watch. She stood out as a stylish and engaging performer in a movie that didn’t quite come together fully.

Storm Reid

While the 2018 film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ was stunning to look at, many found its story unfolded too slowly and felt disjointed. Storm Reid, as the main character Meg Murry, was a strong emotional center for the large-scale production. She convincingly showed Meg’s growth from an insecure girl to a brave hero, and managed to connect with the audience even with all the impressive visual effects. Despite the film’s problems with structure, Reid delivered a moving and satisfying performance as a young hero.

Please share your thoughts on these performances in the comments.

2026-02-01 08:52