Born Dana Owens, Queen Latifah is an American rapper, actress and singer, whose extensive contributions to film and hip-hop earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 (becoming the first rapper to do so). Latifah’s music career began with her debut album at the age of 19 in 1989, which only rose from then on. She made her acting debut in tropical feverwhich led to her getting the lead role in Shut it down. Queen Latifah’s film career continued to expand until she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Bessie Smith in Bessiewhich earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.
Considering that Queen Latifah’s acting has spanned the past three decades, it’s safe to say that her filmography is both good and bad. Between End of the roadAnd The Cookout, there’s no shortage of Queen Latifah movies that completely miss the mark. That said, there are plenty of phenomenal movies where she absolutely killed it. Here are the best Queen Latifah movies, ranked.
10 The secret life of bees
takes place in 1964, The secret life of bees follows the life of 14-year-old Lily, who runs away from her abusive father with her friend Rosaleen to South Carolina, where she can learn more about her late mother. There, Lily meets the Boatwright sisters, who teach her about beekeeping and the Black Madonna, bringing her closer to the truth about her mother. Queen Latifah plays August Boatwright, one of the sisters who helps Lily. Queen Latifah’s performance earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.
9 Just write
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Queen Latifah stars as Leslie Wright in the classic rom-com Just write. After Leslie lands her dream job working as a physical therapist for basketball star Scott McKnight, she falls in love with him. However, her attention goes unnoticed by him as he is all too focused on Morgan (Paula Patton), Leslie’s handsome boyfriend who longs to become a trophy wife. Queen Latifah was nominated for several awards, including an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture.
8 tropical fever
Directed by Spike Lee, tropical fever revolves around married black lawyer Flipper, who begins an affair with his white secretary, Angie. When their secret comes out, Flipper’s wife kicks him out, and he romantically pursues his mistress despite the disapproval of those around them. Queen Latifah plays a small role as a waitress in her feature film debut, which brought her a lot of attention and kick-started her career as a serious actress.
7 Hairspray
Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, Hair spray revolves around Tracy, a curvier teen whose only dream is to dance. She becomes a celebrity overnight after joining The Corny Collins Show. However, problems arise when Tracy longs to bring racial integration to the show. Queen Latifah stars as Motormouth Maybelle Stubbs, a DJ/radio host who hosts a small segment of The Corny Collins Show. Latifah earned a BET Award nomination for Best Actress, earning praise for her performance of the song “I know where I’ve been.”
6 Chicago
Chicago revolves around nightclub sensation Velma Kelly, who is defended by Billy Flynn after the murder of her husband. Trouble ensues when Billy also takes on Roxie Hart’s murder case, giving the media something to talk about. Queen Latifah plays the role of matron “Mama” Morton, a corrupt matron of the Cook County Jail, hence the affectionate nickname “Mama”.
Chicago has been critically acclaimed, earning a total of 13 Academy Award nominations and winning Best Picture for 2002. Queen Latifah even earned the BET Award for Best Actress and the Black Reel Award for Best Supporting Actress. She was nominated alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones in the Best Supporting Actress category at the Oscars.
5 Rush
Latifah’s most recent movie on this list is Rush. Revolving around basketball scout Stanley (played by Adam Sandler), Rush follows when he discovers an extraordinary player that he brings back without his team’s approval. Queen Latifah plays Teresa Sugerman, Stanley’s wife. The film has a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and received critical acclaim. Queen Latifah’s performance earned her a People’s Choice Award nomination for The Female Movie Star of 2022.
4 Bessie
Bessie is an HBO TV biopic that explores the extraordinary life of blues singer Bessie Smith as she rises to stardom despite her many struggles and difficult upbringing. Considering that Smith was one of the best blues singers of the 20th century, Queen Latifah really proved herself to be a capable actor starring as the title character. Bessie received instant recognition, becoming the most-watched HBO original movie and earning several Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including a nomination for Queen Latifah for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
3 Shut it down
Queen Latifah stars as Cleo Shut it down, a loud-mouthed lesbian who begins robbing banks with her friends to ease their individual financial struggles. Led by former bank clerk Frankie (Vivica A. Fox), Cleo is joined by single mother Tisean (Kimberly Elise) and Stony (Jada Pinkett Smith) who is still grieving the untimely death of her brother. The women are successful in their robberies until they catch the unwanted attention of Detective Strode who becomes obsessed with capturing the women.
2 Last holiday
Last holiday is a gender-swapped remake loosely based on the 1950 British film of the same name. Saleswoman Georgia Byrd is diagnosed with a terminal illness and decides to leave for Europe, spend all her savings and quit her job to become a to live like a millionaire and really experience life to the fullest. Although the film underperformed at the box office, Queen Latifah was praised for her performance, earning her a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture.
1 girls trip
Four friends who have dubbed themselves the Flossy Posse have drifted apart, but find a chance to reunite when they all head to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival, whether for business or pleasure. The girl’s journey rekindles the women’s long-standing friendship as they find the fun again. Queen Latifah stars as Sasha Franklin, an Internet Gossip Reporter who loves all things tea. Her performance in girls trip helped the film earn the Women Film Critic Circle Award for Women’s Work: Best Ensemble.