Queen Latifah is a superstar of her time, renowned for her rapping skills, and lauded as one of the top actresses in Hollywood today. She broke into film in the early '90s and has since stockpiled over a hundred roles on television and cinema screens. In 2002, Latifah snatched an Academy Award nomination for her part in the big-screen version of Chicago. To celebrate this powerhouse of talent, we've developed the top favorite Queen Latifah movies, showing off an impressive variety of genres from drama to family films, comedy to musicals. Her presence is unmistakable whenever she appears on screen, so brimming with charisma and assurance that it's no wonder we love her. Her unique range allows her to shine through each one, proving why she reigns supreme in the business.
7. Gina - Beauty Shop (2005)
Latifah is confident, and Beauty Shop is a delightfully amusing story of a woman taking control of her life. Not content to simply mimic Barbershop, this film has a much more believable narrative that goes beyond stand-up comedy or pratfalls. Queen Latifah leads as Gina, who recently moved from Chicago to Atlanta (where she made a brief appearance in the second installment of Barbershop). Consequently, her talent quickly lands her on top at a grand salon owned by the enigmatic Jorge Christophe, who happens to be the only man in the movie.
The beauty of movies of this nature is they can become a platform for larger-than-life characters. It’s like a variety show where each character has their moment to shine, such as when Miss Josephine, played by Alfre Woodard, gives a passionate rendition of Maya Angelou’s classic poem "Still I Rise."
6. Ellie - Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)
Latifah takes the lead role in the Ice Age franchise as Ellie, opposite Ray Romano’s Manny. Ellie and Manny, two woolly mammoths endangered by their ongoing animosity, embark on a daring quest to save their pal Sid the Sloth (John Leguizamo). Along with them come Crash (Sean William Scott) and Eddie (Josh Peck), Ellie's mischievous brothers, two possums who constantly defy authority. With climate warming quickly, they have no choice but to race to the other side of the valley if they want to save Sid.
5. August Boatwright - The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
The Secret Life of Bees vividly depicts 1964 rural South Carolina, providing hope and light in enchanting parable form. Queen Latifah shone as August Boatwright, a mysterious figure trading in honey harvested from content bees. Her performance was remarkable. She lives with her two sisters, June (Alicia Keys) and May (Sophie Okonedo). Critics praised and commended Latifah's masterful portrayal of Boatwright for giving the picture its backbone.
4. Cleo - Set It Off (1996)
Directed by F. Gary Gray, the film follows four African American women from the inner-city struggling financially. Desperate to improve their situation, they hatch an audacious plan to rob several banks in Los Angeles. Despite initial success, disagreements arise, leading to mistrust among them. Meanwhile, the brother of a slain policeman is on their tail. Queen Latifah stars as Cleo and received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her outstanding acting in this movie.
3. Miracles From Heaven (2016)
Anna Beam was a cheerful 10-year-old girl whose life changed after she developed a rare, incurable illness. Desperate to find a cure, her mother, Christy (Jennifer Garner), embarked on a relentless pursuit. Astonishingly, Anna made an incredible recovery after a near-fatal mishap that even baffled experts. Queen Latifah played Angela, a compassionate waitress who offered solace to the joyful young girl. Inspired by the true story of Christy Beam's book Miracles From Heaven, this is one of those Queen Latifah movies that proves that anything is possible.
2. Bessie Smith - Bessie (2015)
Queen Latifah took on a daunting task when she agreed to star in the biopic of Bessie Smith. She stepped forward after a decade of hesitance, captivating the audience with her stirring portrayal marked by passion and profound intensity. She proves her skill and range as an actor, encompassing various emotions from longing to indignation. Latifah's remarkable performance captivated viewers, conveying a vivid impression of real-life truth.
1. Mama Morton - Chicago (2002)
The decision to cast Queen Latifah as Matron Mama Morton in the movie Chicago was a highly contentious choice. Two bold singers, Velma and Roxie, find themselves behind bars, desperately needing aid from an unscrupulous lawyer. Thanks to her performance in Chicago, Latifah received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The movie ultimately won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.