At the end of 2024, Cynthia Erivo impressed audiences with her performance as Elphaba inWicked, and following that outstanding film, many may be wondering what otheramazing movies Erivo has been in. AlthoughWickedmay have been some viewers' first encounter with Erivo, she has been in the acting game for quite a long time.The British actress' career began on stage, most notably with her role as Celie inThe Color Purpleon Broadway. Soon after, Erivo transitioned to movies and TV, jump-starting a solid screen career.
As of now, Erivo has appeared in a total of nine movies. Her tenth,Wicked: For Good,is set to premiere at the end of 2025. Currently though, the following nine movies are Erivo’s entire filmography, ranked from worst to best, includingWicked.Erivo’s best movies are those with strong critical and audience ratings, significant box office earnings, and compelling stories that come to life on screen. Meanwhile, Erivo’s worst movies missed the mark in one way or another, though they may still be worth checking out for those who admire Erivo.
9Pinocchio (2022)
A Live Action Disney Adaptation
The worst movie on Erivo’s resume at the moment is 2022’sPinocchio.This live-action adaptation tells the beloved story of Pinocchio, a puppet who comes to lifeand learns that who he is inside is far more important than being “a real boy.” The film isdirected by Robert Zemeckis, and stars Tom Hanks, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key, and Luke Evans. In the movie, Erivo plays The Blue Fairy, who brings Pinocchio to life and promises to grant his wish of being a real boy.
In general,Pinocchiowas very poorly received. With a brutal 28% on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie earned praise for its visuals, but was ultimately deemed lifeless.Critics argued that 2022’sPinocchionever offered any reason for its existenceother than it could be made so it was. Erivo certainly does not give a poor performance, but nevertheless, the movie around her is so disappointing that it is definitely a contender for her worst movie.
8Chaos Walking (2021)
A Sci-Fi World Where Men Can Hear Each Others' Thoughts
Yet another Erivo movie that garnered less-than-stellar reviews isChaos Walking.Based on a novel by Patrick Ness,this movie takes place in a dystopian world where women have all but disappearedand men can hear each others' thoughts. However, when a teenage boy discovers a young woman has crash-landed in his town, he begins to question the reality of his world and what he has always been told.Chaos Walkingstars Tom Holland, Daisy Ridley, Mad Mikkelson, and Erivo, among others.
Chaos Walkingpresents a unique premise, but never fully brings it to life.
The failure ofChaos Walkingis a bit more complicated than just a box office bomb. In general,Chaos Walkinghad all the makings of a great movie: a talented cast, strong source material, and a solid budget. However, the poor execution of director, Doug Liman, is what ultimately sunk this ship.Chaos Walkingpresents a unique premise, but never fully brings it to life. Everything remains underdeveloped, and therefore, uninteresting. Though some audiences did enjoy this movie, in the end,Chaos Walkingremains at the bottom of Erivo’s filmography.
7Needle In A Timestack (2021)
A Couple Is Torn Apart By A Vengeful Ex
The next Erivo movie on the list may have mixed reviews, but its premise may be enough to get audiences invested.Needle in a Timestackis a sci-fi romance movie centered on Nick and Janine, who are deeply in love with each other. Yet, whenJanine’s vengeful ex warps time and uses Nick’s ex-girlfriend to sabotage the pair, their romance quickly turns into a nightmare that is out of their control. Alongside Erivo as Janine, the film stars Leslie Odom Jr., Orlando Bloom, and Freida Pinto.
For the most part,Needle in a Timestackhad poor reviews. Critics panned the movie for having a confusing and uninspired plot, while audiences were also left disappointed with the film’s clichés and unsatisfying ending. Despite this,Needle in a Timestackisn’t a complete waste of time. With a 52% audience score,the movie may be right up certain viewers' allies, particularly those who enjoy romance and twisty plots. It also helps that the film has a wonderful cast and a completely singular premise.
6Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)
A Disgraced Detective Will Do Anything To Get Revenge
One particularly interesting entry among Erivo’s resume isLuther: The Fallen Sun.A continuation of the British psychological thriller series,Luther,this movie hones in on Idris Elba’s John Luther, a police detective who has been betrayed and is now behind bars. Desperate to get revenge and take down his serial killer nemesis,Luther breaks out of jail and races against the clock to prove his innocence and save lives. Erivo plays Odette Raine, the head of the Serious and Serial Crime Unit.
Lutherran for five seasons beginning in 2010.
Fortunately,Luther: The Fallen Sunis where Erivo’s Rotten Tomatoes scores begin to steadily rise. This film has a strong 67% critics score and an even better 85% audience score. Elba reprises his role as Luther in the perfect way, bringing the same magic from the TV series to the big screen.Even those who aren’t familiar withLuthercan enjoyLuther: The Fallen Sun,as the story does not rely on past plots. All in all,Luther: The Fallen Sunis far from Erivo’s best movie, but she offers up a captivating performance in a generally entertaining film.
5Drift (2023)
A Refugee Finds Solace In A Tour Guide In Greece
Although Erivo has starred in movies with big names and even bigger IPs, a more artsy film of hers isDrift.In this film,Erivo plays Jacqueline, a Liberian refugee who escapes her war-torn countryfor the calming sights of a Greek island. Trying hard to survive, Jacqueline is able to keep her trauma at bay, but she finds much more solace when she forms a close bond with an American tour guide, played by Alia Shawkat.
Drift Review: Cynthia Erivo Strengthens A Depthless, Unengaging Refugee Drama
The feature doesn’t dig any deeper than it has to, leaving us drifting along with Jacqueline without anything to latch onto to keep us afloat.
Despite being hit-or-miss with audiences,Driftearned a Certified Fresh 74% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Admittedly, the movie is slow-paced and often lacks a solid plot, yet at its core, this is a touching tale about love, connection, and community. Jacqueline’s story is a tragic one, but that only makes the bright spots feel even brighter. Ultimately,Driftis not for everyone, but it will definitely hit for those who enjoy more abstract, indie movies.
4Harriet (2019)
The True Story Of Harriet Tubman
What could be one of Erivo’s most epic movies isHarriet.Released in 2019,this biographical filmfollowsthe real life story of Harriet Tubman, a Black woman who was born into slaveryin the Deep South of 19th century America, before escaping and establishing the Underground Railroad, a famous yet dangerous system that allowed the escape of thousands of slaves. Erivo takes on the role of Tubman, alongside Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe.
Harrietis yet another movie that received somewhat split reviews. While some felt that the biopic did not stand out in any way, others were impressed with its fast pace and riveting story. Regardless, almost everyone agreed thatErivo’s performance was top-notch. As Tubman, Erivo brings dedication, spirit, and an undeniable sense of determination. AlthoughHarrietis not an earth-shattering biopic, it is certainly worth watching because of its important story and admirable execution.
Guests Get Caught Up In A Violent Showdown At A Sketchy Motel
An Erivo movie that deserves way more attention isBad Times at the El Royale.This film is set at the tail end of the 1950s and centers on a motel called the El Royale, which sits on the line between California and Nevada. One evening,a number of strangers arrive at the motel, not realizing that they are going to be part of a violent confrontationbetween a young woman and the cult leader who kidnapped her little sister. Erivo plays an up-and-coming soul singer.
Once again,Bad Times at the El Royalemay not satisfy everyone, but it is a unique movie that is definitely worth checking out. Erivo is joined by a truly spectacular cast, including Jeff Bridges, Jon Hamm, Chris Hemsworth, Dakota Johnson, Cailee Spaeny, and Lewis Pullman. The historical ambiance and setting of this movie is incredibly vivid, while the plot itself is a web that audiences must try to unravel. Plus,it is a joy to see Erivo play a singer, as it gives viewers a chance to hear her beautiful voice.
2Widows (2018)
Four Widows Carry Out Their Husbands' Botched Crime
Interestingly, one of Erivo’s very best movies is the first one she ever appeared in. 2018’sWidowsis a neo-noir thriller which begins when four would-be thieves are shot and killed by police. In the aftermath, their four widows, desperate for cash to pay back a vicious crime boss, concoct a plan to steal $5 millionfrom the home of a prominent politician.Widowsstars Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez, and Erivo in the lead roles, alongside Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, and Daniel Kaluuya.
With wonderful direction by Steve McQueen and a tantalizing script by iconic thriller writer, Gillian Flynn,Widowsreworks the heist genre into something new and exciting.
Widowsboasts Erivo’s highest critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a Certified Fresh 91%. The movie is dark, disturbing, and unapologetic about the reality it is putting forth. With wonderful direction by Steve McQueen and a tantalizing script by iconic thriller writer, Gillian Flynn,Widowsreworks the heist genre into something new and exciting. On top of that, Erivo gives a great performance, especially considering it was her very first big screen role. Overall,Widowsearns every bit of praise.
1Wicked (2024)
The Origin Story Of The Wicked Witch Of The West
Erivo has appeared in a number of interesting movies over the years, but her best has to be 2024’sWicked.This movie musical is a sort ofprequel toThe Wizard of Oz,wherein audiences meetElphaba, a misunderstood green-skinned witch who is given the chance to hone her magic, all while rooming with the conceited Glinda. Despite their differences, the two women soon form an unbreakable bond before finding themselves at the center of a dark and dangerous conspiracy.
Wicked Gives Cynthia Erivo A Chance To Earn A Coveted Achievement That Only 21 People Have
Actress Cynthia Erivo could achieve a coveted achievement during the next awards season after her incredible performance in Universal’s Wicked.
Erivo is at her absolute best inWicked.She completely embodies Elphaba’s strange yet brash nature, and showcases an incredibly beautiful bond with Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda. However, above all,Erivo’s performance inWickedstands outbecause of her singing. InWicked,Erivo is able to marry her acting chops with her Broadway-level singing to create a movie-going experience that is unlike anything else.Wickedis a unique project, but it has managed to cater to just about everyone. In this way,Wickedhas to be Cynthia Erivo’s most impressive and iconic movie.
