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Top Zendaya Movies and Shows That Aren’t the MCU, Ranked

Top Zendaya Movies and Shows That Aren’t the MCU, Ranked
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Zendaya, whose best work extends well beyond the MCU
Zendaya, whose best work extends well beyond the MCU — HBO

Zendaya Coleman is a multi-faceted superstar who entered the entertainment industry at 10. Now in her 20’s, she is known as an actress, model, singer, dancer, and influencer. She has been nominated 35 times for various awards and has taken home 19 wins. Zendaya has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with. From her early beginnings as a Disney Channel star to her emergence as a bona fide A-list actress.

Zendaya Wins 2022 Emmy Award in Valentino Gown

She has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her unmatched talent and genuine charisma. With each role she takes on, Zendaya breathes life into her characters, effortlessly immersing herself in their stories, and leaving an indelible mark on the silver screen. A talented actress known for her work in various movies and television shows outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Here are some of her notable films that can be considered her best movies outside the MCU:

Frenemies (2012)

Frenemies

In 2012 Zendaya starred in Frenemies, marking her first film role. She starred in the Disney Channel film alongside her Shake it Up costar Bella Thorne, in what was the beginning of her incredibly successful movie career. The movie showed three pairs of best friends who are studying in the same school and find themselves at odds with one another over trivial matters that puts their friendship to the test.

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Zapped (2014)

Zapped

Another fun and amazing movie of Zendaya is Zapped in which Zoey struggles to adjust to her new school and life with her new stepfather and stepbrothers. But everything changes when a dog-training app on her phone begins controlling the men around her.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

The Greatest Showman

 Story based on the actual events of P.T. Barnum’s circus and journey to success and fame. Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) is a playwright, and Anne Wheeler (Zendaya) is an African American trapeze artist and Phillip’s love interest. Phillip and Anne’s relationship is not socially acceptable during this time, forcing them to face reality and end their romance. 

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Malcolm and Marie (2021)

Malcolm & Marie (2021)

Romance/Drama released in 2021, tells the story of Malcolm Elliot (John David Washington), a Writer-Director, and his girlfriend Marie Jones, an actress (Zendaya). The couple’s relationship is tested after an evening of revelations about their expectations of the relationship and each other. This intense film was full of emotional ups and downs.

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Dune (2021)

Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet from Dune

Drama/Adventure/Action science fiction film released in 2021, is a story based on a young man Timothee Chalamet (Paul Atreides). Timothée is on a journey through treacherous territories to a planet called Arrakis to defend his family and save his people. During his journey, Timothée repeatedly has dreams of a girl that needs help, Chani (Zendaya). Timothée completes his mission and arrives at Arrakis, where he finally meets Chani, the girl from his dreams.

With the actor’s impressive accomplishments and talent, it is safe to assume that Zendaya’s bright future is likely to include more significant roles in films and television, continued success in her modeling and fashion endeavors, and possibly even further exploration of her music career. She has proven herself as a versatile performer, and her popularity has the potential for continued success and growth in the entertainment industry.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Zendaya’s best non-MCU movie?
The Dune films, The Greatest Showman, and Malcolm & Marie are among her best work outside the Spider-Man franchise.

Is Zendaya in Dune?
Yes — she plays Chani, a role that expanded into a lead in Dune: Part Two.

How did Zendaya get her start?
She rose through Disney Channel’s Shake It Up and K.C. Undercover before breaking out with Euphoria and her film career.

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