Looking for an actor with impressive box-office credentials? Look no further than Zoe Saldana. In fact, you might say that no actor can match the box office power of Saldana. That’s because she’s the only actor in history to have starred in four movies that have crossed the $2 billion mark at the box office. It’s an astonishing achievement, and it speaks to the incredible talent and versatility of this amazing actress.
From her breakout role in “Center Stage” to her iconic portrayal of Neytiri in “Avatar,” Saldana has made a name for herself as one of the most versatile and talented actresses in Hollywood. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of her most memorable performances, examining both her acting skills and the critical reception of each film. Whether you’re a diehard fan of Saldana or you’re just starting to explore her work, there’s no better place to start than with the Zoe Saldana movies list.
Top 10 Grossing Zoe Saldana Movies
As one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood, Saldana has appeared in a wide range of films. Some of which have gone on to earn billions at the box office. From blockbuster hits like “Avatar” and the “Avengers” franchise to critically acclaimed indie films like “The Words,” her impressive filmography has solidified her status as one of the most successful actresses in the industry. Join us as we explore the top 10 highest-grossing films on the Zoe Saldana movies list.
| Movies | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|
| “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) | $2.798 billion |
| “Avatar” (2009) | $2.789 billion |
| “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022) | $2.1 billion |
| “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) | $2.048 billion |
| “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (2017) | $863.8 million |
| “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014) | $773.3 million |
| “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) | $654.3 million |
| “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013) | $467.4 million |
| “Star Trek” (2009) | $385.7 million |
| “Colombiana” (2011) | $63,458,440 |
Top 10 Zoe Saldana Movies
1. “Avatar” (2009)
“Avatar” is a sci-fi film set on the planet Pandora, where a paraplegic marine named Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) is sent to interact with the native Na’vi people. Zoe Saldana plays Neytiri, the daughter of the Na’vi chief who initially sees Jake as a threat. However, they eventually form a bond as she teaches him about the Na’vi way of life. Saldana’s performance is physically and emotionally demanding, as she had to learn a fictional language and perform much of her role through motion capture technology.
“Avatar” was both a critical and commercial success, with its ground-breaking visual effects and immersive 3D experience praised by many. The film’s environmental message and commentary on colonialism and corporate greed were also well-received. However, some critics found the characters and script simplistic and derivative. Nonetheless, “Avatar” is one of the highest-grossing films of all time and cemented James Cameron’s status as a visionary director.
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 92%
2. “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
In the depths of space, a band of unlikely heroes must unite to stop a cosmic threat in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This Sci-fi comedy stars intergalactic misfits including Zoe Saldana’s character Gamora, a fierce warrior with a troubled history.
Saldana’s performance as Gamora is a standout in the film, with her character’s strength and resilience making her a fan-favorite. Critics and audiences loved the film’s humor, action, characters, and soundtrack with classic pop and rock songs from the 70s/80s.
“Guardians of the Galaxy” was a refreshing addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Furthermore, Saldana’s portrayal of Gamora’s strength and vulnerability earned her praise, and the film’s humor, action, and memorable characters were all standouts in the genre.
IMDb rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 92%
3. “Star Trek” (2009)
In “Star Trek,” directed by J.J. Abrams, a young James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) join forces on the USS Enterprise to stop Nero (Eric Bana), a Romulan from the future who seeks revenge on the United Federation of Planets. The film serves as a reboot of the Star Trek franchise, giving a fresh start to the beloved series.
Zoe Saldana plays the role of Nyota Uhura, a linguistics expert, and communications officer on the Enterprise. Saldana’s portrayal of Uhura is nuanced and confident, bringing depth to the character that was not as present in previous iterations. Saldana’s performance as Uhura is a highlight of the film and adds to the overall dynamic of the crew.
“Star Trek” received critical acclaim for its dynamic visuals, exciting action, and well-written characters. The film successfully balanced honoring the source material while giving the franchise a modern twist. Saldana’s performance was also highly praised, with critics commending her for bringing a fresh take on the character of Uhura. “Star Trek” was a commercial success, grossing over $385 million worldwide and earning a place on the “Zoe Saldana movies list” as one of her most beloved roles.
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 91%
4. “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018)
In “Avengers: Infinity War,” the Avengers team up with other superheroes to stop the powerful villain Thanos (Josh Brolin) from obtaining all six Infinity Stones and using them to destroy half of all life in the universe. The film features an ensemble cast of superheroes, including Zoe Saldana’s Gamora, a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy who has a complicated history with Thanos.
Saldana’s performance as Gamora is a standout in the film, as she brings depth and complexity to a character who is both a warrior and a vulnerable daughter figure. Saldana’s ability to seamlessly transition between the character’s emotional moments and action scenes is a testament to her versatility.
“Avengers: Infinity War” was met with positive critical reception, with many praising the film’s handling of the large ensemble cast and the emotional stakes of the story. The film’s shocking ending, in which Thanos succeeds in his mission and snaps his fingers, eliminating half of all life in the universe, was a bold move that left audiences reeling. The film’s massive box office success also cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon and a major entry in the Zoe Saldana movies list.
IMDb rating: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 92%
5. “Colombiana” (2011)
“Colombiana” follows the story of Cataleya, a young girl who witnesses her parents’ murder by a drug lord in Bogota, Colombia. She grows up to become a ruthless assassin, using her skills to avenge her parents’ death and take down the drug cartel that killed them. The film is a fast-paced action thriller directed by Olivier Megaton.
Zoe Saldana stars as Cataleya, showcasing her versatility as an actress by playing a strong, badass female lead. Saldana’s performance is praised for being emotionally charged and physically impressive, as she performs many of her own stunts in the film. She brings a depth to her character that is both relatable and engaging, making her an iconic action hero in the Zoe Saldana movies list.
“Colombiana” was met with mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film’s action sequences and Saldana’s performance, others criticized the script for being too formulaic and predictable. Nonetheless, “Colombiana’s” thrilling action sequences and Saldana’s standout performance make it a must-watch for fans of the action genre.
IMDb rating: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 67%
6. “The Losers” (2010)
“The Losers” is an action-comedy film based on a DC Comics series. The film follows a team of elite Special Forces soldiers who are betrayed and left for dead by their own government. Seeking revenge, they team up with a mysterious woman named Aisha, played by Zoe Saldana, and attempt to take down the man responsible for their predicament.
Saldana’s role as Aisha is both seductive and dangerous, with her character being an expert in espionage and martial arts. Her performance adds depth to the story and helps elevate the film above other generic action flicks. The chemistry between Saldana and the rest of the cast is also noteworthy.
The critical reception of “The Losers” was mixed, with some praising its humor and fun action sequences, while others found it formulaic and forgettable. Nonetheless, the film’s ensemble cast, which includes Idris Elba and Chris Evans, helped it achieve moderate success at the box office.
“The Losers” may not have been a critical darling, but it’s a fun and entertaining action flick that is worth watching for fans of the genre. With Zoe Saldana’s captivating performance and the film’s energetic action scenes, it’s a solid entry in the Zoe Saldana movies list.
IMDb rating: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 54%
7. “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003)
“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” is an action-adventure film set in the 18th century. The story follows a pirate named Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, who teams up with a blacksmith named Will Turner, played by Orlando Bloom, to rescue a governor’s daughter named Elizabeth Swann, played by Keira Knightley, from a group of cursed pirates led by the villainous Captain Barbossa, played by Geoffrey Rush.
Zoe Saldana plays the role of Anamaria, a pirate who initially works with Jack Sparrow but becomes his enemy after he takes her ship. Saldana’s role is relatively small, but she brings a fierce and independent spirit to the character. Her performance adds to the film’s strong supporting cast, which also includes Jonathan Pryce and Jack Davenport.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” was a critical and commercial success. The movie was highly praised for its swashbuckling action, witty humor, and memorable characters. Johnny Depp’s performance as Jack Sparrow was particularly well-received, and he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film’s impressive box office numbers led to a successful franchise with several sequels. The film remains a beloved classic and is often included in the Zoe Saldana movies list.
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 86%
8. “Blood Ties” (2013)
“Blood Ties” is a crime thriller set in 1970s Brooklyn, where two brothers, Chris and Frank (Clive Owen and Billy Crudup), are on opposite sides of the law. Chris is a career criminal while Frank is a cop trying to make a name for himself. When Chris is released from prison, he tries to stay on the straight and narrow, but his criminal past catches up with him.
Zoe Saldana plays Vanessa, the ex-girlfriend of Chris who now lives with his brother Frank. Saldana’s performance is understated yet effective, conveying the complicated emotions of a woman caught between two men on opposite sides of the law. Despite her limited screen time, Saldana brings depth and nuance to her role.
“Blood Ties” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s gritty atmosphere and strong performances, while others criticized the convoluted plot and lack of character development. The film was also compared unfavorably to the original French film on which it was based. However, Saldana’s performance was singled out for praise. Many critics noted her ability to convey a wide range of emotions with minimal dialogue.
Despite its mixed critical reception, “Blood Ties” is worth watching for fans of crime thrillers. Well, it may not be the best film on the Zoe Saldana movies list, but it’s a solid addition to her filmography.
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 39%
9. “Out of the Furnace” (2013)
Scott Cooper’s “Out of the Furnace” is a crime thriller that centers around two brothers, Russell (Christian Bale) and Rodney (Casey Affleck), living in a poverty-stricken mill town in Pennsylvania. When Rodney goes missing after getting involved with a dangerous crime ring, Russell takes matters into his own hands and goes on a mission to find his brother and bring those responsible to justice.
Zoe Saldana plays the role of Lena Taylor, a waitress, and Russell’s ex-girlfriend. Her performance is understated yet effective in portraying the emotional struggles of a woman caught between two completely different men. Saldana’s character doesn’t have much screen time, but her presence is important in the development of Russell’s character.
“Out of the Furnace” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the film’s strong performances and gritty realism, while others criticized its slow pace and lack of suspense. The film was also noted for its themes of economic struggle and the consequences of violence. Although it wasn’t a commercial success, “Out of the Furnace” is still worth watching for those who appreciate a well-crafted crime drama.
Overall, “Out of the Furnace” is a solid addition to the Zoe Saldana movies list. It showcases Saldana’s ability to bring depth and nuance to even small roles.
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 52%
10. “Center Stage” (2000)
“Center Stage” is a dance drama film that follows a group of young dancers as they compete for a spot in the American Ballet Company. The film explores the challenges and sacrifices that come with pursuing a career in dance, including the pressure to be perfect and the toll that it takes on one’s personal life.
Zoe Saldana plays the role of Eva, a talented and determined dancer who is one of the few people of color in the company. Despite facing discrimination and stereotypes, Eva refuses to let them define her and works hard to prove herself as a dancer. Saldana’s performance is both graceful and powerful, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
“Center Stage” received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its dance sequences and diverse cast, while others criticized its predictable plot and lack of depth. Nonetheless, the film has since become a cult classic and remains a beloved entry in the dance movie genre. Saldana’s breakout role in “Center Stage” helped launch her career and paved the way for her success in Hollywood.
Overall, “Center Stage” is a heart-melting and inspiring film that captures the beauty and dedication of the dance world. As one of the early films on Zoe Saldana’s movies list, it showcases her early potential and talent as an actress.
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 82%
More BuddyTV Movie Suggestions
“If you’re a fan of Zoe Saldana, you’re in for a treat! With a career spanning over two decades, Saldana has an impressive list of films to her name. But if you’re looking for new movie suggestions or want to learn about other fan-favorite actors like Sylvester Stallone, Tim Burton, Pierce Brosnan, and Vin Diesel, check out BuddyTV. Our articles and recommendations will keep your watchlist fresh and exciting!
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