Last updated on: July 28, 2025
Let me tell you something upfront: if you’ve only seen Danielle Brooks as Taystee in Orange Is the New Black, then friend—you’re just scratching the surface.
She’s not just that funny, fearless character who made you laugh-cry on Netflix. She’s a force. An emotional bulldozer when she wants to be. A hilarious scene-stealer when she needs to be.
And honestly? She’s one of the most quietly brilliant actors working today.
So I pulled together this list—not just to rank her movies, but to share them. The kind of list you send a friend after saying, “Trust me, watch this. You’ll see.”
We’re diving into seven of Danielle Brooks’ most powerful, memorable, and—sometimes—unexpected movie roles. I’ll walk you through what makes each one special, where she flexes her acting muscles, and why they left a mark on me (and why they might on you too).
1. The Color Purple (2023)
You know how every now and then an actor completely owns a role? Like, to the point where you can’t imagine anyone else playing it?
That’s Danielle Brooks as Sofia in The Color Purple.
I remember watching the trailer, and from the moment she stepped on screen, it felt like she wasn’t just acting—she was Sofia. Fierce. Proud. Unapologetically loud when needed. And heartbreakingly soft when you least expect it.
If you saw her do this on Broadway, then you already knew what was coming. But for the rest of us? The movie was our introduction to just how commanding she can be.
There’s this scene—no spoilers—but it’s the kind that sends shivers down your spine. Her performance doesn’t ask for your attention; it demands it. and hey, the Oscars agreed. She snagged a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Rightfully so.
2. Clemency (2019)
Now this one? It’s heavy. But in a quiet, simmering kind of way.
Clemency is about a prison warden, played by Alfre Woodard, grappling with the emotional weight of overseeing death row executions. Danielle plays a supporting role here—but trust me, she makes her scenes count.
You ever watch someone act without “acting”? Like, their eyes say more than any monologue could?
That’s Danielle here. She plays a character touched by the justice system, and the pain she carries feels real.
It’s not a flashy performance. It’s not loud. But it lingers. The kind of performance that reminds you how trauma ripples. And honestly, watching Brooks in this stripped-down role made me appreciate her even more.
3. Eat Wheaties! (2020)
Okay, let’s lighten the mood.
Eat Wheaties! is one of those offbeat comedies where everything that can go wrong… does. Tony Hale plays this awkward guy who’s trying to prove he was friends with Elizabeth Banks.
It’s weird. It’s sweet. It’s the kind of movie you put on during a lazy Sunday.
And then Danielle Brooks pops in—and suddenly, things get fun.
She plays one of his coworkers, and while the role isn’t huge, she brings this grounded energy that balances out all the chaos.
You know that friend who gives you a look like “girl, what are you doing?” but with love? That’s her vibe here.
It’s one of those roles where you realize—oh, she’s funny-funny. Not just sitcom funny. Like, timing, tone, presence—all on point.
4. All the Little Things We Kill (2019)
Here’s a film that flew under the radar but deserves more eyes on it.
All the Little Things We Kill is a gritty indie drama that dives into gun violence, grief, and the complex, uncomfortable choices people make in the name of justice.
Danielle plays a woman caught in a web of personal loss and public outrage. Her scenes hit hard.
There’s a moment where she talks about her past—and you feel every syllable. She doesn’t cry, she doesn’t scream, but her pain? It’s right there.
This film reminded me of why I love her work. Danielle doesn’t perform pain. She embodies it.
And in a movie like this, where everything is messy and complicated, that authenticity is everything.
5. Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine (2020)
Remember the early days of the pandemic when everything felt surreal, and Sarah Cooper lip-syncing Trump went viral? Yeah—Netflix turned that energy into a satire special called Everything’s Fine.
Danielle shows up in a few sketches, and while the whole special is a bit hit-or-miss, her parts? All hits.
One minute she’s channeling rage over politics, the next she’s leaning into pure absurdity. It’s like watching her let loose in a comedy club—fearless, playful, and totally in control.
Honestly, seeing her in something this unfiltered made me want more comedy from her. She’s got the chops. And she knows exactly how to use them.
6. The Public’s Much Ado About Nothing (2019)
Let’s talk Shakespeare. And before you scroll past—stick with me.
Danielle Brooks played Beatrice in this modern take on Much Ado About Nothing from The Public Theater. And she slayed it.
Beatrice is one of those roles that demands wit, charm, and a little bit of fire. Danielle? She brings all that and more.
She turns lines written centuries ago into punchy, current zingers.
Imagine a Georgia backyard BBQ setting, protest signs in the background, and Beatrice calling out sexism with a smirk and sass. That’s what this version felt like.
You watch it, and suddenly Shakespeare isn’t dusty literature anymore. It’s alive. It’s urgent. And Brooks is at the center of it all—magnetic as ever.
7. Great Performances: Much Ado About Nothing (2020)
If you missed the live version, no worries—PBS aired it as part of its Great Performances series.
Watching it on screen didn’t take away an ounce of its power. Actually, it made Danielle’s performance even more accessible to a wider audience.
And it’s one of those rare moments where you see Broadway magic and cinematic intimacy collide.
Her Beatrice is still fierce. Still funny. Still feminist.
But this time, it’s framed through the lens of a camera—so you catch every tiny reaction, every eye roll, every flicker of emotion.
If you’ve ever been curious about her stage work, start here. It’s a masterclass.
What Makes Danielle Brooks So Good?
Honestly, it’s not just her talent. It’s her choices.
She doesn’t just chase flashy roles—she picks stories that say something. About race. About justice. About women. About life.
And she plays those roles like she’s been holding them inside for years, just waiting for the moment to let them out.
She’s got that theater-trained gravitas, but she never comes off stiff. She’s funny when it matters. Quiet when it counts. And always, always real.
Watching her is like watching someone speak a truth you didn’t know you needed to hear.
Where to Stream These Gems
Wanna start your own Danielle Brooks marathon? Here’s where to find these:
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The Color Purple (2023) – Streaming on Max or for rent on Amazon Prime
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Clemency – Available on Hulu or for digital purchase
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Eat Wheaties! – Amazon Prime Video
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Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine – Netflix
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Much Ado About Nothing (The Public) – PBS.org and PBS Passport
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Great Performances: Much Ado About Nothing – Also on PBS platforms
Final Thought…
Danielle Brooks isn’t just a great actress. She’s a storyteller. A truth-teller.
She walks into a scene, and suddenly the temperature changes. Your chest tightens. Or your stomach aches from laughing. Or you feel seen in a way you didn’t expect.
And that? That’s rare.
So if you’re looking for stories that stick with you—start with hers.
