Last updated on: July 28, 2025
You ever watch an actor and just know they’re destined for something bigger? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I saw Trevante Rhodes in Moonlight. There was something about him—this quiet storm brewing behind his eyes. You could feel every emotion, even when he didn’t say a word. That moment stuck with me.
Since then, I’ve followed his journey closely. And let me tell you—he’s got one of the most interesting filmographies out there. From deeply emotional indie roles to explosive Netflix hits, Trevante’s done it all, and yet, somehow, he’s still flying under the radar for most people.
So let’s change that. Here are 7 Trevante Rhodes movies that not only showcase his talent but might just make you a lifelong fan.
1. Moonlight (2016)
The Role That Changed Everything
Let’s start at the beginning—or at least, the moment everything changed for him.
If you’ve seen Moonlight, you already know it’s not just a movie. It’s an experience. It’s one of those rare films that crawl under your skin and stay with you long after the credits roll. Trevante plays adult Chiron in the final chapter, and the way he carries the weight of everything Chiron’s gone through—it’s hauntingly beautiful.
He barely says much, but that’s the magic. You see it in his silence. In his posture. In the way he avoids eye contact like it’s a weapon. That diner scene with Kevin? It’s like watching someone try to let love in for the first time after a lifetime of being shut out.
This wasn’t just a breakthrough for Trevante. It was a moment that redefined what Black masculinity could look like on screen. Vulnerable. Quiet. Honest.
2. Bird Box (2018)
The Protector in a World Gone Blind
Okay, let’s switch gears—post-apocalyptic thrillers, anyone?
Bird Box blew up on Netflix. Everyone was talking about it. Memes, tweets, theories—it was a whole thing. While Sandra Bullock led the way, Trevante held the emotional core as Tom, the guy who steps up when the world literally falls apart.
Tom wasn’t just brave—he was calm. Grounded. The kind of man you’d want next to you when you’re blindfolded and being hunted by invisible monsters.
And let’s be real—those scenes where he’s protecting Malorie and the kids? Heartbreaking and heroic all at once.
3. The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
Love, Loyalty, and Government Lies
This one’s a bit different. It’s a period drama about Billie Holiday, jazz legend and activist, and how the U.S. government targeted her for singing Strange Fruit—a song that exposed the horrors of lynching.
Trevante plays Jimmy Fletcher, the federal agent assigned to bring her down. But here’s the twist—he falls for her.
You see Jimmy struggle—between duty and desire, law and justice. You feel him breaking under the pressure of a system he doesn’t fully believe in.
The chemistry between Trevante and Andra Day (who plays Holiday) is electric. Not sugary sweet—raw, desperate, sometimes painful.
He’s not the hero or the villain. He’s somewhere in between. And that’s exactly why it works.
4. 12 Strong (2018)
Boots on the Ground, Heart on His Sleeve
True story: right after 9/11, the U.S. sent a small team of soldiers into Afghanistan to dismantle Taliban strongholds on horseback.
12 Strong tells that story. Chris Hemsworth leads the charge, but Trevante’s right beside him as Ben Milo, one of the elite soldiers.
We’ve all seen war movies with cardboard characters. But Trevante? He brings realness. A soldier who’s tough but still human. The kind who jokes with his teammates but also shows genuine concern when things get messy.
He brings heart to a movie that could’ve just been another action flick.
5. The Predator (2018)
Humor, PTSD, and Alien Chaos
Not every movie on this list is an Oscar contender—and that’s okay. Sometimes, you just want a fun sci-fi ride with explosions and alien guts.
In The Predator, Trevante plays Nebraska Williams, a former Marine dealing with PTSD. He’s part of a ragtag crew trying to stop the universe’s deadliest hunter.
What I love is how Trevante brings this mix of sarcasm and sadness to the role. One minute he’s cracking jokes, the next you’re seeing deep pain behind his eyes.
And honestly? He kind of steals the show.
6. Burning Sands (2017)
Tradition, Trauma, and the Cost of Brotherhood
If you’ve ever been curious about fraternity life—especially at historically Black colleges—Burning Sands is one to watch.
The film dives into hazing culture and the blurred line between bonding and abuse. Trevante plays Fernander, a former pledge who’s now on the other side, overseeing initiation.
He’s not some villain. He’s complicated. You sense that he still remembers the pain—and maybe even regrets becoming part of the cycle.
Trevante plays him with just enough tension to make you uncomfortable—and that’s the point.
7. Smartass (2017)
The Rough Edges of Indie Cinema
Not many people talk about Smartass, and honestly, it flew way under the radar. But that doesn’t mean it’s forgettable.
Trevante plays Mike C., a small-time hustler caught up in a gritty story about a runaway teen trying to survive on the streets.
Mike C. isn’t a huge role, but Trevante makes it count. He’s unpredictable, a little dangerous, but there’s a flicker of something human in there.
It reminded me of early indie roles from actors before they hit it big—still experimenting, still fearless.
Beyond the Screen: Trevante’s Quiet Strength
What I admire most about Trevante Rhodes isn’t just his talent—it’s his presence. He doesn’t chase the spotlight. He doesn’t overact or oversell. He lets you come to him. And when you do, you realize just how powerful stillness can be.
He plays men who feel real. Who carry pain but don’t always show it. Who love deeply, even if they can’t say it out loud.
In a Hollywood world obsessed with volume, he whispers. And that’s what makes him unforgettable.
Where to Watch Trevante’s Movies
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Moonlight – Max, Paramount+
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Bird Box – Netflix
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The United States vs. Billie Holiday – Hulu
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12 Strong – Max, Apple TV
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The Predator – Hulu
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Burning Sands – Netflix
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Smartass – Amazon Prime
Final Takeaway
If there’s one thing you take from this, let it be this:
Trevante Rhodes isn’t just a good actor—he’s a necessary one. He shows us what it means to be strong and sensitive, to fight and feel, to exist in spaces that Hollywood too often flattens into stereotypes.
His best roles aren’t always loud. But they speak volumes.
And maybe, just maybe—you’ll start seeing yourself or someone you love a little more clearly because of it.
