Last updated on: October 30, 2025
You know how some of these actors just catch you off guard? You see them in a cameo one minute, and then the next thing you know, “Wait… this individual has appeared in all these films I adore!” That’s Alexandra Shipp for me.
Perhaps you first saw her as Storm in the X-Men series. Or perhaps you saw her in the endearing role in Love, Simon. And let’s get real—if you saw Barbie, chances are you noticed her holding her own in that expanse of legendary pink. She has this ability to leave an impression, even when she isn’t the center.
So today we’re taking a brief tour of her filmography. Imagine it like a “best of” playlist, but in place of music, we’ll be discussing the 7 films where Alexandra Shipp performs at her best. It’s going to be a winding journey, and in the process, I’ll provide you with context, tiny behind-the-scenes threads, and why each movie is special. Are you ready? Let’s get going.
Who is Alexandra Shipp?
Before we get too geeked out about her films, let’s take a moment. Who is Alexandra Shipp, actually?
Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, she was not one of those overnight success stories. She worked. She packed up and moved to Los Angeles and pursued acting with every ounce of being she had. And it paid off—she first broke through in 2014 when she starred as Aaliyah in Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B. The film was controversial, but one thing that critics could all agree on? Shipp was captivating. She was Aaliyah, at least during those two hours on film.
Then Straight Outta Compton arrived. Suddenly, she wasn’t only acting out icons—she was inside one of the most influential music biopics of our generation. And to top it off, somehow she managed to get the role of Storm, one of the most iconic Marvel mutants of all time. That’s like leveling up not once, not twice, but three times in a row.
But my favorite thing about her career is variety. She doesn’t only do blockbusters. She does indie horror, rom-coms with heart, and psychological thrillers. It’s as if she’s creating a filmography that reads, “I can do it all.”
The Top 7 Alexandra Shipp Movies
1. Straight Outta Compton (2015)
If you haven’t watched Straight Outta Compton, do yourself a favour and watch it now. It’s not simply a film—it’s a cultural time capsule.
The movie tracks the ascension of N.W.A., and it doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh nature of James’ world. Alexandra Shipp portrays Kim Woodruff, Ice Cube’s wife, and though it’s not the most boisterous part in the movie, it does count. She provides depth to a narrative that might otherwise have been solely about music and stardom. You witness the individual stakes, the relationships, the sacrifices.
I recall seeing this film and thinking, “Wow, this is not only about hip-hop—it’s about survival, resilience, and art as a weapon.” Shipp’s appearance in the film may be understated, but it provides the emotional underpinning to Ice Cube’s path. And it was a career-changer for her.
2. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Alright, let’s discuss Storm. Big shoes to fill, huh? Halle Berry had already made the character iconic. But Alexandra Shipp did not attempt to imitate her—she made Storm her own.
In X-Men: Apocalypse, we are introduced to an early version of the mutant, who is based in Cairo and trying to find her place. When Apocalypse arrives offering power and a sense of belonging, she follows him—only to later break away and become an X-Man.
What I like best about Shipp’s interpretation is the vulnerability. She’s strong, of course, but you catch the uncertainty as well. She’s not simply a weather goddess—she’s a young woman trying to determine who she is. That’s something we can all relate to, even if the rest of us can’t conjure lightning at will.
Fans disagreed about the movie itself, but this: Alexandra Shipp impressed. She brought a new spark of life to Storm, and that’s no simple feat when the character is already adored.
3. Barbie (2023)
We flash forward to Barbie. At this point, Alexandra Shipp had done blockbusters and soulful dramas, but here she teamed up with one of the most highly-awaited movies of the decade.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was more than a film—it was a phenomenon. It was the type of film people wore costumes to watch, created memes around, and argued over on social media. And amidst that neon-pink funhouse? Alexandra Shipp among the Barbies.
Now, you could think, “Oh, just another supporting character.” But here’s the thing: with an ensemble cast like this, everybody has to shine in their own way. Shipp’s Barbie is a brainy, confident Barbie who adds diversity and relatability to Barbieland. She helps make the world feel like it belongs to all women, and not just one vision of perfection.
To me, Barbie was like snapping her in a new spotlight. It confirmed she’s not merely someone you know—she’s on the cultural radar.
4. Love, Simon (2018)
This one’s a gem. Love, Simon is not simply another teen rom-com. It was among the initial big studio movies that focused on a gay teenager’s coming-out story, and for that reason alone, it’s history-making.
Alexandra Shipp stars as Abby Suso, Simon’s steadfast best friend. And she does it perfectly. Abby is sunny, witty, and the type of person you’d want fighting in your corner if life ever gave you a curveball. Shipp doesn’t simply play a “best friend” type—she brings Abby depth and heart.
I recall when this movie opened, many people were saying, “I wish I’d had a movie like this growing up.” And that is the power of Love, Simon. Alexandra Shipp assisted in making that tale authentic, inclusive, and pertinent to a generation that was in so much need of it.
5. Tragedy Girls (2017)
If you are in the mood for twisted yet humorous, then your choice is Tragedy Girls. In all seriousness, I didn’t expect much when I first saw it—but boy, was I mistaken.
Shipp acts as McKayla Hooper, half of a pair of best friends who are socially media-obsessed. Their master plan? Kill people and blog. Yep… it gets crazy.
What saves the film is the way Shipp combines dark humor and this strangely endearing energy. You almost forget you are even watching someone act out a sociopath. It’s satire at its razor-sharp best, making fun of influencer culture and our compulsion to go viral.
I couldn’t help but wonder how bold it was of Shipp to accept this role. It’s not “safe Hollywood.” It’s off-beat, quirky, and funny in a bad way—and that’s precisely why it succeeds.
6. Dark Phoenix (2019)
Storm came back in Dark Phoenix, and this time the stakes were even higher. Jean Grey is gaining the ability to lose control of her powers, and the X-Men must choose between saving her or preventing her.
Shipp’s Storm again brings depth to the team. Her weather-control scenes are a visual treat, but it’s the emotional resonance she brings that caught me up. You can tell that she’s fully acclimated to the role here, more self-assured, more authoritative.
The movie itself had mixed reviews, but if you’re a Shipp fan, it’s worth watching for her performance alone. It feels like she carved out her own identity as Storm—no comparisons, no doubts, just her version of the character.
7. Spinning Man (2018)
And then there’s Spinning Man, a psychological thriller that proves Shipp isn’t afraid to dabble in darker, more serious territory.
The movie is about a professor (Guy Pearce) who becomes the prime suspect after a young lady vanishes. Pierce Brosnan is the investigating detective on his tail. Shipp is Anna, a student whose character adds tension and depth to the plot.
It’s not the largest role she’s had, but it indicates something significant—her desire to move into less flashy, moodier movies that challenge her differently. It’s more proof that she’s not merely a blockbuster actress; she’s a talented actor who is looking to expand her skills.
Why Alexandra Shipp’s Movies Stand Out
Here’s the thing about Alexandra Shipp: she doesn’t drive in one lane. She’s done biopics, rom-coms, superhero blockbusters, horror comedies, and thrillers. That versatility? Not every actor has it.
And it’s not about the genres alone. It’s about why she selects these roles. She’s drawn to projects that count—whether it’s representation in Love, Simon, cultural relevance in Straight Outta Compton, or satirical genius in Tragedy Girls. She’s selecting roles that speak.
That’s why her films stand out. They’re fun, sure, but they also indicate where Hollywood is going—toward more diverse, risk-taking, and innovative storytelling.
Future Projects and Future Career
The good news? She’s just beginning.
With Barbie, Alexandra Shipp’s star power only increased. Studios now consider her someone who can carry a blockbuster and also carry emotional weight in character-driven films. And she’s indicated work behind the camera is in the future, which means even more storytelling possibilities.
I don’t know about you, but I’m eager to see what she does next. Whether it’s another superhero extravaganza or a subdued indie drama, I suspect she’ll surprise us—once again.
FAQs About Alexandra Shipp
What is Alexandra Shipp most recognized for?
The majority of people recognize her as Storm from the X-Men series, but she has also appeared in Straight Outta Compton, Love, Simon, and Barbie.
What was Alexandra Shipp’s first leading role?
She initially came to the spotlight playing Aaliyah in Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B (2014).
Does Alexandra Shipp appear in X-Men?
Yes! She portrayed Storm in X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix.
Is Alexandra Shipp appearing in Barbie?
She is. She appears as one of the Barbies in Greta Gerwig’s 2023 blockbuster.
What are the top Alexandra Shipp movies to begin with?
I’d recommend Straight Outta Compton, Love, Simon, and X-Men: Apocalypse. Those three are a solid indication of her range.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at Alexandra Shipp’s career thus far, it’s like seeing a star in action. She’s already portrayed legendary characters, swiped scenes among ensemble casts, and established that she can be the emotional core of a film.
Her best films—whether it’s the cultural phenomenon Straight Outta Compton, the sentimental Love, Simon, or the spectacular Barbie—are all a testament to her singular combination of talent, charisma, and range. And for real? It’s like we’re only just beginning to see what she can do.
If there’s one thing we can take away from here, it’s this: Alexandra Shipp is not only an actress to watch—she’s an actress you don’t want to miss.
