Last updated on: November 15, 2025
The first time I ever saw Amandla Stenberg on screen, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow… this kid is gonna break my heart.” And I was correct. Rue, the little but tough tribute in The Hunger Games, wasn’t on screen long, but Amandla ensured we remembered her long after the credits stopped rolling. That is the magic of Stenberg: they do not only play characters; they become them, and in so doing, they become inside us as well.
Since then, Amandla has become one of the bravest young actors in Hollywood. Their projects aren’t arbitrary—instead, they’re intentional, impactful, and frequently representative of larger discussions taking place in the world. And if you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Where do I even begin with Amandla Stenberg films?” or “Which of them are actually worth my time?”
— this is the list.
I’ll take you through seven of their greatest movies, with a dash of context, personal observation, and why they remain relevant today.
Who is Amandla Stenberg?
Let’s flash back for a moment. Amandla was born in 1998 in Los Angeles, and interestingly, their name translates to “power” in Xhosa and Zulu. Pretty appropriate, don’t you think? Because power is just what they’ve brought with them into every performance.
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On-screen debut: Colombiana (2011)
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Breakthrough role: The Hunger Games (2012)
But the thing I love about Amandla is that fame did not stifle them. They did not take on roles for exposure. Rather, they took on characters and narratives that spoke to something about identity, about injustice, about love, or even simply about joy.
Off-camera, they’re just as powerful—a social activist, a champion of youth, and twice selected as one of Time’s “Most Influential Teens.” If you’ve ever listened to them in interviews, you know that they possess wisdom far beyond their years.
Why Amandla Stenberg Is Different
So why is Amandla different from, let’s say, any other up-and-coming actor?
For me, it’s their boldness. They don’t flinch from the hard stuff. Consider The Hate U Give. It wasn’t an acting job—it was an extension of an actual conversation taking place in America. And Amandla approached that with grace and passion.
But they’re not limited to only one type of story. One day they’re acting an animated parrot in Rio 2, the next a troubled party guest in Bodies Bodies Bodies. That’s range. That’s versatility.
And here’s the kicker: regardless of role, big or small, live-action or animated, Amandla makes an impact. You don’t merely recall the character—you recall the vibe. That ain’t common. That’s why when I mention “top 7 Amandla Stenberg movies,” I’m not merely providing you with a list. I’m providing you with a guide on how they’ve molded their career and, in most ways, the tales that we tell of the world today.
The Top 7 Amandla Stenberg Movies
1. The Hunger Games (2012)
Come on, let’s be real: if you saw The Hunger Games, you cried for Rue. There was no avoiding it. Amandla was just 13 when she portrayed her, but they bore the brunt of a character that represented innocence, defiance, and tragic loss.
I can still recall the quiet in theaters during Rue’s goodbye. Not just the movie—it was Amandla’s capacity to make us feel. Rue was tiny, fast, smart, and had a big heart. Amandla made a supporting actor into the emotional core of the movie. And from that point, Hollywood was aware: this kid was something different.
2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Flash-forward ten years, and here comes Amandla into one of the largest animated movies ever made. In Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, they voiced Margo Kess. Now, Spider-Verse is already abuzz with vibrant, offbeat Spider-People, so introducing yet another character might easily be lost in the fray. But Amandla made Margo pop.
Voice acting is difficult—you don’t have the physicality or the facial expressions to guide you. It’s all tone. And Amandla aced it, bringing depth and warmth to the character. For me, it was a reminder of how versatile they are. Big screen, small screen, or voiceover—whatever they do, they nail it.
3. The Hate U Give (2018)
This film isn’t simply one of Amandla’s finest—it’s the most significant film of the past decade. Adapting Angie Thomas’ hit novel, The Hate U Give tells the story of Starr Carter, a teenager caught between worlds as she navigates her life at an elite private school and her neighborhood following the police shooting of her best friend from childhood.
Seeing Amandla here is like seeing a person tap into both sorrow and strength equally. You sense Starr’s uncertainty, her fear, her bravery, her breaking—yes, and her rising. It’s heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.
And this is where it landed: this was not acting. This was life imitating art. It was a reflection held before society. And Amandla bore it with maturity and authenticity that made critics and viewers alike sit up and take notice.
4. Rio 2 (2014)
Alright, let’s brighten the mood for a moment. You might not have known that Amandla provided the voice of Blu and Jewel’s curious daughter, Bia, in Rio 2. It’s not as serious as their work, but it demonstrates another aspect of their ability.
Voice work in children’s films is more difficult than it seems. You must sound fun, plausible, and natural—without being too over-the-top. And Amandla’s voice added warmth and personality to Bia. For me, it’s proof they don’t only do “serious” work—here and there, they can also bring happiness and laughter to the screen, even when you can’t actually see them.
5. Colombiana (2011)
There was Colombiana before Rue, before Starr, before all else. Amandla was the young Cataleya, who sees her parents murdered before turning into a ruthless assassin as an adult (played by Zoe Saldana).
Even as a kid actress, Amandla made you believe Cataleya’s trauma and strength. You could glimpse the flame in her eyes, the steely determination in that small body. It paved the way for Zoe Saldana’s performance afterward, but come on—Amandla established the emotional register. It’s amazing to realize they were just 12 when they did that.
6. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Now, if you’re into dark comedies or horror with a satirical twist, Bodies Bodies Bodies is your jam. And Amandla? They play Sophie, a young woman caught in a whirlwind of paranoia, secrets, and fake friendships at a hurricane party gone wrong.
What I loved about this performance is the way that it was layered. Sophie is not just “the victim” or “the survivor.” She’s messy, flawed, and human. And Amandla leaned into that. They didn’t play it safe—they played it real.
The movie mocks Gen Z culture, but under the satire, it’s tight and unnerving. And Amandla’s Sophie occupies the very center of that disarray, drawing us in despite ourselves.
7. Everything, Everything (2017)
Lastly, romance. Everything, Everything is the type of film you see on a night in under a blanket with snacks. Amandla stars as Maddy, a teenager with an immune system disorder who is unable to leave her home. And then she meets her neighbor, Olly, played by Nick Robinson.
Their relationship is sweet, credible, and heartbreaking at times. Amandla gives Maddy’s innocence and yearning life, but also her quiet strength. It’s a love story, a risk story, and a story about choosing to actually live even when it’s terrifying.
To me, it’s one of those movies that just reminds you why young adult tales are important. They get wrapped up in romance, but the issues—freedom, love, identity—are bigger.
Other Outstanding Works
Naturally, seven films can’t do it all. Amandla has also ventured into television with works such as:
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Netflix’s The Eddy
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Upcoming Star Wars series The Acolyte
Imagine them in a galaxy far, far away? I can—and think they’re going to dominate.
Their life is just beginning, and that’s the best part. We have only experienced a portion of what they can do.
FAQs
What is Amandla Stenberg’s most well-known role? Rue in The Hunger Games and Starr in The Hate U Give.
What was their first film? Colombiana (2011).
How can I stream their films?
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The Hunger Games – Peacock
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The Hate U Give – Disney+ and Hulu
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Bodies Bodies Bodies – Showtime/Paramount+
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Everything, Everything – Prime Video
What’s to come? The biggie: The Acolyte, a new Star Wars series on Disney+.
Final Thoughts
When I think of Amandla Stenberg’s career to date, there is one word that comes to mind again and again: unforgettable. Whether it’s the purity of Rue, the bravery of Starr, or the messy nuance of Sophie, Amandla doesn’t just play a role—they leave an imprint.
And that’s why these seven films aren’t just a checklist. They’re evidence of how far they’ve traveled, and a preview of how much farther they’re going to travel.
So if you’re building your watchlist, start here. Trust me—you’ll walk away not just entertained, but moved. And you’ll probably find yourself, like me, waiting eagerly for whatever Amandla Stenberg does next.
