Have you ever experienced an actor that makes the scene come to life for you? Ruth Negga certainly can! As an outstanding actress who brings great emotion and energy to her roles—whether in romance, action, or historical drama—I was completely taken with her performance! In this post, I will highlight Ruth Negga’s top 10 films that showcase her outstanding acting ability. Don’t miss these great tales and performances!
1. 12 Years A Slave (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Ruth Negga may only play a small part in 12 Years a Slave, yet the movie remains one of the best historical dramas ever made. She portrays Celeste—an essential yet small role—that plays out Solomon Northup’s story with heartbreaking intensity.
Movie Plot & Story
Inspired by true events, the film follows Solomon Northup, a free Black man in the 1800s who is abducted and forced into slavery. Over twelve long years, he fights desperately to regain his freedom, facing hardships and emotional moments that encourage reflection upon history and human resilience.
Though Negga’s role is brief, 12 Years a Slave received critical acclaim, featuring powerful performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael Fassbender. The film earned over $187 million worldwide at the box office and won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Brad Pitt was one of the producers of this movie! His participation helped bring Solomon Northup’s tale to life on screen.
Streaming Availability
Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other platforms.
2. World War Z (2013)
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Ruth Negga plays the part of a World Health Organization doctor during a global pandemic outbreak. Though her part is brief, her presence adds depth to the film’s depiction of global efforts against pandemic disease.
Starring Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former United Nations investigator, the movie follows him on a dangerous mission to stop an outbreak turning humans into zombies. He races across continents to find an answer before humanity is wiped out.
Filled with intense action sequences and a fresh take on zombie fiction, World War Z is an exciting watch for action and horror fans.
Critics praised its large-scale action but felt it lacked consistent tension. The movie holds a 7.0/10 IMDb rating.
The film faced production issues, with major rewrites and reshoots drastically changing its original third act!
Streaming Availability
Available on Netflix.
3. Warcraft (2016)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Ruth Negga plays Lady Taria Wrynn, Queen of Stormwind, providing a calm yet compassionate presence amid an impending war.
This movie is set in the fantasy world of Azeroth, humans face an invasion by Orc warriors. As the portal between their worlds opens, heroes from both sides must unite to fight against destruction.
A must-watch for fantasy lovers and video game fans, Warcraft offers stunning visual effects and intricate world-building.
Warcraft received mixed reviews but was loved by fans of the video game franchise.
Fun Fact: Director Duncan Jones, a huge Warcraft fan, ensured faithful details in the film.
Streaming Availability
Available on iTunes.
4. Ad Astra (2019)
She plays Helen Lantos, a Mars-based official who helps astronaut Roy McBride uncover hidden truths.
Roy (Brad Pitt) embarks on a space mission to find his missing father and solve a mystery that threatens Earth.
The movie isn’t just about space travel—it explores loneliness, family bonds, and self-discovery.
Streaming Availability
Available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
5. Loving (2016)
Ruth Negga’s Role
Ruth Negga stars as Mildred Loving, whose real-life love story changed American history.
This film tells the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving, whose landmark Supreme Court case legalized interracial marriage in the U.S.
Ruth Negga’s Oscar-nominated performance brings raw emotion and strength to the screen.
Mildred Loving famously said, “All we wanted was love”—a simple yet powerful statement.
Streaming Availability
Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
6. Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
She plays Charlie, a close friend of the main character, Patrick “Kitten” Braden.
The film follows Kitten, an Irish transgender woman searching for her mother in 1970s London.
Its a mix of comedy, drama, and self-discovery, this movie is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Fun Fact: Director Neil Jordan also directed The Crying Game (1992), another powerful film about identity.
Streaming Availability
Available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Final Thoughts
Ruth Negga has brought unforgettable performances to the big screen, whether in emotional dramas, sci-fi adventures, or eerie horror films. Her talent and ability to bring depth to every character make her one of the most exciting actresses to watch. From historical stories like Loving to psychological dramas like Passing, each of her movies offers something unique and meaningful.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Which of these Ruth Negga movies is your favorite? Have you watched any of them, or do you have one you’re excited to see next? Let’s chat in the comments—share your thoughts, recommendations, or even fun facts we might have missed! 🎬✨😊
