Last updated on: July 28, 2025
Let me ask you something: when you think of Rita Ora, do you picture her on stage, rocking glittery outfits and belting out hits like “Anywhere” or “Let You Love Me”? Yeah, me too. But there’s something you might not know—she’s been quietly carving out a career on the big screen. And honestly? She’s better at it than you might expect.
I’ve followed her journey from music to movies, and what’s fascinating is how she didn’t rush into it. She took her time. Started small. Learned the ropes. And now? She’s showing up in films that range from big-budget blockbusters to indie fantasy flicks.
If you’re even a little bit curious about her evolution as an actress—or you’re just looking for some fun movies to binge—this list is for you. Let’s dive into Rita Ora’s top 7 movie roles, and trust me, some of these might surprise you.
A Smooth Shift from Music to Movies
You know how some celebrities try to do it all and it feels… forced? Rita Ora isn’t one of them. Her move into acting was smooth—not loud or flashy. She didn’t jump straight into starring roles. Instead, she eased in, starting with small parts, cameo appearances, and gradually taking on more challenging roles.
She had already proven herself as a musician:
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Multi-platinum records
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Sold-out shows
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A distinct style that made her a fashion darling
But behind the scenes, she was quietly exploring film.
It began with a stylish cameo in Fast & Furious 6, which—let’s be honest—is like a rite of passage for anyone entering Hollywood cool-dom. Then she popped up in Fifty Shades of Grey, played a grittier character in Southpaw, and eventually scored a significant part in the fantasy movie Wonderwell.
This wasn’t just about fame—it was about growth. She didn’t try to outshine the stars. She learned from them. And you can see the difference it made in how her performances evolved.
The 7 Best Movies Starring Rita Ora
1. Detective Pikachu
Let’s start with the big one. Detective Pikachu is probably the most fun you’ll ever have watching Pokémon come to life. It stars Ryan Reynolds as the voice of Pikachu (yes, really), and tucked into the middle of all the CGI chaos is Rita Ora, playing Dr. Ann Laurent.
Now, this isn’t just a throwaway role. She plays a key character involved in secret experiments that shake up the whole plot. Her scenes are intense and serious, contrasting with the film’s overall playful vibe.
Wait—is that Rita Ora? I remember watching this in theaters and thinking exactly that. She looked completely at home in a lab coat, handling scenes that required subtle emotion and gravitas. It wasn’t flashy, but it stuck with me. That’s what made it so good.
2. Southpaw (2015)
If you’ve seen Southpaw, you know it’s not a light watch. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a heart-wrenching performance as a boxer spiraling out of control. But nestled in the middle of the drama is a scene that hits unexpectedly hard—featuring none other than Rita Ora.
She plays Maria Escobar, a woman caught in a dark situation involving human trafficking.
Her screen time? Short. Her impact? Huge.
In that one scene, she strips away every bit of her pop star image. No glam, no gloss. Just raw fear and desperation. It’s uncomfortable in the best way because it shows how serious she is about acting.
Honestly, I didn’t expect her to go that deep. But she did. And she nailed it.
3. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
Okay, this one is just cool. Rita Ora shows up in Fast & Furious 6 as the woman who kicks off a street race in London. It’s basically a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo—but trust me, you won’t miss it.
Dressed in black, standing confidently between two revving engines, she delivers her line: “Ready? Set. Go!”
It’s quick. It’s stylish. It’s iconic in its own way.
It’s like being invited to the coolest party in Hollywood. You don’t need to stay all night. Just showing up matters.
That’s exactly what this cameo did for her career—it put her on the map.
4. Fifty Shades Freed (2018)
Let’s talk about the Fifty Shades trilogy. Love it or hate it, it was a cultural moment. And Rita Ora? She played Mia Grey, Christian Grey’s younger sister.
By the time we get to Fifty Shades Freed, Mia actually gets a solid subplot. Without giving away spoilers, there’s a dramatic turn involving a kidnapping, and she’s at the center of it.
What I liked about her in this film is how natural she felt. She wasn’t overacting. She wasn’t trying to steal the scene. She just played Mia like your fun, stylish, slightly mischievous sister. It worked.
Side note: The family scenes in these movies? Totally underrated. Rita helped make those moments feel grounded.
5. Fifty Shades Darker (2017)
This sequel dives deeper into the drama and danger surrounding Christian and Ana. Mia doesn’t have a huge role, but Rita Ora still brings her signature warmth to every scene she’s in.
She’s the type of character you’d want at a fancy dinner party—bubbly, stylish, and always saying just enough to keep things light. And that’s important, especially when the main plot gets heavy.
She feels like the only normal person in this movie. And I mean that as a compliment. She made Mia relatable.
6. Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
This is where it all began. Rita Ora’s first outing as Mia Grey in the original Fifty Shades of Grey was more of an introduction than a full-fledged role. But even then, she stood out.
She added a splash of energy to scenes that could’ve felt stiff or too serious. Her presence helped humanize Christian, showing that even the mysterious billionaire had a real family—and a sister who could tease him.
It wasn’t a performance that tried to win awards. It was one that made you smile. And sometimes, that’s just as important.
7. Wonderwell (2023)
Wonderwell is probably Rita Ora’s most ambitious film to date. It’s a fantasy adventure that shifts between modern Italy and a magical parallel world, and she plays Yana—a mysterious guide who leads a young girl through this surreal landscape.
It’s visually stunning. And Ora finally gets a role that lets her do more than just play a sister or a stylish bystander. She’s central to the story. She has layers.
There’s also something poetic about this film being Carrie Fisher’s last. It gives Wonderwell a bittersweet magic. And Rita, stepping into this mystical world, feels like she belongs there.
This movie showed me a different side of her—one that’s ready for more screen time, more complex characters, and more creative freedom.
Rita Ora’s Acting Style and On-Screen Growth
Watching Rita Ora grow as an actress has been kind of inspiring. She didn’t try to dominate the screen from day one. She earned her stripes. She experimented. She took on roles that let her learn.
She has this subtle magnetism. Even when she’s not the main focus, you’re drawn to her. Maybe it’s her confidence. Maybe it’s how she delivers lines like she’s just chatting with you over coffee.
She’s also unafraid to get gritty. That Southpaw scene? Still gives me chills. And when she steps into a whimsical world like Wonderwell, she goes all in.
The most exciting part is that she’s still evolving. Every role adds a new layer. She’s not just playing characters—she’s shaping a real acting identity.
What’s Next for Rita Ora in Hollywood?
So what’s next? Honestly, I’m hoping for more leading roles. Maybe a drama. Maybe something weird and indie. Or even a musical—that would be perfect, right?
There’s talk of her diving deeper into fantasy, which totally suits her. With streaming platforms craving multi-talented stars, she’s exactly the kind of artist who could shine in a Netflix limited series or a Disney+ original.
She’s proven she has the range. Now it’s about giving her the screen time to really stretch it.
Final Thoughts
Rita Ora’s film journey isn’t about instant stardom. It’s about growth, passion, and showing up—even if it’s just to start a street race or steal a single emotional scene.
These seven films tell a story: of a pop star who didn’t settle, who kept learning, and who’s still unfolding into the actress she’s meant to become.
So if you haven’t yet, go watch one of these movies. Or all of them. You might walk away thinking,
