Kerry Washington’s 10 Best Movies & TV Shows, Ranked

Summary

• Little Fires Everywhere is a must-watch for Kerry Washington fans, showcasing her prime acting skills and executive producer talent.
• Confirmation is a riveting TV movie where Washington shines as Anita Hill, delivering a powerful and underrated performance.
• Our Song, Washington’s first film, is a touching coming-of-age drama perfect for all ages, showcasing her talent at the cusp of fame.

Since 1994, Kerry Washington has been a dominant force on the big and small screen, leading to her becoming best known for roles such as Scandal’s Olivia Pope and Our Song’s Lanisha Brown. Washington’s career began when she was still a teenager. Her first projects included the PBS sketch-comedy show, Standard Deviants and the teen/young adult drama movieOur Song. Washington’s breakthrough came in the early 2000s when she played Chris Rock’s love interest in Bad Company and took on the leading role in Spike Lee’s film, She Hate Me. From there, her fame only grew.

Over the years, Kerry Washington has appeared in a number of lauded and popular projects, but a handful of them constitute her very best. These movies and shows stand out because of the special performances Washington gave, and also the critical reactions she got in return. Furthermore, these projects have some of the best stories of Washington’s 30-year career. Though the following films and series vary from comedies to historical fiction dramas, all of them have one thing in common: the amazing and fierce aura of Kerry Washington. Therefore, they are all definitely worth a watch.

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Related Will There Be A Season 2 Of Little Fires Everywhere?

Hulu’s dramatic Little Fires Everywhere is a clever take on motherhood. Is there going to be a season 2 for the adaptation of Celeste Ng’s book?

10 Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

An Artist’s Life Becomes Intertwined With Middle-Class America

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Based on the best-selling novel by Celeste Ng, Little Fires everywhere stars Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon as Mia Warren and Elena Richardson, two mothers on very different life paths who become inexorably linked when Elena rents her family’s guest house to Mia and her daughter Pearl. As Pearl becomes closer to the Richardson children, secrets and past ghosts for both families as well as local scandal begin to come to light, leading to incendiary consequences. Lexi Underwood, Joshua Jackson, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Jade Pettyjohn also star. 

Cast Kerry Washington , Reese Witherspoon Release Date March 18, 2020 Seasons 1 Streaming Service(s) Hulu , Prime Video , Apple TV+ Writers Liz Tigelaar , Kerry Washington , Reese Witherspoon Directors Lynn Shelton Showrunner Liz Tigelaar Expand

For those looking to dive headfirst into Kerry Washington’s filmography, Little Fires Everywhere is a great place to start. Based on a 2017 novel of the same name by Celeste Ng, this mini-series tells the story of the Richardsons and the Warrens, two families whose lives become intertwined in 1990s Shaker Heights. This show is brief yet dramatic, delving into problems of race, class, and generational issues. It is the type of series that is great for its exploration of the ordinary.

Kerry Washington earned an Academy Award Nomination for Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for
Little Fires Everywhere.

Little Fires Everywhere is a strong place to start when it comes to Kerry Washington because she gives a solid performance as Mia Warren. Where earlier Washington projects may give audiences a peek at her younger, less experienced roles, Little Fires Everywhere portrays Washington in her prime. Not only does she lead the show, but she also executive produced it. Plus, Washington excels alongside movie star Reese Witherspoon. Overall, this is a very grounded piece of Washington’s career.

9 The Last King Of Scotland (2006)

A Scottish Doctor Becomes A Dictator’s Confidante

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*Availability in US Director Kevin Macdonald Release Date January 12, 2006 Writers Peter Morgan , Jeremy Brock , Giles Foden Cast Forest Whitaker , James McAvoy , Kerry Washington , Gillian Anderson , Simon McBurney , David Oyelowo

A surprising mix of history and fiction, The Last King of Scotland is another enjoyable historical film. Based on a 1998 novel by Giles Foden, The Last King of Scotland follows Nicholas Garrigan, a Scottish doctor who travels to Uganda seeking adventure. During his travels, Garrigan treats Idi Amin, the newly appointed dictator of Uganda. Garrigan soon becomes Amin’s personal physician and confidante, but their relationship sours when Garrigan discovers Amin’s unjust actions. Meanwhile, Garrigan begins an affair with Amin’s daughter, Kay.

Kerry Washington may have a seemingly small role in this film, but her performance as Kay is particularly mighty.

Kerry Washington may have a seemingly small role in this film, but her performance as Kay is particularly mighty. The Last King of Scotland is a unique story and Washington’s fierce emotions ground the movie in reality. It also helps that the movie has a star-studded cast, including James McAvoy, Forest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson, and David Oyelowo. Once again, this is a film that earned several awards and nominations, and for good reason. It is moving, heartbreaking, and dives into an era of history that many may be unfamiliar with.

8 Night Catches Us (2010)

An Ex-Black Panther Reconnects To His Roots

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*Availability in US Director Tanya Hamilton Release Date December 3, 2010 Writers Tanya Hamilton Cast Kerry Washington , Anthony Mackie , Wendell Pierce , Jamie Hector , Tariq Trotter , Amari Cheatom

Though Washington has given many great performances set in the present day, her historical projects are hits as well. One perfect example is Night Catches Us. The 2010 movie stars Anthony Mackie as Marcus, a former Black Panther who returns to his hometown, Philadelphia, to attend his father’s funeral. While there, he must come to terms with his past actions, while also kindling a new relationship with a young widow, Patricia, played by Kerry Washington.

Despite being a directorial debut, Night Catches Us is a notable and lauded film. With a Certified Fresh 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has been praised for its nuance and detail. Rather than being a blanket statement about a certain topic or time period, the movie focuses instead on its characters’ experiences. Of course, Washington also brings a striking performance as Patricia. Night Catches Us is certainly a hidden gem in Washington’s resume.

7 Ray (2004)

Biopic Of Soul Musician Ray Charles

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Ray is a biographical film that chronicles the life and career of Ray Charles, portrayed by Jamie Foxx. The film explores Charles’ journey from his early struggles with blindness and poverty to his rise as a pioneering musician in the American music industry. Directed by Taylor Hackford, Ray celebrates Charles’ contributions to music while highlighting his personal and professional challenges.

Director Taylor Hackford Release Date October 29, 2004 Cast Jamie Foxx , Kerry Washington , Regina King

Another outstanding historical piece featuring Kerry Washington is Ray. The musical biopic movie stars Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles, a real life soul musician who finds success and love despite serious setbacks in his childhood and career, including drug addiction and blindness. In the film, Washington plays Charles’ wife, Della Bea Robinson. Notably, this film earned a number of different nominations and awards following its premiere, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Although Ray is often remembered as being a major performance for Jamie Foxx, it is also a great film for Kerry Washington. Similar to Night Catches Us, Washington must play the role of a woman who is scorned and troubled by the actions of her lover. Furthermore, she must bring to life a real life woman, which is no easy feat. Ultimately, Ray exemplifies the best of biopics and includes an underrated Kerry Washington performance.

6 Live In Front Of A Studio Audience (2019)

Stars Recreate Iconic Sitcom Episodes

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The first piece of television to rank on this list is a particularly special project. Live in Front of a Studio Audience is a series of TV specials which see modern Hollywood stars recreating iconic episodes of sitcoms in front of a live studio audience. The six episodes are from shows like All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Diff’rent Strokes, The Facts of Life, and Good Times. In Live in Front of a Studio Audience, Kerry Washington portrays Helen Willis from All in the Family and The Jeffersons.

Kerry Washington won her first Emmy for
Live in Front of a Studio Audience.

Among Washington’s long filmography, this is one of the most unique projects she has been a part of. Though the actress has appeared in Academy Award-nominated movies and long-running television shows, Live in Front of a Studio Audience stands out because of its nostalgia factor and its distinct concept. This type of revival does not happen often, so it is definitely a project that is worth checking out. Plus, Washington’s performance as Helen is strong.

5 UnPrisoned (2023)

A Woman’s Life Is Changed When Her Father Gets Out Of Prison

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Based on the life of show creator Terry McMillan, Unprisoned is a comedy series that follows Paige, a relationship therapist who needs perfection but has a somewhat messy life. A single mother living at home with her teenage son, Paige’s life is changed further when her father is released from prison with nowhere to go. Agreeing to take him in, the two will attempt to reconnect as Paige navigates a new day-to-day life.

Cast Kerry Washington , Delroy Lindo , Marque Richardson , Faly Rakotohavana , Jordyn McIntosh Release Date March 10, 2023 Seasons 1 Writers Tracy McMillan

One of Kerry Washington’s most recent projects is the TV drama, UnPrisoned. Produced and led by Washington, UnPrisoned tells the story of Paige, a relationship therapist and single mother who leads an imperfect but mostly happy life. However, everything changes when her father gets out of prison and begins living with her. Suddenly, Paige must face her own fears of healthy relationships while also reflecting on her past and difficult bond with her dad.

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In just two seasons, UnPrisoned has garnered quite a bit of acclaim. With 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, the show is praised for its balance of lighthearted comedy and heavy themes. Washington gives a heartfelt performance as Paige that is only made better by her quick-witted dynamic with her on-screen father, Delroy Lindo. Like many of Washington’s projects, UnPrisoned offers a glimpse into an important part of the African American experience, making it both fresh and significant.

4 Confirmation (2016)

A Judge’s Supreme Court Bid Is Disrupted By Dark Claims

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What is probably Kerry Washington’s most underrated project is the TV movie, Confirmation. Released in 2016, the film tells the true story of Judge Clarence Hill’s nomination to the Supreme Court, which was derailed when his former employee, Anita Hill, revealed that Hill had sexually harrassed her. Despite being a TV movie, Confirmation is a riveting piece of media with an incredible cast and a story that demands to be watched.

While Washington played various wives and lovers throughout her career,
Confirmation’s
Hill turns the tables on this trend.

Washington’s performance as Anita Hill may be one of her very best. Therefore, it is no surprise that she earned a handful of award nominations for the part, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. While Washington played various wives and lovers throughout her career, Confirmation’s Hill turns the tables on this trend. Rather than being reliant on her male partner, Hill speaks out about her experience and gains power because of it. Overall, her story and Washington’s depiction of it is especially powerful.

3 Django Unchained (2012)

A Freed Slave Takes On Wild West Criminals

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Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained follows Jamie Foxx’s Django, a Black slave who is freed before becoming a bounty hunter. After meeting German dentist-turned-bounty-hunter Dr. King Schultz, Django sets off to free his wife from the cruel and charismatic plantation owner Calvin Candie. Christophe Waltz stars alongside Foxx, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kerry Washington rounding out the cast of Tarantino’s revisionist Spaghetti Western. 

Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date December 25, 2012 Writers Quentin Tarantino Cast Leonardo DiCaprio , Jonah Hill , Samuel L. Jackson , Jamie Foxx , Kerry Washington , Christoph Waltz

The last (and best) historical fiction film that Kerry Washington appears in is Django Unchained. Directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring Jamie Foxx, the Western follows Django, an enslaved man who earns his freedom after catching a pair of criminals alongside a German bounty hunter. From there, Django and his partner embark on a new mission: take down the cruel plantation owner who possesses Django’s lost-lost wife, Hildi.

Like many Tarantino films, Kerry Washington’s Django Unchained has some mixed reviews, but those who love the movie are truly passionate about it. The film’s dark and dirty ambiance mixed with Tarantino’s famous stylization make it an inevitably entertaining experience. Unsurprisingly, it also benefits from amazing performances from Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz, and Kerry Washington. Whether one loves it or hates it, Django Unchained is a project that will make audiences feel some type of way.

2 Our Song (2000)

Three Young Girls Enjoy The Last Weeks Of Summer

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Somehow, Kerry Washington’s simplest movie is one of her very best. Our Song is a 2000 drama that follows three teens, Lanisha, Maria, and Joycelyn as they spend their final weeks of summer vacation on the streets of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Though each girl is part of the high school marching band and lives in the same housing project, each of their lives is different in important ways. As a result, they must face their individual challenges while maintaining their pure childhood friendship.

For those interested in seeing Washington at the very cusp of her fame,
Our Song
is the perfect film to watch.

Despite being Kerry Washington’s very first movie, Our Song still holds up. Washington’s performance as Lanisha is touching, thoughtful, and enjoyable, especially now that she is all grown up. This is the type of coming-of-age movie that is perfect for all ages because of its relatable themes such as growing up, friendship, and the future. For those interested in seeing Washington at the very cusp of her fame, Our Song is the perfect film to watch.

1 Scandal (2012)

A Media Consultant Struggles To Keep Her Own Reputation Clean

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Created by Shonda Rhimes, Scandal follows Olivia Pope, the head of a crisis management firm in Washington D.C., and her team of associates as they work to mitigate public relations fallouts for some of the biggest names in politics, including the President of the United States. The show stars Kerry Washington as Oliva Pope, with a further ensemble cast that includes Katie Lowes, Darby Stanchfield, Tony Goldwyn, and Bellamy Young. 

Cast Kerry Washington , Tony Goldwyn , Scott Foley Release Date May 4, 2012 Seasons 7 Network ABC Streaming Service(s) Prime Video , Hulu , Apple TV+ Writers Shonda Rhimes Directors Scott Foley Showrunner Shonda Rhimes Expand

Kerry Washington is best known for starring in the ABC show Scandal, and the drama’s popularity is well-deserved. The show follows Washington as Olivia Pope, a former media consultant for the President of the United States. Pope opens her own risk management company, but finds that she can’t escape her past no matter how hard she tries. Though her and her employees are skilled at making controversies go away, their own lives are still wracked with drama.

Kerry Washington once made an appearance as Olivia Pope on the ABC drama,
How to Get Away With Murder.

For a solid dose of Kerry Washington, watching Scandal is the way to go. Over the course of seven seasons, audiences get to see Olivia Pope’s highest highs and lowest lows, both of which are amazingly acted by Kerry Washington. Because of the dramatic nature of the series, Scandal always remains entertaining and juicy. If viewers should see any Kerry Washington project, it should most definitely be Scandal.

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