Zawe Ashton's 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Zawe Ashton movies and TV shows showcase her incredible journey from her early-career British TV roles to breakout performances in Hollywood. Born in 1984 in London, Zawe Ashton first gained widespread recognition for her role as Vod in Fresh Meat, where she displayed an inimitable comedic style. Since then, she has balanced leading roles in period dramas like Mr. Malcolm’s List with appearances in major franchises such as The Marvels. Beyond acting, Aston is also an accomplished playwright and author, making her one of the most dynamic talents to emerge from the UK in the last few decades.

Throughout her career, Zawe Ashton has worked alongside renowned actors and directors, proving her ability to excel in a variety of genres. Whether portraying a struggling artist in Velvet Buzzsaw or a determined activist in Guerrilla, she consistently brings depth and nuance to her performances. Her ability to transition seamlessly between film and television has cemented her status as a performer to watch. From acclaimed indie films to blockbuster hits, the best Zawe Ashton movies and TV shows display her rise to international acclaim from celebrated, but humble, beginnings.

10 Greta (2018)

Zawe Ashton Plays Alexa Hammond

Directed by Neil Jordan, 2018’s Greta is a psychological thriller that follows Frances McCullen (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young woman who befriends a mysterious widow, Greta (Isabelle Huppert), only to discover a dark secret. The movie builds tension through its unsettling atmosphere and strong performances, making it a gripping thriller that warrants more attention than it first received.

Zawe Ashton plays Alexa Hammond in Greta, Frances' close friend who serves as a voice of reason amid Frances' growing paranoia. Though her screen time is limited, Ashton makes an impact, delivering a grounded and convincing performance as someone trying to protect her friend from danger. While the 2018 movie largely revolves around Moretz and Huppert, Ashton’s role adds depth to Frances' world, and she ensures this integral character to the story is a memorable one. Though Greta wasn’t a massive box-office hit, its eerie tone and committed performances make it a must-watch for fans of Zawe Ashton and thriller movies alike.

9 Guerilla (2017)

Zawe Ashton Plays Omega

Guerrilla is a political drama set in 1970s London, chronicling the radical underground resistance movement fighting against systemic oppression. The show, which was created by John Ridley and Misan Sagay, blends historical events with fictional characters, offering a gripping portrayal of activism and the cost of revolution. Idris Elba and Freida Pinto lead the cast, delivering powerful performances in this thought-provoking series.

Zawe Ashton joins the cast of Guerilla as Omega, a key member of the resistance movement who is both fearless and strategic in her fight against injustice. Ahston’s performance adds a significant amount of emotional weight to the show, showing the personal toll of political activism - and her ability to balance steely resolve with moments of vulnerability makes Omega one of the show’s standout characters. While Guerrilla received mixed reviews for its handling of racial politics, Ashton’s performance was widely praised, reaffirming her ability to bring complexity to any role.

8 Case Histories (2011-2013)

Zawe Ashton Plays Deborah Arnold

Based on the popular novels by Kate Atkinson, Case Histories is a British crime drama following Jackson Brodie (Jason Isaacs), a former soldier turned private investigator who takes on cases involving missing persons, murders, and long-buried family secrets. The show blends detective work with deep character studies, exploring the emotional weight of Brodie’s cases while delving into his own troubled past.

Zawe Ashton plays Deborah Arnold in Case Histories, a woman entangled in one of Brodie’s investigations. While not a lead character, her performance adds emotional weight to the show, as she brings complexity to her role through quiet intensity and subtle vulnerability. Ashton excels at portraying characters who are more than they initially seem, and Deborah is no exception - she’s a puzzle piece in Brodie’s intricate cases, offering a mix of mystery and personal turmoil. Though her screen time is limited, her ability to convey so much through her expressions and delivery proves why she had no trouble finding international movie success later in her career.

7 Mr. Malcolm’s List (2022)

Zawe Ashton Plays Julia Thistlewaite

In this Regency-era romantic comedy directed by Emma Holly Jones, Mr. Malcolm’s List follows a young woman seeking revenge on a suitor who rejected her. The 2022 movie plays with classic period drama tropes while injecting humor and modern sensibilities, making it a charming addition to Zawe Ashton’s filmography. The Fresh Meat and The Marvels star shines as Julia Thistlewaite, a woman scorned who sets the plot into motion with her plan for retribution.

Unlike traditional period drama heroines, Julia is delightfully scheming and witty, allowing Ashton to showcase her comedic skills. Her chemistry with co-stars Freida Pinto, Sope Dirisu, and Theo James keeps the film engaging, and her performance elevates what could have been a one-note character into something truly memorable. Mr. Malcolm’s List was well-received, particularly for its diverse casting and fresh take on the rom-com genre, solidifying it as one of the best Zawe Ashton movies and TV shows.

6 Not Safe For Work (2015)

Zawe Ashton Plays Katherine

A darkly comedic workplace thriller, the 2015 UK show Not Safe For Work follows a civil servant caught in a bureaucratic nightmare - Zawe Ashton’s Katherine - as budget cuts threaten her office. The British series blends satire with suspense, making it a unique and entertaining watch. The show was created for the UK’s Channel 4 by D.C. Moore, who also worked on Killing Eve and Mary & George.

Zawe Ashton’s Katherine is an ambitious and sharp-witted lead character who often finds herself clashing with her colleagues. Ashton’s performance is full of dry humor and sharp timing, highlighting her ability to balance comedy and drama effortlessly. Though short-lived, Not Safe For Work gained a cult following for its clever writing and engaging performances. Ashton’s performance as Katherine is a major highlight of Not Safe For Work, and was an early-career showcase of her ability to excel at both comedic and dramatic storytelling.

5 All Of You (2024)

Zawe Ashton Plays Andrea

A heartfelt drama directed by William Bridges, All of You follows the intertwined lives of strangers dealing with love, loss, and redemption. The film explores themes of fate and human connection, offering a poignant and emotional narrative. Released in 2024, All Of You is Zawe Ashton’s most prominent role after her appearance in The Marvels, and is an equally strong example of her successful transition from UK TV shows to the big screen.

Zawe Ashton delivers a powerful performance as Andrea, a woman struggling with a difficult past while searching for a new beginning. Her portrayal is deeply affecting, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and grace. While All of You remains a relatively under-the-radar release, early festival buzz praised Ashton’s performance as one of the highlights. With its moving storyline and standout acting, All of You is a testament to Ashton’s talent and contains a solid cast thanks to co-stars like Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots.

4 Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

Zawe Ashton Plays Josephina

Directed by Dan Gilroy, Velvet Buzzsaw is a satirical horror film that skewers the pretentiousness of the high-end art world while blending psychological thrills with supernatural horror. The story follows art critic Morf Vandewalt (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his circle of elite gallery owners, collectors, and artists as they become entangled with cursed paintings that bring deadly consequences. The 2019 movie critiques greed and artistic exploitation, using absurd, over-the-top deaths to highlight its dark humor.

As part of an all-star cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal and Toni Colletee, Zawe Ashton takes on the role of Josephina in Velvet Buzzsaw, an ambitious and cunning gallery assistant who stumbles upon the haunted paintings, setting the movie’s gruesome events in motion. She gives the character an engaging mix of vulnerability and ruthless ambition, making Josephina feel both relatable and deeply flawed. Ashton expertly portrays her gradual descent from confident and opportunistic to terrified and overwhelmed as the supernatural forces take hold. Despite the film’s divisive reception, Ashton’s performance was widely praised, cementing Velvet Buzzsaw as one of the best Zawe Ashton movies and TV shows.

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3 Wanderlust (2018)

Zawe Ashton Plays Claire Pascal

Created by playwright Nick Payne, Wanderlust is a British drama series exploring the complexities of marriage, monogamy, and desire. The 2018 show, which was created by the BBC in collaboration with Netflix, follows therapist Joy (Toni Collette) and her husband Alan (Steven Mackintosh) as they attempt to save their marriage by experimenting with an open relationship. With sharp dialogue and a cast of strong performances, Wanderlust was praised for its honesty, humor, and willingness to explore uncomfortable truths about love and intimacy.

Zawe Ashton plays Claire Pascal, an English teacher who brings a fresh perspective to Joy’s personal and professional dilemmas. While Claire initially appears as a secondary character, Ashton gives her a compelling presence, making her an insightful contrast to Joy’s more conflicted outlook on relationships. Her scenes with Toni Collette are particularly engaging, as the two actresses create a dynamic that is both tense and deeply revealing. Ashton’s performance in Wanderlust is another example of her ability to elevate supporting roles, making her character feel fully realized within the show’s exploration of love, trust, and human connection.

2 The Marvels (2023)

Zawe Ashton Plays Dar-Benn

A major addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Marvels expands the story of Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) while introducing new heroes and formidable threats. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film brings together Carol Danvers, Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) as they are forced to team up when their powers become inexplicably linked. The MCU movie delivers high-energy action, stunning visual effects, and a mix of humor and drama that keeps audiences engaged - and represents Zawe Ashton’s most blockbuster project to date.

Zawe Ashton gave a standout performance as The Marvels antagonist Dar-Benn, a Kree warrior with a vengeful mission that places her at odds with Captain Marvel. As the central villain, Ashton was an intense and commanding presence, bringing a sense of calculated menace to the role. Unlike many one-dimensional MCU villains, Dar-Benn’s motivations are rooted in personal loss and political turmoil, making her more than just a straightforward foe. While The Marvels had a mixed reception, Ashton’s portrayal of Dar-Benn stood out as one of its strongest elements.

1 Fresh Meat (2011-2016)

Zawe Ashton Plays Vod

Fresh Meat is the British comedy-drama that made Zawe Ashton a household name, and remains her strongest performance so far. Created by Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, the series follows a group of university students navigating the highs and lows of student life. With its razor-sharp writing and unforgettable characters, Fresh Meat became a cult favorite, offering a mix of absurd humor and surprisingly heartfelt moments. The show’s ensemble cast, which includes Jack Whitehall, Joe Thomas, and Charlotte Ritchie, delivered some of the most memorable comedy performances of the decade. The show ran for four seasons, becoming one of Channel 4’s most beloved comedies.

Zawe Ashton stands out as one of the funniest characters in Fresh Meat - Vod, a rebellious, effortlessly cool, and often chaotic student whose larger-than-life personality makes her one of the show’s most iconic characters. Vod’s mix of dry wit, reckless behavior, and unexpected moments of sincerity made her a fan favorite, and Ashton’s fearless performance was a major highlight of the series. Her comedic timing was impeccable, but she also brought layers of depth to Vod, showing glimpses of vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. Thanks to Fresh Meat, Ashton’s talent was widely recognized, launching her career and securing the show’s place as the best Zawe Ashton movie or TV show.

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