Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows: Loved her in OITNB? Watch her shine in these 9 more

Some of the best Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows are those that highlight the wide range of the actress. Danielle Brooks catapulted to fame after starring in Orange is the New Black and delivering a fiery performance. Trained in theatre and Broadway, the actress is a compelling performer and has worked in movies and TV shows like The Color Purple, Peacemaker, and more. She has received nominations for an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. The actress can take on both dramatic and comedic roles, and here are 10 Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows that fans of the actress must watch.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

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Peacemaker, A Minecraft Movie, and other Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows that are a must-watch

1. Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

Directed by Kenny Leon and starring Danielle Brooks, this biographical musical drama is a television movie and is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows. Written by Bettina Gilois and Todd Kreidler, the movie is about the real-life Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. The movie received positive critical and commercial reviews and was even nominated for the best television movie at the Emmys. Robin Roberts is a pathbreaking journalist and television personality and has made sure that the stories of powerful women are presented on screen. The movie looks at the life of Mahalia, amidst the civil rights movement for African Americans. Brooks delivers a powerful and mesmerizing performance as Mahalia and embodies the charisma of her character. The actress proves that she can take on character-driven roles and deliver them flawlessly. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows.

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2. The Color Purple

Starring Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, and others, this musical period drama movie is directed by Blitz Bazawule and is based on the stage musical of the same name, which in turn, is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker. While the movie was not a smash hit at the box office, it was lauded by critics. The film adapts the story of the famous novel, which focuses on Celie (Fantasia Barrino), who is an African-American woman who must deal with an abusive husband and live in the American South during the 1900s. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows, as the actress has starred in the Broadway show of the novel’s adaptation and has played the role of Sofia and received a Tony nomination. The actress continues to play the same character in the movie and delivers one of her strongest performances. Brooks is fierce and defiant as Sofia, and she steals every scene that she is in. It is, therefore, one of the best Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows, and the actress received an Academy Award nomination for her role as well.

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3. Clemency

Directed by Chinonye Chukwu and starring Alfre Woodard, Danielle Brooks, and others, this drama movie is also written by Chukwu. The film is about the lives of prison warden Bernadine Williams (Woodard) and a death row inmate, Anthony Woods (Aldis Hodge). The film was a critical hit and is one of the underrated Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows. The film is thought-provoking and emotional as Bernadine struggles with her place in the justice system and her role in partially taking a life. On the other hand, Brooks appears in a secondary role as Evette, who is the ex of Anthony and the mother of his child. While the role is supporting in nature, Brooks makes sure that she gives a dedicated performance and bolsters her talent as an actor. She steals the scene in whichever role she is put in and gives a stellar performance. Her character is heartbreaking and provides a way to connect the reality of the prison system with how it affects the people behind bars and their families. One of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows.

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4. Karma’s World

Created by Chris Bridges and based on an educational website of the same name that was created in 2009 by Ludacris, this animated musical comedy series features the voices of Asiahn Bryant, Danielle Brooks, Tiffany Haddish, and others. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows. The show focuses on the story of Karma Grant (Bryant), who is a 10-year-old aspiring rapper. She is in middle school and realizes that music is the only way through which she can stay true to herself and find her identity. The show focuses on how she overcomes challenges to fuel her passion for singing and rapping. Danielle Brooks plays the role of Lillie Carter-Grant, who is the mother of Karma and proudly supports her daughter and motivates her. She makes sure that Karma knows about her black women ancestors, and she is herself an empowered doctor. The actress does a fine job at voiceovers as she has a theatre background and knows how to modulate her tone and pack emotion in her voice. She embodies the warm and strong characteristics of an empowered mother to a child of color, and it is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows.

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5. Instant Dream Home

Danielle Brooks has even worked as a host in a reality TV show and has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Program Host. The show has one season and focuses on a group of builders and technicians, who take on high risks and transform the homes of deserving families in just one day. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows, and the actress does a fabulous job of hosting the show. Brooks proves her versatility by even hosting a show and doing it well. The actress brings her vivacious and bubbly personality to the show and elevates the tone of the series. The show has many thrilling episodes where deserving families get a complete makeover of their house. With minimum time to overhaul the entire home and a big crew to get the job done, the show is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows.

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6. Peacemaker

Created by James Gunn and based on the DC comics character of the same name, this superhero series is a part of the DC Extended Universe and is a spin-off of the 2021 movie, The Suicide Squad. Starring John Cena, Danielle Brooks, and others, the show is set after the events of the movie and focuses on the jingoistic mercenary Christopher Smith/Peacemaker (Cena). Peacemaker recovers from the injuries she received in the movie and joins the mysterious ARGUS black ops squad “Project Butterfly”, which is on a mission to eliminate parasitic butterfly-like creatures that have taken over human bodies. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows, and the actress plays the role of Leota Adebayo, who is the daughter of ARGUS leader Amanda Waller and is a member of the project. The show is entertaining and has offbeat humor. Brooks delivers a strong performance as she plays a rookie member and is trying to fit into the world of superheroes. Even though the role is more subdued, it is funny, and Brooks proves that she can take on more restrained, comic, and layered roles as well. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows.

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7. Master of None

Starring Aziz Ansari, Danielle Brooks, and others, this comedy-drama show is created by Ansari and Alan Yang. The show has received critical and commercial acclaim and focuses on Dev Shah (Ansari) in the first two seasons, who is a 30-year-old actor. The show focuses on his relationships and career. In the third season, the show focuses on Denise (Lena Waithe), who is a lesbian novelist, and the show focuses on her romantic and professional experiences. The show has many guest stars, but Danielle Brooks makes a big impression as Shannon. Therefore, it is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows. The actress appears in the first two seasons as Dev’s agent and delivers a scene-stealing performance. The character of Shannon is a no-nonsense character, and the actress is in her element as she plays such a type of fiery roles. The actress embodies the character, and it is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows.

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8. A Minecraft Movie

Directed by Jared Hess and starring Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and others, this fantasy adventure comedy movie is based on the famous video game of the same name. The movie is about four misfits who are pulled through a portal into a cubic world. Now, all of them must embark on a quest to get back to the real world with the help of an expert crafter called Steve. While reviews from critics were mixed, the hilarious movie was a big hit with the viewers and is one of the most successful movies of the year, 2025, so far. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows, as the actress plays the role of Dawn, who is a real estate agent and also runs a mobile petting zoo. The actress gives a hilarious performance and proves that she not only has the acting chops, but also has the funny bone in her. The movie is a lighthearted and zany comedy, and it is one of those Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows, that fans of the actress must watch.

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9. Eat Wheaties!

Starring Tony Hale, Danielle Brooks, and others, this Canadian comedy movie is written and directed by Scott Abramovitch. It is based on the 2003 novel by Michael Kung and has a modern twist. The movie focuses on Sid Straw (Hale), who is a software company manager and becomes the co-chair of the University of Pennsylvania planning committee for his college reunion. However, he becomes obsessed with proving to his friends that he was friends with actress Elizabeth Banks during their student days. It is one of the underrated Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows, as the actress plays Wendy, who is a friend of Sid. Even though it is a supporting role, the actress gives a dedicated and relatable performance as a true friend who is there for Sid, even when his world falls apart. The movie has lots of comedic moments, and Brooks once again proves that she can take on comedic roles as well. It is one of the must-watch Danielle Brooks movies and TV shows.