5 Zawe Ashton movies and TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist

Zawe Ashton is a BAFTA-nominated actress, director, and playwright known for her roles in a wide range of movies and series. You might recognize her from The Marvels (Dar-Benn) or Channel 4's hit sitcom Fresh Meat.

After completing her education at Manchester Metropolitan University, she ventured into the world of acting. An acting enthusiast since her childhood, Zawe joined the Anna Scher Theatre School when she was just six. Eventually, she went on to appear in a bunch of theatre shows, including Harold Pinter's Betrayal, Gone Too Far!, The Arsonists, The Maids (Jean Genet's), Salome, and Splendour (Abi Morgan's).

Apart from acting, she also takes a keen interest in writing and narration work. In 2019, she published her fictional memoir called Character Breakdown. She has also served as a narrator for shows like 24 Hours in Police Custody and Public Enemies. Zawe Ashton keeps her personal life under wraps. She got engaged to Tom Hiddleston in 2022, and they have two children.

Here are five Zawe Ashton movies and TV series that you must add to your watchlist.

5 Zawe Ashton movies and TV shows that should be on your watchlist

Wanderlust - Available on Netflix

Just like some of you weren't aware that Ashton's maternal grandfather was both the President and Prime Minister of Uganda, you might have missed her role in this British miniseries, too. Yes, Zawe Ashton was a part of Wanderlust, where she played the role of Claire Pascal, an English teacher and Alan's colleague.

At the centre of the series is a therapist, Joy Richards, whose life changes after an accident caused by her being distracted after seeing her former patient, Emily. Emily and her husband used to visit Joy for couples therapy. Unfortunately, during the treatment, Emily's husband takes his life. Meanwhile, Joy and her husband Alan seem to lose spark in their marriage, and they start seeing other people. But is that enough to rekindle the spark?

Fresh Meat - Stream for free on Channel 4

If you are in the mood for some comedy drama, then here's the perfect series to binge-watch. Fresh Meat is a hit British comedy drama that follows six university students who share off-campus housing in Whalley Range, Manchester. Watch them navigate their lives as they juggle between career, friendships, and relationships.

Zawe Ashton plays Violet Vod Nordstorm, one of the six students living in the off-campus housing. Vod's a literature student who loves to party but struggles in academics. Ashton was even nominated for BAFTA awards for her role as Vod. All four seasons are available to stream on Channel 4.

Not Safe for Work - Available on Channel 4

Another British comedy series, Not Safe for Work, explores the chaotic lives of civil servants. At the centre of the series is Katherine, played by Zawe Ashton, whose office is moved from London to Northampton due to public sector funding cuts. All six episodes are available to stream on Channel 4.

Velvet Buzzsaw - Available on Netflix

In the mood for something supernatural, something horror with a pinch of thrill? Worry not, Velvet Buzzsaw on Netflix is a perfect addition to your watchlist. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Zawe Ashton, Toni Collette, to name a few.

As per IMDb, the synopsis reads:

"A thriller about the contemporary art scene of Los Angeles, where big money artists and mega collectors pay a high price when art collides with commerce."

Ashton plays Josephina in Velvet Buzzsaw.

Mr. Malcom's List - Available on Prime Video

In this Regency era romantic drama, Zawe Ashton plays Julia Thristlewaite, a sharp-tongued social climber who keeps her ambitions high. The series is adpated form Suzzane Allain's novel, and it follows a wealthy bachelor, Mr. Malcom, who maintains a list of requirements for his potential bride. When Julia fails to meet a requirement of Mr. Malcom's list, she seeks help from her friend for revenge.