Zoë Saldaña movies and TV shows: A Deep Dive

Zoë Saldaña is a name that resonates with movie buffs and TV enthusiasts alike. With a career spanning over two decades, she’s carved out a remarkable niche in Hollywood, particularly in blockbuster sci-fi franchises and emotionally charged dramas. From her early days as a dancer to becoming the highest-grossing actress of all time (with her films raking in over $15 billion worldwide as of 2024), Saldaña’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Whether she’s wielding a sword in Pirates of the Caribbean, embodying the fierce Neytiri in Avatar, or commanding the screen in Emilia Pérez, her versatility shines through. For Canadian fans eager to dive into Zoë Saldaña movies and TV shows, this article is your guide to her standout works—complete with descriptions, trailers, and where to watch them from the Great White North.

Born on June 19, 1978, in Passaic, New Jersey, to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, Saldaña’s multicultural roots and dance training laid the foundation for her dynamic career. She burst onto the scene in 2000 with Center Stage and hasn’t looked back since. What makes her so captivating? It’s her ability to bring depth to every role, whether she’s a blue-skinned Na’vi warrior or a tough-as-nails CIA operative. Let’s explore some of her best movies and TV shows, ranked for their impact, her performance, and sheer entertainment value.

The Best Zoë Saldaña Movies and TV Shows

Here’s a curated list of Saldaña’s top works, each with a brief description, an embedded YouTube trailer (official ones only!), and details on where Canadians can stream or buy them as of March 21, 2025. Prices are approximate and subject to change, so double-check before hitting “play.”

1. Avatar (2009)

• Description: James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi epic introduced us to Pandora, a lush alien world where paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) becomes part of the Na’vi through an avatar body. Saldaña plays Neytiri, the fierce yet compassionate Na’vi princess who teaches Jake the ways of her people. Her motion-capture performance is a masterclass in blending physicality with emotion, making Avatar the highest-grossing film ever at the time (and still number one as of 2025).
• Where to Watch in Canada:
  • Disney+: Included with a subscription ($11.99/month or $119.99/year). Watch here.
    • Rent/Buy:
    • Amazon Prime Video: $4.99 rent, $19.99 buy. Watch here.
    • Apple TV: $4.99 rent, $19.99 buy. Watch here.

2. Emilia Pérez (2024)

• Description: This Spanish-language musical crime drama is a bold departure for Saldaña, earning her a historic Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2025. She plays Rita Mora Castro, a Mexican lawyer caught up in the life of a cartel boss (Karla Sofía Gascón) who transitions to live as a woman. Saldaña’s fiery performance, complete with singing and dancing, showcases her range like never before. It’s a critical darling and a must-watch.
• Where to Watch in Canada:
  • Netflix: Included with a subscription (starts at $5.99/month with ads, $16.49/month standard). Watch here.

3. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

• Description: The long-awaited sequel to Avatar dives into Pandora’s oceans, with Saldaña reprising her role as Neytiri. Now a mother, she fights alongside Jake to protect their family from human invaders. The visuals are jaw-dropping, and Saldaña’s emotional depth anchors the spectacle. It’s the third highest-grossing film ever, proving her star power endures.
• Where to Watch in Canada:
  • Disney+: Included with a subscription ($11.99/month). Watch here.
    • Rent/Buy:
      • Amazon Prime Video: $4.99 rent, $19.99 buy. Watch here.
      • Disney+: Included with a subscription ($11.99/month). Watch here.
      • Rent/Buy: Amazon Prime Video ($4.99 rent, $19.99 buy).

4. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

• Description: Saldaña transforms into Gamora, the green-skinned assassin turned reluctant hero in this Marvel hit. Alongside Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord and a ragtag crew, she battles cosmic threats with wit and grit. Her chemistry with the cast and action chops make this a fan favorite in the MCU.
• Where to Watch in Canada:
  • Disney+: Included with a subscription ($11.99/month). Watch here.
    • Rent/Buy:
    • Apple TV: $4.99 rent, $19.99 buy. Watch here.

5. Star Trek (2009)

• Description: J.J. Abrams rebooted the iconic franchise, and Saldaña stepped into the role of Nyota Uhura, the Enterprise’s brilliant communications officer. Her take is fresh yet respectful of the original, balancing strength and vulnerability as she navigates a romance with Spock (Zachary Quinto). It’s a sci-fi classic reborn.
• Where to Watch in Canada:
  • Paramount+: Included with a subscription ($6.99/month with ads, $10.99/month standard, $13.99/month premium). Watch here.
    • Rent/Buy:
    • Amazon Prime Video: $4.99 rent, $14.99 buy. Watch here.

6. Lioness (2023–Present)

• Description: In this Paramount+ series, Saldaña plays Joe McNamara, a CIA officer leading a team of female operatives in high-stakes missions. It’s gritty, intense, and showcases her as a commanding lead. With stars like Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman, it’s a slow burn that pays off.t
• Where to Watch in Canada:
  • Paramount+: Included with a subscription ($6.99/month with ads, $10.99/month standard, $13.99/month premium). Watch here.

7. Center Stage (2000)

• Description: Saldaña’s big-screen debut sees her as Eva Rodríguez, a talented but rebellious ballet dancer at a prestigious academy. Her dance background shines, and her sass steals scenes. It’s a nostalgic gem for anyone who loves a good underdog story.
• Where to Watch in Canada:
  • Rent/Buy:
  • Amazon Prime Video: $4.99 rent, $12.99 buy. Watch here.
  • Apple TV: $4.99 rent, $12.99 buy. Watch here.

Why Zoë Saldaña Stands Out

What ties these Zoë Saldaña movies and TV shows together is her knack for playing strong, complex women. She’s not just a supporting player—she’s often the heartbeat of the story. Her dance training brings a physical grace to action roles, while her emotional range elevates dramas like Emilia Pérez. Plus, she’s made history: she’s the only actor to star in four films grossing over $2 billion (Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame). That’s a feat no one else can claim.

For Canadians, streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, and Paramount+ make her work accessible, often for less than the price of a movie ticket. Want to binge her sci-fi hits? Disney+ has you covered. Craving her latest award-winning role? Netflix is your spot. And if you’re into her TV grit, Paramount+ delivers.