5 best films with Cynthia Erivo, Elphaba from Wicked

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One of the most anticipated films of 2025, “Wicked: Part II” brings back Cynthia Erivo in the role of Elphaba. In “Wicked: Part 1”, Erivo received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her performance in this character.

However, before “Wicked”, the English actress and singer-songwriter had already achieved recognition and awards for work in theater and TV series. In addition to the Oscar nomination, Cynthia Erivo has already won an Emmy, Grammy and Tony (EGOT).

Taking advantage of this opportunity, we list five films featuring the actress available on streaming. Check it out!

Harriet (2019)

This biographical drama tells the story of Harriet Tubman, a former slave, abolitionist and activist who helped enslaved people achieve freedom. Cynthia Erivo plays Harriet, and the cast includes Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn and Janelle Monáe.

The plot takes place in the second half of the 19th century, following Harriet from her escape from slavery to her actions in the Underground Railroad, the secret network that helped enslaved people achieve freedom.

For her performance in this drama, Erivo received her first Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Additionally, she was also nominated in the Best Original Song category for her performance on the song “Stand Up”.

• Where to watch:
  • Netflix;
  • Globoplay (plano Premium).

The Widows (2018)

Based on a British television series, “The Widows” is a heist film directed by Steve McQueen, the same as “12 Years a Slave”, winner of three Oscars.

In the plot, four women take on the robbery planned by their dead husbands to pay off the debt left to a crime boss.

Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki play the titular widows. Cynthia Erivo plays Belle, a nanny who ends up joining the group as a robbery driver.

• Where to watch:
  • Paramount+;
  • Globoplay (plano Premium).

Maus Moments in Hotel Royale (2018)

The thriller “Bad Moments at the Hotel Royale” features big names in the cast, including Cynthia Erivo.

The plot takes place in the late 60s, when several strangers spend the night in a hotel on the border of California and Nevada. Ancient secrets, hidden money and the arrival of a violent cult turn the night into a brutal fight.

Cynthia Erivo plays Darlene Sweet, a singer who stays at the hotel. The cast also includes Jeff Bridges, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman and Chris Hemsworth.

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Luther: Nightfall (2023)

This film is a direct sequel to the “Luther” series, a British crime thriller that features Idris Elba as the title detective.

In the film, Luther, arrested for his violent methods during his career as a detective, needs to escape from jail to stop a rich serial killer (Andy Serkis).

Cynthia Erivo plays Odette Raine, head of the major crimes team investigating both Luther and the serial killer.

Wicked: Parte 1 (2024)

An adaptation of the first act of the stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, “Wicked: Part I” was a critical and commercial success.

The plot takes place before the events of “The Wizard of Oz” and follows the initial friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North.

Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba, a young woman with green skin who arrives at Shiz University, where she faces prejudice and becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande plays Galinda, who will later become Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.