Editor's Pick, Features, Film & TV, United States

Awkwafina’s Top 9 Films Ranked in Order Of Greatness

From viral rap roots to award-winning roles, we rank Awkwafina’s best films on her 37th birthday—showcasing her talent, range, and legacy

2 June 2025 marks Awkwafina’s 37th birthday, and to celebrate the esteemed Asian American actress, your esteemed team at Resonate has put together a list of their favourite Awkwafina films. From her breakout roles in laugh-out-loud comedies to her acclaimed turns in poignant dramas, Awkwafina has proven herself to be a diverse and talented force to be reckoned with.

In this list, we spotlight Awkwafina’s top movies — the essential films that showcase her talent and chart her journey from viral sensation to award-winning star. While you might disagree with our picks, it’s our list, so our rules.

9. Ocean’s 8 (2018)

Although the all-female Ocean’s 8 was a more forgettable instalment of the otherwise all-male Ocean’s franchise, Awkwafina’s role as street-hustler Constance was at least a memorable one. Before we find ourselves at the wrong end of feminists’ pitchforks, we must clarify that it’s not the all-female part of the film that we took issue with – it was more the uninspiring plot and general lack of charisma that the franchise was renowned for. In any case, we’re here to say that Awkwafina shone brightly in an otherwise flat film.

8. Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Considering the comedic nature of the Kung Fu Panda series, Awkwafina’s character in the fourth instalment of the animated franchise is surprisingly and refreshingly complex. Initially introduced as a cunning thief, Zhen – a street-smart Corsac fox – is caught by Po (Jack Black) stealing relics from the Jade Palace. Zhen’s tangled past of abandonment, thievery, and manipulation is gradually revealed as she embraces Po’s teachings and moral compass, despite betraying him once again. Awkwafina serves as the perfect casting for the latest character addition.

7. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Cast alongside comedy heroes new and old, such as The Rock, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, Awkwafina’s portrayal of Ming Fleetfoot added a fresh dynamic to the Jumanji team. Despite only appearing in the later part of the film, her comedic performance pushed her character to the forefront, leaving viewers wanting more.

6. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The highly anticipated Crazy Rich Asians broke boundaries for Asian American cinema. Finally pushing Asians to the forefront of Hollywood in their own film, Crazy Rich Asians will always be regarded as a seminal point in Asian American film and television. Awkwafina played the role of Goh Peik Lin – Rachel Chu’s (Constance Wu) quirky, loyal, and hilarious college friend.

The only reason Crazy Rich Asians is on the lower part of this list is that there simply wasn’t enough Awkwafina, and the fact that she’s gone on to tackle even greater roles since then.

5. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

In Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, Awkwafina voices Sisu, a mystical water dragon and the last of her kind in the fantasy realm of Kumandra. Awkwafina’s performance was notable for her improvisational approach, infusing Sisu with a unique personality that resonated with audiences. Her portrayal even drew comparisons to Robin Williams’ Genie in Aladdin, highlighting her ability to balance comedic elements with emotional sincerity

4. Quiz Lady (2023)

In a series that won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie, Quiz Lady showcased just how formidable an actress Awkwafina can be, even when pitched alongside industry veteran Sandra Oh. The comedy tells the story of two estranged sisters who team up to help their mother pay off her gambling debts.

3. Swan Song (2021)

In the Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Swan Song, Awkwafina portrays Kate, a woman who previously underwent a clandestine cloning procedure to spare her loved ones the grief of her impending death. Her performance showcased her versatility as an actress with her portrayal of Kate, adding depth to the film’s exploration of futuristic ethical dilemmas and personal choices.

2. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Just as Crazy Rich Asians was poised to be Asian American cinema’s breakthrough Hollywood moment, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was highly anticipated to be Asian American cinema’s Marvel breakthrough, a la Black Panther. The film, starring Simu Liu as the titular character, achieved critical success, with a sequel already in the works. In the film, Awkwafina plays the character Katy Chen, the best friend of the film’s protagonist. Her character brings humor and relatability to the film, and she evolves from being the comic relief to an active participant in the adventure, even playing a crucial role in the film’s climactic battle.

Awkwafina’s performance was praised for adding heart, humour, and authenticity to the story, and her chemistry with Simu Liu was a standout aspect of the film.

1. The Farewell (2019)

Awkwafina’s earliest breakout, ‘My Vag’, might have pigeonholded the actress (rapper back then) as a comedian but her leading role in Lulu Wang’s The Farewell proved that the Asian American star was indeed a multitfacted actress with remarkable talent. In the film, Awkwafina stars as a Chinese American woman named Billi who returns to China to visit her grandmother, who is suffering from cancer. Billi clashes with her family, who decide to keep her grandmother in the dark about her illness.

Awkwafina’s incredibly touching performance reduced audiences and critics alike to tears, ultimately winning her a well-deserved Golden Globe in the Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy category. marking her as the first Asian American to do so.

Despite the film being categorised as a comedy, it was our first glimpse of Awkwafina taking on such a serious role. We await her return to a similarly emotionally charged role and hold out hope that she will once again grace us with such depth and nuance.