Taraji P. Henson is one of those rare actresses who doesn’t just act but arrives on the scene 100%. She takes over the screen with a presence that screams “in control!” and warm. Her characters stay with you. All of them. This includes the loud ones, quiet ones, brilliant ones, broken ones, and the ones who look like they could snatch your soul if pushed.
Every role has a pulse, a flavor, a spark. She puts everything into each role, yet it often looks effortless. Suppose you’re in the mood to revisit Taraji P. Henson at her very best, especially during the holiday season, this guide to her movies and TV shows gathers the performances that built her legacy, stole our hearts, and remind Hollywood what true range looks like.
These Taraji P Henson movies and TV shows are the greatest of all time…
#1. Empire (2015–2020)
Cookie Lyon is still the blueprint. Electric, sharp-tongued, and emotionally layered, Taraji created a TV icon with this role. Every entrance was an event. Every line landed. Every episode proved why Cookie became one of the most talked-about characters of the decade. Empire wasn’t just a show; it was a cultural moment—and she was the heartbeat.
#2. Hidden Figures (2016)
As Katherine Johnson, Taraji P. Henson delivers a performance in this movie that’s both gentle and groundbreaking. She carries the film with quiet strength and a lived-in intelligence that hits harder than any monologue. It’s one of her most beautifully executed roles and a defining moment in her career.
#3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Her portrayal of Queenie is warm, soulful, and grounding. In a film filled with fantasy, Henson anchors the story with emotional richness. Queenie’s scenes feel like home, comforting, wise, and unforgettable.
#4. Hustle & Flow (2005)
Shug was the role that made people stop and ask, Who is she? Henson brought vulnerability, grit, softness, and raw authenticity. It was the beginning of the world realizing she could elevate any story she touched.
#5. Think Like a Man (2012)
Lauren is confident, funny, stylish, and endlessly relatable. Here, Taraji’s comedic timing shines, delivering charm and energy that light up every scene. For a feel-good rewatch, this one and the sequel never miss.
#6. Person of Interest (2011–2013)
Detective Joss Carter is smart, unshakeable, and grounded in integrity. This performance shows Taraji P. Henson’s ability to carry emotional weight in any movie or TV show with a high-intensity storyline without ever being overshadowed. She gave the series its heart.
#7. Acrimony (2018)
Melinda is a storm, a warning, and a tragedy, all wrapped in one package. She is unfiltered, fiery, and unforgettable. Henson goes full throttle here, delivering a performance that people still debate. Love her or fear her, you feel her.
#8. What Men Want (2019)
Ali Davis is chaotic in the funniest way. She is ambitious, witty, and unapologetic. Taraji carries the entire film with charisma and comedic brilliance. It’s one of her most playful roles, and she nails it.
#9. Proud Mary (2018)
With Mary, Taraji steps into the action spotlight and owns it. She blends toughness with vulnerability, proving she can lead a thriller just as effortlessly as a drama.
#10. Straw (2025)
As Janiyah Wiltkinson, she takes on a psychological, pressure-filled narrative with precision. The performance is tight, emotionally sharp, and another reminder of her continuous evolution.
Taraji P. Henson’s filmography is stacked with characters who stay with you—sharp, soulful, hilarious, intense. She can do it all and make it look natural. These Taraji P. Henson movies and TV shows aren’t just career highlights; they’re a masterclass in range, charisma, and emotional truth.
Featured image: Paramount
