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The cinematic rise of Rachel Zegler: From unknown to industry sensation
In an age where breakout sensations tend to emerge from viral success or franchise visibility, Rachel Zegler has forged a wonderfully unique trajectory. Emerging from relative anonymity as a high school student uploading musical covers on YouTube, Zegler caught the eye of director Steven Spielberg and secured the highly prized role of Maria in the 2021 remake of West Side Story. Her transformation from social media performer to Golden Globe-winning actress is the quintessential modern-day Hollywood fairy tale. With her crystal-clear voice, dramatic heft, and screen presence, Zegler has established her range and emerged as a standout actress of her generation.
This article delves into Rachel Zegler’s best films that have impressed critics and viewers in general. All these movies listed here have gained critical success, box office success, or both, establishing Zegler as one of the top young talents in film today.
Rachel Zegler’s top movies that captivated critics and audiences
From musicals to superhero flicks to dystopian dramas, Zegler has embraced a wide array of roles in her short but impactful career. The following Rachel Zegler films are ranked not only for their box office numbers but also for the strength of her performance, the depth of the film’s storytelling, and their impact on her growing legacy.
West Side Story (2021): A sensational debut that redefined a classic
Synopsis
Directed by Steven Spielberg, West Side Story (2021) is a reimagining of the iconic 1957 Broadway musical and the 1961 film adaptation. The story retells Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet through the lens of rival street gangs—the Jets and the Sharks—in 1950s New York City. Zegler plays Maria, a Puerto Rican girl who falls in love with Tony (Ansel Elgort), a former Jet, setting off a tragic chain of events.
Performance Review
Rachel Zegler’s performance as Maria was nothing short of revelatory. Her vocals brought a fresh vibrancy to Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s timeless score, while her acting conveyed a nuanced portrayal of youthful love, heartbreak, and resilience. Despite being her film debut, Zegler delivered a mature, emotionally rich performance that resonated with both critics and audiences.
Critical Reception
The film holds a 91% rating and was widely praised for its bold direction, cinematography, and performances. Critics specifically singled out Zegler, with Variety calling her “a true star in the making.” Her performance earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and a spot on countless year-end best actress lists.
Box Office Impact
Despite a pandemic-era release and initial box office hesitancy, the film grossed over $76 million globally on a $100 million budget. While not a box office juggernaut, its critical acclaim and awards-season buzz solidified Zegler’s industry credibility and launched her into stardom.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023): A charming goddess in DC’s action-comedy sequel
Synopsis
In Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the sequel to 2019’s hit Shazam!, Zegler plays Anthea, one of the three daughters of Atlas alongside Hespera (Helen Mirren) and Kalypso (Lucy Liu). The trio seeks to reclaim magical powers from the Shazam family, setting up a clash between divine heritage and adolescent superheroism.
Performance Review
While the film is primarily a comedic ensemble, Zegler’s portrayal of Anthea stood out for its emotional depth. Unlike her sisters, Anthea is a more empathetic and conflicted character, and Zegler imbued her with warmth, charm, and a moral compass. She added a layer of gravitas to the otherwise zany proceedings, proving her versatility in fantasy-action roles.
Critical Reception
Although the film received mixed reviews, Zegler’s performance was often cited as a highlight. Critics praised her screen presence and ability to hold her own alongside industry veterans like Mirren and Liu. Fans appreciated her ability to humanize a supernatural character and bring heart to a CGI-heavy spectacle.
Box Office Impact
The film grossed over $133 million globally against a budget of around $125 million. While not a massive hit, it was a commercial continuation of the Shazam franchise and demonstrated Zegler’s growing appeal across genres.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): A powerhouse prequel performance as Lucy Gray Baird
Synopsis
This prequel to the wildly popular Hunger Games franchise explores the origin story of Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), long before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. Rachel Zegler stars as Lucy Gray Baird, the enigmatic tribute from District 12, whose performance at the 10th Hunger Games forever alters Snow’s destiny.
Performance Review
Zegler’s Lucy Gray is a force of nature—seductive, intelligent, and rebellious. She brings theatrical flair to the role, performing several musical numbers live, and capturing the charisma that makes Lucy Gray a fan favorite in the Hunger Games canon. Zegler balances the character’s vulnerability with cunning, making her both sympathetic and formidable.
Critical Reception
The film holds a respectable 78% and was lauded for breathing new life into the franchise. Zegler’s portrayal earned strong reviews, with Empire calling her “mesmerizing” and The Hollywood Reporter praising her “commanding screen presence that rivals Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss.”
Box Office Impact
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes grossed over $337 million worldwide against a $100 million budget, making it one of the most successful YA adaptations in recent years. It reaffirmed Zegler’s box office pull and positioned her as a bankable star capable of leading major franchises.
How Rachel Zegler’s top movie roles shaped her legacy in Hollywood
Rachel Zegler’s best films have played a key role in establishing her reputation as a versatile performer. Her breakthrough in West Side Story established the tone for a career built on musical merit and emotional truth. Her shift to fantasy and action in Shazam! Fury of the Gods broadened her reach to comic book enthusiasts and the general audience, while The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes cemented her position as a top-line leading lady in high-budget franchise films.
Additionally, Zegler’s thoughtful choice of roles indicates a calculated career trajectory. Instead of pursuing quantity, she has prioritized quality, working with visionary directors and legendary properties. Her capacity to anchor a film, engage audiences across genres, and receive awards so early in her career is an unusual combination in Hollywood.
Final thoughts: The future of Rachel Zegler in cinema
Rachel Zegler’s career has just started, yet her early CV reads like that of a grizzled old pro. Holding a Golden Globe in one hand, franchise leading roles to her name, and universal critical praise and attention in the other, Zegler is on track to be one of the key actresses of her era. As more Rachel Zegler’s top films are released in the next few years, viewers can expect continued greatness, fearless character decisions, and a career path that will redefine the face of contemporary Hollywood.
Whether belting on New York rooftops or trundling through dystopian landscapes, Zegler possesses an indelible sense of authenticity and charisma in every shot. To the cinephile, the emergence of Rachel Zegler is greater than a tale of stardom—it’s a masterclass in performance, strength, and elegance.