Nora Lum, more commonly known as Awkwafina, is an American actress, comedian, and rapper. She first rose in prominence in 2012 with a rap single and then released her debut album, Yellow Ranger (2014).
From there, she appeared on MTV’s comedy series Girl Code and shortly started to appear in supporting roles in movies. And while she’s been part of a lot of titles, what are the best Awkwafina movies that you should watch to see her amazing comedic and emotional talent? If you want to start somewhere, then try these six movies first.
6. Ocean’s Eight, Prime Video (2018)
One of the best Awkwafina movies that you need to watch is Ocean’s Eight. The film is both a spin-off from Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean series and the fourth installment.
The film features an ensemble cast featuring Awkwafina along with Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, and Helena Bonham Carter. The group of women led by Debbie Ocean, the sister of Danny Ocean, planned a heist at the annual Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Awkwafina plays the amazing role of Constance, the street hustler and pickpocketer. This movie, along with Crazy Rich Asians, are two films that put Awkwafina on the trajectory of success.
5. Quiz Lady, Hulu (2023)
Quiz Lady was released in 2023 and is one of the best Awkwafina movies of all time. The film stars her along with Sandra Oh as her estranged sibling.
The comedy film is hilarious and unique, following a tightly-wound, game-show-obsessed woman named Anne who has to team up with her chaotic sister, Jenny, to help pay off their mother’s gambling debts. When Anne’s beloved dog is kidnapped though, they must set off on a cross-country journey to get the money they need.
To do so, they must tap into Anne’s skill set by turning her into the game-show champion that she was always meant to become. Awkwafina is hilarious in this movie and pairs perfectly with the chaotic and wild journey that she has to go on.
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4. The Farwell, Max (2019)
Another comedy that Awkwafina excels at is an A24 film that touches the hearts of viewers. The Farewell is a 2019 film starring her, along with Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, and Zhao Shuzhen.
The film follows a Chinese American woman named Billi who learns her grandmother, Nai Nai, has only a short while left to live. Billi’s family has decided to schedule a family wedding before Nai Nai dies to enable her to see all the family one last time and to keep Nai Nai in the dark about her illness.
It’s emotional and dark, but of course, with Awkwafina, some hilarious moments will have you cracking up.
3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Disney Plus (2021)
But while some of the best Awkwafina movies are comedy-related, some change gear to showcase her acting range. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings are two examples.
Starring her along with Simu Liu, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, and many more, the superhero film is based on the MCU featuring the character Shang-Chi. The movie follows Shang-Chi who must confront his past when his father Wenwu, the leader of the Ten Rings terrorist organization, draws Shang-Chi and his sister Zialing into a search for a mythical village.
Awkwafina plays the role of Katy, Shang-Chi’s best friend, and helps him along his journey.
2. Crazy Rich Asians, Netflix (2018)
Crazy Rich Asians, along with Ocean’s Eight, helped Awkwafina break out into the leading roles that we see her in today, but even though it’s a minor role, it’s still one of the best Awkwafina movies to watch.
The 2018 romantic comedy-drama stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Awkwafina, and many more. The story follows Rachel, a Chinese-American professor, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick, and is shocked to discover that Nick’s family is among the wealthiest in Singapore. Not only that, but Nick is considered to be the most eligible bachelor in Asia, and every single girl is jealous of Rachel and wants to take her down to try their luck.
Awkwafina plays Goh Peik Lin, Rachel’s college roommate, who reveals to her about Nick’s family wealth and his influence. Her character is absolutely iconic with the most hilarious lines in the film.
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1. Raya and the Last Dragon, Disney Plus (2021)
But while Awkwafina is known most for her hilarious lines and comedic relief, her best movie is actually in the animated Disney film, Raya and the Last Dragon. The fantasy action adventure film was released in 2021 and stars her along with Kelly Marie Tran, Izaac Wang, and Gemma Chan.
The story follows a warrior princess named Raya who seeks the fabled last dragon to save her father and the land of Kumandra from evil spirits that are known as Druun. In the film, Awkwafina voices the stunning dragon Sisu Datu, the dragon Raya searches for.
Sisu is a kind and loving creature who has a self-deprecating yet comedic humor that makes the film just so much better. She’s quirky, yet wise, and proves that Awkwafina has such an incredible range of talent.