Issa Rae’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows

The best Issa Rae movies and TV shows showcase her incredible talents not only as an actress, but as a writer and producer too. Born in L.A. in 1985, Issa Rae’s self-made breakout came when The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, her YouTube series, became a viral sensation. This success led to her critically acclaimed HBO series Insecure, which earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Her transition from the small to the big screen came soon after, and by the 2020s Issa Rae has built an impressive movie career, starring in comedies, dramas, and even major animated blockbusters.

Whether she’s leading a heartfelt romance or voicing a superhero, Issa Rae consistently brings charisma and authenticity to her roles. Her performances range from deeply emotional to laugh-out-loud funny, proving she can handle any genre. Issa Rae has starred alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood, from Regina Hall to Ryan Gosling. And, with a career spanning indie projects to box office hits, her work continues to gain recognition. Each of the best Issa Rae movies and TV shows showcases a unique side of her talent and make it easy to see why she’s fostered such a dedicated fandom.

10

A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019-2023)

Issa Rae Plays Various Characters

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A Black Lady Sketch Show

TV-MA

Comedy

Release Date

2019 – 2022

Showrunner

Robin Thede

Writers

Robin Thede, Lauren Ashley Smith, Chloé Hilliard

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Gabrielle Dennis In The 'The Big Door Prize' season 2.

    Gabrielle Dennis

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    Ashley Nicole Black

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    Laci Mosley

  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Robin Thede

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Created by Robin Thede, the 2019–2023 series A Black Lady Sketch Show is a groundbreaking comedy series that features an all-Black, all-female cast. The show delivers a mix of sharp satire, absurd humor, and social commentary, making it a standout modern entry in the sketch comedy genre. Throughout A Black Lady Sketch Show, Issa Rae makes guest appearances, playing various comedic characters. Her performances add to the show’s already stellar lineup, bringing her signature wit and impeccable timing.

While Issa Rae is not a main cast member, her semiregular involvement helped boost the visibility of A Black Lady Sketch Show, and her presence is always a highlight. The series has won multiple Emmy Awards, proving its cultural significance and comedic excellence. Rae shines in her sketches, and for fans of sharp, hilarious social satire, A Black Lady Sketch Show is one of the best Issa Rae TV shows to check out.

9

Young Love (2023)

Issa Rae Plays Angela Love

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Young Love

TV-PG

Animation

Comedy

Family

Release Date

2023 – 2022

Network

Max

Showrunner

Matthew A. Cherry

Directors

René Veilleux

Writers

Willie Hunter, Breannah Gibson, Matthew A. Cherry

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Scott Mescudi

    Scott Mescudi

    Additional Voices (voice)

  • Headshot Of Issa Rae

    Issa Rae

    Stephen Love (voice)

  • Headshot Of Loretta Devine

    Loretta Devine

    Angela Young (voice)

  • Headshot Of Harry Lennix

    Harry Lennix

    Gigi Young (voice)

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Spinning off from the Oscar-winning 2019 short Hair Love (in which Issa Rae also starred), Young Love is an animated series that expands the story of a Black family navigating everyday life. Issa Rae voices Angela Love, a devoted mother and hairstylist balancing career and family. The show explores themes of parenthood, love, and generational relationships in a heartfelt and humorous way.

Created by Matthew A. Cherry, Young Love benefits hugely from Issa Rae’s warm and engaging voice work. Her chemistry with co-star Kid Cudi, who voices her husband, adds depth to the family dynamic. While the series received praise for its representation and storytelling, it didn’t make as big of an impact as some of Rae’s live-action roles. However, it remains a charming and important addition to Issa Rae’s filmography, especially for fans of Hair Love.

8

Barbie (2023)

Issa Rae Plays President Barbie

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Barbie

PG-13

Comedy

Adventure

Fantasy

ScreenRant logo

9/10

12

7.9/10

Release Date

July 21, 2023

Runtime

114 Minutes

Director

Greta Gerwig

Writers

Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig

Franchise(s)

Barbie

Cast

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Greta Gerwig’s Barbie became a cultural phenomenon when it released in 2023, blending comedy, fantasy, and social commentary into one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Issa Rae plays President Barbie, a confident and inspiring leader in Barbie Land (and one of the most prominent Barbie’s in the movie). While her role is more comedic than dramatic, Issa Rae’s hilariously commanding presence makes her an unforgettable part of the movie.

Starring alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae holds her own in the star-studded cast of Barbie, delivering some of the movie’s funniest moments. While her comedic timing is a highlight, it’s also noteworthy that her portrayal of a strong, self-assured Barbie aligns with her real-life advocacy for Black women in entertainment. Among the best Issa Rae movies, Barbie stands out as a fun and empowering blockbuster, and demonstrates her ability to elevate an ensemble cast even when she isn’t a central character.

7

The Lovebirds (2020)

Issa Rae Plays Leilani

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The Lovebirds

pg-13

Comedy

Drama

Crime

ScreenRant logo

6/10

Runtime

86 minutes

Director

Michael Showalter

Writers

Martin Gero, Brendan Gall, Aaron Abrams

Cast

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    Kelly Murtagh

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    Anna Camp

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A hilarious mix of romance and action, 2020’s The Lovebirds follows a couple who, after breaking up, get tangled in a bizarre crime conspiracy. Issa Rae stars as Leilani, opposite Kumail Nanjiani, and their chemistry makes the movie a thoroughly entertaining and satisfying viewing experience. Directed by Michael Showalter, the movie blends laugh-out-loud comedy with thrilling action sequences.

Issa Rae’s comedic skills shine in The Lovebirds, as she balances absurd situations with heartfelt moments. Though Love Birds was released on Netflix instead of in theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it still found an audience and received positive reviews for its fun energy and sharp dialogue. While The Lovebirds may not be her most critically acclaimed film it stands out among the best Issa Rae movies thanks to showcasing her strength in the rom-com genre.

The Lovebirds Cast Guide

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6

Coastal Elites (2020)

Issa Rae Plays Callie Josephson

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Coastal Elites

R

Comedy

Drama

TV Movie

Release Date

September 12, 2020

Runtime

87 minutes

Director

Jay Roach

Producers

Jeffrey Seller, Michelle Graham, Paul Rudnick, Flody Suarez

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Bette Midler

    Bette Midler

    Miriam Nessler

  • Headshot Of Kaitlyn Dever In The Los Angeles Premiere Of ‘Ticket To Paradise'

    Kaitlyn Dever

    Sharynn Tarrows

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    Dan Levy

    Mark Hesterman

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    Sarah Paulson

    Clarissa Montgomery

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Directed by Jay Roach, Coastal Elites is a unique HBO special featuring monologues from five different characters reflecting on life during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Issa Rae plays Callie Josephson, a wealthy philanthropist with a sharp and witty perspective. The unique movie is a satire of political and social issues, offering a mix of humor and thought-provoking commentary.

While the format of Coastal Elites is unconventional and very much a product of the pandemic, Issa Rae’s performance is a standout. She brings depth and nuance to her character, making her monologue both compelling and funny. Though not as widely known as some of her other work, Coastal Elites proves Rae’s ability to carry a scene alone without any co-stars to build chemistry with. It’s a hidden gem in her filmography and one of the best Issa Rae movies for those who appreciate sharp, socially aware storytelling.

5

The Hate U Give (2018)

Issa Rae Plays April Ofrah

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The Hate U Give

PG-13

Drama

ScreenRant logo

9/10

Release Date

October 19, 2018

Runtime

132 Minutes

Director

George Tillman Jr.

Writers

Audrey Wells

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Issa Rae

    Issa Rae

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    Amandla Stenberg

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Based on the bestselling 2017 novel by author Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give tackles issues of police brutality and racial injustice. Issa Rae plays April Ofrah, an activist who helps the protagonist (Amandla Stenberg’s Starr Carter) find her voice after witnessing the tragic of her friends at the hands of a police officer. Directed by George Tillman Jr., The Hate U Give received widespread acclaim for its powerful message and performances.

Issa Rae’s role, though supporting, is crucial to the story of The Hate U Give, and stands out in her filmography due to being a down-to-earth drama with little-to-not comedy throughout. She brings warmth and strength to her character, making April Ofrah a memorable presence who anchors Starr’s journey. The Hate U Give is one of the most socially relevant of Issa Rae’s movies, making it a must-watch for fans who only know her for her more lighthearted projects.

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4

The Photograph (2023)

Issa Rae Plays Mae Morton

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The Photograph

PG-13

Romance

Drama

ScreenRant logo

7/10

Release Date

February 14, 2020

Runtime

106 minutes

Director

Stella Meghie

Writers

Stella Meghie

Cast

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    Courtney B. Vance

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    Chanté Adams

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The 2023 romantic drama directed by Stella Meghie, The Photograph, stars Issa Rae as Mae Morton, a woman uncovering secrets about her late mother while navigating a new romance. The film pairs her with LaKeith Stanfield as Michael, and their chemistry makes for a deeply emotional story about love and legacy. The Photograph is also a solid example of Rae’s skills behind the camera too, as she also served as an executive producer.

Issa Rae delivers a beautifully understated performance as Mae in The Photograph, proving she can handle dramatic roles as effectively as comedic ones. The 2023 movie received praise for its cinematography, storytelling, and performances, with Rae’s acting being a major highlight. Among the best Issa Rae movies, The Photograph stands out as one of her most mature and moving performances.

3

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Issa Rae Plays Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman

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Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

PG

Superhero

Animation

Action

Adventure

ScreenRant logo

9/10

77

9/10

Release Date

June 2, 2023

Runtime

140 Minutes

Director

Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson

Writers

Dave Callaham, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Prequel(s)

Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse

Cast

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  • Headshot of Shameik Moore

    Shameik Moore

  • Headshot OF Hailee Steinfeld

    Hailee Steinfeld

Sequel(s)

Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse

Franchise(s)

Spider-Verse, Spider-Man

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One of the most visually stunning animated movies ever made, 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse features Issa Rae as Jessica Drew, also known as Spider-Woman. Voicing a pregnant motorcycle-riding version of Spider-Woman, Rae adds a cool and commanding presence to Across the Spider-Verse, and helped flesh out the Spider-Verse with an incredibly memorable Spider-Person who isn’t Peter Parker (one of the few in the film besides Gwen Stacey, Miles Morales, and Miguel O’Hara).

Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was a massive hit even compared to 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and was praised for its groundbreaking animation and storytelling. Rae’s performance helped bring Jessica Drew to life, making her a fan-favorite character, solidifying it as one of her best movies.

2

The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl (2011-2013)

Issa Rae Plays J

Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl - Best Web Series

The web series that launched Issa Rae’s career, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl was a groundbreaking portrayal of Black women in comedy. Created by and starring Rae, Awkward Black Girl follows J, an introverted, socially awkward Black woman navigating work, relationships, and everyday interactions with hilarious and painfully relatable results.

Issaw Rae’s authentic storytelling and witty humor resonated with audiences, making the series a viral hit. It won a Shorty Award for Best Web Show and led to her collaboration with HBO. The success of Awkward Black Girl was a turning point in her career, proving that diverse stories deserved mainstream attention. Despite being her career debut and over a decade old, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl remains one of the best Issa Rae TV shows, it remains a must-watch for fans of her work.

1

Insecure (2016-2021)

Issa Rae Plays Issa Dee

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Insecure

TV-MA

Comedy

Drama

Release Date

2016 – 2020

Showrunner

Prentice Penny

Writers

Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Issa Rae

    Issa Rae

  • Headshot Of Yvonne Orji

    Yvonne Orji

  • Headshot Of Jay Ellis

    Jay Ellis

  • Headshot Of Lisa Joyce

    Lisa Joyce

Creator(s)

Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore

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Issa Rae’s most career-defining role came in the 2016-2021 HBO show Insecure, which was based heavily on The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. Insecure was a critically acclaimed series that explored the complexities of modern relationships, career struggles, and self-discovery. Her performance as Issa Dee earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, and the show became a cultural phenomenon.

Created, written, and produced by Issa Rae alongside Larry Wilmore, Insecure was praised both for its authentic representation of Black women’s experiences and its consistently sharp comedy moments. With a stellar supporting cast, including Yvonne Orji and Jay Ellis, the show delivered humor, drama, and emotional depth across five seasons. Insecure cemented Rae’s legacy as a powerhouse in Hollywood, making it the best Issa Rae TV show to date.

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