Taraji P. Henson is one of the most notable faces in Hollywood and one of the culture’s favorite entertainers. Whether she’s acting as the head lady in charge on shows like “Empire” or portraying significant women in history in “Hidden Figures,” Henson knows how to sell a role with heart, conviction and loads of talent.
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It’s no wonder why she recently inked movie deals with Netflix and Fox Entertainment for even more stellar films coming our way over the next few years! It’s also no wonder why throughout her career, she earned a Golden Globe, SAG, and an NAACP Award for how she expertly shows up onscreen.
It’s because of her new deals and longtime success, we felt it fitting to take a look back at some of Henson’s best performing films, by the box office. From voice-acting in the “Minions” to dealing with a “Baby Boy”–keep reading to get into it!
“Minion: The Rise of Gru”
Year: 2022
Box Office Numbers: $940,482, 695 worldwide
Synopsis: In the 1970s, young Gru tries to join a group of supervillains called the Vicious 6 after they oust their leader–the legendary fighter Wild Knuckles. When the interview turns disastrous, Gru and his Minions go on the run with the Vicious 6 hot on their tails. Luckily, he finds an unlikely source for guidance, Wild Knuckles himself, and soon discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends. (Henson plays Belle Bottom).
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Year: 2008
Box Office: $335,802,786 worldwide
Synopsis: Benjamin Button, born in 1918 with the physical state of an elderly man, ages in reverse. He experiences love and break-ups, ecstasy and sorrow, and timelessness by the time he dies in 2003 as a baby.
“Hidden Figures”
Year: 2016
Box Office: $237,613,666 worldwide
Synopsis: Three female African-American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit while dealing with racial and gender discrimination.
“Think Like A Man”
Year: 2012
Box Office: $96,070,507worldwide
Synopsis: Four friends conspire to turn the tables on their women when they discover the ladies have been using Steve Harvey’s relationship advice against them.
“What Men Want”
Year: 2019
Box Office: $72,216,294 worldwide
Synopsis: A woman is boxed out by the male sports agents in her profession, but gains an unexpected edge over them when she develops the ability to hear men’s thoughts.
“Think Like A Man, Too”
Year: 2014
Box Office: $70,181,428 worldwide
Synopsis: All the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas, but plans for a romantic weekend go awry when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.
“The Color Purple”
Year: 2023
Box Office: $68,919,191 worldwide
Synopsis: Torn apart from her sister and her children, Celie faces many hardships in life, including an abusive husband. With support from a sultry singer named Shug Avery (played by Henson), as well as her stand-her-ground stepdaughter, Celie ultimately finds extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.
“No Good Deed”
Year: 2014
Box Office: $54,323,210 worldwide
Synopsis: An unsuspecting Atlanta woman (Henson) lets in a charming stranger (Idris Elba) to use her phone and soon believes the adage “no good deed goes unpunished” when he takes over her home and terrorizes her family.
“I Can Do Bad All By Myself”
Year: 2009
Box Office: $51,733,921 worldwide
Synopsis: Madea catches teenage Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home. She decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have, their aunt April (Henson), who wants nothing to do with the kids.
“Acrimony”
Year: 2018
Box Office: $46,403,669 worldwide
Synopsis: When Melinda (Henson) met Robert, she was skeptical of his charming nature, but couldn’t deny how attracted she was to him. Once they fell in love, Melinda moulded herself into everything he wanted her to be. She sacrificed for him, worked to support his grandiose dreams, and put up with him for better or for worse. Then, one day she realized that, after all she had done, another woman was reaping the lavish rewards. That’s when Melinda lost it, and now she cannot let it go
“The Family That Preys”
Year: 2008
Box Office: $37,105,289 worldwide
Synopsis: Despite their differences in social class, Charlotte and Alice are good friends for many years. Then secrets, greed and scandal surrounding both their families throw the women’s lives into turmoil. Charlotte and Alice set out on a road trip across the country, hoping to gain perspective and save the situation from ruin. (Henson plays Alice’s daughter).
“Baby Boy”
Year: 2001
Box Office: $29,381,649 worldwide
Synopsis: The story of Jody (Tyrese Gibson), a misguided, 20-year-old African-American who is really just a baby boy finally forced-kicking and screaming to face the commitments of real life. Streetwise and jobless, he has not only fathered two children by two different women-Yvette (Henson) and Peanut but still lives with his own mother. He can’t seem to strike a balance or find direction in his chaotic life.
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