The 15 Must-Watch Mary J. Blige Movies And TV Shows: From Oscar Nominee To Power’s Queenpin

Mary J. Blige, the undisputed Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, has successfully transitioned from a music legend with nine Grammy Awards to a critically acclaimed actress with two Academy Award nominations, cementing her status as a true Hollywood powerhouse. As of December 2025, her acting portfolio is more dynamic and current than ever, featuring major network dramas, highly anticipated Lifetime movie sequels, and a slate of independent films that showcase her formidable dramatic range.

The biggest recent news dominating her acting career is the dramatic conclusion of her beloved character on a major TV series, alongside the anticipation for her 2025 executive-produced film. This article dives deep into her complete filmography, focusing on the roles that defined her transition and the new projects that continue to expand her topical authority in the film and television industry.

Mary J. Blige: Complete Biography and Profile

Mary Jane Blige is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, often hailed by the honorifics "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and "Queen of R&B."

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• Born: January 11, 1971, in The Bronx, New York, US.
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Actress, Producer, Philanthropist.
• Music Career Highlights: Nine Grammy Awards from 32 nominations, with eight multi-platinum albums.
• Acting Career Milestones:
  • Two Academy Award nominations (Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song) for *Mudbound* (2017).
  • Two Golden Globe nominations.
  • Primetime Emmy Award win.
• Notable Roles: Florence Jackson in *Mudbound*, Monet Tejada in *Power Book II: Ghost*, Dinah Washington in *Respect*, Cha-Cha in *The Umbrella Academy*.

The Shocking Finale: Monet Tejada’s Reign Ends on *Power Book II: Ghost*

For four seasons, Mary J. Blige’s portrayal of Monet Stewart Tejada was the magnetic, ruthless center of the Starz drama *Power Book II: Ghost*. Her character, a powerful and calculating drug queenpin, became an iconic figure in the modern television landscape, proving Blige's ability to command a dramatic series.

The most recent and significant update in Blige's television career is the final season of the series, which concluded in late 2024. The ending was a major event, confirming the character's fate in a sudden and bloody conclusion. Monet Tejada's reign was brought to an end in Season 4, Episode 9, marking a heartbreaking death for the character and a pivotal moment for the show’s legacy.

Blige herself reflected on the role, calling her time as Monet Tejada a "dream" and a "joy," highlighting the impact the fiercely protective and ambitious mother had on audiences. The intense, high-stakes drama of the *Power* universe allowed Blige to showcase a depth of performance that went far beyond her earlier guest roles, solidifying her as a serious dramatic actress and a key entity in the crime drama genre.

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Her work as Monet Tejada in the *Power Book II* spin-off is arguably one of the most important roles of her acting career, demonstrating her topical authority in complex, anti-hero narratives.

Upcoming and Recent Projects: Expanding the Filmography (2021-2025)

While the chapter on Monet Tejada has closed, Mary J. Blige is far from finished with her acting pursuits. Her upcoming and recent projects highlight a diverse selection of genres, from executive-produced Lifetime movies to powerful dramatic roles.

1. *Mary J. Blige's Family Affair* (2025)

Continuing her successful partnership with Lifetime, Blige is set to executive produce a new original movie, *Mary J. Blige's Family Affair*, scheduled for release in 2025. This film is a sequel, continuing the epic love story of Kendra (Ajiona Alexus) and Ben (Da'Vinchi), a couple first introduced in the 2023 fan-favorite movie *Mary J. Blige's Real Love*. The sequel is inspired by her iconic, best-selling hit song "Family Affair."

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The plot centers on Kendra and Ben moving out of the city to build a life together, only to face new challenges, including fertility issues, which put a strain on their relationship. Blige’s involvement as an executive producer and the use of her music to inspire the narrative shows her deep commitment to telling authentic, relatable stories within the drama genre.

2. *Rob Peace* (2024)

Blige has a role in the 2024 thriller film *Rob Peace*, further diversifying her recent filmography. This project is a testament to her continued interest in independent and character-driven cinema following her earlier critical success.

3. *The Violent Heart* (2021) and *Body Cam* (2020)

In 2021, Blige starred in the crime drama *The Violent Heart*, and in 2020, she led the supernatural horror film *Body Cam*. These roles showcase her versatility, proving she can anchor a film across multiple genres, from indie drama to police procedural with a horror twist. *Body Cam*, in particular, was a significant leading role for the actress.

The Essential Filmography: Roles That Defined Her Transition

Mary J. Blige's path to the big screen was gradual, but her Oscar-nominated performance in 2017 truly catapulted her into the A-list of dramatic actors. These key roles are essential viewing for any fan of her work.

The Oscar-Nominated Performance: *Mudbound* (2017)

Her role as Florence Jackson in the Netflix historical drama *Mudbound* is the cornerstone of her critical acclaim. Set in the post-World War II American South, Blige's subtle yet powerful performance as a matriarch struggling against racism and poverty earned her two Academy Award nominations: one for Best Supporting Actress and one for Best Original Song ("Mighty River"). This double nomination was a historic achievement, marking her as a serious contender in Hollywood.

Biographical and Historical Roles

• *Respect* (2021): Blige took on the role of legendary jazz singer Dinah Washington in the Aretha Franklin biopic, a challenging part that required her to embody another music icon.
• *Betty & Coretta* (2013): In this Lifetime TV movie, she starred as Dr. Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X, alongside Angela Bassett. This was an early, significant dramatic role that demonstrated her command of historical characters.

The Unexpected Genre Roles

• *The Umbrella Academy* (2019): Blige surprised fans by taking on the role of Cha-Cha, a ruthless, time-traveling assassin, in the first season of the popular Netflix superhero series. Her performance was lauded for its unexpected humor and menacing physicality, further proving her range.
• *Trolls World Tour* (2020) and *Sherlock Gnomes* (2018): Showcasing her vocal talents, Blige lent her voice to animated films, including Queen Barb in *Trolls World Tour* and Irene in *Sherlock Gnomes*.

Complete List of Notable Film and Television Entities

Mary J. Blige has amassed a strong portfolio of over 20 acting and producing credits. The following list highlights her most significant appearances, demonstrating the breadth of her career:

• *Power Book II: Ghost* (TV Series, 2020–2024) as Monet Tejada
• *Mudbound* (Film, 2017) as Florence Jackson
• *Respect* (Film, 2021) as Dinah Washington
• *The Umbrella Academy* (TV Series, 2019) as Cha-Cha
• *Mary J. Blige's Family Affair* (TV Movie, 2025) (Executive Producer)
• *Mary J. Blige's Real Love* (TV Movie, 2023) (Executive Producer)
• *Rob Peace* (Film, 2024)
• *Body Cam* (Film, 2020) as Renee
• *The Violent Heart* (Film, 2021) as Nina
• *Betty & Coretta* (TV Movie, 2013) as Betty Shabazz
• *Black Nativity* (Film, 2013) as Lucy
• *Rock of Ages* (Film, 2012) as Justice
• *Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself* (Film, 2009) as Tanya
• *The Wiz Live!* (TV Special, 2015) as Evillene
• *Trolls World Tour* (Film, 2020) (Voice) as Queen Barb
• *Sherlock Gnomes* (Film, 2018) (Voice) as Irene
• *Black-ish* (TV Series, Guest Role)
• *Empire* (TV Series, Guest Role)
• *How to Get Away with Murder* (TV Series, Guest Role)
• *Mary J. Blige's My Life* (Documentary, 2021) as Herself

The Enduring Legacy of Mary J. Blige in Film

Mary J. Blige’s transition from a music icon to an Oscar-nominated actress is more than just a celebrity side-project; it is a serious second career built on commitment and raw talent. Her ability to embody characters as varied as the stoic Florence Jackson, the ferocious Monet Tejada, and the historical figure Betty Shabazz demonstrates a profound artistic versatility.

With her most recent television run concluding and new producing ventures like the *Family Affair* movie series on the horizon for 2025, the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" continues to make her mark on the entertainment world, proving that her star power is not confined to the recording studio but shines brightly on the big and small screens alike. Her filmography serves as a powerful testament to her enduring influence and creative drive.