Whitney Houston, an iconic figure in the world of music, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with her unparalleled vocal talents and her captivating presence on the silver screen. While she is primarily celebrated for her sensational music career, Houston also made her mark in the world of cinema, starring in a handful of movies that showcased her acting prowess and made many believe she was truly every woman. Take a look at Whitney Houston’s filmography alongside their ratings for an overview on the late star who now has her own biopic as of 2022.
The Bodyguard (1992)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 68%
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Whitney Houston’s film debut was nothing short of spectacular. In The Bodyguard, she played the role of Rachel Marron, a famous singer who hires a bodyguard to protect her from a stalker. The film’s soundtrack became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time and featured Houston’s iconic performance of “I Will Always Love You.”
Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 56%
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
In this adaptation of Terry McMillan’s best-selling novel, Whitney Houston portrayed Savannah Jackson, one of four close friends navigating love, career and friendship. Waiting to Exhale was praised for its exploration of women’s lives and relationships. Houston’s performance was a standout, even after starring alongside of Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon and Loretta Divine,
The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 62%
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
In The Preacher’s Wife, Houston took on the role of Julia Biggs, the wife of a struggling preacher. This heartwarming and inspirational film was a modern-day retelling of the classic film, The Bishop’s Wife. Houston’s gospel-infused music in the film added a soul-stirring element to the story.
Cinderella (1997)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Whitney Houston was not just an actress but also a producer of this musical adaptation of the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Starring alongside Brandy as the titular character, Houston played the Fairy Godmother. This multicultural and star-studded production garnered critical acclaim and is still the favorite take on this classic tale by many people to this day.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 26%
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
In this sequel to The Princess Diaries, Houston played the role of Queen Clarisse Renaldi, offering guidance to the young princess, Mia Thermopolis. Though the film received mixed reviews, Houston’s elegant portrayal of the queen was noteworthy.
Sparkle (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 61%
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Sparkle was Whitney Houston’s final film role before her tragic passing in 2012. She played Emma Anderson, the mother of three daughters including Sparkle, a talented young singer. The movie is set in the 1960s and delves into the complexities of fame, family and music. Houston’s performance and her contributions to the soundtrack were widely appreciated.
Whitney Houston’s filmography may not be as extensive as her musical legacy, but her presence in these movies left a lasting impact on cinema. While not all of her films received critical acclaim, her talent and charisma shone through in each role she undertook. From her breakout role in The Bodyguard to her final appearance in Sparkle, Houston’s contributions to the world of film remain a testament to her versatile talent. Whether you’re a fan of her music or her acting, Whitney Houston’s legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
