Every Nia DaCosta Movie, Ranked

by

Horror filmmaking is experiencing a surge of exciting new talent right now, with directors like Zach Cregger, Ari Aster, Jordan Peele, Julia Ducournau, and Robert Eggers gaining recognition. Among these impressive creators, Nia DaCosta truly stands out. She’s proven her skills aren’t limited to horror, successfully directing thrillers and even large-scale superhero movies.

Despite consistently positive reviews, Nia DaCosta’s films haven’t yet found a large audience in theaters, which is a shame. She deserves to be recognized among Hollywood’s most promising new directors, and her work backs that up. Since 2019, DaCosta has directed five films, all of which have been well-received by critics.

Most filmmakers have at least one project that didn’t succeed, but DaCosta has consistently delivered strong films throughout her career, even if box office results haven’t always reflected that. She’s worked across a variety of genres – horror, sci-fi, superhero, and thriller – and choosing her best movie is tough, but it’s a great way to see just how talented she is.

5. The Marvels (2023)

Nia DaCosta achieved a major milestone by becoming the first Black woman to direct a film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the most successful movie franchise ever. She directed The Marvels, a sequel to the billion-dollar hit Captain Marvel from 2019. This project also gave DaCosta the chance to collaborate again with actresses Teyonah Parris and Tessa Thompson, who she’s worked with previously.

Despite receiving generally positive reviews – it has a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – The Marvels is largely known for its disappointing performance at the box office. It became the lowest-grossing film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a significant setback considering its reported $300 million+ budget. While the reviews weren’t DaCosta’s worst, they were the lowest of her career, though still reasonably good overall.

DaCosta clearly had a major hand in the film’s successes, particularly in guiding strong performances from her lead actors. Parris, Brie Larson, and Iman Vellani have wonderful chemistry, and their scenes together are consistently engaging. Beyond the entertainment value, this movie is actually a surprisingly significant addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

4. Little Woods (2019)

Nia DaCosta’s debut film, Little Woods, likely hasn’t reached a wide audience. This small, independent movie earned less than $200,000 in theaters. However, it’s definitely worth watching, showcasing talented actors and offering a glimpse of the director’s developing style that would later be seen in her more well-known work.

Little Woods follows Ollie (Tessa Thompson), a woman in a small North Dakota town who secretly helps people get the healthcare and medication they need from Canada. When the authorities begin to suspect her activities, things get even more complicated by the arrival of her sister, Deborah (Lily James), who urgently needs help.

This critically acclaimed crime drama has earned a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – the best score of any film directed by DaCosta. Critics particularly praised Thompson’s performance, and DaCosta also wrote the screenplay.

3. Hedda (2025)

Nia DaCosta’s work has largely focused on existing franchises, with the exception of Hedda. This film is an adaptation of the play Hedda Gabler. It premiered on Prime Video in late 2025 as an original film, which likely contributed to it being missed by many viewers.

Nia DaCosta directs Tessa Thompson again in this new movie, continuing their successful collaboration. The film focuses on Hedda Gabler, who throws a party where she’s forced to confront her unhappiness and a complicated past when an old flame appears. As the night goes on, secrets are revealed and the tension builds in this gripping thriller.

Thompson delivers another excellent performance, and her chemistry with DaCosta is fantastic. The movie received overwhelmingly positive reviews – it has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – and while some might debate if it’s better than Little Woods, it’s clear DaCosta has matured as a director. The film’s confident and assured tone was a particular strength.

2. Candyman (2021)

Remaking the 1992 horror film Candyman was a challenge. The original is a beloved slasher classic and a significant film for Black representation. Because Tony Todd’s performance as Candyman is so iconic, creating a new version without him was risky. The experience of the A Nightmare on Elm Street series, which struggled after Robert Englund’s departure, shows how easily these reboots can fail.

Nia DaCosta’s Candyman exceeded expectations, arguably surpassing the original – a rare feat for remakes. The film functions more as a sequel than a complete reboot, which wasn’t immediately apparent to many viewers. It cleverly bridges the gap between the second and third Candyman movies, creating a cohesive narrative while also being enjoyable on its own.

The acting is fantastic, with strong performances from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, and Colman Domingo. Director Nia DaCosta cleverly uses mirrors to create some truly chilling moments, and the film thoughtfully explores themes of racism and prejudice against Black people.

1. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

Nia DaCosta’s latest film, like her previous work, is critically strong but hasn’t been a big hit with general audiences. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is the fourth film in the series, and its release so soon after the third installment – just one year later – was a surprise. The previous films were spaced much further apart: the original came out in 2003, the sequel in 2007, and the third wasn’t released until 2025. Given how well-received the series has been, this new movie was eagerly awaited.

Even though 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple generated a lot of buzz and positive reviews, it barely broke even at the box office, earning just under $60 million globally on a $60 million+ budget. The film centers around Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a character from the previous movie, and his encounter with a cult leader, leading to a thrilling finale.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple showcases Nia DaCosta’s talent, particularly her skill with horror. The film has a strong visual style that builds on the foundation Danny Boyle established with the original, and many consider DaCosta’s direction to be the film’s strongest point – even arguing it’s the best installment in the entire series.

Read More

2026-05-05 15:19