Readers Say

‘They’re iconic’: Readers share their favorite Zendaya, Robert Pattinson films and shows

“Nothing is better than the movies and shows that shaped you.”

By Nia Harmon

November 13, 2024

6 minutes to read

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Iconic. Inspirational. Incredible. That is how readers described some of the most popular movies and shows starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. There was no shortage of praise when we asked readers to tell us what their favorite works were and why. 

“I love actors who make me forget they’re acting and are able to make me feel happy or sad, even angry. I feel as if they did just that in these films,” wrote Ariana A. from Boston on “Euphoria” and “The Batman.” 

Outstanding performances, impressive range, and acting in widely popular films and television shows aside, fans also feel a personal connection to the actors. For many of our readers, their love for the actors goes way back.

“I have grown up with both of these icons and there is nothing I love more than their capability to play a variety of characters,” wrote Hope Z. from Norton.

“As a Millennial, ‘Twilight’ was when I first fell for Rob. I was always #teamedward,” said Stephanie G. from Somerville.

For those who have watched for a while, the actors’ artistic progression keep fans coming back for more. 

“I’ve been watching Zendaya since she was on ‘Shake It Up.’ Seeing her career bloom over the years has been so amazing. ‘Challengers’ and ‘Malcom & Marie’ were films that really showed how amazing of an actress she is,” wrote Anika T. in Back Bay. “As for [Pattinson], I think he is [an] amazing actor and portrayed Batman [in] an iconic way. It’s great to see how he grew as an actor since ‘Twilight.’”

As filming for “The Drama” has begun around Mass., fans have excitedly taken to social media, sounding off the alarm that their favorites are in close proximity. In October, Zendaya was spotted in Andover and more recently, Pattinson was seen filming near South Station. And, with a casting call for extras in the film, fans may be able to see themselves on the big screen, too.

We asked readers to share their favorite movies and television shows starring Zendaya and Pattinson. Readers showed their affection for the pair, showering them with praise and gratitude. 

“These roles they have played have influenced my life in some way, shape, or form. Zendaya’s [role] in ‘Euphoria’ hit hard when I grew up with a best friend that was exactly the same as Rue, and it helped me get her help,” wrote Olivia M. from Boston. “Robert’s role in the ‘Twilight’ series made me develop a liking to supernatural movies that inspired me to go into the film industry.” 

So, what’s the most popular? Out of more than 200 total votes, Zendaya’s most popular character among fans is Rue Bennett from the hit series “Euphoria.” For Pattinson, the fan favorite goes to his role as Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” film series. 

Here is what readers had to say about their favorite Zendaya and Robert Pattinson films.

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and space.

‘[T]his story had such a profound impact on me’ 

“’The Batman’ changed my life as I watched it for the first time. The cinematography, costume design, script, score, acting, all of it was so perfect. Pattinson did a fantastic job portraying Bruce Wayne, and being a huge Batman fan since I was a child, I was changed after this film.

“All of Zendaya’s performances are amazing and captivating, I am never bored when I see her on the screen, but I feel as if ‘Euphoria’ was such a dramatic shift/difference in the other roles she has done prior, and it was amazing to witness how much range she has as an actress.” 

-Sirena M. from Boston

“He made it so iconic that I can’t imagine anyone else playing Edward but him.” 

-Lia M. from Sharon on the “Twilight” series

“I voted this way because I feel that these characters will always be remembered. I admire the work of both in other films and shows, like ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The Batman,’ to name a few, but I grew up watching ‘Twilight’ and ‘Spiderman.’ Those two are a must-see classic that we all love.”

-Estephanie A. from Burlington

“Zendaya’s performance in ‘Euphoria’ is absolutely incredible – raw, nuanced, and believable. Her portrayal brings awareness and empathy for both those struggling with addiction and those who are affected by them. ‘Harry Potter’ is the world I escaped to when times got tough. I feel as if I grew up at Hogwarts alongside Harry and his friends. The fourth book/film was the pivotal moment the protagonists begin to truly face the transition to adulthood – and it must be said that Cedric Diggory was one of my first character crushes. How could I choose anything else when this story had such a profound impact on me and my development?” 

-Kaitlin L.from Medford on “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”

“Growing up, ‘K.C. Undercover’ and ‘Twilight’ were my favorite forms of entertainment. It’s one of many that I rewatch with my boyfriend and little sister!” 

-Nicoly N. from Peabody

“I was really torn between ‘Challengers’ and ‘Euphoria’ as ‘Challengers’ was my favorite movie that I saw last year and loved seeing the game of tennis on the big screen. But overall, ‘Euphoria’ was cinematically one of the coolest shows I’ve ever seen. The music was incredible and the acting was heartbreakingly fantastic. Can’t be beat. As for Pattinson’s works, the ‘Twilight’ franchise is so nostalgic and will always be comforting to me. I recognize it’s not his most profound acting work, but I could watch it any day and be happy.” 

-Lynne L., North End

“Both shows/movies are incredibly entertaining! I love how each actor and actress brought their character to life in the series. They did a phenomenal job.”

-Ally S. from Easton on “Euphoria” and the “Twilight” series

“I love action films. It’s what inspired me to start making movies.” 

-Taylor D. from Back Bay on the “Spider-Man” series and “The Batman”

“Close between ‘Tenet’ and ‘The Batman’ for Pattinson. Zendaya is great at everything but really got out of her comfort zone with ‘Euphoria’. Looking forward to whatever this movie becomes!” 

-Rick

“Zendaya is a great actress but she did a phenomenal job with ‘Marie’! The two-man movie is hard to do! In that evening there was so much character development, emotions, and I honestly was at the edge of my seat!”

-Darina K. from Dorchester on “Malcom & Marie”

“I grew up watching both. I always dreamed of being like K.C. Undercover when I was little.” 

-Kiki S., Roxbury on K.C. Undercover and the Twilight series

“’Dune: Part Two’ is in my top 10 movies of all time. I love sci-fi. The cinematography is as close to perfect as you can get. It’s emotionally moving and spiritually connected. 10/10. As for ‘The Batman,’ I’ve always been a fan and seeing Batman in his early stages was so cool to see. Once again, the cinematography was fantastic.” 

-Will G., Maynard

“Nothing is better than the movies and shows that shaped you.”

-Maria F. from Southie on “Euphoria” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”

“For Zendaya, I grew up watching ‘Shake It Up’ but I think ‘Euphoria’ shows her acting range so beautifully. For Robert, I am a ‘Twilight’ fan but I will never forget ‘Remember Me.’ It’s a movie that has actually stuck with me and I feel like it really taught me to cherish everything more.”

-Sophia B., Newton

“’The Greatest Showman’ – beautiful storyline and display of talent all across the board for the entire cast (especially Zendaya) with the soundtrack, choreography, and acting. The ‘Twilight’ series – DO I EVEN NEED TO EXPLAIN?” 

-Taylor B., Southie

“They’re iconic.” 

-Kaylee from Boston on Eupohoria (2019-2022) and the Twilight Series (2008-2012)

Nia Harmon

Community Co-op

Nia Harmon is a community co-op for  Boston.com and a journalism student at Emerson College. She is a journalism major with a minor in media studies at Emerson College. She is a native of Dallas, Texas.