From reality television breakout star to Hollywood feature films and streaming competition creator, Cardi B has built a diverse screen career that mirrors her music industry rise. While global audiences know her best for record-breaking chart hits like "Bodak Yellow" and "WAP", her footprint in television and film spans major motion pictures, documentary appearances, and hit competition series.
If you want the complete breakdown of every notable screen appearance, look no further. This guide covers Cardi B movies and TV shows, detailing her transition from unscripted television personality to mainstream cinematic actor and producer.
The Reality TV Foundation
Long before walking major red carpets or landing Hollywood scripts, Cardi B built her initial fanbase on social media and unscripted television. Her raw personality, sharp one-liners, and unfiltered humor made her an instant phenomenon on cable networks.
- Love & Hip Hop: New York (2015–2016): Joining the cast of the VH1 hit series in its sixth season, Cardi B quickly became the breakout star. The show documented her sharp wit, her transition away from stripping, and her early steps into the music industry across two seasons before she stepped away to focus entirely on her rap career.
- Untold Stories of Hip Hop (2019): Appearing as a featured guest on WE tv, she shared candid behind-the-scenes stories about her early days in the entertainment industry and the hurdles she overcame.
Feature Film Breakthroughs
Cardi B's cinematic credits may be selective, but her major movie roles made an immediate cultural impact, often playing characters that lean into her authentic persona and magnetic screen presence.
- Hustlers (2019): Making her official feature film acting debut, Cardi B played Diamond alongside Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu in this critically acclaimed crime drama. Drawing from her actual pre-fame experiences as a dancer, her performance received widespread praise for its natural energy and authenticity.
- F9: The Fast Saga (2021): Expanding into blockbuster action franchises, she joined the cast of the ninth installment of the Fast & Furious series as Leysa, an old friend of Dominic Toretto with connections to a covert network.
Television Production and Creator Roles
Rather than sticking strictly to guest appearances, Cardi B expanded her portfolio behind the scenes, taking on executive producer and creator roles for major streaming platforms.
- Rhythm + Flow (2019): Serving as an executive producer and primary judge alongside Chance the Rapper and Tip "T.I." Harris, Cardi B helped lead Netflix through its first major hip-hop talent search. Her mentorship, tough love, and emotional investment in contestants anchored the series as a fresh take on music competition shows.
Guest Appearances, Specials, and Documentaries
Beyond scripted acting and competition hosting, Cardi B has made countless appearances as herself in concert films, late-night television interviews, and cultural documentaries.
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2018–2021): Her memorable co-hosting and interview appearances became viral internet moments, showcasing her natural comedic timing.
- Cardi B: E! True Hollywood Story (2021): An in-depth biographical television special chronicling her rise from the Bronx to global superstardom.
- Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023): Made a special visual appearance in the concert documentary celebrating modern pop and hip-hop royalty.
- 73 Questions With Vogue (2025): Provided a fast-paced, humorous inside look at her life, home, and personal style for the Vogue digital series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Cardi B's first movie role?
Her feature film debut was playing Diamond in the 2019 crime-comedy-drama Hustlers, starring alongside Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu.
Does Cardi B have her own TV show?
While she hasn't starred in a scripted television series as a regular character, she created and executive-produced the hit Netflix hip-hop competition series Rhythm + Flow, where she also served as a main judge.
What reality show made Cardi B famous?
She gained mainstream public recognition after joining the cast of VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York during its sixth season in 2015.
Is Cardi B part of the Fast & Furious franchise?
Yes, she appeared as Leysa in F9: The Fast Saga (2021) and returned to the cinematic universe for subsequent narrative arcs.
