You probably recognize her as the towering, power-armored Martian Marine who could snap a railgun in half with her bare hands. Or maybe you remember her from the long-running New Zealand soap where she first cut her teeth. Honestly, Frankie Adams has one of those careers that feels both explosive and incredibly steady. She doesn't just show up; she occupies the space. Whether it's a gritty sci-fi epic or a quiet indie drama, her screen presence is undeniable.
If you’re looking for a definitive list of frankie adams movies and tv shows, you’ve likely noticed she isn’t just picking "filler" roles. She’s building a legacy rooted in her Samoan heritage and a physicality that most actors would kill for.
The Breakthrough: From Shortland Street to Mars
Most people think her career started with The Expanse. It didn't.
Back in 2010, a sixteen-year-old Frankie landed the role of Ula Levi on the iconic Kiwi soap Shortland Street. She stayed for over 270 episodes. That’s a massive amount of screen time for a teenager. It’s where she learned the "natural" style she’s famous for today. She has often said in interviews that she isn't a "trained" actor in the traditional sense. She prefers to feel the moment rather than over-analyze the script.
Then came Bobbie Draper.
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When The Expanse cast her as the Martian gunnery sergeant, fans of the books were nervous. Bobbie is described as a two-meter-tall Polynesian powerhouse. Finding someone who could actually embody that was a tall order. Frankie didn't just meet the expectation—she became the definitive version of the character. For five seasons, from 2017 to 2022, she was the moral and physical backbone of the show's Martian storyline.
The Big Screen and Global Reach
While the Roci was flying through the Belt, Adams was also making moves in film. You can spot her in Peter Jackson’s Mortal Engines (2018) as Yasmina Rashid. It wasn’t a massive role, but it showed she could hold her own in a big-budget blockbuster.
But if you want to see her really act, look at One Thousand Ropes (2017).
In this film, she plays Ilisa, a pregnant woman returning to her estranged father. It’s a stark contrast to the sci-fi soldiering. It’s quiet. It’s heavy. It’s deeply Samoan. It proved that her range extends far beyond "action hero."
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Notable Roles You Might Have Missed
- Wentworth (2016): She had a brief but memorable stint as Tasha Goodwin. If you know the show, you know it’s one of the most intense prison dramas out there.
- The Panthers (2021): This miniseries is a must-watch. She plays Tessa in a story about the Polynesian Panthers in 1970s New Zealand. It’s culturally significant and visually stunning.
- The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023): Playing Candy Blue alongside Sigourney Weaver, Adams showed she can navigate complex, trauma-informed narratives with ease.
- Next Goal Wins (2023): A Taika Waititi joint. She plays Frangipani, adding some comedic flair to her resume.
What's Happening in 2026?
It is officially a massive year for her. If you haven't seen the trailers yet, you’re missing out.
First up is The Wrecking Crew, which just hit Prime Video on January 28, 2026. She’s sharing the screen with Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. Think buddy-cop energy but turned up to eleven. She plays a character named Nani, and based on the early buzz, she gets plenty of opportunities to showcase that athleticism she’s known for.
But the real "big one" is Disney’s live-action Moana.
Scheduled for release on July 10, 2026, Frankie is taking on the role of Sina, Moana’s mother. It’s a perfect casting choice. She joins a powerhouse cast including Catherine Laga‘aia and Dwayne Johnson. Transitioning from the gritty world of The Expanse to the vibrant, musical world of Disney is a huge pivot, and it basically cements her status as a global star.
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Why Frankie Adams Matters
In a sea of "manufactured" Hollywood talent, Adams feels real. She’s an amateur boxer. She’s 5'11". She’s proud of her Samoan roots and actively seeks out projects that reflect that.
She doesn’t over-rehearse. She told NZ On Screen once that if she puts too much research into a part, she starts to overthink it. That lack of pretension is exactly why her performances feel so authentic. You aren't watching an actor "act" like a soldier; you're watching Bobbie Draper exist.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to catch up on the best of frankie adams movies and tv shows, here is your priority list:
- Watch The Expanse on Prime Video. Start with Season 2, which is her debut. It’s arguably the best sci-fi of the last decade.
- Stream The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. It’s a beautiful, emotional journey that shows her softer, more nuanced side.
- Check out the Moana (2026) teaser. It’s already out, and it gives a great first look at her as Sina.
- Look for The Wrecking Crew. If you want pure popcorn fun with Momoa and Bautista, this is your weekend watch.
She isn't just a niche actor anymore. Between the Disney machine and her history with prestige TV, Frankie Adams is becoming a household name. Keep an eye on her—she's just getting started.