Movies:
* The Color Purple (1985) - Celie's best friend, Shug Avery
* Commando (1985) - Cindy, a journalist
* Flex (1987) - Denise
* The Last Dragon (1985) - Laura Charles
* Beat Street (1984) - Abby
* The Jewel of the Nile (1985) - A member of the "Haram"
* Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) - Toni
* Quest for Fire (1981) - Ika
* The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) - New Jersey
* The Big Red One (1980) - A young Italian woman
* Head of the Class (1988) - Carla
* Body Chemistry (1990) - Sarah
* The Fifth Element (1997) - Diva Plavalaguna
* Love & Basketball (2000) - Monica Wright
* Fido (2006) - The Librarian
* The Hangover Part II (2011) - Kim
* The Last Airbender (2010) - Princess Yue
* House of Cards (2013-2018) - Congresswoman Claire Underwood's aide
Television:
* Southland (2009-2013) - Detective Lydia Adams
* The L Word (2004-2009) - Tasha Williams
* The Wire (2002-2008) - Detective Iris H. Vance
* Charmed (2000-2006) - The Source of All Evil (recurring role)
* Outlaw (2009) - Judge Ida Mae
* Nikita (1997-2001) - Catherine (recurring role)
* Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001) - Various roles
* Miami Vice (1984-1989) - Various roles
* The Twilight Zone (1985-1989) - Various roles
Voice Work:
* The Simpsons (1989-present) - Various roles
* Family Guy (1999-present) - Various roles
* Futurama (1999-2013, 2016-present) - Various roles
This list is not exhaustive but highlights some of her most well-known and significant roles. Rae Dawn Chong has been a prolific actress, working in both film and television with a wide range of characters and projects.