20 Best Denzel Washington Movies, Ranked

Denzel Washington’s career is a testament to unparalleled talent and range, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation with a laundry list of incredible characters on his resume. Since his feature film debut in 1981’s Carbon Copy, Denzel Washington has consistently delivered powerhouse performances that have left an indelible mark on Hollywood and movie history. Even Denzel Washington’s more underrated movies stand the test of time, showing he rarely has a miss in terms of quality.

Denzel Washington’s ability to immerse himself in roles, whether as a cunning villain, a flawed her, or a complex antihero, has earned him a place in cinematic history. With 10 total Academy Award nominations, including seven for Best Actor, Denzel Washington stands as the most-nominated Black actor in Oscars history. Yet despite this remarkable achievement, many of his roles, arguably deserved even more recognition. As Washington celebrates his 70th birthday, his legacy as one of the all-time greats is firmly intact.

20

Gladiator II (2024)

As Macrinus

Gladiator II Official Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

ScreenRant logo

8/10

190

7.4/10

Gladiator II

R
ActionDramaEpicHistoryAdventure

Gladiator 2 is the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s award-winning film Gladiator from 2000. Scott returns to direct the sequel, with Paul Mescal staring as Lucius, alongside Denzel Washington and Joseph Quinn as the villain Emperor Geta. Gladiator 2 had been stuck in development hell for years before a script written by David Scarpa finally moved forward.

Release Date

November 22, 2024

Runtime

148 minutes

Main Genre

Adventure

Cast

Paul Mescal
, Pedro Pascal
, Denzel Washington
, Connie Nielsen
, Joseph Quinn
, Fred Hechinger
, Derek Jacobi
, May Calamawy
, Peter Mensah
, Matt Lucas
, Alexander Karim
, Tim McInnerny
, Lee Charles
, Chidi Ajufo
, Alfie Tempest
, Riana Duce
, Chi Lewis Parry
, Paul Candelent
, Hadrian Howard
, Alexander Simkin
, Mikhail Basmadjian
, Matthew Charlery-Smith
, Maxime Durand
, Lior Raz

Character(s)

Lucius Verus
, Marcus Acacius
, Macrinus
, Lucilla
, Emperor Caracalla
, Emperor Geta
, Gracchus

Director

Ridley Scott

Writers

David Scarpa
, Peter Craig
, David Franzoni

Prequel(s)

Gladiator

Studio(s)

Paramount Pictures
, Universal Pictures
, Scott Free Productions
, Red Wagon Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Paramount Pictures

Expand

It’s still too fresh to know exactly where the most recent of Denzel Washington’s movies will ultimately sit in Washington’s career highlight reel, but one thing is certain – it will be included. As sly businessman and Roman powerbroker Macrinus, Washington sinks his teeth into Ridley Scott’s grand epic with glee and relish to spare. His commanding presence on screen steals every scene he’s in, delivering lines with the precision and weight of his decades of movie star-dom. We don’t know yet if his playful turn will result in his 11th career Oscar nomination yet – but it probably wouldn’t be wise to bet against it.

19

The Mighty Quinn (1989)

As Xavier Quinn

01407422_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

The Mighty Quinn

R
ActionCrimeDramaMysteryThriller

The Mighty Quinn follows police chief Xavier Quinn as he probes the murder of a wealthy resident on a Caribbean island. Despite pressure from a corrupt governor, Quinn questions the guilt of suspect Maubee, a childhood friend, challenging the local political establishment’s narrative.

Release Date

February 17, 1989

Runtime

98 minutes

Cast

Denzel Washington
, James Fox
, Mimi Rogers
, M. Emmet Walsh
, Sheryl Lee Ralph
, Art Evans
, Esther Rolle
, Norman Beaton
, Alex Colon
, Robert Townsend
, Tyra Ferrell
, Carl Bradshaw
, Maria McDonald
, Fitz Weir
, Baldwin Howe
, David McFarlane
, Bernie McInerney
, Keye Luke
, Ron Taylor
, Oliver Samuels
, David R. Ellis
, Ronald Goshop
, Henry Judd Baker
, Fred Lloyd
, Cathi Levy

Character(s)

Xavier Quinn
, Thomas Elgin
, Hadley Elgin
, Fred Miller
, Lola Quinn
, Jump Jones
, Ubu Pearl
, Governor Chalk
, Jose Patina
, Maubee
, Isola
, Cocodick
, Jax
, Athens
, Bim
, Henry Quinn
, Dr. Stuhlberg
, Dr. Raj
, McKeon
, Rupert
, Jersey
, Fudge
, Nicotine
, Pilot
, Secretary

Director

Carl Schenkel

Writers

Hampton Fancher

YouTube Trailer

Expand

Fans haven’t always gotten a lot of fun, breezy Denzel across his filmography – which is part of why his turn as a romantic leading man in this underrated early-career gem is such a welcome counterpoint to all his weightier, more brooding performances later. Washington skillfully captures the nuances of a local police chief torn between his duty to uphold the law and his loyalty to childhood friend Maubee (Robert Townsend), the prime suspect in a high-profile murder case. Washington’s charisma fuels this Caribbean-set murder mystery that deserves a wider audience.

18

He Got Game (1998)

As Jake Shuttlesworth

01160773_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

He Got Game

R
Drama

He Got Game is a sports drama directed by Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington as Jake Shuttlesworth, a convict granted a temporary parole. He must persuade his talented son, Jesus, portrayed by Ray Allen, to enroll in the governor’s alma mater in exchange for a reduced prison sentence.

Release Date

May 1, 1998

Runtime

136 minutes

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Ray Allen
, Rosario Dawson
, Milla Jovovich
, Hill Harper
, Ned Beatty
, Jim Brown
, Joseph Lyle Taylor
, Bill Nunn
, Michele Shay
, John Turturro
, Shaquille O’Neal
, Charles Barkley
, Michael Jordan
, Jill Kelly
, Chasey Lain
, Robin Roberts
, Scottie Pippen
, Reggie Miller
, Bill Walton
, Dick Vitale
, Bobby Cremins
, Rick Pitino
, Jim Boeheim
, George Karl

Character(s)

Jake Shuttlesworth
, Jesus Shuttlesworth
, Lala Bonilla
, Dakota Burns
, Coleman “Booger” Sykes
, Warden Wyatt
, Spivey
, Crudup
, Uncle Bubba
, Aunt Sally
, Billy Sunday
, Shaquille O’Neal
, Charles Barkley
, Michael Jordan
, Suzie
, Buffy
, Robin Roberts
, Scottie Pippen
, Reggie Miller
, Bill Walton
, Dick Vitale
, Bobby Cremins
, Rick Pitino
, Jim Boeheim
, George Karl

Writers

Spike Lee

YouTube Trailer

Expand

Washington delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Jake Shuttlesworth, a father seeking redemption while navigating a fractured relationship with his basketball prodigy son, Jesus (Ray Allen). Directed by Spike Lee, it’s Washington’s restrained portrayal that anchors the emotional weight of this story about family, ambition, and forgiveness. His chemistry with Allen, an all-star NBA shooting guard who’d never acted before Lee gave him the role, proves that Denzel can work with virtually any co-star and make it soar.

17

Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)

As Roman J. Israel

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

ScreenRant logo

5/10

Roman J. Israel, Esq.

PG-13
ThrillerDrama

Roman J. Israel, Esq. is an Oscar-nominated film starring Denzel Washington. Washington plays Roman J. Israel, Esq, who abandons his idealistic beliefs as a defense attorney to take extreme action as a civil rights advocate. The film was released in 2017 and directed by Dan Gilroy, who previously helmed Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Release Date

November 3, 2017

Runtime

129minutes

Cast

Colin Farrell
, Carmen Ejogo
, Denzel Washington
, Nazneen Contractor

Director

Dan Gilroy

Writers

Dan Gilroy

Budget

$22million

Studio(s)

Sony

Distributor(s)

Sony
, Columbia Pictures

Expand

While it earned him an Oscar nomination, Washington’s performance as a brilliant yet socially awkward defense attorney struggling to reconcile his ideals with the harsh realities of the legal system isn’t often cited as one of his best. That’s probably because Israel’s eccentric mannerisms and moral rigidity make him a tough character to love. Yet, Washington presents Roman’s unwavering dedication to justice as both a strength and a flaw, showing how his idealism isolates him from others but also defines his identity. It’s a tricky, nuanced role that only an actor of Denzel’s skill could likely get right.

16

Mo’ Better Blues (1990)

As Bleek Gilliam

01257989_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Mo’ Better Blues

R
DramaRomanceMusicComedy

Mo’ Better Blues: A Spike Lee film featuring Denzel Washington as Bleek Gilliam, a talented but self-centered trumpeter. The 1990 release follows Bleek as he navigates his intense commitment to music and relationships with two women. His world is challenged when he aids his manager, adding unexpected turmoil.

Release Date

August 3, 1990

Runtime

129 minutes

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Spike Lee
, Wesley Snipes
, Giancarlo Esposito
, John Turturro
, Charlie Murphy
, Nicholas Turturro
, Robin Harris
, Joie Lee
, Cynda Williams
, Flavor Flav
, Bill Nunn
, Dick Anthony Williams
, Samuel L. Jackson
, Tracy Camilla Johns
, Coati Mundi
, Scot Anthony Robinson
, Abbey Lincoln
, Rubén Blades
, Diahann Carroll
, Leonard L. Thomas

Character(s)

Bleek Gilliam
, Giant
, Shadow Henderson (Sax)
, Left Hand Lacey (Piano)
, Moe Flatbush
, Eggy
, Josh Flatbush
, Butterbean Jones
, Indigo
, Clarke Bentancourt
, Impatient Movie Patron
, Bottom Hammer
, Big Stop Williams
, Madlock
, Club Patron
, Roberto
, Cooley
, Lillian Gilliam
, Petey
, Jazz Club Singer (uncredited)
, Rod

Director

Spike Lee

YouTube Trailer

Expand

In his first collaboration with Spike Lee, Washington shines as a talented but flawed jazz trumpeter torn between his love for music and his tumultuous personal relationships. The film provides Washington with a rich, character-driven story for exploring passion, ambition, and vulnerability with a combination of charisma and introspection, making him both magnetic and deeply human. Bleek is dedicated to the artistry and authenticity of his craft with a trumpet in his hand, but he struggles with love, friendship, and self-discovery in his romantic relationships. That duality of strength and crippling self-sabotage make Mo’ Better Blues an incredible showcase for what draws us to Washington on screen so often.

15

Remember the Titans (2000)

As Coach Herman Boone

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

10/10

Remember The Titans

PG
SportBiographyDrama

Remember The Titans is a 2000 sports drama directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Denzel Washington. The film is based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. Under the leadership of coach Herman Boone, the team navigates racial tensions and strives for success on and off the field.

Release Date

September 29, 2000

Runtime

113 minutes

Cast

Ryan Hurst
, Will Patton
, Wood Harris
, Denzel Washington
, Donald Faison

Director

Boaz Yakin

Writers

Gregory Allen Howard

Budget

$30 million

Expand

This inspiring sports drama about unity and leadership is elevated by Washington’s commanding central performance. Tasked with uniting a racially divided high school football team in 1971 Virginia, Washington’s Boone is a refined blend of authority, compassion, and resilience, bringing a complex and deeply human character to life. He captures Boone’s determination to instill discipline and teamwork while balancing the weight of societal expectations and personal struggles. Few Washington performances are more finely calibrated to have viewers leaping out of their seats and pumping their fists in the air quite like this rousing crowd-pleaser.

14

John Q. (2002)

As John Quincy Archibald

John Q. (2002) -Poster - Denzel Washington

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

9/10

John Q.

PG-13
DramaThrillerCrime

John Q. is a dramatic film directed by Nick Cassavetes, starring Denzel Washington as John Quincy Archibald, a factory worker whose son collapses during a baseball game due to a heart condition. Faced with the refusal of his insurance company to cover a life-saving transplant, John takes drastic measures to ensure his son’s survival. Featuring Kimberly Elise and Robert Duvall, the film explores themes of healthcare and desperation.

Release Date

February 15, 2002

Runtime

116 Minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Cast

Denzel Washington
, James Woods
, Kimberly Elise
, Robert Duvall
, Shawn Hatosy

Director

Nick Cassavetes

Writers

James Kearns

Budget

36000000.0

Studio(s)

Evolution Entertainment
, New Line Cinema
, Burg/Koules Productions

Expand

While many of Washington’s best-remembered performances center around his inherent coolly measured control, the heart-wrenching story of a father driven to desperate measures to save his son’s life pushes Denzel the actor way out of that comfort zone. Washington’s character takes an emergency room hostage, turning a personal crisis into a broader commentary on healthcare inequities as Washington serves up oodles of the anguish, determination, and moral conflict of a parent willing to sacrifice everything for his child. In fact, it’s Washington’s ability to paint all the shade of this distraught father’s turmoil that elevates the film from a straightforward thriller into a deeply emotional exploration of love, sacrifice, and systemic injustice.

13

Flight (2012)

As Whip Whitaker

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Flight

R
ThrillerDrama

Written by John Gatins and directed by Robert Zemeckis, Flight is a Drama featuring Denzel Washington in the lead role as Captain Whip Whitaker, a commercial airline pilot with a troubled lifestyle. The plot sees Whip landing a plane and being heralded as a hero while knowing that he was responsible for the crash in the first place.

Release Date

November 2, 2012

Runtime

138 minutes

Cast

Don Cheadle
, Kelly Reilly
, Melissa Leo
, John Goodman
, Bruce Greenwood
, Denzel Washington

Director

Robert Zemeckis

Writers

John Gatins

Budget

$31 million

Studio(s)

Paramount Pictures

Distributor(s)

Paramount Pictures

Expand

It’s another Oscar nomination for Denzel, this time as Whip Whitaker, a commercial pilot whose heroic actions during a catastrophic plane crash are overshadowed by his struggles with addiction. Balancing his natural charm and skill with the darker, self-destructive aspects of his character, Washington is a live wire in Flight, constantly toggling between the confident pilot who saves lives and the man sinking under the weight of his own moral failings. The film’s dramatic centerpiece, the harrowing crash sequence, is a masterclass in Washington’s ability to convey calm authority under pressure.

12

Inside Man (2006)

As Det. Keith Frazier

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

9.5/10

Inside Man

R
ThrillerDramaCrimeMystery

In a meticulously planned bank heist, masked robbers seize control of a Manhattan bank, strategically maneuvering hostages and covertly blending in among them. As negotiations ensue between the police and the robbers, hidden agendas emerge, including the protection of a mysterious safe deposit box’s contents. Detectives Keith Frazier and Bill Mitchell navigate the complexities of the standoff, uncovering layers of deception that challenge their understanding of the unfolding crisis and its true motivations.

Release Date

March 24, 2006

Runtime

129 minutes

Main Genre

Crime

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Clive Owen
, Jodie Foster
, Christopher Plummer
, Willem Dafoe
, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Director

Spike Lee

Writers

Russell Gewirtz

Budget

$45 million

Expand

As Frazier, Washington brings wit and determination to this taut heist thriller directed by Spike Lee. While Inside Man is arguably a greater showcase for Lee’s deft camerawork and pacing than Washington’s performance, it’s still the viewer’s journey with Denzel’s sharp, determined NYPD hostage negotiator unraveling the complex inner workers of the bank job that holds the film together.

Imagery-from-Safe-House-and-Training-Day

Related

Denzel Washington’s 10 Best Thrillers

With a career as vast and varied as Denzel Washington’s, it’s no surprise this two-time Oscar winner has plenty of incredible thrillers.

Posts

1

His quick wit and calm demeanor highlight his resourcefulness, while the chemistry between Washington and the ensemble cast — particularly his tense exchanges with Clive Owen’s enigmatic bank robber – truly crackle in a genre film that rises well above its humble origins.

11

American Gangster (2007)

As Frank Lucas

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

ScreenRant logo

9/10

10/10

American Gangster

R
BiographyCrimeDocumentaryDrama

American Gangster is a 2007 crime film directed by Ridley Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin in Harlem, and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, the detective determined to bring him down. The film explores the rise of Lucas in the drug trade and the eventual intersection of their lives amidst the backdrop of a corrupt and morally complex society.

Release Date

November 2, 2007

Runtime

157 minutes

Cast

Carla Gugino
, Idris Elba
, John Hawkes
, Cuba Gooding Jr
, Russell Crowe
, Denzel Washington
, Ted Levine
, Josh Brolin
, Chiwetel Ejiofor
, Joe Morton

Director

Ridley Scott

Writers

Steven Zaillian
, Mark Jacobson

Budget

$100 million

Expand

Washington’s portrayal of real-life drug kingpin Frank Lucas combines charisma and menace, adding complexity to this crime saga. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film again spotlights Washington’s affinity for imbuing complex, morally ambiguous characters with depth and magnetism. Lucas is a commanding presence with a disciplined, businesslike approach to the drug trade, contrasted with a violent enforcement of loyalty and control. Whether delivering chilling ultimatums or tender moments with his family, Washington captures the duality of Lucas as both a ruthless criminal and a man shaped by his environment.

10

Philadelphia (1993)

As Joe Miller

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Philadelphia

PG-13
Drama

Philadelphia (1994) is a legal drama directed by Jonathan Demme, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. Tom Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired due to his HIV-positive status, while Denzel Washington portrays Joe Miller, a personal injury attorney who takes on Beckett’s wrongful dismissal case. The film addresses themes of discrimination, prejudice, and social justice in the context of the early AIDS epidemic.

Release Date

January 14, 1994

Runtime

125 Minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Cast

Tom Hanks
, Denzel Washington
, Roberta Maxwell
, Buzz Kilman
, Karen Finley
, Daniel Chapman
, Mark Sorensen Jr.
, Jeffrey Williamson

Director

jonathan demme

Writers

Ron Nyswaner

Budget

$26 million

Expand

It’s not often that Denzel takes a backseat to anyone on screen, but as a lawyer navigating a groundbreaking AIDS discrimination case, he’s certainly the steadying, less showy role in this two-hander with fellow megastar Tom Hanks. Hanks drove the pain and despair of Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a man wrongfully terminated due to his HIV status and homosexuality, to his first Oscar win.

Roles Denzel Washington Passed Up or Didnt Get

Related

12 Biggest Roles Denzel Washington Turned Down Or Lost

Denzel Washington is undoubtedly one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood, but he is not immune to losing (or turning down) big roles.

Posts

But it’s Washington who keeps the film grounded with a supreme character evolution as Joe transitions from skepticism and prejudice to understanding and allyship. Washington makes Joe Miller relatable and inspiring, which helps make Philadelphia even more than the sum of its already extraordinary parts.

9

Crimson Tide (1995)

As Lt. Comm. Ron Hunter

Crimson Tide (1995) - Poster - Denzel Washington & Gene Hackman

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

9.9/10

Crimson Tide

R
ThrillerActionDrama

Crimson Tide is a submarine thriller directed by Tony Scott, set during a period of political turmoil in Russia. The film follows Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter, played by Denzel Washington, who clashes with Captain Frank Ramsey, played by Gene Hackman, over the interpretation of orders from the US government. As tensions rise, the crew of the USS Alabama must navigate the crisis and prevent a catastrophic outcome.

Release Date

May 12, 1995

Runtime

116 Minutes

Main Genre

Thriller

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Gene Hackman
, Matt Craven
, George Dzundza
, Viggo Mortensen

Director

Tony Scott

Writers

Michael Schiffer

Budget

53000000.0

Studio(s)

Hollywood Pictures
, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Expand

Crimson Tide is one of the finest action movies of all time – and it’s in no small part due to Washington’s principled and determined portrayal of U.S.S. Alabama executive officer Ron Hunter. As the second in command aboard a nuclear submarine during a tense standoff with Russia, Hunter’s unwavering commitment to doing what he believes is right, even when it clashes with his commanding officer, is pure cinema gold. And Washington’s moral conviction and intensity opposite fellow screen legend Gene Hackman is never less than riveting. If the Washington-Hackman faceoffs don’t hold you breathless, it’s not the fault of this Tony Scott classic.

8

Fences (2016)

As Troy Maxson

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

ScreenRant logo

6/10

7/10

Fences

PG-13
Drama

Fences is a period drama written by American playwright August Wilson. It was directed by Denzel Washington, who also plays Troy Maxson, a garbage collector whose checkered past prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a baseball player. The movie was well-received by both critics and viewers, with many praising Washington’s performance as the bitter sanitation worker.

Release Date

December 25, 2016

Runtime

139 Minutes

Cast

Mykelti Williamson
, Stephen Henderson
, Russell Hornsby
, Denzel Washington
, Christopher Mele
, Saniyya Sidney
, Viola Davis
, Jovan Adepo

Director

Denzel Washington

Writers

August Wilson

Budget

$24 million

Studio(s)

Paramount Pictures

Distributor(s)

Paramount Pictures

Expand

Sometimes, you just have to clear out and let the great ones cook. Adapted from August Wilson’s play, Washington’s Troy Maxson is a clear-out performance that could only come from one of the screen’s most commanding figures. Playing a complex, deeply flawed father struggling with his past while trying to provide for his family in 1950s Pittsburgh, Washington brings raw emotion and intensity, capturing Troy’s internal conflict as he wrestles with regret, pride, and bitterness. His interactions with Viola Davis as wife Rose are electric, performances that anchor the film’s emotional weight. Fences also yielded another well-deserved Oscar nomination for Denzel (and a SAG Award win).

7

The Hurricane (1999)

As Rubin “Hurricane” Carter

The Hurricane (1999) - Poster - Denzel Washington

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

The Hurricane

R
Drama

The Hurricane (1999), directed by Norman Jewison, stars Denzel Washington as Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a middleweight boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder. The film depicts Carter’s journey through the American legal system and the efforts of a diverse group of supporters aiming to prove his innocence.

Release Date

September 17, 1999

Runtime

146 Minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Vicellous Shannon
, Deborah Kara Unger
, Liev Schreiber
, John Hannah

Director

Norman Jewison

Writers

Armyan Bernstein
, Dan Gordon

Budget

50000000.0

Studio(s)

Universal Pictures
, Azoff Entertainment
, Beacon Communications
, Beacon Pictures
, Buena Vista International
, Touchstone Pictures

Expand

In this inspiring biopic, Washington’s portrayal of Rubin Carter — a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for a triple murder — is steeped in resilience and humanity. Washington immerses himself in Carter’s journey, skillfully portraying his determination and unyielding fight for justice. But it’s Washington’s ability to reveal Carter’s transformation — from a bitter, angry man to someone fueled by hope and a desire for redemption — that is the true testament to the actor’s power. He conveys the complexity of Carter’s spirit, making him a deeply sympathetic figure, while also embodying the anger and frustration that come with being wronged by the system. Like the Hurricane himself, it’s a powerhouse.

6

Man on Fire (2004)

As John Creasy

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

ScreenRant logo

4/10

Man on Fire

R
CrimeActionThrillerDrama

Man on Fire is a drama thriller directed by Tony Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a burned-out ex-CIA operative turned bodyguard. He is hired to protect a young girl, Pita Ramos, played by Dakota Fanning, in Mexico City. As Creasy develops a bond with Pita, he is driven to exact vengeance when she is abducted, showcasing a relentless pursuit for justice against those responsible.

Release Date

April 23, 2004

Runtime

146 minutes

Main Genre

Action

Cast

Dakota Fanning
, Marc Anthony
, Denzel Washington
, Radha Mitchell
, Mickey Rourke
, Christopher Walken

Director

Tony Scott

Writers

Brian Helgeland

Budget

$70 million

Expand

Washington’s vengeful bodyguard seeking justice is equal parts emotional and explosive, elevating this action thriller to greatness. As Creasy, a former CIA operative seeking redemption while protecting a young girl from kidnappers in Mexico City, Washington is marked by vulnerability, intensity, and a deep sense of inner conflict. As a man haunted by his past, Creasy’s emotional journey is the film’s true center, with every scene reflecting his struggle between violence and a desire for personal salvation. Contrasted with tender moments with his young charge Pita (Dakota Fanning), Washington has seldom smoldered at this frequency – and it’s magical.

5

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

As Macbeth

The Tragedy of Macbeth 2021 Film Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

ScreenRant logo

7/10

The Tragedy of Macbeth

R
ThrillerDramaHistory

The Tragedy of Macbeth is a cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play, following Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, who is driven by prophecy and ambition. Influenced by his wife, he murders King Duncan to seize the throne of Scotland, setting off a chain of power struggles and guilt.

Release Date

December 5, 2021

Runtime

105 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Frances McDormand
, Alex Hassell
, Bertie Carvel
, Brendan Gleeson
, Corey Hawkins
, Harry Melling
, Miles Anderson
, Kathryn Hunter
, Matt Helm
, Moses Ingram
, Scott Subiono
, Brian Thompson
, Lucas Barker
, Stephen Root
, Robert Gilbert
, Ethan Hutchison
, James Udom
, Richard Short
, Sean Patrick Thomas
, Ralph Ineson
, Jefferson Mays
, Olivia Washington

Character(s)

Macbeth
, Lady Macbeth
, Ross
, Banquo
, Duncan
, Macduff
, Malcolm
, Lennox
, Witches
, Old Man
, Donalbain
, Lady Macduff
, Murderer
, Fleance
, Porter
, Angus
, Macduff’s Son
, Seyton
, Siward
, Monteith
, Captain
, Doctor
, Children’s Nurse

Director

Joel Coen

Writers

Joel Coen

Budget

$200,000

Studio(s)

A24

Distributor(s)

A24

Expand

Shakespeare and Macbeth, in particular, are cultural yardsticks every English-speaking actor measures themselves against. So it’s no surprise that even as a man approaching 70, The Tragedy of Macbeth is a challenge that brings out the best in a world-class performer like Washington.

Denzel Washington as Macbeth looking upwards at the witches in The Tragedy of Macbeth

Related

Denzel Washington Quietly Broke A Major Shakespeare Movie Record 3 Years Ago

Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth made Denzel Washington the first actor in 31 years to be nominated for a Shakespearean role at the Academy Awards.

Posts

As the ambitious Scottish lord succumbs to his greed, guilt, and madness, it’s Washington’s oversized presence and deep understanding of Shakespeare’s language that supercharges the play’s themes of power, fate, and moral corruption. Joel Coen’s visually stunning adaptation needed a talent as formidable as Washington to make the film soar – and Denzel delivers.

4

Glory (1989)

As Pvt. Silas Trip

Glory 1989 Movie Poster-1

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

10/10

Glory

R
DramaHistoryWar

Based on documented events, Glory is a historical war-drama film by director Edward Zwick and tells the story of the first all-black infantry regiment in the Civil War. Being led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, comprised entirely of volunteers, fight to protect their nation and people while facing discrimination from all sides.

Release Date

December 15, 1989

Runtime

122 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Cast

Matthew Broderick
, Denzel Washington
, Cary Elwes
, Morgan Freeman
, Jihmi Kennedy
, Andre Braugher

Director

Edward Zwick

Writers

Robert Gould Shaw
, Lincoln Kirstein
, Peter Burchard
, Kevin Jarre

Expand

If there was any doubt of Washington’s power, it was dispelled forever by a single tear. The raw, jaw-dropping tear as his ragingly defiant Union soldier Trip is whipped by his Civil War commanders is an indelible movie moment that sealed Washington’s first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Trip’s transformation from reluctant soldier to courageous fighter is the emotional centerpiece of one of the 80’s best films. Meanwhile, his chemistry with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick adds to the film’s impact, creating a profound camaraderie and brotherhood within the regiment guaranteed to draw tears from even the most hard-hearted viewer.

3

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

As Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

Devil in a Blue Dress

R
CrimeDramaMystery

Devil in a Blue Dress, directed by Carl Franklin, is set in late 1940s Los Angeles and follows Easy Rawlins, an unemployed black World War II veteran, who is hired to locate a missing white woman, Daphne Monet. The investigation draws him into the dangerous undercurrents of the city’s jazz club scene.

Release Date

September 29, 1995

Runtime

102 Minutes

Main Genre

Crime

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Tom Sizemore
, Jennifer Beals
, Don Cheadle
, Maury Chaykin
, Terry Kinney
, Mel Winkler
, Albert Hall

Director

Carl Franklin

Writers

Walter Mosley
, Carl Franklin

Expand

There may be no greater example of a movie star at the height of their powers as Washington’s turn as Easy Rawlins in this stylish neo-noir. Brilliantly balancing charm and danger, it’s among his most underrated performances as the World War II veteran turned private investigator in 1940s Los Angeles. Easy is struggling to make a living while navigating racial and social tensions in a segregated city, with Washington layering on vulnerability, intelligence, and moral integrity into an incredibly relatable, compelling turn. From reluctant investigator to someone confronting uncomfortable truths, Easy feels like a part Denzel was born to play.

2

Training Day (2001)

As Det. Alonzo Harris

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

ScreenRant logo

9/10

9.3/10

Training Day

R
CrimeThrillerDrama

Denzel Washington and Alonzo Harris star in Training Day, an action thriller that follows the two stars as Los Angeles narcotics officers. Jake Hoyt is prepping on his first major training day for a promotion as he spends spend a tense twenty-four hours across several L.A. crime-ridden neighborhoods as Jake sees the danger and horrors of the job.

Release Date

October 5, 2001

Runtime

122 minutes

Cast

Eva Mendes
, Ethan Hawke
, Denzel Washington
, Scott Glenn
, Cliff Curtis

Director

Antoine Fuqua

Writers

David Ayer

Budget

$45 million

Studio(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Distributor(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Expand

When someone says the name Denzel Washington, it’s likely corrupt detective Alonzo Harris is the first image that pops into mind; Training Day is the most well-known of the many movies in which Denzel Washington has played a cop. As the morally ambiguous cop who spends a day showing rookie officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) the harsh realities of street law enforcement, Washington’s portrayal of Alonzo is both captivating and chilling, navigating the thin line between authority and villainy with magnetic intensity. Alonzo is charismatic. He’s confident. He’s manipulative. And he’s cunning. Washington wraps all those threads together, balancing moments of charm and calculated menace that keep the audience on edge as Alonzo’s true nature is slowly revealed. It’s everything.

1

Malcolm X (1992)

As Malcolm X

Malcolm X (1992) - Poster

Your Rating

close

10 stars

9 stars

8 stars

7 stars

6 stars

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Rate Now

0/10

Leave a Review

Your comment has not been saved

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

My List

My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist

Success!

11

9.1/10

Malcolm X

PG-13
BiographyDramaHistory

Malcolm X is a biographical film directed by Spike Lee, depicting the life of the influential African American leader and civil rights activist. Starring Denzel Washington in the titular role, the film chronicles Malcolm X’s journey from his troubled youth to his rise as a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam and his subsequent transformation after a pilgrimage to Mecca. The film captures the complexities and evolution of Malcolm X’s beliefs and activism.

Release Date

November 18, 1992

Runtime

202 minutes

Main Genre

Drama

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Angela Bassett
, Albert Hall
, Al Freeman Jr.
, Delroy Lindo

Director

Spike Lee

Writers

Spike Lee
, Arnold Perl
, Alex Haley

Budget

$34 Million

Studio(s)

40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks
, JVC
, Largo Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Warner Bros. Pictures

Expand

Well…almost everything. Spike Lee’s epic biographical drama showcases the transformative performance of Washington’s career as the controversial civil rights leader, capturing the full complexity and evolution of Malcolm X’s life. Washington immerses himself fully into the role, skillfully portraying Malcolm’s journey from a troubled young man to a powerful and inspiring figure, delivering Malcolm’s fiery passion, intelligence, and vulnerability as he grapples with issues of race, identity, and faith.

The easy way Washington brings both the radical and later more reconciliatory sides of Malcolm’s personality to life add layers to the film, a profound exploration of a transformative figure in American history. Washington’s performance earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, solidifying him as one of the most versatile actors of his – or any – generation.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Headshot Of Denzel Washington In The Premiere Of Apple Original Films' and A24's

Denzel Washington

Leave a Comment