Denzel Washington’s 10 Best Dramas, Ranked

Denzel Washington
is one of the finest actors in the history of Hollywood. With two Academy Awards under his belt, as well as a string of successful blockbusters, he is one of those rare actor who can do it all. Star of stage and screen, the movie star has been in the business for nearly five decades and is showing no signs of slowing down. He has worked with some of the biggest directors, like Ridley Scott, Robert Zemeckis, and Spike Lee. He has also co-starred alongside the legendary likes of Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep.

With a legacy of unforgettable movies already ensured, Washington has chosen to fill out his filmography with a lot of versatile projects. This includes an array of action adventures and gritty dramas. His ability to command the screen is incomparable, and he can play kind and generous as well as scary and intimidating with the same astounding ease. His collection of dramas ranging from twisted psychological thrillers to historical biopics sees him shine in a variety of challenging roles that showcase his extraordinary talent in every scene.

10

Courage Under Fire (1996)

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Directed By Edward Zwick

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Courage Under Fire

R
DramaActionMystery

Courage Under Fire is a drama and war film directed by Edward Zwick, starring Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan. The film follows a troubled Army officer tasked with investigating a female pilot’s worthiness for the Medal of Honor. Through interviews with her crew, he uncovers conflicting accounts of her actions during a dangerous rescue mission in the Gulf War.

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Release Date

July 12, 1996

Runtime

116 Minutes

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Meg Ryan
, Lou Diamond Phillips
, Michael Moriarty
, Matt Damon
, Bronson Pinchot
, Seth Gilliam
, Regina Taylor

Director

Edward Zwick

Writers

Patrick Sheane Duncan

This wartime drama Courage Under Fire focuses on an investigation into whether Captain Karen Walden (Meg Ryan) deserves to be awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor. Set during the period of the Gulf War, it sees Denzel Washington playing Lt. Col. Nat Serling, who is tasked with leading this investigation. The story is compelling, and it shows how the horrors of combat can skew people’s memories as well as their judgment.

Washington delivers a well-structured performance that’s layered and full of restrained emotion. His own demons clearly haunt him as he grapples with this complicated case, and he plays those internal struggles in a way that connects with audiences. The film co-stars Matt Damon and Lou Diamond Phillips and was a moderate box office hit, earning over $100 million worldwide. It also did reasonably well critically, currently holding a score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.

9

The Tragedy Of Macbeth (2021)

Directed By Joel Coen

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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.

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Release Date

December 5, 2021

Runtime

105 minutes

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

Director

Joel Coen

Writers

Joel Coen

Expand

William Shakespeare gets the stark and atmospheric treatment in this minimalist version of the classic tale, rendered in black and white. Seeing as the story of Macbeth is so well-known, it is interesting to see a modern twist on a classic tale, with a lot of edge and darkness. The focus on power and fate is told with conviction by Washington, who is able to deliver the tricky dialogue with ease and clarity for the audience. His theatrical background is evident, as he traverses the twists and turns of the plot alongside some incredible acting talent.

Frances McDormand and Brendan Gleeson co-star in The Tragedy of Macbeth, an even bleaker interpretation of the Bard’s famous tragedy. It earned Washington another Academy Award nomination and maintains a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. More importantly, it shows just how wide a range the actor has, and that there’s no role he couldn’t tackle with his signature brand of elegance and strength.

8

Power (1986)

Directed By Didney Lumet

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Power

R
Drama

Power, released in 1986, follows political consultant Pete St. John as he navigates the complexities of American politics. When his friend, Senator Sam Hastings, retires, St. John works on the campaign for Jerome Cade, an enigmatic businessman, revealing the intricate interplay of influence and ambition in political campaigns.

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Release Date

January 31, 1986

Runtime

111 minutes

Cast

Denzel Washington
, Richard Gere
, Gene Hackman
, Julie Christie
, Kate Capshaw
, E.G. Marshall
, J.T. Walsh
, Beatrice Straight
, Fritz Weaver
, E. Katherine Kerr
, Michael Learned
, Polly Rowles
, Matt Salinger
, Tom Mardirosian
, Ricardo Gallarzo Jr.
, Jessica James
, Glenn Kezer
, Douglas Newell
, Scott Harlan
, Ed Van Nuys
, Nick Flynn
, Noel Harrison
, Jackson Beck
, Leila Danette
, Kevin Hagen

Director

Sidney Lumet

Writers

David Himmelstein

Expand

With a more supporting role to Richard Gere’s lead, Washington makes an impact as a counterpart and sparring partner for the main character in Power. Set in the ever-fraught world of politics, the film explores the power of image and how a successful spin campaign can change everything. As one of Washington’s earlier roles, it’s impressive that he keeps up on screen with the more established stars like Gere, Gene Hackman, and Julie Christie.

Serving as a bit of a moral compass in a corrupt and ungenuine setting, Washington is a welcome contrast to the more cynical and heartless Pete St. John (Gere). The film is a very compelling drama with a few twists and unexpected turns and offers a glimpse into a very promising future for this (then) bright young actor.

7

Crimson Tide (1995)

Directed By Tony Scott

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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.

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Release Date

May 12, 1995

Runtime

116 Minutes

Cast

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

Director

Tony Scott

Writers

Michael Schiffer

Set aboard a nuclear submarine, Crimson Tide is a military thriller that is gripping and dramatic. With Gene Hackman, Viggo Mortensen, and James Galdonfini also among the cast, there is a lot of tension and wordy dialogue delivered by the talented group of actors. Yet with the fate of the world at stake, Washington again serves as a moral anchor in the story of power struggles and questionable authority. His scenes with Hackman are filled with electricity and a very specific type of chemistry.

Having earned nearly $160 million at the worldwide box office, Crimson Tide also has a score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, in addition to having received three Oscar nominations and a lot of critical acclaim. It was a big role for Washington as he managed to steal many of the scenes he was in, and drew a lot of attention. It put him firmly on Hollywood’s radar as one of its most magnetic leading men.

6

Fences (2016)

Directed By Denzel Washington

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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.

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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

Based on the Tony award-winning Broadway play from 1987, Washington resurrected Fences on the stage in 2010. Alongside Viola Davis, he brought to life this introspective play about a struggling married couple living in a racially volatile Pittsburgh in the 1950s. The writer of the piece, August Wilson, won multiple awards for his powerful social commentary, including the Pulitzer Prize. Both Washington and Davis received Tonys for their raw and emotive performances.

When the time came to bring the story to the big screen, Washington took it upon himself to direct the film, seeing as he was already so familiar with the ins and outs of the part as well as the staging. The result feels as intimate and impactful as the play was, and earned the two stars many accolades and rave reviews. With Oscar nods for both Washington and Davis, as well as one for Best Picture, it’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates the movie star’s more serious side.

5

The Hurricane (1999)

Directed By Norman Jewison

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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.

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Release Date

September 17, 1999

Runtime

146 Minutes

Cast

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

Director

Norman Jewison

Writers

Armyan Bernstein
, Dan Gordon

Part sports biopic, part courtroom drama, The Hurricane sees Washington soar through a range of emotions and earned him his fourth Academy Award nomination. The hard-hitting drama focuses on racial injustice, overcoming adversity, and the power of activism, as it tells this harrowing true story. With a commitment to the physical side as impressive as the deep-reaching emotional levels Washington had to get to, it’s one of his most well-rounded performances.

The movie holds a steady score of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and was critically well-received at the time of release. It’s a true story that needed to be told, and having an artist of Washington’s caliber bring it to a wider audience certainly helped spread the message. With so much despair and adversity to overcome, this film shows just how strong the real Rubin Carter had to be every day.

4

Glory (1989)

Directed By Edward Zwick

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10/10

Glory

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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

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

An unrivaled and compelling historical drama, Glory is an important film that highlights the brave and selfless contributions of the first all-Black volunteer company during the American Civil War. With a host of powerful performances from a star-studded cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick, and Andre Braugher, it was still Washington who stood out as the fiery and independent Pvt. Trip. Filled with hope, defiance, and much trauma, this career-defining role earned Washington his first Academy Award.

It’s one of the gifted actor’s most iconic and celebrated roles and, like many of his characters and movies, brings attention to racial issues throughout history. Viewers are moved by this rebellious young man who ran away from a life of slavery and ended up in a new horrific reality where prejudices, blatant racism, and closed-mindedness still abound.

3

Malcolm X (1992)

Directed By Spike Lee

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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

Cast

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

Director

Spike Lee

Writers

Spike Lee
, Arnold Perl
, Alex Haley

In one of his most famous and challenging roles, Washington portrays the infamous leader of the Black Nationalists, recounting his extraordinary and impactful life story. Malcolm X focuses on his humble roots and years of hardship, through his time in prison, conversion to Islam, and subsequent pilgrimage to Mecca, and exploring what led him to become one of the most influential figures in history. As a civil rights activist and great disruptor, Malcolm X’s influence can be felt to this day.

Washington immersed himself in this complex person, giving one of his most memorable performances. With a slew of nominations, including another Academy Award nod, and an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s one of the actor’s most career-defining roles. With a great supporting performance from Angela Basset, this drama offers a glimpse into the tumultuous life of a truly fascinating figure.

2

Flight (2012)

Directed By Robert Zemeckis

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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.

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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

After a few years of focusing on more action-packed blockbusters and tough-guy roles, Washington returned to his Oscar-nominated form with this gripping drama. In Flight, he plays a pilot with a substance abuse issue who manages to miraculously save his plane from crashing while under the influence. The scene of the airplane going through trouble is one of the most terrifying and realistic in cinema history, and Washington commands the screen throughout.

The aftermath of this incident is where the actor is able to show his range and skill. Struggling with PTSD from the accident, as well as his addiction, he tries to navigate an inquest which leaves him exposed and vulnerable. His earnestness lulls audiences into a false sense of security only to be thrown back into chaos. It was a welcome return to more complex and serious roles, earning Washington many positive reviews and the movie over $160 million at the global box office.

1

Philadelphia (1993)

Directed By Jonathan Demme

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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.

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Release Date

January 14, 1994

Runtime

125 Minutes

Cast

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

Director

jonathan demme

Writers

Ron Nyswaner

A heartbreaking story of a fight for dignity and respect, this classic drama is one of the most impactful films of the 1990s, telling the story of a gay lawyer who contracts AIDS, and subsequently gets fired from his job because of the stigma associated with the disease. It was a big topic at the time and earned Tom Hanks his first Oscar. Meanwhile, Washington plays the lawyer tasked with representing Hanks’s Andrew Beckett.

The on-screen chemistry between Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks is one of the highlights of the film, as he shows his own internal struggles with the situation he finds himself in. His biases and empathy are challenged in ways he’d never had to address before, and Washington’s performance makes the character more relatable and human. His work on the film shines alongside Hanks’ emotional roller coaster, and the two are able to bring the audience to tears with every rewatch.

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Denzel Washington

Birthdate

December 28, 1954

Birthplace

Mount Vernon, New York, USA

Source: https://www.phonggdkrongpac.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment