Are you a fan of Denzel Washington movies? We’re buzzing with excitement as Denzel Washington is set to reprise his role as the fearsome assassin Robert McCall in Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming film, ‘The Judiciary 3.’ This marks the third time Washington will step into McCall’s shoes, and we can’t wait to see what unfolds.
Named the “Best Actor of the 21st Century” by The New York Times in 2020, Washington, now 68, is no stranger to accolades. With two Oscars under his belt, the American actor has crafted an extraordinary career spanning nearly four decades.
Washington’s journey through Hollywood hasn’t just been about collecting awards; it’s also been about meaningful partnerships. He’s had the honor of working with esteemed directors like Tony Scott and Spike Lee. And it’s not all arthouse films—Washington has had his fair share of blockbuster hits, too.
The actor’s versatility and talent have made him one of Hollywood’s undeniable stars, with a range that inspires both peers and fans. So before we flock to theaters for his latest release in the coming weeks, let’s revisit Denzel Washington’s top ten most unforgettable films.
1. Glory (1989)
In Edward Zwick’s classic film “Glory,” Denzel Washington delivers a memorable performance as Silas Trip, a runaway slave who joins the first-ever regiment of black soldiers during the Civil War. He finds himself under the command of Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, and quickly realizes that fighting for freedom comes with its own set of challenges. Along with his fellow soldiers, Trip grapples with systemic inequality within an army that pays them less than their white counterparts and subjects them to harsh penalties for insubordination.
This riveting role earned Washington his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1990, and the film remains a standout in his illustrious career.
Wondering where you can watch “Glory”? It’s available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, and you can also find it on YouTube, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV.
2. Mo’ Better Blues
In their first-ever collaboration, Denzel Washington teamed up with director Spike Lee for the unforgettable film “Mo’ Better Blues.” Washington takes on the role of Bleek Gilliam, a supremely talented trumpeter at the helm of a New York-based jazz quintet. Though he’s a master of his craft, Bleek is far from perfect—his complex personality often leads him to neglect his relationships and bandmates.
Things come to a head when his manager, Giant, starts sinking into debt. Faced with this mounting crisis, Bleek must navigate his friend’s troubles while also figuring out how to save himself. Washington’s performance is both powerful and emotionally resonant, making “Mo’ Better Blues” one of Spike Lee’s most poignant works.
Looking to catch this classic? You can find “Mo’ Better Blues” available on DVD.
3. Malcolm X (1992)
just two years after their groundbreaking collaboration on “Mo’ Better Blues,” Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunited to bring to life one of America’s most iconic and polarizing figures from the 1960s—Malcolm X. This epic biopic spans over three hours and delves into Malcolm X’s tumultuous upbringing in Omaha, his conversion to Islam, and his rise as a prominent activist.
Washington’s portrayal is nothing short of riveting, earning him an Oscar nomination in 1993. He expertly navigates Malcolm X’s complex ideological and spiritual journey, capturing the mounting anger that fueled the man through the years. It’s widely considered one of the actor’s most intense and memorable performances.
Curious about where to watch this cinematic masterpiece? “Malcolm X” is available for streaming on Claro Video.
4. Philadelphia (1993)
When two of America’s acting powerhouses, Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks, come together on screen, you know you’re in for something special. That’s exactly what happened in “Philadelphia,” the poignant legal drama directed by Jonathan Demme. Washington takes on the role of Joe Miller, a career-driven lawyer who initially has some homophobic views. Despite this, he agrees to represent Andrew Beckett, portrayed by Hanks, a gay man who believes he’s been wrongfully terminated from his job due to his HIV-positive status. The film explores their courtroom battle while shedding light on American prejudices during the ’80s.
Upon its release, “Philadelphia” was met with critical acclaim and took home two Oscars in 1994—one for Hanks’ stellar performance and another for Bruce Springsteen’s original song. The film not only cemented Hanks’ reputation but also further solidified Denzel Washington as one of Hollywood’s leading talents.
Wondering where to catch this must-see drama? “Philadelphia” is available on platforms like HBO Max, Star+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV.
5. Training Day (2001)
Before they collaborated on the Vigilante trilogy, Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua first joined forces in the unforgettable cop drama “Training Day.” Starring opposite Ethan Hawke, Washington portrays Alonzo Harris, a high-ranking LAPD officer who doesn’t shy away from using unorthodox—even corrupt—methods to keep the peace in some of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. His young partner, Jake Hoyt, played by Hawke, gradually becomes disillusioned as he realizes the true nature of his mentor.
Washington’s portrayal of the morally ambiguous Harris is both riveting and unsettling, marking it as one of his most compelling performances to date. His work was so extraordinary that it won him an Oscar for Best Actor in 2002. This made him the first black actor to take home the prestigious award since Sidney Poitier in 1964, who also received an honorary Oscar that same year.
Wondering where you can catch this iconic film? “Training Day” is available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Claro Video, YouTube, and Google Play Movies.
6. Man on Fire (2004)
Before his untimely passing in 2012, director Tony Scott was the filmmaker Denzel Washington had teamed up with the most, collaborating on a total of five films. While all these films are noteworthy, their 2004 release “Man on Fire” stands out as particularly memorable.
In this intense, action-packed thriller, Washington plays a troubled former CIA agent turned bodyguard. Hired to protect Pita, a young girl portrayed by Dakota Fanning, who belongs to a wealthy family in kidnap-prone Mexico City, his character starts off as stoic and emotionally detached. However, as he gets to know Pita, a genuine friendship blossoms between them—making her eventual kidnapping by local criminals all the more devastating. Washington’s portrayal seamlessly blends elements of ruthlessness and vulnerability, earning him a spot among Hollywood’s elite action stars.
Looking for where you can dive into this gripping film? “Man on Fire” is available for streaming on HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Star+, and Netflix.
7. Inside Man (2006)
Eight years after their last collaboration on “He Got Game,” Denzel Washington and Spike Lee teamed up again for “Inside Man,” a riveting heist film that’s lost none of its edge or intrigue over the years. Washington takes on the role of Detective Keith Frazier, who’s tasked with getting to the bottom of a major bank robbery in Manhattan. But as he delves deeper into the case, he realizes there’s more at play than just a simple grab for cash—the robbers are after a mysterious secret that only a few people are aware of.
Seventeen years after its initial release, “Inside Man” remains as gripping as ever, thanks in large part to its clever plot twists and Washington’s magnetic performance. He’s at his best playing this skeptical yet determined cop, working to solve a complex case even as he butts heads with his superiors.
Want to see what all the fuss is about? “Inside Man” is available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Claro, Apple TV, and Netflix.
8. American Gangster (2007)
When Denzel Washington takes on the role of a gangster, you know he’s not playing just any run-of-the-mill bad guy. He brings two essential traits to the character: a sense of terror and an impeccable sense of style. And he does just that in “American Gangster,” portraying Frank Lucas with both attributes in spades.
Set in the mid-1960s, Washington’s character starts as the right-hand man to Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson. After Johnson’s death, Lucas takes over as Harlem’s new crime kingpin. Not only does he contend with rival crime families in New York, but he also establishes a lucrative drug trade, sourcing his product directly from Vietnam amid the ongoing war. His quick rise to power catches the eye of Inspector Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, who becomes determined to bring him down. Under Ridley Scott’s direction, Washington delivers a standout performance—elegant, charismatic, and incredibly smart, he simply steals the show.
If you’re intrigued and want to watch “American Gangster,” you can find it on platforms like Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.
9. The Flight (2012)
In Robert Zemeckis’s film “Flight,” Denzel Washington plays Whip Whitaker, a pilot who miraculously lands a plane after a catastrophic mid-air failure. While hailed as a hero, he soon finds himself under investigation. Was he under the influence while flying? Did he overlook something crucial?
Washington transforms this morally complex, flawed character into a captivating role, earning him a 2013 Oscar nomination for Best Actor. He was second only to Daniel Day-Lewis, who won for “Lincoln.” While “Flight” might be most remembered for its jaw-dropping crash scene, Washington’s performance stands as an enduring highlight.
Curious to see this gripping drama? You can catch “Flight” on platforms like Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, Claro, Apple TV, and YouTube.
10. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
Before he became a Hollywood legend, Denzel Washington got his start on stage. He tackled some of Shakespeare’s most challenging roles, playing Richard III at the Joseph Papp Public Theater in 1990 and Brutus in “Julius Caesar” at the Belasco Theatre 15 years later. Then, in 2021, he took on one of the Bard’s most iconic characters—Macbeth—in a film directed by Joel Coen.
The movie is a meticulously crafted adaptation that stays true to the original text. Washington shares the screen with Frances McDormand, and let’s just say when he takes on the role of Macbeth, it’s a must-see. His performance truly does justice to the complexity of the character, capturing Macbeth’s moral dilemmas and gradual descent into madness. Whether or not you’re a fan of the original play, there’s no denying that Washington’s portrayal is simply outstanding.
Interested in watching this cinematic take on a classic? “The Tragedy of Macbeth” is available on Apple TV+.
Conclusion
In the annals of Hollywood, few names resonate as powerfully as Denzel Washington. With a career spanning nearly four decades, Washington has displayed an incredible range of talent, from unforgettable heroes to complex villains, in genres as varied as historical epics and modern-day thrillers. His body of work is a testament not only to his skill as an actor but also to his discerning taste in scripts and directors. From early breakthrough roles in films like “Glory” to his collaboration with esteemed directors like Spike Lee and Tony Scott, Washington has consistently chosen projects that challenge both him and his audience.
While accolades like Oscars and Golden Globes speak to his acclaim in the film industry, what truly sets Washington apart is his ability to evoke emotion and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who watches his films. Whether he’s playing a corrupt cop in “Training Day,” a civil rights leader in “Malcolm X,” or a Shakespearean character on stage, he brings a unique blend of intensity, intelligence, and gravitas that is nothing short of captivating.
So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to his work, the movies of Denzel Washington offer a cinematic journey worth taking, again and again. No filmography encapsulates the highs and lows of the human experience quite like his, and it’s safe to say his stories will continue to be told, dissected, and cherished for generations to come.
