The 25 Best Denzel Washington Films of All Time
With a style and versatility of a Grace Kelly, American icon Denzel Washington is truly a living legend and a treasure to cinephiles the world over. As his 51st movie, "Flight," soars into theaters, the Mount Vernon, N.Y. native has had no difficulty finding work since making a splash in Hollywood in 1981's "Carbon Copy" with George Segal.
In "Flight," Washington plays Whip Whitaker, a veteran pilot and serious alcoholic. Director Robert Zemeckis presents an exceptionally crafted and acted tale of self-destruction and eventual redemption for Denzel to thrive in alongside Brian Geraghty Don Cheadle and John Goodman.
But truly this movie serves as a feel-good testament to the staying power of a legend such as Denzel Washington.
Washington adds another memorable role to his ever-growing list of characters he has created over the span of his 39 year career. He's so incredibly charismatic, so powerfully endearing on the screen that we couldn't help but to compile this list of The 25 Best Denzel Washington Films of All Time.
Click the main photo to see if your favorite Denzel Washington film made our list!
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"Fallen" (1998) — Directed By: Gregory Hoblit —
"Flight" wasn't the first time John Goodman and Denzel shared the screen together. In director Gregory Hoblit's 1998 crime-thriller, the duo played homicide detectives John Hobbes and Jonesy, respectively. After Washington's character (Hobbes) witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese (played by Elias Koteas), a new rash of murders set in the style of the famous murderer begin again. In the film, Washington delivered an intriguing performance as a superstar cop who loses it all betting the farm on his instinctual hunches. The story line was considered fast-paced and exciting, with enough twists and turns that kept even the most seasoned cinephile on the edge of their seat. Plus, you'll never be able to keep that song by The Doors out of your head after watching this film. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Courage Under Fire" (1996) — Directed By: Edward Zwick —
As Nat Serling, Denzel played a U.S. Army officer despondent about a deadly mistake he made. With his own combat-reality experience beating at the forefront of his frontal lobe, Serling is called in to investigate a female chopper commander's worthiness for the Medal of Honor. The Edward Zwick-directed film also featured Matt Damon, Michael Moriarty, Regina Taylor and Lou Diamond Phillips, yet Washington was in a class by himself in this picture. Nobody wastes his or her time on screen, as Washington showcases how brilliant of an actor he really is in "Courage Under Fire." Just how good was the Mount Vernon, New Yorker in this picture (where everyone had a wartime picture about the Gulf/Iraq War): Denzel was courting another Oscar nod; was nominated for Best Actor at the Chicago Film Critic Association awards, and won an Image Award for Best Actor as well. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Safe House" (2012) — Directed By: Daniel Espinosa —
Ryan Reynolds plays a young CIA agent assigned with the daunting task of looking after a fugitive (Washington) in a safe house. But when the location is compromised by an unknown enemy, both parties find themselves on the run while battling a psychological war with one another. In this 2012 action-thriller, a lot of young guns in Hollywood competed for a chance to work with Denzel Washington — and who wouldn't?! "Safe House" marked Washington's return to the dark side; where he oozed charisma through his presence alone on the big screen. With "No Church In The Wild" serving as the film's entree, Denzel proved why he is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"The Great Debaters" (2007) — Directed By: Denzel Washington —
In a film that featured Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker and a young actor named Denzel Whitaker, "The Great Debaters" was an interesting merging of world presented on film. Based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas, Washington portrayed the legendary academic who inspired students to form the school's first African-American debate team, which would go on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.
"The Great Debaters" won Denzel Washington numerous accolades including Image Awards for Outstanding Motion Picture, Outstanding Actor, Outstanding Actress, Outstanding Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe nod specifically for Denzel's second directorial effort. Exemplifying truth, respect, pride and dignity, "The Great Debaters" allowed Denzel to portray African-Americans in a light Hollywood rarely showers on that community.
Watch the trailer here:
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"American Gangster" (2007) — Directed By: Ridley Scott —
What better way to let America know just how ill you are as an actor than to play the bad guy?! It worked for Al Pacino in "Scarface," equally so for Robert De Niro in "Cape Fear," but when Denzel donned the Harlem-esque threads to play notorious gangster Frank Lucas, he showed a range and versatility that cemented his legendary status. Ridley Scott's "American Gangster," was the fueled necessary to bring Jay-Z out of his creative rut (does anybody still listen to "Kingdom Come"?); and gave plenty of other rappers work (see: Common and T.I.). Washington's presence on screen is immense as every scene centers on profiling his natural charisma that beguiles a dangerous charm behind a luxury smile. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Inside Man" (2006) — Directed By: Spike Lee —
"Inside Man" was Spike Lee's most financially successful movie, due to the fact that he established such a reputation with Denzel Washington who was the film's anchor. The bank heist crime-thriller found both parties in front of mainstream America as Washington played a cop who has to talk down a bank robber after the criminal's perfect heist (planned by Clive Owen) spirals into a hostage situation. As Detective Frazier, Denzel showed a relative ease, a veteran cool that seemed to allow fresh faces such as the aforementioned Owen and Chiwetel Ejiofor to perform with relative ease. The project was so good that from that point on, Lee was asked to do more bank heist films. But all we want is "Inside Man 2" to conclude the story that involves all these major players. Watch the trailer: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Man On Fire" (2004) — Directed By: Tony Scott —
Man on Fire stars Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a doomed despondent former CIA operative turned bodyguard, who goes on a revenge rampage after his charge, nine-year-old Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning), is abducted in Mexico. The supporting cast includes Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, Giancarlo Giannini, Marc Anthony, Rachel Ticotin and Mickey Rourke. Denzel Washington plays one of his most engaging and emotional roles to date, and the rest of the cast perform beautifully. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Antwone Fisher" (2002) — Directed By: Denzel Washington —
"Antwone Fisher" served as Denzel Washington's directorial debut. The drama-filled film focused on the true tale of the Cleveland, Ohio finding himself and his family. Washington played his psychiatrist Jerome Davenport, who brought on Derek Luke (who personally knew Antwone Fisher) and ex-model Joy Bryant into America's consciousness. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"John Q" (2002) — Directed By: Nick Cassavetes —
The film follows John Quincy Archibald (Denzel Washington), a father and husband whose son is diagnosed with an enlarged heart and then finds out he cannot receive a transplant because HMO insurance will not cover it. Therefore, he decides to take a hospital full of patients hostage until the hospital puts his son's name on the recipient's list. Washington dominates in a role that thrives on a claustrophobic aspect that cannot be escaped or denied within the film's running time. The film also stars Robert Duvall, Anne Heche, James Woods, Ray Liotta and Eddie Griffin, among others. The film was shot in Toronto, Hamilton, Ontario (ballpark scenes), and Canmore, Alberta, although the story takes place in Chicago. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Training Day" (2001) — Directed By: Antoine Fuqua —
This was the movie that flipped the game for Denzel Washington. America's shining Black prince turned Anakin in a movie that found him smackin' up Snoop Dogg, punkin' gang members and threatening to put everyone in Pelican Bay. Ethan Hawke and a colorful cast (see: Dr. Dre) helped to propel "Training Day," but it was Denzel's masterful control of menace that made this a must-watch film for any cinephile fan. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Remember The Titans" (2000) — Directed By: Boaz Yakin —
The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit. Inspired by real events, the plot was conceived from a screenplay written by Gregory Allen Howard. The movie was heartfelt with Denzel adding a strong emotional force to the Walt Disney Picture. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"The Hurricane" (1999) — Directed By: Norman Jewison —
The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who aided in his fight to prove his innocence. Actor Denzel Washington and Rubin Carter worked closely in making the film. Washington said, "He went through pots and pots of coffee and packs of cigarettes. I'd drink a little coffee. It's interesting and challenging when the person is there, alive and in the room." Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"He Got Game" (1998) — Directed By: Spike Lee —
"He Got Game" stars Denzel Washington as Jake Shuttlesworth, a prison inmate convicted for killing his wife. The father of the top-ranked basketball prospect in the country, Jesus Shuttlesworth (played by NBA star Ray Allen — also known as Judas Shuttlesworth), Jake is released on parole for a week by the state's governor in order to persuade his son to play for the governor's alma mater in exchange for a heavily-reduced prison sentence. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Devil In A Blue Dress" (1995) — Directed By: Carl Franklin —
This was one of the most underrated films of the last 20 years. Often compared to such other stellar films as "Chinatown" and "L.A. Confidential," Denzel Washington is cool, and smart in this film adaptation of the popular Walter Mosley novels. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Crimson Tide" (1995) — Directed By: Tony Scott —
Focusing on a clash of ideas and wills between a seasoned commanding officer (played by Gene Hackman) and the new executive officer (Denzel Washington), the two have conflicting interpretations of an order to launch a nuclear missile strike against an ultranationalists enemy. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Philadelphia" (1993) — Directed By: Jonathan Demme —
One of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality and homophobia, "Philadelphia" was a boon for actor Tom Hanks and musician Bruce Springsteen. But with Denzel Washington as the uninformed attorney, the charismatic actor represented a contingent of individuals who did not know much about the debilitating disease.
Watch the trailer here:
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"The Pelican Brief" (1993) — Directed By: Alan J. Pakula —
Starring Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts, America's then-sweetheart was brought into a heart-stopping, spine-chilling, adrenaline-pumping, run-for-your-life thriller. Oh, yeah, this was the movie that made women of all nationality notice just how hot Denzel really is. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Much Ado About Nothing" (1993) — Directed By: Kenneth Branagh —
As Don Pedro of Aragon, Denzel played one of the few "marriageable" men in the piece who does not get married by the end of the play, though he does play matchmaker for others. The movie showed off the thespian skills Washington cultivated at the American Conservatory Theater. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Malcolm X" (1992) — Directed By: Spike Lee —
Denzel Washington's portrayal of Malcolm X was widely praised and he was nominated for Academy Award for Best Actor. Washington lost to Al Pacino, a decision which Lee criticized, saying "I'm not the only one who thinks Denzel was robbed on that one." Washington won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 43rd Berlin International Film Festival. The movie received a number of awards at other festivals.
Watch the trailer here:
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"Mississippi Masala" (1991) — Directed By: Mira Nair —
Denzel Washington captured the hearts of millions of women in this movie; he also was a great actor in the film as well. Playing Demitrius you can see his versatility as an actor. "Mississippi Masala" touched upon a new kind of racism that hit the national consciousness in the early nineties as "Dark Skin vs. Light Skin" became the topic around the nation. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Mo' Better Blues" (1990) — Directed By: Spike Lee —
Following a period in the life of fictional jazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam, Washington had everyone swooning as Spike Lee presented a true jazz classic for the late 20th Century. The film focused on themes of friendship, loyalty, honesty, cause-and-effect and ultimately salvation. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Glory" (1989) — Directed By: Edward Zwick —
The magic of this film, "Glory," comes from the powerful performance of Denzel. The one-tear scene from the movie has been commented on by rappers, fellow actors and millions of fans around the world. It speaks of heroism writ large, from those people whom history had made small, and there was no one bigger on that screen than Denzel Washington. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"Cry Freedom" (1987) — Directed By: Richard Attenborough —
In "Cry Freedom," Denzel Washington did an astounding job of transforming himself into the articulate and simply mesmerizing Black African nationalist leader, whose refusal to keep silent led to his death in police custody and a subsequent cover-up. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"A Soldier's Story" (1984) — Directed By: Norman Jewison —
Interesting Fact: Most of the cast in "A Soldier's Story" came from Broadway and had stellar careers in theater, but only Adolph Caesar, Denzel Washington and William Allen Young appeared in both the movie and the original off-Broadway play with the Negro Ensemble Company in the New York version. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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"The Preacher's Wife" (1996) — Directed By: Penny Marshall —
Washington is pure magic on the screen, playing the inoffensive angel who ignores the ignorance and rudeness thrown at him by thoughtless people who should know better, he pulls off some great moments in the story. Watch the trailer here: [videoembed size="full_width" alignment="center"][/videoembed]
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