30 Best Denzel Washington Movies to Watch
Denzel Washington is one of the most revered and respected actors in Hollywood today. He is a two-time Academy Award winner (Oscars), a Tony Award winner, and a Golden Globe Award winner alongside numerous nominations.
Washington is known for his versatility and range as an actor. He has starred in films of all genres, including action, drama, comedy, and musicals.
He is equally at ease playing a ruthless gangster in American Gangster as he is playing a devoted father in Fences.
In this article, we will explore some of the best Denzel Washington movies to watch. We will discuss the films that have made him a household name and earned him critical acclaim.
Whether you are a fan of action films, dramas, comedies, or musicals, there is a Denzel Washington movie out there for you. Chances are, it’s among these 30!
1. Malcolm X (1992)
Malcolm X (1992) is a biographical drama film directed by Spike Lee and written by Alex Haley and Arnold Perl. It stars Denzel Washington as Malcolm X, an African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was assassinated in 1965.
The film also stars Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Spike Lee, and Giancarlo Esposito. Denzel plays the role of Malcolm X telling the story of Malcolm Little’s life.
From his early years as a small-time criminal to his conversion to Islam and his rise to prominence as a leader of the Nation of Islam. The film also chronicles Malcolm X’s growing disillusionment with the Nation of Islam and his eventual assassination.
Denzel gives an enthralling performance as Malcom, nailing his steely militancy and gift of public speaking. For his performance in the movie, Denzel was nominated for the Best Actor Award at the 65th Academy Awards.
However, he lost out to Al Pacino for his role as Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade‡ on Scent of a Woman.
2. Glory (1989)
Care to see what role gave Denzel his first-ever Oscar? Then Glory is what you’re looking for! Glory is a 1989 American Civil War drama film directed by Edward Zwick and written by Kevin Jarre.
It is based on the books Lay This Laurel (1973) by Lincoln Kirstein and One Gallant Rush (1965) by Peter Burchard as well as the personal letters of Robert Gould Shaw.
The film follows Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as they train and fight in the Civil War. The regiment faces discrimination from both the Confederate Army and the Union Army, but they prove to be brave and effective soldiers.
The film culminates in the Battle of Fort Wagner, where the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment suffers heavy casualties, but their bravery helps to turn the tide of the war.
In the film, Denzel Washington stars as Private Silas Trip, a former slave who is one of the first to volunteer for the 54th. The movie was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Broderick.
It won three Oscars, for Best Supporting Actor for Washington, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.
3. Training Day (2001)
Yet another Oscar-winning performance from Denzel Washington in Training Day. To be fair, at this point in his career this had become expected of him.
Training Day is a 2001 American crime thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by David Ayer. It stars Denzel Washington as Alonzo Harris and Ethan Hawke as Jake Hoyt.
Two Los Angeles Police Department narcotics officers over a 24-hour period in the gang-ridden neighborhoods of Westlake, Echo Park, and South-Central Los Angeles. Also featured in the movie are Scott Glenn, Eva Mendes, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Macy Gray in supporting roles.
It starts off as just another mismatched cop thriller, with Denzel as the street-smart veteran teaching young pup Ethan Hawke a few tricks. However, it’s revealed that Detective Alonzo Harris is more corrupt, and more pathetic, and much more dangerous than it first appeared.
Denzel’s performance is capped by a captivating monologue when he claims, “… King Kong ain’t got s**t on me!” The film grossed over $104 million at the worldwide box office with a production budget of just over $40 million.
4. The Tragedy of MacBeth (2021)
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) is a black-and-white American historical thriller film written, directed, and produced by Joel Coen, based on the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. It stars Denzel Washington as Lord Macbeth, a Scottish general who is convinced by three witches that he will become the next King of Scotland.
He is encouraged by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand), to murder King Duncan (Brendan Gleeson) and seize the throne for himself.
It was critically acclaimed for its direction, cinematography, and the performances of Washington, McDormand, and Hunter. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Washington, Best Actress for McDormand, and Best Production Design.
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a dark and brooding film that explores the themes of ambition, power, and corruption. It is a faithful adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, and it features a number of memorable scenes, including the witches’ prophecies, Macbeth’s murder of Duncan, and Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene.
5. Fences (2016)
Based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences is a drama film directed and starring Denzel Washington. Washington plays Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh.
Alongside Washington, Viola Davis co-stars as Rose Maxson, Troy’s wife, and Jovan Adepo and Stephen Henderson co-star as their sons, Cory and Lyons. The film tells the story of Troy Maxson as he struggles to come to terms with his past and his unfulfilled dreams. Troy is a bitter man who feels that he has been cheated by life.
The movie does a great job of portraying Troy as this funny and charming man, the regular guy superhero if you will. By doing this we are being set up for a great and epic twist where we get to see Troy for what he truly is, a conceited and angry man whose troubles have largely been self-inflicted.
On release, the film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $64 million worldwide against a budget of $24 million. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor for Washington, and Best Supporting Actress for Davis.
6. Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) is a neo-noir mystery thriller film directed by Carl Franklin and based on the 1990 novel of the same name by Walter Mosley. It stars Denzel Washington, Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, and Don Cheadle.
Set in Los Angeles in 1948, the film follows Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins (Washington), a black World War II veteran who is hired to find Daphne Monet (Beals), a missing white woman. Easy soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous web of intrigue and violence, as he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power in the city.
While considered a box-office disappointment, Denzel Washington delivers an edgy portrayal of his character that has stood the test of time. His co-stars including Don Cheadle deliver some memorable performances too.
7. Crimson Tide (1995)
Crimson Tide is a 1995 American submarine thriller film directed by Tony Scott and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. It stars Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman as submarine officers who clash over whether to launch a nuclear strike against Russia.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $155 million worldwide against a budget of $55 million. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film takes place during a period of political turmoil in Russia, in which ultranationalists threaten to launch nuclear missiles at the United States and Japan. The USS Alabama, a U.S. Navy ballistic missile submarine, is dispatched to patrol with orders to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike if the Russians fuel their missiles.
Crimson Tide is a character-driven thriller that exploits the abilities of its very talented cast. Denzel Washington, who at the time was a brash up-and-comer, shines and is in no way intimidated by the veteran Gene Hackman.
8. He Got Game (1998)
Perhaps one of Denzel Washington’s most heartbreaking and poignant roles comes in Spike Lee’s He Got Game. The film stars Denzel Washington as Jake Shuttlesworth, a convict who is offered a pardon if he can convince his son, Jesus (Ray Allen), to play basketball for the governor’s alma mater.
Denzel is able to produce a captivating performance depicting a realistic and heartbreaking depiction of this strained father-son bond. It is a story about redemption, where Shuttlesworth plays a bad man who must put away his pride and learn how to finally be the good guy.
He Got Game was released to critical acclaim. The film was praised for Lee’s direction, Washington’s performance, and the film’s realistic portrayal of basketball culture.
It was also a commercial success, grossing over $30 million worldwide. Here are some of the greatest basketball movies of all time!
9. Mississippi Masala (1991)
While Mississippi Masala might be fairly forgotten today, it is a romantic ballad that any Denzel Washington should check out! The film was written by Sooni Taraporevala and directed by Mira Nair who is famous for films such as Queen of Katwe and Salaam Bombay!
Mississippi Masala tells the story of an Indian-American woman (Sarita Choudhury) who falls in love with a carpet cleaner (Washington) in Mississippi. It shows how each of the families are struggling to come to terms with this coupling and delves into the darker racial issues that arise giving the movie an underlying sadness.
However, Denzel’s and Choudhury’s chemistry is the standout from this movie as the pair bring the story to life making it all the ‘sexier’.
The movie was released in 1991 and received critical acclaim. It was praised for its complex and nuanced portrayal of interracial relationships and its realistic depiction of the challenges faced by immigrants in America.
10. Flight (2012)
At this time in his career, Denzel was appearing mostly in box-office thrillers. However, Flight was a challenge and reminded viewers just how nuanced of an actor he was.
Flight is an American drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis. It stars Denzel Washington as William “Whip” Whitaker, an alcoholic airline pilot who miraculously crash-lands his plane after a mechanical failure, saving nearly everyone on board.
Although hailed a hero, an investigation soon begins to cast the captain in a different light. Denzel puts in a layered performance and manages to turn the audience by portraying this so-called hero as a pathetic and small man.
The movie is fast-paced making it all the more gripping. It was a commercial success, grossing over $161 million worldwide against a budget of $60 million.
Washington received his seventh Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in the 85th Academy Awards for his performance in the film.
11. Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
Mo’ Better Blues is a 1990 American musical drama film written and directed by Spike Lee. This is the first of many times Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have worked together in their respective careers.
It stars Denzel Washington as Bleek Gilliam, a talented but troubled jazz trumpeter. The film follows Bleek as he struggles to balance his career, his relationships, and his own personal demons.
Denzel brings Bleek to life as this loveable yet infuriating man who you want to root for but keeps sabotaging his own life and career infuriating you as the viewer.
This is a must-see for any fan of Spike Lee or Denzel Washington. Interesting fact: Washington and his co-star Wesley Snipes were trained to mimic the playing of the trumpet and saxophone, respectively, for the film.
12. Inside Man (2006)
Directed by Spike Lee, Inside Man stands as the biggest blockbuster hit when Spike Lee and Denzel work together. However, it being a hit in no way diminishes how terrific of a production this movie is.
Inside Man is a crime thriller film directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. It was released on March 24, 2006, and was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $186 million worldwide.
The film follows Detective Keith Frazier (Washington) as he investigates a bank robbery in progress. The robbers are led by Dalton Russell (Owen), a charming and intelligent criminal who has taken hostages and is demanding a large ransom.
Washington plays a suave hostage negotiator in the suspense-filled thriller.
13. Man on Fire (2004)
As the name suggests, Denzel is a man on fire in this one. Well, not literally of course!
Man on Fire is an action thriller film directed by Tony Scott and written by Brian Helgeland. It is based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A. J. Quinnell.
The film stars Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a burned-out, alcoholic former CIA operative who becomes the bodyguard of a nine-year-old girl named Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning) in Mexico City. When Pita is kidnapped, Creasy goes on a bloody rampage to rescue her.
The film was released in the United States on February 20, 2004, and was a critical and commercial success. It grossed over $130 million worldwide against a production budget of around $70 million.
14. Cry Freedom (1987)
Malcolm X (1992) is not the only activist Denzel Washington has played in a film. In 1987’s Cry Freedom, Denzel plays Stephen Biko an activist who was killed trying to end apartheid in South Africa.
The film was directed by Richard Attenborough. This was one of Washington’s breakthrough roles and his performance as Biko was widely praised by critics, and he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Cry Freedom was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best films ever made about apartheid. The movie is widely remembered for Washington’s big courtroom speech.
And yes, Washington nails Biko’s South African accent if you were wondering!
15. The Hurricane (1999)
The Hurricane is a biographical sports drama film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Denzel Washington as Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a middleweight boxer who was wrongly convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison.
The film also stars John Hannah, Deborra-Lee Furness, Liev Schreiber, and Vicellous Shannon. While some critics claim the story takes very few liberties or risks, it is a critically acclaimed film.
Washington won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for his performance.
16. The Mighty Quinn (1989)
The Mighty Quinn is a mystery comedy thriller film directed by Carl Schenkel and starring Denzel Washington in the title role, alongside Robert Townsend, James Fox, Mimi Rogers, M. Emmet Walsh, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
The screenplay is based on A. H. Z. Carr’s 1971 novel Finding Maubee. Infamous film critic Roger Ebert said this was “one of those roles that creates a movie star overnight.”
Time has proven him right as has Denzel’s Career after the movie. Washington plays Xavier Quinn, a police chief who tries to help his childhood friend Maubee (Townsend) after he becomes a murder suspect.
Maubee is a petty crook, but he is also a kind and gentle person. Quinn is convinced that Maubee is innocent, but he must find a way to prove it before the law catches up with him.
It can be argued that Denzel has starred in better movies but this is by far his most charismatic. “[It is] a spy thriller, a buddy movie, a musical, a comedy and a picture that is wise about human nature, ” Ebert said.
17. The Great Debaters (2007)
The Great Debaters is a biographical drama film directed by Denzel Washington and written by Robert Eisele. It is the second time Denzel tried his hand at directing.
The film follows the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College in Texas, who inspired his students to form the first black debate team to challenge Harvard in the national championship.
Washington stars as Tolson, alongside Forest Whitaker as James L. Farmer Jr., and Nate Parker as Henry Lowe just to name a few.
The film was released on December 25, 2007, to critical acclaim. It was praised for its performances, direction, and screenplay, and was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama.
18. Remember the Titans (2000)
Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film directed by Boaz Yakin. It is based on the true story of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, which was integrated in 1971.
The film stars Denzel Washington as Herman Boone, the African-American head coach who is hired to lead the newly integrated football team, and Will Patton as Bill Yoast, the former head coach who is now an assistant coach.
The film follows Boone as he struggles to unite the white and black players on the team, both on and off the field. Boone’s coaching methods are unconventional, but his tough love and dedication eventually pay off.
Washington is compelling as the lead role and with his unfussy demeanor produces and memorable performance. He delivers inspirational speeches that will have you amped up from the comfort of your seat as you watch.
It grossed over $136 million at the box office and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film was also praised for its positive and uplifting message of unity and tolerance.
19. American Gangster (2007)
If Denzel Washington’s roles were to be ranked purely by how cold-blooded and calculating they are, American Gangster’s Frank Lucas would no doubt top the list.
American Gangster is a 2007 American biographical crime film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian. The film is loosely based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina.
Lucas smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War, before being detained by a task force led by Newark Detective Richie Roberts.
American Gangster was released in the United States on November 2, 2007, by Universal Pictures. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $266 million worldwide against a budget of $100 million.
20. The Equalizer, The Equalizer 2, and The Equalizer 3 (2014, 2018, 2023)
The Equalizer trilogy is a series of American action films based on the 1980s television series of the same name. The films were directed by Antoine Fuqua and star Denzel Washington as Robert McCall, a retired government assassin who comes out of retirement to help those in need.
The first film in the trilogy, The Equalizer, was released in 2014. It follows McCall as he helps a young prostitute escape from the Russian mafia.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $192 million worldwide.
The second film in the trilogy, The Equalizer 2, was released in 2018. It follows McCall as he travels to Turkey to help a friend’s daughter who has been kidnapped.
The film was also a critical and commercial success, grossing over $190 million worldwide.
The third film in the trilogy, The Equalizer 3, was released in 2023. It follows McCall as he travels to Italy to help a friend who is being targeted by a powerful crime syndicate.
The Equalizer is a violent, nasty role based on an arguably forgotten ‘80s TV show and yet, Washington makes it work through sheer force of stardom.
21. Unstoppable (2010)
Unstoppable (2010) is an American action thriller film directed by the late Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. The film is based on the real-life CSX 8888 incident and tells the story of a runaway freight train and the two men who attempt to stop it.
Washington plays Frank Barnes, a veteran railroad engineer who is tasked with stopping the runaway train. Pine plays Will Colson, a young train conductor who is new to the job.
The two men must work together to overcome many obstacles, including a hostile railroad dispatcher and a lack of resources.
Washington elevates this simple man-versus-train thriller while also being a great partner for then-newcomer Chris Pine. The film was a success, grossing over $167 million worldwide.
22. Philadelphia (1993)
Philadelphia (1993) is an American legal drama film directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. The film tells the story of Andrew Beckett (Hanks), a gay lawyer who is fired from his prestigious Philadelphia law firm after he is diagnosed with AIDS.
Beckett hires Joe Miller (Washington), a homophobic lawyer, to represent him in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against his former employers.
Despite being an arguably daunting role, Washington does a great role in transforming this lawyer who very easily can be seen as a bigot, into a person with actual dimensions.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times called the film “a landmark film that dazzles with deep emotion and exceptional acting.”
23. Antwone Fisher (2002)
Denzel Washington made his directorial debut in Antwone Fisher, where he also stars. The film is based on the true story of Antwone Fisher, a troubled young sailor who is sent to a naval psychiatrist to help him deal with his anger and violence.
Through therapy, Fisher comes to terms with his abusive childhood and begins to heal his emotional wounds. This is a movie that is compared and wins in some aspects to the infamous Good Will Hunting which stars Matt Damon and Robin Williams among others.
It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Washington.
24. The Siege (1998)
Following a series of attacks in New York City after a series of Islamist terrorist attacks, New York City is put under martial law. The film follows FBI agent Anthony “Hub” Hubbard (Washington) and CIA operative Sharon Bridger (Annette Bening) as they investigate the bombings and race against time to stop the terrorists from carrying out their next attack.
The Siege is an American action thriller film directed by Edward Zwick. On release in 1998, the movie took time to get public attention.
After 9/11, interest increased immensely as its story became all too relevant. To date, the movie’s politics are still in the right place and even after over two decades, Denzel’s speech resonates.
25. A Soldier’s Story (1984)
A Soldier’s Story (1984) is a powerful and moving film about racism in the US Army during World War II. Denzel Washington stars as Captain Richard Davenport, a black officer who is sent to investigate the murder of a black sergeant at a segregated army base in Louisiana.
The film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Despite being a rookie at the time, Washington puts in a terrific performance. Even with all the other fine actors onscreen, you keep waiting for Washington to come back.
26. The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) is a political thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme. It stars Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, and Jon Voight.
The film is a remake of the 1962 film of the same name, which is based on the 1959 novel by Richard Condon. It follows Major Bennett Marco (Washington), a soldier who returns home from the Gulf War with no memory of the past two years.
He is haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, and he begins to suspect that he has been brainwashed. Marco’s suspicions are confirmed when he discovers that he is part of a conspiracy to assassinate the presidential candidate, Raymond Shaw (Schreiber).
As he so often is, Denzel is a badass in this rendition and it is glorious to see him in this paranoid thriller. On release, it was met with mixed reviews from critics.
Some praised the film’s performances and direction, while others criticized its political message and its lack of originality. However, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $97 million worldwide.
27. Courage Under Fire (1996)
Courage Under Fire (1996) is a war drama film directed by Edward Zwick and starring Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan. It tells the story of Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling (Washington), a military investigator who is tasked with reviewing the posthumous candidacy of Captain Karen Walden (Ryan) for the Medal of Honor.
Walden was a helicopter pilot who was killed in action while attempting to rescue her crewmates. Serling is initially skeptical of Walden’s heroism, but as he investigates her death, he begins to uncover evidence that suggests that she may have been a true hero.
Having worked previously with Zwick on award-winning Glory, Washington is as steady as ever in this production. The film was released on July 12, 1996, to positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
28. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) is a Shakespearean romantic comedy film directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also stars as Benedick. The film is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s play of the same name, and it features a star-studded cast. This includes Denzel Washington, Emma Thompson, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves, and Michael Keaton.
The film tells the story of two couples, Benedick and Beatrice, and Claudio and Hero. Don John, a villainous character, plots to destroy the happiness of the two couples, and he succeeds in sowing discord and distrust between them.
Denzel Washington’s performance in Much Ado About Nothing is one of his best. He brings a great deal of charm and wit to the role of Don Pedro, and he has excellent chemistry with his co-stars.
“I’ve never acted as silly in a movie as I am in this one,” Washington said describing his role in the movie.
29. 2 Guns (2013)
2 Guns is a 2013 American action comedy film directed by Baltasar Kormákur. It is based on the 2007 Boom! Studios graphic novel of the same name by Steven Grant and Mateus Santolouco.
The film stars Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg as a DEA agent and a Navy SEAL undercover as criminals who are forced to work together to find $43 million stolen from the Mexican drug cartel.
It can be argued that the movie is great thanks to its stars. The odd coupling of the pair has its pleasures for sure!
It received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the action sequences and the performances of Washington and Wahlberg, but criticism for the plot and the violence.
However, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $131 million worldwide against a budget of $61 million.
30. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
The Magnificent Seven follows a group of outlaws who are hired by a woman to protect her town from a ruthless mining baron. Washington who leads the group, is joined by an all-star cast that includes Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio, Byung-hun Lee, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Martin Sensmeier, Peter Sarsgaard, and Haley Bennett.
The movie is a remake of the 1960 film of the same name, which was itself a remake of the 1954 Japanese film Seven Samurai.
While it was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million globally, the film is criticized for doing the impossible and making Washington seem kind of boring onscreen. It can be argued that he was aiming for the strong, silent type but what we get is a character somewhere between dull and bored.
However, despite how he comes across, his on-screen charisma is very much on show!
This article highlights 30 of Denzel’s best movies. However, it should be noted that this list is in no way exhaustive. This is a man who has appeared in over 55 movies and therefore some tough decisions had to be made regarding which ones would be cut from the list!
Ultimately, titles such as The Book of Eli (2010), Ricochet (1991), For Queen and Country (1988), and Safe House (2012) had to be left out. This is not to mean they are bad productions, on the contrary!
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