When news broke that the legendary Denzel Washington would be gracing our screens again, I knew I had to do a review of his films. While we wait for his performance in the Gladiator 2, we can rewatch or at least reminisce on the actor’s top 10 films. With his captivating charisma and powerful performances spanning decades, Washington has cemented himself as a titan of the silver screen. From heart-pounding action thrillers to emotional dramas, Washington’s filmography showcases his incredible range and ability to immerse himself fully into complex characters. As you explore this curated list featuring some of his most iconic roles, you will gain insight into the craft and career of one of the most talented and respected actors of our time.
With masterful storytelling and Washington’s magnetic screen presence, these ten remarkable films will stay with you long after the credits roll. Each entry provides details on the plot, Washington’s performance, and why the movie is a must-see. So grab some popcorn and get ready to be transported into Denzel Washington’s most memorable cinematic worlds.
An Introduction to Denzel Washington’s Illustrious Career
Denzel Washington is one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, known for portraying strong, dignified characters in films exploring themes of race relations, civil rights and moral dilemmas. A Versatile and Prolific Actor Washington has appeared in over 45 films in his decades-long career, demonstrating incredible range and versatility. He earned his first Oscar nomination for the historical drama Glory (1989) and won the Best Supporting Actor award for Training Day (2001). However, he is perhaps best known for frequently collaborating with director Spike Lee, starring in four of Lee’s films, including Malcolm X (1992) and He Got Game (1998).
Taking on Challenging Roles
Washington is admired for often taking on difficult, complex roles that provide social commentary. In Philadelphia (1993), he played a homophobic lawyer who takes on the case of an AIDS patient fired from his job due to his illness. The film was groundbreaking for addressing HIV/AIDS prejudice and homophobia in mainstream Hollywood films. Similarly, in American Gangster (2007), Washington portrayed a real-life Harlem gangster from the 1970s in a crime epic that also served as a portrait of race relations and class struggles in 1970s New York.
A Lifetime of Accolades
For over 30 years, Washington has been one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. He has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and two Golden Globes. He received the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Globes in 2016, demonstrating immense respect for his body of work. With unforgettable performances in films like Remember the Titans (2000), Man on Fire (2004) and Fences (2016), Denzel Washington has cemented his status as an American film icon and one of the all-time great actors. His memorable movies and roles will surely stand the test of time.
#10 – Remember the Titans (2000)
An Inspirational Sports Drama
Released in 2000, Remember the Titans is a sports drama film inspired by real events. Directed by Boaz Yakin, it stars Denzel Washington as Herman Boone, a black football coach who is hired to integrate a previously all-white high school in Virginia.
The story is set in 1971 during the aftermath of racial desegregation in Virginia schools. Herman Boone faces the immense challenge of bringing together a team divided by racial tensions and forging them into a cohesive and successful unit.
Through determination, discipline and skilful leadership, Coach Boone can unite the team. He teaches them to overcome their prejudices, improve their teamwork, and emerge victorious. The film is a moving portrayal of how dedication, hard work and belief in a shared goal can transcend differences and bring people together.
Washington’s performance as the stern but caring Coach Boone earned him praise from critics and audiences alike. His memorable speeches and sayings in the film have become legendary. Remember the Titans is a truly inspirational film that delivers a timeless message of unity, courage and hope.
The film was well-received upon release, earning over $136 million at the worldwide box office. It has since become a fan favourite and a modern classic. For its positive themes, historical significance and Washington’s charismatic performance, Remember the Titans deserves its place among the top Denzel Washington films.
#9 – The Equalizer (2014)
Plot
In The Equalizer, Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a retired intelligence officer living a quiet life in Boston. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when he witnesses the brutal beating of a young prostitute named Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz) by her Russian pimp. McCall utilizes his particular set of skills to help Teri by brutally dispatching the Russian gangsters who control her.
Review
The Equalizer is a slick, entertaining thriller that provides Denzel Washington with a strong lead role to sink his teeth into. Washington is intensely compelling as the soft-spoken but lethally efficient McCall. His performance anchors the fairly standard vigilante plot, elevating the material and making the familiar story of an ex-military man on a quest for justice feel fresh.
Under the assured direction of Antoine Fuqua, the action sequences in The Equalizer are executed with brutal efficiency. A climactic showdown at a Home Depot-style warehouse store is especially well-staged, utilizing the location to thrilling effect. For fans of Washington and of taut, professional thrillers, The Equalizer delivers the goods. While the story may be somewhat formulaic, the combination of Washington’s performance and Fuqua’s slick direction make the journey thoroughly engrossing.
Relevance Today
In today’s socio-political climate, the themes of fighting injustice and corruption remain extremely relevant. McCall’s quest to rescue the helpless Teri from exploitation at the hands of violent criminals continues to resonate. The corrupt Russian gangsters taking advantage of the vulnerable also serve as a potent symbol for the evils of human trafficking and criminal empires that still exist in the world today. For these reasons, The Equalizer holds up as not just an entertaining thriller but also a still-time tale of good vs. evil.
#8 – Training Day (2001)
A Gripping Crime Thriller
Denzel Washington delivered an Oscar-winning performance in Training Day as Alonzo Harris, a corrupt Los Angeles narcotics detective. You follow Jake Hoyt, a rookie cop, on his first day of training under Alonzo’s supervision.
However, Alonzo has sinister plans in store for Jake that unfold throughout this intense crime thriller.
Alonzo: A Complex and Intriguing Antagonist Alonzo is a complicated and multilayered antagonist. On the surface, he presents himself as a charismatic and street-smart cop dedicated to cleaning up the streets of LA. Yet beneath the charming facade is a sinister sociopath who manipulates and takes advantage of others to serve his twisted agenda. Denzel Washington fully inhabits this complex character and delivers a performance that is both repellent and magnetic.
A Memorable Conclusion
The movie builds up to a dramatic confrontation between Jake and Alonzo that provides a fitting and impactful conclusion. By the end of this unforgettable ride-along, Jake has to decide whether he’s going to become a casualty of Alonzo’s corruption or find a way to escape with his life and integrity intact. Training Day leaves you with a sobering glimpse into the dark underbelly of police culture and a reminder of the corrosive influence of unchecked power and moral ambiguity.
Overall, Training Day is a superb crime thriller boasting Denzel Washington’s captivating performance as one of the most compelling villains in cinema. His portrayal of the sinister yet charismatic Alonzo Harris deservedly earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. This influential film continues to hold up as a modern crime classic.
#7 – Glory (1989)
Denzel Washington delivered a memorable performance in Glory as Private Trip, a defiant and angry soldier who joined the first all-black volunteer company during the U.S. Civil War. You follow Private Trip as he grapples with the racism and injustice within his regiment and the Union army.
A Troubled Yet Determined Soldier
Private Trip is a troubled yet determined young man who escapes from a Southern plantation to join the war effort. However, he soon faces discrimination and mistreatment as an African American soldier. Washington’s nuanced portrayal captures Trip’s anger and rebelliousness, as well as his hidden vulnerability. Although often confrontational, Trip shows moments of wisdom and moral clarity regarding the evils of racism.
Camaraderie Among Soldiers
Despite the prejudices of some officers, Private Trip forms a camaraderie with his fellow soldiers in the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. You see their brotherhood and loyalty to one another in the face of a society that does not value their lives. The 54th Regiment’s courage and sacrifice in a doomed charge on Fort Wagner highlight the moral imperative of their cause.
A Powerful Story of Purpose and Justice
Through Washington’s compelling performance, Glory tells a powerful story of struggle, purpose and justice. The film serves as an inspiration and reminder of the courage required to stand up against injustice. Although a product of its time, Glory still resonates today in its message of moral duty, honour and the ongoing fight for equality. Overall, Washington’s complex and moving portrayal of Private Trip makes Glory a memorable film that deserves its place among his finest work.
#6 – Malcolm X (1992)
Malcolm X is a 1992 American epic biographical film directed by Spike Lee. The film stars Denzel Washington as Malcolm X, following his life from young hustler to religious leader. Released to widespread critical acclaim, Malcolm X is one of the most influential films ever made about activism in the US during the African-American civil rights movement.
Compelling Portrayal of Malcolm X’s Life Journey
Denzel Washington delivered an extraordinary performance as Malcolm X, capturing his charismatic presence and powerful rhetoric. The film is a meticulous dramatization of Malcolm X’s remarkable life, from his troubled youth as a gangster to his spiritual awakening and emergence as a leader of the Nation of Islam. Viewers witnessed Malcolm X’s pilgrimage to Mecca, which proved transformative and led him to reconsider some of his more radical views.
A Spike Lee Joint
As director, Spike Lee brought artistic vision and sensitivity to the project. Filmed with a budget of $33 million, Malcolm X was a massive undertaking that took over 15 years of preparation. Lee shot footage at some of the actual locations of important events in Malcolm X’s life. The film is a stunning achievement that does justice to its complex and influential subject.
A Timeless and Relevant Story
While set during a pivotal time in US history, Malcolm X’s story remains deeply relevant today. Themes of racial injustice, activism, and spiritual growth give the film a timeless quality. Washington’s brilliant performance reminds us of the power of moral conviction and the ability of individuals to enact positive change. Over 25 years after its release, Malcolm X continues to move and inspire audiences. It deserves recognition as one of the greatest films of its era.
In summary, Malcolm X is a cinematic masterpiece and Denzel Washington’s most acclaimed role for good reason. No movie has captured Malcolm X’s essence and enduring message more powerfully. It is essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand America’s civil rights movement and this influential figure who continues to inspire today.
#5 – Fences (2016)
A Poignant Family Drama
Denzel Washington directs and stars in this film adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, Fences follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector, as he grapples with raising his family in a time of segregation and lost dreams. At the centre of the story is Troy’s relationship with his son Cory, a talented high school football player. Troy’s bitterness over his own thwarted sports career leads him to clash with Cory over the boy’s ambition to play college football.
Conflicts and Life Lessons
Troy’s stern and overprotective nature also causes tensions with his long-suffering wife, Rose. However, Troy shows a softer side with his handicapped brother, Gabriel. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, Fences is a moving and deeply personal film that provides insight into the African American experience in mid-20th-century America. It’s a portrait of a family wrestling with life’s challenges and a father struggling to teach his son life’s hard lessons.
A Memorable Performance
Denzel Washington, in an Oscar-nominated performance, fully inhabits the charismatic but flawed Troy Maxson. He deftly captures Troy’s humour, passion and stubborn defiance. Viola Davis, as Rose, matches Washington with a layered and moving performance, earning her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Their verbal sparring and emotional confrontations form the heart of this film. With its eloquent dialogue and timeless themes of fathers and sons, dreams deferred and family bonds, Fences leaves a lasting impression. It’s a film that resonates long after the final credits roll.
#4 – Flight (2012)
One of Denzel Washington’s most compelling and moving films was the 2012 drama Flight. In the film, Washington delivered a powerful performance as
William “Whip” Whitaker, is an alcoholic commercial airline pilot who saves almost all 102 passengers on a crashing plane through a daring emergency landing. However, the subsequent crash investigation threatens to end his career.
This film showcases Washington’s incredible dramatic range and ability to elicit both empathy and discomfort in audiences. His nuanced portrayal of the complex protagonist, a talented yet troubled man grappling with addiction and his demons, is riveting and deeply human. Viewers can’t help but root for Whip even as he continues to struggle, highlighting Washington’s gift for finding humanity in flawed but relatable characters.
The film itself is a sobering look at addiction and moral ambiguity. Director Robert Zemeckis created a tense, thought-provoking work that provides no easy answers. While the harrowing crash sequence alone makes Flight worth watching, it’s Washington’s moving performance at the heart of the film that cements its status as a contemporary classic. Overall, Flight stands out as one of the finest films in Washington’s filmography and a testament to his immense talent.
For any fan of powerful, character-driven dramas or of Denzel Washington’s distinguished body of work, Flight is a must-see film. Washington deservedly received his sixth Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role, though he ultimately did not win. Nevertheless, his compelling, layered performance in Flight endures as one of the peaks of his impressive career.
Nearly a decade later, this film still resonates with its complex questions about human nature, morality and overcoming one’s demons.
Top 3 Must-Watch Denzel Washington Movies in 2024
Out of Denzel Washington’s many acclaimed films, three stand out as absolute must-watches in 2024. His compelling and moving performances in these cinematic masterpieces showcase his phenomenal talent and range as an actor.
Philadelphia (1993)
In this poignant drama, Washington delivers a powerful performance as Joe Miller, a homophobic lawyer who agrees to represent Andrew Beckett, played by Tom Hanks, in a wrongful termination suit. Beckett claims he was fired from his law firm due to having AIDS. Washington’s character is forced to confront his prejudices in a journey that is both educational and transformational. This landmark film brought much-needed attention and understanding to the AIDS crisis, and Washington’s performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
American Gangster (2007)
Washington reteams with director Ridley Scott in this sprawling crime epic based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a notorious drug kingpin from Harlem who smuggled heroin into the US on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War. Washington embodies the cold, calculating Lucas with restrained ferocity, while Russell Crowe plays the detective on a mission to bring down Lucas’s empire. A stylish, sweeping crime saga in the vein of Goodfellas and Scarface, American Gangster is a showcase for two of Hollywood’s finest leading men at the top of their game.
Man on Fire (2004)
In one of his most intense and visceral performances, Washington stars as John Creasy, a former CIA operative turned bodyguard who takes on the task of protecting a young girl in Mexico City. When she is kidnapped under his watch, Creasy unleashes his very particular set of skills on those responsible. A dark, gritty, and violent thriller that highlights Washington’s capacity for portraying barely contained rage and a single-minded quest for vengeance. Man on Fire solidified Washington’s status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable action stars.
Watching these films again in 2024, it’s easy to see why Denzel Washington is considered one of the all-time greats. His memorable and moving performances in Philadelphia, American Gangster, and Man on Fire showcase the depth, nuance, and emotional resonance he brings to every role. These films remain must-watches for any fan of Washington’s work.
Conclusion
When it comes to Denzel Washington’s illustrious filmography, there is no shortage of gripping dramas, thrilling action films, and powerful stories to experience. Though it’s hard to narrow down his best work, these ten selections demonstrate Washington’s incredible range, talent, and ability to completely inhabit complex characters. From historical dramas like Glory and Malcolm X to tense crime thrillers like Training Day and Man on Fire,
Washington’s commitment to his craft is unparalleled. As you explore these top ten essential films, appreciate Washington’s nuanced performances and remember that even after decades in Hollywood, he remains one of our greatest living actors whose work will be appreciated for generations to come.
