Sign in to your ScreenRant account
Custom Image by Colin McCormick
Denzel Washington’s career is a testament to unparalleled talent and range, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation with a laundry list of incredible characters on his resume. Since his feature film debut in 1981’s Carbon Copy, Denzel Washington has consistently delivered powerhouse performances that have left an indelible mark on Hollywood and movie history. Even Denzel Washington's more underrated movies stand the test of time, showing he rarely has a miss in terms of quality.
Denzel Washington’s ability to immerse himself in roles, whether as a cunning villain, a flawed hero, or a complex antihero, has earned him a place in cinematic history. With 10 total Academy Award nominations, including seven for Best Actor, Denzel Washington stands as the most-nominated Black actor in Oscars history. Yet despite this remarkable achievement, many of his roles deserved even more recognition. As Washington celebrates his 70th birthday, his legacy as one of the all-time greats is firmly intact.
20 Gladiator II (2024)
As Macrinus
Gladiator II
8/10
Release Date November 22, 2024
Runtime 148 minutes
Writers David Scarpa, Peter Craig, David Franzoni
It’s still too fresh to know exactly where the most recent of Denzel Washington's movies will ultimately sit in his career highlight reel, but one thing is certain – it will be included. Gladiator II is the long-awaited sequel that returns audiences to Ancient Rome in the story of Lucius (Paul Mescal), whose land was raided by the Roman army. After being sold into slavery as a gladiator, he begins to use his fame in the arena to seek his revenge.
Though a rare supporting role for Washington, he absolutely commands the movie and takes it over at times.
As sly businessman and Roman power broker Macrinus, Washington sinks his teeth into Ridley Scott’s grand epic with glee and relish to spare. His commanding presence on screen steals every scene he’s in, delivering lines with the precision and weight of his decades of movie star-dom. Though a rare supporting role for Washington, he absolutely commands the movie and takes it over at times.
19 The Mighty Quinn (1989)
As Xavier Quinn
The Mighty Quinn
Release Date February 17, 1989
Runtime 98 minutes
Director Carl Schenkel
Writers Hampton Fancher
Producers Dale Pollock, Ed Elbert, Gil Friesen, Sanford Lieberson
-
-
-
-
M. Emmet Walsh
Fred Miller
Fans haven’t always gotten a lot of fun, breezy Denzel across his filmography – which is part of why his turn as a romantic leading man in this underrated early-career gem is such a welcome counterpoint to all his weightier, more brooding performances later. Washington skillfully captures the nuances of a local police chief torn between his duty to uphold the law and his loyalty to childhood friend Maubee (Robert Townsend), the prime suspect in a high-profile murder case.
Washington’s charisma fuels this Caribbean-set murder mystery that deserves a wider audience. While it could have only been a serviceable little crime movie, Washington elevates it to something special with a performance that helped to announce him, not just as a skilled actor who could deliver strong performances, but as an actor who was more than ready to be a star in Hollywood.
18 He Got Game (1998)
As Jake Shuttlesworth
He Got Game
Release Date May 1, 1998
Runtime 136 minutes
Producers Jon Kilik
-
-
Ray Allen
Jesus Shuttlesworth
-
-
Milla Jovovich
Dakota Burns
Washington delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Jake Shuttlesworth, a convict who is briefly released from prison by the corrupt warden so that he can convince his estranged basketball-prodigy son, Jesus (Ray Allen), to attend the warden's old alma mater. While the premise might make it sound like the setup for a wacky madcap comedy, it is actually a brilliant premise to tell one of the best basketball movies of all time, as well as a powerful story between a father and son.
Directed by Spike Lee, it’s Washington's restrained portrayal that anchors the emotional weight of this story about family, ambition, and forgiveness. Jake is a deeply flawed man, but also someone who wants to change. His chemistry with Allen, an all-star NBA shooting guard who’d never acted before Lee gave him the role, proves that Washington can work with virtually any co-star and make it soar.
17 Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)
As Roman J. Israel
Roman J. Israel, Esq.
5/10
Release Date November 3, 2017
Runtime 129minutes
Director Dan Gilroy
Writers Dan Gilroy
Roman J. Israel, Esq. is a movie that gives Washington a chance to play into his underused comedic skills as an eccentric character while also being able to switch to the more powerful moments. Washington stars as the lead character a brilliant lawyer whose unpopular tactics have made him unsuccessful in his professional life. When he becomes fed up with the system and takes steps to make it work for himself, the result is not what he expected.
Washington presents Roman’s unwavering dedication to justice as both a strength and a flaw, showing how his idealism isolates him from others but also defines his identity.
While it earned him an Oscar nomination, Washington’s performance isn’t often cited as one of his best. That’s probably because Israel’s eccentric mannerisms and moral rigidity make him a tough character to love. Yet, Washington presents Roman’s unwavering dedication to justice as both a strength and a flaw, showing how his idealism isolates him from others but also defines his identity. It’s a tricky, nuanced role that only an actor of Washington’s skill could likely get right.
16 Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
As Bleek Gilliam
In his first collaboration with Spike Lee, Washington showcased his willingness to play flawed and fascinating characters. The actor shines as a talented but flawed jazz trumpeter torn between his love for music and his tumultuous personal relationships. The film provides Washington with a rich, character-driven story for exploring passion, ambition, and vulnerability with a combination of charisma and introspection, making him both magnetic and deeply human.
Bleek is dedicated to the artistry and authenticity of his craft with a trumpet in his hand, but he struggles with love, friendship, and self-discovery in his romantic relationships. That duality of strength and crippling self-sabotage make Mo’ Better Blues an incredible showcase for what draws us to Washington on screen so often. While not always regarded as one of the best collaborations between Washington and Lee, it has gained more appreciation over the years.
15 Remember The Titans (2000)
As Coach Herman Boone
Remember The Titans
Release Date September 29, 2000
Runtime 113 minutes
Director Boaz Yakin
Writers Gregory Allen Howard
Despite stepping into a Disney movie for the first time, Washington loses known of his power as a performance with his rousing performance in the true sports story of Remember the Titans. The movie tells the story of a formally segregated high school that becomes integrated while doing the same for its football team, with its first Black coach at the helm. Tasked with uniting a racially divided high school football team in 1971 Virginia, Washington’s Coach Boone is a refined blend of authority, compassion, and resilience, bringing a complex and deeply human character to life.
He captures Boone’s determination to instill discipline and teamwork while balancing the weight of societal expectations and personal struggles. This inspiring sports drama about unity and leadership is elevated by Washington’s commanding central performance. Few Washington performances are more finely calibrated to have viewers leaping out of their seats and pumping their fists in the air quite like this rousing crowd pleaser.
14 John Q. (2002)
As John Quincy Archibald
John Q.
Release Date February 15, 2002
Runtime 116 Minutes
Director Nick Cassavetes
Writers James Kearns
While many of Washington’s best-remembered performances center around his inherent coolly measured control, the heart-wrenching story pushes the actor way out of that comfort zone. John Q stars Washington as a working man and family man who is left at a loss when his young son needs a heart transplant, but he cannot get him to the top of the recipient list. Running out of options, he takes hostages at a local hospital in the hopes of forcing the doctors to save his son's life.
The premise could have led to a heavy-handed and ridiculous thriller, but it is Washington's powerful performance that keeps things grounded. He continues to infuse the performance with subtle and effective human moments that keep the audience engaged on a personal level with this man's struggles. Along with being a thrilling commentary on the healthcare system and what it pushes people to do, it is also a deeply emotional exploration of love, sacrifice, and systemic injustice.
13 Flight (2012)
As Whip Whitaker
Flight
Release Date November 2, 2012
Runtime 138 minutes
Director Robert Zemeckis
Writers John Gatins
Washington earned another Oscar nomination for his amazing performance in the story of Flight. Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a veteran commercial airplane pilot who, while flying a routine flight, experiences massive failure with the aircraft only for his quick thinking and skills to save nearly every passenger on board. However, in the aftermath of his heroics, Whip's alcoholism threatens to be exposed as he battles his long-held demons.
Washington is a live wire in Flight, constantly toggling between the confident pilot who saves lives and the man sinking under the weight of his own moral failings.
Balancing his natural charm and skill with the darker, self-destructive aspects of his character, Washington is a live wire in Flight, constantly toggling between the confident pilot who saves lives and the man sinking under the weight of his own moral failings. The film’s dramatic centerpiece, the harrowing crash sequence, is a masterclass in Washington’s ability to convey calm authority under pressure, making the sequence even more captivating.
12 Inside Man (2006)
As Det. Keith Frazier
Inside Man
Release Date March 24, 2006
Runtime 129 minutes
Writers Russell Gewirtz
Ahead of their new movie, Highest 2 Lowest, Inside Man marks the most recent collaboration between Washington and Spike Lee. As Frazier, Washington brings wit and determination to this taut heist thriller directed by Spike Lee. While Inside Man is arguably a greater showcase for Lee’s deft camerawork and pacing than Washington’s performance, it’s still the viewer’s journey with Washington's sharp, determined NYPD hostage negotiator unraveling the complex inner workers of the bank job that holds the film together.
His quick wit and calm demeanor highlight his resourcefulness, while the chemistry between Washington and the ensemble cast — particularly his tense exchanges with Clive Owen’s enigmatic bank robber – truly crackle in a genre film that rises well above its humble origins. It is a lot of fun to see Washington and Lee working together on a more mainstream project which results in one of the most entertaining projects of their shared careers.
11 American Gangster (2007)
As Frank Lucas
American Gangster
9/10
Release Date November 2, 2007
Runtime 157 minutes
Writers Steven Zaillian, Mark Jacobson
While he has played complex protagonists before, the true-crime story of American Gangster gives Washington one of the most ruthless characters of his career. Washington’s portrayal of real-life drug kingpin Frank Lucas combines charisma and menace, adding complexity to this crime saga. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film again spotlights Washington’s affinity for imbuing complex, morally ambiguous characters with depth and magnetism.
Lucas is a commanding presence with a disciplined, businesslike approach to the drug trade, contrasted with a violent enforcement of loyalty and control. Whether delivering chilling ultimatums or tender moments with his family, Washington captures the duality of Lucas as both a ruthless criminal and a man shaped by his environment. Despite facing off with fellow Oscar winner Russell Crowe as the determined and honest cop out to take Lucas down, this is Washington's movie and he completely owns it.
10 Philadelphia (1993)
As Joe Miller
Philadelphia
Release Date January 14, 1994
Runtime 125 Minutes
Director Jonathan Demme
Writers Ron Nyswaner
It’s not often that Washington takes a backseat to anyone on screen, but as a lawyer navigating a groundbreaking AIDS discrimination case, he’s certainly the steadying, less showy role in this two-hander with fellow megastar Tom Hanks. Hanks drove the pain and despair of Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a man wrongfully terminated due to his HIV status and homosexuality, to his first Oscar win. However, while Hanks deserves the accolades, Washington is essential to the movie working.
Washington keeps the film grounded with a supreme character evolution as Joe Miller transitions from skepticism and prejudice to understanding and allyship. Washington makes Joe relatable and inspiring, which helps make Philadelphia even more than the sum of its already extraordinary parts. He also makes the courtroom scenes shine with Joe's ability to take over the room with charm, humor, and intelligence.
9 Crimson Tide (1995)
As Lt. Comm. Ron Hunter
Crimson Tide
Release Date May 12, 1995
Runtime 116 Minutes
Director Tony Scott
Writers Michael Schiffer
Crimson Tide is one of the finest action movies of all time – and it’s in no small part due to Washington’s principled and determined portrayal of U.S.S. Alabama executive officer Ron Hunter. As the second in command aboard a nuclear submarine during a tense standoff with Russia, Hunter’s unwavering commitment to doing what he believes is right, even when it clashes with his commanding officer, is pure cinema gold.
Washington’s moral conviction and intensity opposite fellow screen legend Gene Hackman is never less than riveting. If the Washington-Hackman faceoffs don’t hold the audience breathless, it’s not the fault of this Tony Scott classic. This thriller helped to push Washington's status in Hollywood ahead a little further, showing that he has what it takes to share the screen with one of the great acting talents of all time and hold his own.
8 Fences (2016)
As Troy Maxson
While Washington has stepped behind the camera several times in his career, Fences remains the best of his work as a director along with providing him one of his best performances to date. Adapted from August Wilson’s play, Washington’s Troy Maxson is a clear-out performance that could only come from one of the screen’s most commanding figures. Playing a complex, deeply flawed father struggling with his past while trying to provide for his family in 1950s Pittsburgh, Washington brings raw emotion and intensity, capturing Troy's internal conflict as he wrestles with regret, pride, and bitterness.
His interactions with Viola Davis as wife Rose are electric, performances that anchor the film’s emotional weight. Fences also yielded another well-deserved Oscar nomination for Denzel (and a SAG Award win). Wilson's complex and riveting words seem tailor-made for Washington to deliver on-screen with some truly unforgettable speeches and confrontations that allow the actor to shine brilliantly.
7 The Hurricane (1999)
As Rubin “Hurricane” Carter
The Hurricane
Release Date September 17, 1999
Runtime 146 Minutes
Director Norman Jewison
Writers Armyan Bernstein, Dan Gordon
In Hurricane's inspiring biopic, Washington’s portrayal of Rubin Carter — a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for a triple murder — is steeped in resilience and humanity. Washington immerses himself in Carter’s journey, skillfully portraying his determination and unyielding fight for justice. But it’s Washington’s ability to reveal Carter’s transformation — from a bitter, angry man to someone fueled by hope and a desire for redemption — that is the true testament to the actor’s power.
Like the Hurricane himself, it’s a powerhouse with a performance that earned Washington another Oscar nomination.
He conveys the complexity of Carter’s spirit, making him a deeply sympathetic figure, while also embodying the anger and frustration that come with being wronged by the system. However, he is just as impressive in the flashback sequences showing Washington in peak fighting condition, highlighting his incredible commitment. Like the Hurricane himself, it’s a powerhouse with a performance that earned Washington another Oscar nomination.
6 Man On Fire (2004)
As John Creasy
Man on Fire
4/10
Release Date April 23, 2004
Runtime 146 minutes
Director Tony Scott
Writers Brian Helgeland
Man on Fire is one of many collaborations between Washington and director Tony Scott, and while it was largely ignored upon its release, it has become seen as their best movie together. Washington’s vengeful bodyguard seeking justice is equal parts emotional and explosive, elevating this action thriller to greatness. As Creasy, a former CIA operative seeking redemption while protecting a young girl from kidnappers in Mexico City, Washington is marked by vulnerability, intensity, and a deep sense of inner conflict.
As a man haunted by his past, Creasy’s emotional journey is the film’s true center, with every scene reflecting his struggle between violence and a desire for personal salvation. Contrasted with tender moments with his young charge Pita (Dakota Fanning), Washington has seldom smoldered at this frequency – and it’s magical. It is a pulse-pounding thriller with a terrific supporting cast that also includes Christopher Walken and Mickey Rourke.
5 The Tragedy Of Macbeth (2021)
As Macbeth
The Tragedy of Macbeth
7/10
Release Date December 5, 2021
Runtime 105 minutes
Director Joel Coen
Writers Joel Coen
Shakespeare and Macbeth, in particular, are cultural yardsticks every English-speaking actor measures themselves against. So it’s no surprise that even as a man approaching 70, The Tragedy of Macbeth is a challenge that brings out the best in a world-class performer like Washington. As the ambitious Scottish lord succumbs to his greed, guilt, and madness, it’s Washington’s oversized presence and deep understanding of Shakespeare’s language that supercharges the play’s themes of power, fate, and moral corruption.
Joel Coen’s visually stunning adaptation needed a talent as formidable as Washington to make the film soar – and the actor delivers with another Oscar-nominated performance. The different approach of having the titular character be an older man rather than a young one adds some fascinating new dimensions to the role audiences have seen many times before, making it feel fresh.
4 Glory (1989)
As Pvt. Silas Trip
Glory
Release Date December 15, 1989
Runtime 122 minutes
Director Edward Zwick
Writers Robert Gould Shaw, Lincoln Kirstein, Peter Burchard, Kevin Jarre
Glory is a stunning war movie based on a true story that tells of the brave soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the Union Army's earliest African American regiments in the American Civil War. The soldiers face more racism in their own army while also confronting their shared hostilities with one another, yet come together as a group of soldiers who prove themselves heroes in the face of incredible odds.
Washington stole the entire movie with a single tear. The raw, jaw-dropping tear as his ragingly defiant Union soldier Trip is whipped by his Civil War commanders is an indelible movie moment that sealed Washington’s first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Trip’s transformation from reluctant soldier to courageous fighter is the emotional centerpiece of one of the '80s best films. Meanwhile, his chemistry with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick adds to the film’s impact, creating a profound camaraderie and brotherhood within the regiment guaranteed to draw tears from even the most hardhearted viewer.
3 Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
As Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins
Devil in a Blue Dress
Release Date September 29, 1995
Runtime 102 Minutes
Director Carl Franklin
Writers Walter Mosley, Carl Franklin
There may be no greater example of a movie star at the height of their powers than Washington’s turn as Easy Rawlins in the stylish neo-noir The Devil in the Blue Dress. Brilliantly balancing charm and danger, it’s among his most underrated performances as the World War II veteran turned private investigator in 1940s Los Angeles. Easy is struggling to make a living while navigating racial and social tensions in a segregated city, with Washington layering on vulnerability, intelligence, and moral integrity into an incredibly relatable, compelling turn.
The movie is a wonderful noir tale with memorable supporting performances, especially from Don Cheadle as Easy's unpredictable partner. However, Washington carries the movie with this smooth performance. From reluctant investigator to someone confronting uncomfortable truths, Easy feels like a part Denzel was born to play. With Rawlins appearing in other novels, it is a shame that this did not become a franchise character for Washington as it would be a lot of fun to see him return to the role.
2 Training Day (2001)
As Det. Alonzo Harris
Training Day
9/10
Release Date October 5, 2001
Runtime 122 minutes
Director Antoine Fuqua
Writers David Ayer
With the many memorable characters that Washington has played over the years, it says a lot that Alonzo Harris is likely the first one fans think of when they think of the actor. Training Day is the most well-known of the many movies in which Denzel Washington has played a cop. As the morally ambiguous cop who spends a day showing rookie officer Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) the harsh realities of street law enforcement, Washington’s portrayal of Alonzo is both captivating and chilling, navigating the thin line between authority and villainy with magnetic intensity.
Alonzo is charismatic, confident, manipulative, and cunning with more shades of his personality becoming clear as he takes Jake and the audience on this violent odyssey. Washington wraps all those threads together, balancing moments of charm and calculated menace that keeps the audience on edge as Alonzo’s true nature is slowly revealed. It makes for a brutal and thrilling crime saga that has the audience on the edge of their seat the entire time, Washington won his second Oscar for the performance.
1 Malcolm X (1992)
As Malcolm X
Malcolm X
Release Date November 18, 1992
Runtime 202 minutes
Spike Lee’s epic biographical drama showcases the transformative performance of Washington’s career as the hugely influential civil rights leader, capturing the full complexity and evolution of Malcolm X’s life. Washington immerses himself fully into the role, skillfully portraying Malcolm’s journey from a troubled young man to a powerful and inspiring figure, delivering Malcolm’s fiery passion, intelligence, and vulnerability as he grapples with issues of race, identity, and faith.
Lee presents the story as a massive epic of American history and Washington's performance matches the scale he is going for. The easy way Washington brings both the radical and later more reconciliatory sides of Malcolm’s personality to life add layers to the film, a profound exploration of a transformative figure in American history. Washington’s performance earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, solidifying him as one of the most versatile actors of his – or any – generation.
English (US) ·