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20 Best Denzel Washington Movies, Ranked

The Madras Tribune
The Madras Tribune
20 Best Denzel Washington Movies, Ranked


Contents
20 Gladiator II (2024) As Macrinus 19 The Mighty Quinn (1989) As Xavier Quinn 18 He Got Game (1998) As Jake Shuttlesworth 17 Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017) As Roman J. Israel 16 Mo’ Better Blues (1990) As Bleek Gilliam 15 Remember the Titans (2000) As Coach Herman Boone 14 John Q. (2002) As John Quincy Archibald 13 Flight (2012) As Whip Whitaker 12 Inside Man (2006) As Det. Keith Frazier Denzel Washington’s 10 Best Thrillers 11 American Gangster (2007) As Frank Lucas 10 Philadelphia (1993) As Joe Miller 12 Biggest Roles Denzel Washington Turned Down Or Lost 9 Crimson Tide (1995) As Lt. Comm. Ron Hunter 8 Fences (2016) As Troy Maxson 7 The Hurricane (1999) As Rubin “Hurricane” Carter 6 Man on Fire (2004) As John Creasy 5 The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) As Macbeth Denzel Washington Quietly Broke A Major Shakespeare Movie Record 3 Years Ago 4 Glory (1989) As Pvt. Silas Trip 3 Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) As Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins 2 Training Day (2001) As Det. Alonzo Harris 1 Malcolm X (1992) As Malcolm X

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 her, 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, arguably 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

It’s still too fresh to know exactly where the most recent of Denzel Washington’s movies will ultimately sit in Washington’s career highlight reel, but one thing is certain – it will be included. As sly businessman and Roman powerbroker 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. We don’t know yet if his playful turn will result in his 11th career Oscar nomination yet – but it probably wouldn’t be wise to bet against it.

19

The Mighty Quinn (1989)

As Xavier Quinn

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.

18

He Got Game (1998)

As Jake Shuttlesworth

Washington delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Jake Shuttlesworth, a father seeking redemption while navigating a fractured relationship with his basketball prodigy son, Jesus (Ray Allen). Directed by Spike Lee, it’s Washington’s restrained portrayal that anchors the emotional weight of this story about family, ambition, and forgiveness. His chemistry with Allen, an all-star NBA shooting guard who’d never acted before Lee gave him the role, proves that Denzel can work with virtually any co-star and make it soar.

17

Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)

As Roman J. Israel

While it earned him an Oscar nomination, Washington’s performance as a brilliant yet socially awkward defense attorney struggling to reconcile his ideals with the harsh realities of the legal system 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 Denzel’s skill could likely get right.

16

Mo’ Better Blues (1990)

As Bleek Gilliam

In his first collaboration with Spike Lee, Washington 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.

15

Remember the Titans (2000)

As Coach Herman Boone

This inspiring sports drama about unity and leadership is elevated by Washington’s commanding central performance. Tasked with uniting a racially divided high school football team in 1971 Virginia, Washington’s 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. 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

While many of Washington’s best-remembered performances center around his inherent coolly measured control, the heart-wrenching story of a father driven to desperate measures to save his son’s life pushes Denzel the actor way out of that comfort zone. Washington’s character takes an emergency room hostage, turning a personal crisis into a broader commentary on healthcare inequities as Washington serves up oodles of the anguish, determination, and moral conflict of a parent willing to sacrifice everything for his child. In fact, it’s Washington’s ability to paint all the shade of this distraught father’s turmoil that elevates the film from a straightforward thriller into a deeply emotional exploration of love, sacrifice, and systemic injustice.

13

Flight (2012)

As Whip Whitaker

It’s another Oscar nomination for Denzel, this time as Whip Whitaker, a commercial pilot whose heroic actions during a catastrophic plane crash are overshadowed by his struggles with addiction. 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.

12

Inside Man (2006)

As Det. Keith Frazier

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 Denzel’s sharp, determined NYPD hostage negotiator unraveling the complex inner workers of the bank job that holds the film together.

Imagery-from-Safe-House-and-Training-Day

Related


Denzel Washington’s 10 Best Thrillers

With a career as vast and varied as Denzel Washington’s, it’s no surprise this two-time Oscar winner has plenty of incredible thrillers.

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.

11

American Gangster (2007)

As Frank Lucas

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.

10

Philadelphia (1993)

As Joe Miller

It’s not often that Denzel 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.

Roles Denzel Washington Passed Up or Didnt Get

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12 Biggest Roles Denzel Washington Turned Down Or Lost

Denzel Washington is undoubtedly one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood, but he is not immune to losing (or turning down) big roles.

But it’s Washington who keeps the film grounded with a supreme character evolution as Joe transitions from skepticism and prejudice to understanding and allyship. Washington makes Joe Miller relatable and inspiring, which helps make Philadelphia even more than the sum of its already extraordinary parts.

9

Crimson Tide (1995)

As Lt. Comm. Ron Hunter

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. And 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 you breathless, it’s not the fault of this Tony Scott classic.

8

Fences (2016)

As Troy Maxson

Sometimes, you just have to clear out and let the great ones cook. 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).

7

The Hurricane (1999)

As Rubin “Hurricane” Carter

In this 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. 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. Like the Hurricane himself, it’s a powerhouse.

6

Man on Fire (2004)

As John Creasy

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.

5

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

As Macbeth

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.

Denzel Washington as Macbeth looking upwards at the witches in The Tragedy of Macbeth

Related


Denzel Washington Quietly Broke A Major Shakespeare Movie Record 3 Years Ago

Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth made Denzel Washington the first actor in 31 years to be nominated for a Shakespearean role at the Academy Awards.

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 Denzel delivers.

4

Glory (1989)

As Pvt. Silas Trip

If there was any doubt of Washington’s power, it was dispelled forever by 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 80’s 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 hard-hearted viewer.

3

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

As Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins

There may be no greater example of a movie star at the height of their powers as Washington’s turn as Easy Rawlins in this stylish neo-noir. 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. From reluctant investigator to someone confronting uncomfortable truths, Easy feels like a part Denzel was born to play.

2

Training Day (2001)

As Det. Alonzo Harris

When someone says the name Denzel Washington, it’s likely corrupt detective Alonzo Harris is the first image that pops into mind; 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. He’s confident. He’s manipulative. And he’s cunning. Washington wraps all those threads together, balancing moments of charm and calculated menace that keep the audience on edge as Alonzo’s true nature is slowly revealed. It’s everything.

1

Malcolm X (1992)

As Malcolm X

Well…almost everything. Spike Lee’s epic biographical drama showcases the transformative performance of Washington’s career as the controversial 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.

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.

Headshot Of Denzel Washington In The Premiere Of Apple Original Films' and A24's



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