Denzel Washington's Best Movies, Ranked
- 1Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken
In the realm of high-stakes action and emotion, few films compare to the visceral intensity of Man on Fire. Denzel Washington's portrayal of a former CIA operative turned bodyguard for hire is as compelling as it is powerful, delving into themes of redemption and vengeance amidst a backdrop of rampant kidnapping in Mexico City. With director Tony Scott at the helm, this film boasts a gritty visual style that complements its taut, relentless pacing, taking viewers on an unforgettable journey alongside Denzel's relentless pursuit of justice.
More Man on Fire
- #85 of 168 onThe 165 Best Tearjerker Movies of All Time, Ranked
- #15 of 114 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time
- #18 of 99 onThe Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked
- 2Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn
Academy Award-winning Training Day showcases Denzel Washington's talent for embodying morally complex characters with his unforgettable performance as Detective Alonzo Harris. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles' notorious gang culture, this pulse-pounding crime drama charts one rookie cop's harrowing 24-hour ordeal as he navigates the treacherous world of police corruption, drug trafficking, and cold-blooded violence. With razor-sharp dialogue and gripping storytelling from writer David Ayer, Training Day leaves audiences breathless from beginning to end.
More Training Day- #689 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #6 of 113 onThe Best Movies Of 2001
- #90 of 308 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- 3Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison
Based on real-life events surrounding a racially integrated high school football team during the early 1970s in Virginia, Remember the Titans is a powerful testament to the transformative power of unity and perseverance. Denzel Washington stars as Coach Herman Boone, tasked with uniting his racially divided team amidst intense societal resistance. Under director Boaz Yakin's skillful guidance, this inspiring sports drama tackles complex issues of race and brotherhood head-on, making it an enduring classic for generations to come.
More Remember the Titans- #3 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #420 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #9 of 241 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- 4Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz
Denzel Washington steps into the shoes of Robert McCall in this modern retelling of the classic television series The Equalizer, transforming him into a formidable vigilante doling out justice with brutal efficiency. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and penned by Richard Wenk, this action-packed thriller presents a compelling exploration into the dark underbelly of crime-ridden Boston as McCall takes on Russian mobsters and corrupt cops alike. With exhilarating fight scenes and memorable supporting roles from Chloe Grace Moretz and Marton Csokas, The Equalizer delivers a thrilling cinematic experience.
More The Equalizer- Dig Deeper...The Best Quotes From 'The Equalizer,' Ranked
- #46 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #33 of 98 onThe Best Movies Based On TV Shows
- 5Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman
Set during the American Civil War, Glory tells the inspiring true story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment – one of the first all-black volunteer units in United States history. With Denzel Washington portraying Private Trip, a defiant and courageous former slave turned soldier, this critically acclaimed war epic provides an unflinching look at the brutality of war as well as its profound effect on individuals and society alike. Directed by Edward Zwick and featuring standout performances by Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick, Glory remains an iconic milestone in cinema history.
More Glory- #2 of 27 onThe 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
- #13 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #133 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- 6Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
An electrifying crime drama based on the true story of Frank Lucas, American Gangster sees Denzel Washington deliver a masterful performance as the notorious 1970s Harlem drug lord who rose to power by smuggling heroin in the coffins of dead US soldiers returning from Vietnam. Directed by Ridley Scott and featuring powerhouse performances from Russell Crowe and Chiwetel Ejiofor, this film offers a gripping examination of Lucas' ruthless criminal empire and the dogged pursuit by law enforcement determined to bring him down.
More American Gangster- #200 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #124 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #9 of 94 onThe 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
- 7Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis
This post-apocalyptic thriller casts Denzel Washington as Eli, a lone wanderer traversing a desolate wasteland while safeguarding humanity's last hope for survival: a sacred text containing knowledge that could rebuild civilization itself. As he faces off against ruthless marauders led by Gary Oldman's cunning Carnegie character, The Book of Eli weaves together themes of faith, sacrifice, and redemption amidst a stark, haunting landscape. Directors Albert and Allen Hughes effortlessly blend elements of action, adventure, and drama to create a gripping tale that leaves a lasting impression.
More The Book of Eli- #70 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #482 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #27 of 166 onThe 150+ Best Futuristic Dystopian Movies
- 8Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, George Dzundza
Set aboard a nuclear submarine during the height of Cold War tensions, Crimson Tide delivers high-stakes drama as Denzel Washington's character Lt. Commander Hunter clashes with Gene Hackman's Captain Ramsey over whether to launch nuclear missiles in response to an ambiguous crisis. Helmed by director Tony Scott, this suspenseful thriller delves deep into themes of authority, honor, and duty while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the murky waters of military ethics and protocol.
More Crimson Tide- #78 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #211 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- #20 of 90 onThe Best Movies Of 1995
- 9Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly
In this powerful character study directed by Robert Zemeckis, Denzel Washington delves into the tortured psyche of Whip Whitaker – a talented but deeply flawed airline pilot grappling with alcoholism in the aftermath of a harrowing crash landing under his command. As he confronts both personal demons and public scrutiny, Washington's portrayal serves as a testament to the complexities inherent in human nature itself – blurring the lines between heroism and vulnerability while solidifying his reputation as one of cinema's most captivating performers.
More Flight- #307 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #115 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #139 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- 10Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall
Denzel Washington brings to life one of history's most iconic figures in Spike Lee's biographical epic Malcolm X. Chronicling key moments from Malcolm’s early criminal exploits through his conversion to Islam and subsequent assassination, this film offers an unflinching portrayal of its complex subject matter in all its raw emotionality. Bolstered by engaging dialogue penned by Lee himself alongside Arnold Perl’s original screenplay adaptation from Alex Haley’s autobiography, Malcolm X stands out as both a transformative cinematic achievement and enduring tribute to its titular figurehead.
More Malcolm X- #95 of 241 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #170 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #195 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- 11Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods
John Q is an emotional rollercoaster ride that explores themes like social injustice, family, and the lengths a father would go for his child. Denzel Washington stars as John Quincy Archibald, a desperate father who takes an emergency room hostage to force a heart transplant operation for his dying son. Director Nick Cassavetes weaves together a gripping tale that shines a light on healthcare inequality in America, bolstered by powerful performances from Washington and the ensemble cast.
More John Q- #46 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- #8 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #45 of 66 onThe Best Father-Son Movies Ever Made
- 12Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster
In this ingeniously crafted heist thriller directed by Spike Lee, Denzel Washington plays Detective Keith Frazier – tasked with negotiating with cunning bank robber Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) during an elaborate standoff in Manhattan. Featuring intricate plot twists and razor-sharp dialogue from screenwriter Russell Gewirtz, Inside Man keeps viewers guessing right up until its unforgettable conclusion while showcasing Washington's mastery of playing both heroes and anti-heroes alike.
More Inside Man- #15 of 101 onThe Best Movies Of 2006
- #2 of 14 onMind-Boggling Riddles From Movies
- #22 of 63 onThe 55+ Best Kidnapping & Hostage Movies
- 13Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Jason Robards
This groundbreaking drama centers around Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks), a lawyer who is fired after contracting HIV/AIDS and enlists homophobic attorney Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) to represent him in court against his former employer. Directed by Jonathan Demme, Philadelphia examines themes of bigotry and compassion through its complex characters' interactions while also shedding light on the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS during the early 1990s.
More Philadelphia- #18 of 241 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #54 of 125 onThe 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
- #96 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- 14Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah
This suspenseful crime thriller showcases Denzel Washington's versatility as paraplegic ex-forensic detective Lincoln Rhyme, who is called back into service to help solve a gruesome series of murders. Paired with novice cop Amelia Donaghy (Angelina Jolie) as his eyes and ears on the field, they race against time to track down a sadistic serial killer known as The Bone Collector. Directed by Phillip Noyce and featuring chillingly atmospheric visuals, this film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
More The Bone Collector- #13 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #27 of 81 onThe 75+ Best Whodunit Murder Mystery Movies
- #30 of 168 onThe 160+ Scariest Psychological Thrillers
- 15Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Jim Caviezel
This sci-fi action thriller directed by Tony Scott stars Denzel Washington as ATF agent Doug Carlin, who joins an experimental government program using time travel technology to solve the bombing of a New Orleans ferry. As he unravels the mystery surrounding the perpetrator and his connection to a beautiful witness, played by Paula Patton, Déjà Vu offers a compelling exploration of love, loss, and destiny amidst high-octane action sequences that will leave audiences breathless.
More Déjà Vu- #14 of 49 onThe 45+ Very Best Movies About Hackers
- #18 of 101 onThe Best Movies Of 2006
- #269 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- 16Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland
In this supernatural thriller directed by Gregory Hoblit, Denzel Washington portrays homicide detective John Hobbes – drawn into a battle against evil after discovering that the soul of a serial killer he helped apprehend has returned from beyond the grave in demonic form. As he delves deeper into ancient lore surrounding fallen angels known as Azazel, Hobbes confronts disturbing truths about his own past while fighting for both his life and humanity itself. With its haunting atmosphere and engaging plot twists, Fallen offers viewers an intriguing blend of crime drama and horror elements that remains fresh throughout.
More Fallen - 17Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard
Based on John Grisham's bestselling novel, The Pelican Brief stars Denzel Washington as Gray Grantham, an investigative journalist who teams up with law student Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) to uncover a conspiracy linked to two Supreme Court justices' assassinations. Featuring gripping performances and taut storytelling under director Alan J. Pakula's skillful guidance, this political thriller keeps audiences enthralled while reinforcing Washington's status as one of Hollywood's most captivating leading men.
- 18Denzel Washington, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger
This biographical sports drama sees Denzel Washington deliver a powerful performance as Rubin "Hurricane" Carter – a former middleweight boxing champion wrongfully convicted for murder whose story ultimately becomes an international symbol for racial injustice during the 1960s and '70s. Directed by Norman Jewison and featuring standout supporting roles from Liev Schreiber and John Hannah, The Hurricane provides an emotional examination of one man's fight for freedom amidst a racially charged climate that refuses to be silenced.
More The Hurricane- #122 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #108 of 241 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #26 of 59 onThe Best Movies Based on Non-Fiction Books
- 19Denzel Washington, John Travolta, John Turturro
This thrilling remake of the 1974 classic stars Denzel Washington as Walter Garber – an ordinary subway dispatcher thrown into extraordinary circumstances when a hijacked train plunges New York City into chaos. Facing off against cunning criminal mastermind Ryder (John Travolta), Garber must use his wits and resourcefulness to outmaneuver the kidnappers while trying to bring their nefarious plot to light. Directed by Tony Scott, The Taking of Pelham 123 delivers edge-of-your-seat action amidst an engaging narrative that keeps audiences riveted from start to finish.
More The Taking of Pelham 123- #175 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #18 of 48 onThe Best Train Movies
- #3 of 14 onMovie Reboots That Tried To Tell The Same Story With One MASSIVE Change
- 20Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips
This war drama directed by Edward Zwick sees Denzel Washington as Lt. Colonel Serling, tasked with investigating the potential posthumous awarding of a Medal of Honor to a female helicopter pilot who died during Operation Desert Storm. As he delves into her story through interviews with survivors, Serling must reconcile conflicting accounts while confronting his own guilt over a friendly fire incident during the same conflict. Featuring powerful performances from its ensemble cast – including Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Matt Damon – Courage Under Fire examines themes of heroism, sacrifice, and redemption amidst the complexities of modern warfare.
More Courage Under Fire- #3 of 10 onThe Best Movies About the Gulf War
- #151 of 262 onThe 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
- #53 of 117 onThe Best Movies Of 1996
- 21Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson
In this adrenaline-fueled thriller directed by Tony Scott, Denzel Washington stars as experienced railroad engineer Frank Barnes – forced to team up with young conductor Will Colson (Chris Pine) in an attempt to stop a runaway train carrying toxic chemicals before it causes catastrophic damage. With its breakneck pace and relentless suspense, Unstoppable showcases Scott's trademark visual style alongside engaging performances from its leads to deliver an electrifying cinematic experience that keeps audiences enthralled from beginning to end.
More Unstoppable- #21 of 54 onThe Best Movies 'Loosely' Based On True Stories
- #6 of 48 onThe Best Train Movies
- #45 of 75 on25+ Great Movies That Have A Ticking Clock
- 22Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders
Reprising his role as Robert McCall in this high-octane sequel directed by Antoine Fuqua, Denzel Washington returns once more to dispense justice on behalf of the innocent and oppressed. This time around, he faces off against a group of trained assassins targeting both him and those closest to him, resulting in explosive action sequences that leave viewers breathless. With its compelling continuation of McCall's story and Washington's dynamic performance at its center, The Equalizer 2 proves itself a worthy successor to its acclaimed predecessor.
More The Equalizer 2- #94 of 164 onThe Best Movie Sequels Ever Made
- #11 of 21 onThe Best Pedro Pascal Movies And TV Shows
- #12 of 15 on15 Heart-Pounding Denzel Washington Action Movies That Always Hit
- 23Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga
In this gripping action thriller directed by Daniel Espinosa, Denzel Washington portrays rogue CIA operative Tobin Frost – captured by the agency after years on the run and placed under the watchful eye of young agent Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds). As they navigate through treacherous territory rife with deception and betrayal, Weston must decide where his loyalties lie while grappling with moral dilemmas that impact both his career and personal life. Featuring intense performances from its leads alongside stellar supporting roles from Brendan Gleeson and Vera Farmiga, Safe House offers an exhilarating ride that satisfies both action enthusiasts and fans of character-driven drama.
More Safe House- #157 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #17 of 73 onThe Greatest Movies About CIA Agents & Operatives
- #8 of 15 on15 Heart-Pounding Denzel Washington Action Movies That Always Hit
- 24Derek Luke, Joy Bryant, Denzel Washington
Marking Denzel Washington's directorial debut, Antwone Fisher tells the true story of its eponymous protagonist (played by Derek Luke) – a troubled young Navy sailor who confronts his traumatic past with the help of compassionate psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Washington). Poignant and emotionally resonant in equal measure, this film explores themes of healing and self-discovery through its multifaceted characters' struggles while offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the transformative power of human connection.
More Antwone Fisher- #15 of 89 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- #39 of 85 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
- #88 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- 25Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber
This contemporary reimagining of the 1962 classic stars Denzel Washington as Major Bennett Marco – plagued by haunting dreams of his time as a Gulf War veteran after it is revealed that one of his former comrades (Liev Schreiber) has been groomed for political office by sinister forces aiming to seize power through mind control techniques. Directed by Jonathan Demme and featuring standout supporting roles from Meryl Streep and Jon Voight, The Manchurian Candidate deftly updates its source material to reflect modern-day concerns surrounding political corruption and manipulation.
More The Manchurian Candidate- #7 of 10 onThe Best Movies About the Gulf War
- #101 of 114 onThe Greatest Movie Remakes Of All Time
- #60 of 99 onThe Best Movies Of 2004, Ranked
- 26Denzel Washington, Eva Mendes, Sanaa Lathan
Denzel Washington stars as small-town Florida police chief Matt Whitlock in this intricately plotted crime thriller directed by Carl Franklin. When he becomes the prime suspect in a double homicide, Whitlock must race against time to clear his name while simultaneously trying to solve the case itself – all against the backdrop of an impending hurricane. With its taut pacing and engaging narrative twists, Out of Time offers a thrilling cinematic experience that keeps viewers guessing until its satisfying conclusion.
More Out of Time- #211 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #98 of 152 onThe Best Movies Of 2003, Ranked
- #48 of 112 onThe 100+ Best Mystery Thrillers, Ranked
- 27Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson
Adapted from August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences stars Denzel Washington as Troy Maxson – an embittered former Negro League baseball player turned garbage collector who struggles with his own personal demons while providing for his family in 1950s Pittsburgh. Directed by Washington himself and featuring a powerhouse performance from Viola Davis alongside its accomplished lead, this film weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and redemption to create a deeply affecting portrait of complex human relationships.
More Fences- #247 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #24 of 120 onThe Best Movies Based On Plays
- #67 of 137 onThe 100+ Best Movies With Black Female Leads
- 28Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich
Denzel Washington teams up once again with director Spike Lee in this sports drama that delves into the world of high-stakes college basketball recruitment. As imprisoned father Jake Shuttlesworth, Washington is given one week to convince his estranged son Jesus (Ray Allen) – one of the country's most sought-after prospects – to attend the governor's alma mater in exchange for an early release from prison. With their fractured relationship at its core, He Got Game offers a poignant exploration of ambition, redemption, and familial bonds amidst a backdrop of athletic competition.
More He Got Game- #128 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #36 of 98 onThe Best Movies Of 1998, Ranked
- #92 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- 29Denzel Washington, Annette Bening, Bruce Willis
In this prescient political thriller directed by Edward Zwick, Denzel Washington delivers another captivating performance as FBI Assistant Special Agent Anthony Hubbard – tasked with thwarting terrorist threats in New York City following a series of devastating bombings. As he grapples with escalating tensions between law enforcement agencies and increasingly draconian measures imposed upon civil liberties in response to the crisis, The Siege offers a gripping examination of the fragile balance between security and freedom in an age defined by fear.
More The Siege- #70 of 98 onThe Best Movies Of 1998, Ranked
- #9 of 12 onMovies That Were Eerily Ahead Of Their Time
- #13 of 15 on15 Heart-Pounding Denzel Washington Action Movies That Always Hit
- 30Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker
Based on a true story set during the Jim Crow era of American history, The Great Debaters chronicles the journey of an all-black debate team from Wiley College in Texas as they strive for national recognition amidst immense societal prejudice. Directed by Denzel Washington – who also stars as their determined coach Melvin B. Tolson – this inspiring drama highlights themes of perseverance, education, and social change while showcasing powerful performances from its ensemble cast, including Forest Whitaker and Jurnee Smollett-Bell.
More The Great Debaters- #16 of 89 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- #17 of 85 onGreat Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
- #63 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
