15 Best Movies Starring Denzel Washington

“Cry Freedom” is a powerful drama directed by Richard Attenborough, based on the true story of the friendship between South African journalist Donald Woods and anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko. Denzel Washington portrays Biko, a charismatic and courageous leader who becomes a symbol of resistance against the oppressive apartheid regime.

Washington’s portrayal of Biko is both intense and deeply moving, capturing the spirit and determination of a man willing to risk everything for justice. His performance earned him widespread acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking the beginning of his ascent as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.

“Glory” is a gripping Civil War drama that tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units to fight for the Union. Denzel Washington plays Private Trip, a rebellious and fiercely proud former slave who becomes a central figure in the regiment. Washington’s portrayal of Trip is raw and unforgettable, embodying the pain, anger, and resilience of a man who has endured unimaginable hardships.

His performance reaches its peak in a powerful scene where Trip is whipped, yet stands defiant, a moment that showcases Washington’s extraordinary emotional depth. This role earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, cementing his status as one of the finest actors of his generation.

“Mo’ Better Blues” is a stylish and soulful film directed by Spike Lee that delves into the world of jazz music. Denzel Washington stars as Bleek Gilliam, a talented and passionate jazz trumpeter who is deeply dedicated to his craft but struggles to balance his personal life with his professional ambitions.

Washington’s portrayal of Bleek captures the complexities of an artist torn between love, friendship, and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. His performance is both charismatic and introspective, highlighting the inner conflicts of a man driven by his art yet haunted by the choices he makes along the way. Washington’s role in Mo’ Better Blues showcases his ability to bring depth and nuance to characters.

“Malcolm X” reunited Washington with acclaimed director, Spike Lee. The movie is a biographical epic that chronicles the life of the influential civil rights leader Malcolm X, from his early years of hardship to his rise as a powerful voice for Black empowerment and justice. Denzel Washington delivers a tour de force performance as “Malcolm X”, capturing the transformation of a man who evolves from a street hustler to a fiery advocate for racial equality and human rights.

Washington’s portrayal is both electrifying and deeply nuanced, embodying the charisma, intelligence, and unwavering conviction of X. His performance earned widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, with many considering it one of the most defining roles of his career.

“Devil in a Blue Dress” is a stylish neo-noir thriller directed by Carl Franklin, set in post-World War II Los Angeles. Denzel Washington stars as Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins, a laid-off factory worker who turns to private investigation to make ends meet. Hired to find a missing woman, Easy quickly becomes entangled in a web of crime, corruption, and racial tension.

Washington’s portrayal of Easy Rawlins is smooth, charismatic, and full of understated complexity, capturing the essence of a man navigating a dangerous world with intelligence and resourcefulness. His performance anchors the film, bringing depth to a character who is both a reluctant hero and a sharp observer of the social and racial dynamics of his time. Devil in a Blue Dress showcases Washington’s ability to excel in a genre piece that we had not seen him in yet.

“The Preacher’s Wife” is a heartwarming romantic comedy directed by Penny Marshall, a modern remake of the 1947 classic The Bishop’s Wife. The film tells the story of Reverend Henry Biggs, a struggling pastor whose faith and marriage are put to the test as his church faces financial difficulties. Denzel Washington plays Dudley, an angel sent to help the Reverend, but who ends up charming the entire congregation—and especially the Reverend’s wife, Julia, played by Whitney Houston.

Washington’s portrayal of Dudley is effortlessly charming and charismatic, bringing a warmth and lightness to the role that perfectly balances the film’s mix of humor and heartfelt moments. His chemistry with Houston adds a delightful dynamic to the story, making Dudley both a celestial guide and an unexpected romantic rival.

“The Hurricane” is a gripping biographical drama directed by Norman Jewison, based on the true story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a middleweight boxer wrongfully convicted of murder. Denzel Washington stars as Carter, whose life is turned upside down by a racially motivated miscarriage of justice, leading him to spend nearly 20 years in prison. Washington’s portrayal of Carter is both powerful and deeply empathetic, capturing the inner turmoil, resilience, and unbreakable spirit of a man fighting for his freedom and dignity.

Washington’s performance is widely regarded as one of his finest, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to a complex and challenging role. Washington’s work in The Hurricane earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, further solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most gifted and compelling actors.

Remember the Titans (2000) is an inspiring sports drama directed by Boaz Yakin, based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team in Alexandria, Virginia, during the early 1970s. Denzel Washington stars as Coach Herman Boone, a determined and tough-minded Black coach hired to lead the Titans, a team struggling with racial tensions as they are forced to integrate. Washington’s portrayal of Coach Boone is commanding and deeply impactful, embodying the qualities of leadership, discipline, and unwavering belief in unity.

His performance captures Boone’s determination to bring the team together, not just as athletes, but as young men capable of overcoming prejudice and forming lasting bonds. Washington’s ability to balance toughness with empathy makes his character both formidable and relatable, elevating the film beyond a typical sports movie into a powerful narrative about teamwork, respect, and the fight against racism.

“Training Day” is a gritty crime thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua that delves into the corrupt underbelly of the Los Angeles Police Department. Denzel Washington stars as Detective Alonzo Harris, a veteran narcotics officer who takes a rookie cop, Jake Hoyt (played by Ethan Hawke), under his wing for a tense and morally complex 24-hour ride-along. However, it quickly becomes clear that Alonzo is not the hero he seems to be, but rather a corrupt and manipulative figure who uses his power for personal gain.

Washington’s portrayal of Alonzo Harris is electrifying and unforgettable. His performance in Training Day was a significant departure from the heroic and noble roles he was known for, showcasing his range as an actor. Washington’s riveting performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the second Black actor to win the Oscar in that category. This role remains one of the most iconic in his career, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and commanding talents.

“Inside Man” is a gripping heist thriller directed by Spike Lee, centering on a meticulously planned bank robbery in New York City. Denzel Washington stars as Detective Keith Frazier, a savvy and determined cop tasked with negotiating with the mastermind behind the heist, Dalton Russell (played by Clive Owen). As the standoff unfolds, Frazier must navigate complex layers of deception and uncover hidden agendas to resolve the situation.

Washington’s performance as Detective Frazier is sharp and charismatic, blending intelligence with a calm yet commanding presence. His portrayal brings a strong sense of authority and empathy, showcasing his ability to handle high-stakes scenarios with both strategic acumen and personal integrity.

“Flight” is a powerful drama directed by Robert Zemeckis, focusing on an airline pilot, Whip Whitaker, who performs a heroic emergency landing after a catastrophic malfunction. However, the investigation reveals troubling details about Whitaker’s personal life, including his struggles with alcoholism. Denzel Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, delivering a raw and intense performance that explores the complexities of addiction and redemption.

Washington’s portrayal of Whitaker is both compelling and multifaceted, capturing the pilot’s charisma, vulnerability, and the profound impact of his addiction on his life and career. Washington’s work in Flight earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, highlighting his ability to immerse himself in a challenging and deeply human role.

“The Equalizer” is an action thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua, in which Denzel Washington stars as Robert McCall, a former black-ops operative who leads a quiet life but is drawn back into action when he tries to protect a young girl from violent criminals. McCall uses his unique skills and resourcefulness to dispense justice, becoming a vigilante for those who cannot defend themselves.

Washington’s performance as McCall is both compelling and charismatic, blending intense action sequences with a nuanced portrayal of a man with a strong moral code. The film’s success resulted in a sequel, “The Equalizer 2” in 2018 and “The Equalizer 3” in 2023. The franchise’s popularity and Washington’s star power have solidified The Equalizer as a major success, demonstrating his continued appeal in high-octane, action-driven roles.

“Fences” is a powerful drama self-directed by Denzel Washington, based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film stars Washington as Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector in 1950s Pittsburgh. The story explores Troy’s struggles with racial barriers, personal regrets, and strained family relationships. Washington’s direction is noted for its fidelity to the play’s intense emotional and thematic depth, as well as its strong performances. The film received numerous accolades, including four Academy Award nominations, and Washington’s performance garnered him a nomination for Best Actor. The film was praised for its powerful dialogue, character-driven narrative, and Washington’s skillful adaptation of stage to screen.

“Roman J. Israel, Esq.” is a legal drama directed by Dan Gilroy, starring Denzel Washington as Roman J. Israel, a brilliant but eccentric defense attorney who has spent decades working behind the scenes in a small law firm. When his mentor passes away, Roman is thrust into the spotlight, facing ethical dilemmas and personal challenges that force him to reevaluate his career and beliefs. Washington’s portrayal captures Roman’s complexity, highlighting his struggles with change and the moral conflicts he faces. Washington’s work in Roman J. Israel, Esq. earned him critical praise and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, underlining his skill in bringing depth and authenticity to a unique and unconventional role.

“The Tragedy of Macbeth” is a visually striking adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, directed by Joel Coen. The film stars Denzel Washington as Macbeth, the ambitious Scottish lord who, driven by prophecy and his wife’s manipulation, commits regicide and descends into tyranny and madness. Washington’s portrayal of Macbeth is intense and commanding, bringing a profound depth to the character’s psychological torment and moral descent. Washington’s work in The Tragedy of Macbeth earned him his ninth Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, a testament to his enduring talent and ability to tackle iconic roles with fresh insight and compelling nuance.

Denzel Washington’s illustrious career is a testament to his extraordinary range and enduring impact on cinema. With nine Academy Award nominations, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences through a diverse array of roles. From his powerful portrayal of “Malcolm X”, which cemented his status as a leading actor, to the inspiring leadership in “Remember the Titans” and the intense vulnerability in “Flight”, Washington’s performances have left an indelible mark on film. His role in “The Equalizer” franchise further showcases his dynamic talent, blending action with profound character depth. As he continues to inspire with each new project, Washington’s career remains a shining example of excellence and versatility in the acting world.