Denzel Washington stands as a colossus when it comes to the big screen, bridging the realms of critical acclaim and blockbuster appeal with an ease few can claim. Born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York, Washington’s journey from the son of a Pentecostal minister and a beauty shop owner to one of the most revered actors of his generation is a narrative steeped in dedication, talent, and transformative performances.
Spanning decades and by no means is he done just yet — the task of choosing the Top 10 Denzel Washington movies of all-time a tough ask.
About Denzel Washington
Washington’s foray into acting began with a desire to escape the trajectory that had claimed many of his peers. After attending Fordham University, where he first studied journalism, a stint in a summer theatre camp ignited his passion for acting, leading him to pursue further training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Upon his return to New York, he began to carve out a career on stage, with his performance in the Negro Ensemble Company’s production of “A Soldier’s Play” heralding the arrival of a formidable talent.
His film debut came in 1977 with a minor role in the comedy “Wilma,” but it was his portrayal of Dr. Phillip Chandler in the groundbreaking television series “St. Elsewhere” that made Washington a household name. However, it was his role as Private Silas Trip in the 1989 Civil War epic “Glory” that earned Washington his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, setting the stage for a career that would be defined by powerful performances in both leading and supporting roles.
As we delve into the best Denzel Washington movies of all time, we not only celebrate his remarkable versatility as an actor but also honour his journey from a young man with modest beginnings to an enduring icon of the silver screen.
Top 10 Denzel Washington Movies
Set yourself up on the couch this Friday night for a movie marathon with our guide to the best Denzel Washington movies.
Training Day (2001)
In “Training Day,” Denzel Washington takes a walk on the dark side as Detective Alonzo Harris, a role that showcases his extraordinary ability to embody morally complex characters. This riveting portrayal of a corrupt LAPD narcotics officer earned Washington an Academy Award for Best Actor, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s finest.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger
IMDb: 7.7
Malcolm X (1992)
Back in 1992, Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” presents Washington in what’s arguably his most powerful role, portraying the titular civil rights leader with a fiery intensity that burns through the screen. Washington’s nuanced performance captures Malcolm X’s evolution with dignity and depth, offering a window into the soul of an icon.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr.
IMDb: 7.7
Fences (2016)
In “Fences,” Washington not only leads from the front with his compelling portrayal of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player grappling with life’s curveballs but also directs this adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play. His dynamic performance opposite Viola Davis is a masterclass in acting, exploring themes of race, family, and unfulfilled dreams.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo
IMDb: 7.2
Glory (1989)
“Glory” sees Washington in an Academy Award-winning role as Private Silas Trip, a defiant soldier in the first all-black volunteer company during the Civil War. Washington’s portrayal is both heart-wrenching and inspirational, highlighting the courage and complexity of men fighting for freedom and recognition.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes
IMDb: 7.8
Flight (2012)
“Flight” showcases Washington as Whip Whitaker, a pilot whose heroic act of landing a malfunctioning plane leads to a personal reckoning. Washington’s portrayal of Whitaker’s battle with addiction and accountability is raw and resonant, offering a stark examination of heroism and redemption.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly, John Goodman
IMDb: 7.3
Philadelphia (1993)
In 1993 saw the release of “Philadelphia,” Washington plays Joe Miller, a lawyer who represents a man dismissed from his job for having AIDS, in one of the first major Hollywood films to tackle HIV/AIDS and homophobia. Washington brings a grounded realism to the role, navigating the complexities of his character’s prejudices and eventual advocacy.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen
IMDb: 7.7
American Gangster (2007)
“American Gangster” features Washington as Frank Lucas, the Harlem drug lord whose empire was built on smuggling heroin into the United States. Washington’s portrayal is chillingly effective, capturing Lucas’s ruthlessness and cunning, making the character as charismatic as he is menacing.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
IMDb: 7.8
The Hurricane (1999)
In “The Hurricane,” Washington embodies Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for murder. Washington’s performance is a poignant exploration of resilience and justice, compelling viewers to confront the realities of racial prejudice within the legal system.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Vicellous Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger, Liev Schreiber
IMDb: 7.6
Inside Man (2006)
“Inside Man” pits Washington against a master thief in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. As Detective Keith Frazier, Washington brings a cool intensity to the role, unravelling the layers of a perfectly planned heist with wit and grit.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer
IMDb: 7.6
Man on Fire (2004)
In “Man on Fire,” Washington plays John Creasy, a burnt-out CIA operative who finds redemption through vengeance after the kidnapping of a child he was sworn to protect. Washington’s transformation from a despondent guardian to an avenging angel is both visceral and moving, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, Christopher Walken
IMDb: 7.7
Denzel Washington Awards
Denzel’s career spans decades and includes numerous other nominations, here is a list of some of the most notable awards he has won:
Academy Awards (Oscars)
- Best Supporting Actor for “Glory” (1989)
- Best Actor for “Training Day” (2001)
Golden Globe Awards
- Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for “Glory” (1990)
- Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for “The Hurricane” (2000)
- The Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in 2016
Tony Awards
- Best Actor in a Play for “Fences” (2010)
Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG)
- Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for “Fences” (2017)
- NAACP Image Awards
Washington has won several NAACP Image Awards across various categories, including Best Actor in a Motion Picture for his roles in films such as “Malcolm X,” “The Hurricane,” “Training Day,” “Antwone Fisher,” “American Gangster,” “Flight,” and “Fences.”
Silver Bear Award
- Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival for “Malcolm X” (1993)
Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
He has received multiple nominations and has won awards, including Best Acting Ensemble for “Fences” along with the rest of the cast (2017).