The Top 7 Best Denzel Washington Movies Ranked

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Featured image credit: Paramount Pictures

Denzel Washington is a name you’ll recognize worldwide. The two-time Oscar and three-time Golden Globe winner recently turned 70, but with his proliferative work rate, you might think he’s been making movies for that long. In truth, Denzel’s first appearance in major cinema was in 1981, and he’s made over 50 appearances on the big screen since, with two more releases coming soon.

Which are the best Denzel Washington movies, though? Perhaps this countdown will give you more insight into this renowned character actor’s standout roles. Here are our top seven favorite Denzel Washington movies ranked.

7. Philadelphia (1993)

Washington plays the part of the homophobic lawyer Joe Miller, who agrees to represent fellow legal eagle Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) in a discrimination lawsuit against Beckett’s former employer, a prominent Philadelphia law firm, after it fired him for being an HIV-afflicted homosexual. 

While Hanks’ Oscar-winning performance stole the plaudits, Denzel Washington’s role as an institutionalized homophobe struggling to balance his cultural beliefs and what is right adds an extra layer of reality and depth to an excellent screenplay. “Philadelphia” is a thought-provoking and sometimes difficult watch, although for the right reasons, not the wrong ones.

Memorable line: “Some of these people make me sick. But a law’s been broken here. You do remember the law, don’t you?”

6. Malcolm X (1992)

Following on the heels of 1991’s “JFK,” “Malcolm X” further examines a particularly turbulent part of American history. Suppose you’re unfamiliar with the lives and ultimate assassinations of John F. Kennedy, his brother Bobby, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. These biographical cinematic masterpieces will provide some historical facts, albeit slightly colored by their directors’ artistic license.

Washington delivers a realistic portrayal of the Black Nationalist leader and civil rights activist with a sincerity that will have you wondering where the facts end and fiction invades. He is on point when delivering believability to the role in a historical environment where many questions remain unanswered. Although long, Denzel Washington becomes and remains Malcolm X for the movie’s duration.

Memorable line: “You know, some people call this hate-teaching. This isn’t hate teaching. This is love teaching. l wouldn’t tell you this if l didn’t love you. l wouldn’t stick my neck out for you if l didn’t love you.”

5. Man on Fire (2004)

“Man on Fire” differs from your usual Washington action roles — you’ll confront the actor’s more serious side as he abandons his usual suave, enigmatic smile in favor of a brooding, deadpan, serious side. As an alcoholic former CIA operative, John W. Creasy, Washington wreaks havoc on the kidnappers of a young girl (Dakota Fanning) taken under his watch. 

The result is an infectious action film, with Denzel Washington in toned-down but top form as the tortured veteran. Amidst the mayhem, the predictable bond between Fanning and Washington’s characters brings a contrasting softness, which Denzel promotes in an inspired but understated way. If you’ve already seen it, “Man on Fire” is worthy of a second watch, if only for Washington’s method acting prowess and the presence of the always-reliable Christopher Walken.

Memorable line: “Okay, my friend. It’s off to the next life for you. I guarantee you, you won’t be lonely.”

4. Inside Man (2006)

You’ll recognize a Spike Lee movie when you watch one, and “Inside Man” has all the notable elements. Washington drives this intelligently entertaining thriller as Keith Frazier, a police detective who unwittingly lands in a hostage negotiator role. He pits his wits against Clive Owen’s criminal mastermind, with the arrival of a mysterious woman (Jodie Foster) adding an intriguing sub-plot.

The New York setting perfectly lends itself to a tense and driven plot filled with sharp, attention-grabbing dialogue. Hollywood directors use the bank heist setting often, but it never seems to age — Denzel Washington and his co-stars provide a new slant that will keep you guessing well into the film. 

Memorable line: “Who ever heard of bank robbers escaping on a plane with fifty hostages? You’ve seen Dog Day Afternoon! You’re stalling! Why? I don’t know.”

3. American Gangster (2007)

Washington’s semi-biographical portrayal of New York’s somewhat misunderstood drug lord cum gangster Frank Lucas saw The New Yorker describe his “movie star glow” as “all-powerful” as he transforms the audience’s impression of Lucas as the archetypal gangster into somebody with inherent goodness who’s busy chasing the American dream. 

Such is Denzel Washington’s performance that you’ll end up understanding and empathizing more with the criminal as the movie progresses. “American Gangster” drew exceptional reviews on its release and is worth watching if you’re keen on an enthralling watch that will transport you to the rough yet suave Harlem crime period of the late 1960s and 1970s. 

Memorable line: “See, ya are what ya are in this world. That’s either one of two things: Either you’re somebody, or you ain’t nobody.”

2. Remember the Titans (2000)

In 1971, Herman Boone coached the T.C. Williams High School football team in Virginia to an unbeaten season and the state championship before losing in the national finals. Almost 30 years later, Washington portrayed Boone in a performance that exemplified his extraordinary acting range and ability to master any role. 

Whether or not you’re a sports fan, Denzel Washington’s Coach Boone will tug at your heartstrings. Prepare your football decoration party supplies and line up “Remember the Titans” for your kid’s next birthday sleepover. Washington’s performance will have you and your kids riveted to the screen.

Memorable line: “I don’t care if you like each other or not, but you will respect each other. And maybe — I don’t know — maybe we’ll learn to play this game like men.”

1. Training Day (2001)

It’s hard to believe that over two decades have passed since Washington won his first and only Best Leading Actor Oscar for his role as Alonzo Harris, a corrupt detective who takes a rookie (Ethan Hawke) under his wing to teach him how policing really works. “Training Day” has it all, from car crashes, running gun fights and a band of rogue cops, with Washington’s Harris leading the charge as he continues to blur the line between right and wrong. 

Denzel Washington’s character acting is intense and menacing — he and Hawke’s novice detective create a moral-questioning and action-filled atmosphere with performances. “Training Day” is perfect for an action movie night immersed by surround sound and quality visuals. 

Memorable line: “It’s not what you know, it’s what you can prove.”

Honorable Mentions

Even with so many films to choose from, you may struggle to find Denzel Washington movies that aren’t worth watching. If you’re into the paranormal or horror, try “Fallen.” If you enjoy war movies with a historical slant, watch “Glory,” while the expressway chase scene in “Deja Vu” will satisfy the car lover in you. Here are some Denzel Washington movies worth honorable mention.

• The Equalizer (2014)
• Glory (1989)
• Flight (2012)
• Crimson Tide (1995)
• Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
• Fallen (1998)
• Deja Vu (2006)
• Fences (2016)

Just a Few of Our Favorite Denzel Washington Movies

You’ll have seen Denzel Washington in action, comedy, biographical, thriller, and war roles, performing exceptionally in each movie genre. His Hollywood track record ranks him among the best character actors in the business, and, even later in life, he’s showing no signs of slowing down.