My Top 10 Favorite Denzel Washington Movies.
Denzel Washington is quite the legend and has been killing it for a long time, over three decades as a matter of fact. Denzel seems to have survived this long in the game because he’s reinvented himself constantly with his earlier film career mostly consisting of bio pics of famous and iconic black individuals and sometime between the late nineties up to now he’s become a bit of an action star, character driven action films, mind you. Denzel is a picky actor and has a high standard when it comes to his projects which is why he rarely has a stinker in his long list of films with notable exceptions like Virtuosity (1995), Carbon Copy(1981) and Heart Condition (1990). So sit back and enjoy as I count down my top ten favorite Denzel movies that I feel are Denzel at his very best and showcases his immeasurable talents like no other.
10. The Equalizer (2014)
Taking a classic 80’s show like The Equalizer starring Edward Woodard as Robert McCall, the ex spy and current enforcer of justice was no easy task:
Who can top that guy? Well…. in my opinion no one actually top what Edward Woodward did with this great character but if you had to get anybody to fill those shoes it was Denzel Washington. Whose interpretation was vastly different Woodward and the movie is certainly vastly different than the series with very few exceptions like the title or that he was an ex spy. And while I have grown to prefer the tv show more than the film and its sequel, there’s no denying that the first movie in particular was a great film on its own and Denzel was just amazing in the role. The Equalizer might have been his greatest showcase as an older action star with scenes like this:
If anybody could be over sixty and whoop everybody’s ass and make it believable it’s Denzel Washington.
9. Training Day (2001)
The film and performance that finally earned Denzel his first and only Best Actor Oscar is a true classic in most Denzel fans’ minds. It’s definitely a powerful departure from the usual heroic roles Denzel takes on but it worked spectacularly as he commanded the screen in every scene he was in and was so compelling in the role of corrupt cop Alonzo Harris that you almost root for him over the actual good guy Jake Hoyt played by Ethan Hawke.
8. Crimson Tide (1995)
Tony Scott’s Crimson Tide was the first movie that Denzel was involved in that reached over 100 million dollars at the US Box Office was the true start of Denzel being involved in more action\big box office roles as opposed to just indie films and what a great start this film was. One of the best suspense\thriller films of all time in my opinion and the pairing of Denzel and Gene Hackman is just too perfect. Interesting fact: The original director helming the film was superstar director Quentin Tarantino who got into it quite a bit with Denzel over certain aspects of the script that he added that Denzel heavily disagreed with. The arguing got so bad that Tarantino stepped down from the film and they brought in famed English action\thriller director Tony Scott to take over and it was the beginning of a beautiful partnership that would birth three more movies together.
7. Mo’ Better Blues (1991)
The first of three collaborations between Denzel and iconic filmmaker Spike Lee started here with a classic jazz themed little movie about jazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam who is caught between the two gorgeous women in his life all while trying to have his music career take off. The film boasted an incredible cast: Joi Lee(Spike Lee’s sister who was also in Do The Right Thing), Cynda Williams, Wesley Snipes, Charlie Murphy, Samuel L. Jackson, Dihann Carroll, John Turturro, Bill Nunn, Dick Anthony Williams, Giancarlo Esposito and the late great Robin Harris. But the film is clearly anchored by Denzel and his character of Bleek Gilliam is as fun to watch as he is smooth and charming.
6. Philadelphia (1993)
Ok, so this is a two hander with Tom Hanks who was also just perfect in this film as Andrew Beckett, a Gay attorney who has contracted AIDS and has been fired due to his illness. But as great as Tom was, Denzel Washington’s portrayal as Joe Miller, Andrew’s slightly homophobic attorney who he hires to represent him in the case against his bosses was just as crucial to the film’s quality. Denzel’s one of those actors that is just perfect in roles of sharp witted attorneys, cops, doctors etc. This role was a chance for Denzel to show you why you might hire him to be your attorney even though he’s only played one in a movie.
5. Man on Fire (2004)
Back with Tony Scott, Denzel’s turn as Creasy, a former mercenary turned Bodyguard for wealthy 10 year old Pita played by Dakota Fanning. When she gets kidnapped and is assumed dead, Creasy goes full savage mode and kills basically everybody who had been involved, profited from it or knew anything about it. My father and I often shout from the roof top that Denzel should’ve won another Best Actor Oscar for this film. He’s that good as Creasy and his chemistry with Dakota Fanning really gives the character and the film the heart it needs. It would shock you to know as much as it did me that this was basically a true story. Granted some of the bigger crazy stuff was probably added for entertainment value but it was based on a true story. Welp, they say write what you know.
4. Out of Time (2003)
One of my very favorite mystery\comedy\thrillers ever! Denzel’s just firing on all cylinders as Police Chief of a small Florida town, Matt Lee Whitlock whose been set up for a murder of two people he didn’t commit. With his soon to be ex wife Alex who just happens to be the homicide detective assigned to the case played by Eva Mendes, on his tail things get more and more complicated as he rushes to clear himself of any evidence or clues pointing towards him and solve the actual murder in the process. It’s so enjoyable watching Denzel’s Matt having to get himself out of really tight situations, the suspense in this film can be intense but most of it is actually fun to watch:
3. Devil In a Blue Dress (1995)
One of the first black noir\mystery\thriller films, 1995’s Devil in a Blue Dress was adapted from author Walter Mosley’s 1990 best selling mystery novel of the same name. Directed and written by African American filmmaker Carl Franklin(who also worked with Denzel again on Out of Time). As a fan of detective stories and mysteries in general the movie is definitely a favorite for that alone but it’s also a favorite because of the incredible cast with Denzel, Don Cheadle in a breakout performance, Tom Sizemore, Lisa Nicole Carson and Jennifer Beals, the 1940's period setting and especially because it’s one of Denzel’s greatest characters he’s ever played. But the movie’s also incredible because it was and sadly still is a rarity in black cinema: A noir mystery detective movie starring an African American and featuring predominantly African Americans. I hope to see more black detective stories like this film in the future, and hopefully they will be just as well done as this one. The film is a must see for mystery fans as well as Denzel fans who haven’t seen it.
2. John Q. (2002)
One of Denzel’s most vulnerable and emotionally wrenching roles to date. John Q has always been one of my personal favorite Denzel films because of the deep and intelligent subject matter as well as the pitch perfect performances by Denzel and other cast members like Kimberly Elise, Robert Duvall, Ray Liotta, James Woods, Anne Heche, Daniel E. Smith and Eddie Griffin. The film shows exactly the lengths a father would go to, to save the life of his son and if I ever need a good cry it’s my go to. Let’s just add this to the “Another Oscar Denzel should’ve gotten” list.
- Malcolm X (1992)
It’s not easy choosing the number 1 spot for my all time favorite Denzel Washington movie, most of the ones on the list could’ve been number 1 easily but it’s Spike Lee’s 1992 biopic classic Malcolm X that takes the cake. Denzel embodied Malcolm X:
So much so, in fact that when was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar in 1993 and lost to Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman, it caused quite the controversy. Also the film wasn’t exactly a box office smash only grossing 48 million dollars in its domestic run with a 33 million budget, ultimately ending with the studio having lost 30 million on the film in 1992. Some claim it was the run time of four hours that hurt the film’s box office and that’s most likely it. Nevertheless, the film has become a cultural touchstone and considered not only one of Denzel or Spike Lee’s finest films but also one of the finest biopics or film with a black cast and director ever made. It’s always been a favorite of mine and I’m sure most Denzel fanatics would rank it number 1 or at least have it in their top 5, I would hope.
The documentary detailing the making of the film is as enjoyable and inspiring to watch as the film itself:
Honorable mentions:
Deja Vu (2006)
Another Scott\Washington collab. A mystery film blended with sci-fi, Deja Vu is a thrilling, fun and compelling movie that showcases Denzel doing what he does best.
A Solider’s Story (1984)
One of Denzel’s first roles in a feature film. While more a supporting player in an ensemble, Denzel’s turn in the film indicates the superstar he was going to become just in a few short years.
Courage Under Fire (1996)
Another great mystery film starring Denzel. This time set in the military world. Meg Ryan also does some great work here. The film was the second collaboration between Denzel and director Edward Zwick that worked with Denzel in his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor role in 1989’s Glory.
Unstoppable (2010)
The final collaboration between Denzel and Tony Scott as tragically Scott would commit suicide in 2012. It was a great final movie between the two and is a great ride for anyone who watches it.
These are my all time favorites and hopefully most of them are on your own personal list. This man has done so much amazing work that I could easily have done my top 20 or 30 favorites but we’d be here all day.
Hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading this as much as I had writing it and maybe I even inspired you to dig out one of these films in your DVD drawers and give ’em a look. If I inspire you to do that then I’ve done my job. Stay safe and come back for more.