35 of the Best Denzel Washington Movies, Ranked by a Superfan

He can portray a corrupt cop as easily as an action hero, a passionate civil rights activist or a curious musician. And even if he barely utters a word, he has a way of commanding the viewer's attention. Of course, I'm talking about the incomparable Denzel Washington, who, throughout his decades-long career, has delivered some of the strongest and most impactful performances in cinema.

For instance, I could go on for days about his powerful portrayal of the iconic Malcolm X, and I still think about his emotional performance in Glory (goodness, that flogging scene). So, it doesn't surprise me that he's just one letter away from EGOT status, with two Academy Awards, 2 Golden Globe Awards and a Tony to his name.

As it turns out, the iconic Sidney Poitier helped Washington kickstart his successful career by offering sage advice. He told The Talks, "Sidney Poitier told me many, many years ago that the first four or five movies that you do will determine how you’re perceived in the business. So I was very blessed that the second movie I did was with Norman Jewison, the third movie I did was with Sidney Lumet, and the fourth movie I did was Cry Freedom with Richard Attenborough, for which I was nominated for the first time. I was off to the races. There were other movies that I could have done and I didn’t do."

Since then, the actor has done several top-notch crime dramas, biopics and thrillers, from Inside Man to Devil in a Blue Dress. Keep reading for my full ranking of the best Denzel Washington movies.

35. Safe House (2012)

• Director: Daniel Espinosa
• Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard, Rubén Blades, Nora Arnezeder
• Rating: 
• Run Time: 115 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 53% | IMDb 6.7/10
• Genre: Action Thriller

Matt, a CIA officer, finds himself on the run with Tobin (Washington), a veteran and fugitive he's been holding in a safe house, when a mysterious group of killers begins to target them. This marked Espinosa's first English-language film and it was a huge box-office success, earning more than $208 million. With all the high-speed car chases and Washington's tough-as-nails character, I can see the appeal, but I wouldn't rank this one too high.

34. The Little Things (2021)

• Director: John Lee Hancock
• Cast: Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Natalie Morales
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 128 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 45% | IMDb 6.3/10
• Genre: Crime Drama

As I noted in my review of the film, it's a cross between Se7en and Insomnia, but the pace is quite slow and the ending is a head-scratcher. The character-driven thriller centers on a seasoned detective (Washington) who joins forces with a prideful newbie as they take on a mysterious new case that involves a string of murders. Not surprisingly, Washington is a clear standout, and Leto's mastery of dialogue is on full display here. (Fun fact: This film actually began development in 1993, but the project was kept in limbo until it was finally revitalized in 2019.)

33. The Bone Collector (1999)

• Director: Phillip Noyce
• Cast: Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, Mike McGlone, Luis Guzmán
• Rating: 
• Run Time: 118 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 29% | IMDb 6.7/10
• Genre: Crime Thriller

This '90s thriller revolves around Lincoln (Washington), a forensic detective who gets a serious injury on the job. Unable to investigate his current case, he enlists the help of a cop to help him solve a string of terrifying murders. I'll be frank: This flick is a bit lacking in the suspense department, but it certainly didn't dull Washington's shine, since he nailed this part. And believe it or not, Al Pacino was originally slated to play this part. Syfy.com reports, "When Pacino decided to make The Insider with Michael Mann instead, Harrison Ford and Sean Connery were suggested by Universal Pictures." Going with Washington was a good call.

32. Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)

• Director: Dan Gilroy
• Cast: Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo, Shelley Hennig, Lynda Gravatt
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 122 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 55% | IMDb 6.5/10
• Genre: Legal Drama

Is it my favorite Denzel movie? No. But Washington's incredible performance and powerful one-liners ("I'm tired of doing the impossible for the ungrateful") had me invested from start to finish. In the film, he plays Roman, a civil rights activist and underpaid lawyer whose life is turned upside down when he takes on one of his toughest (and most dangerous) cases yet. Washington's stunning portrayal earned him nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

31. The Book of Eli (2010)

• Director: The Hughes Brothers
• Cast: Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 118 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 47% | IMDb 6.8/10
• Genre: Neo-Western Action

Yes, I'm aware of the fact that many have criticized this film for its Biblical undertones, but frankly, I think the exploration of religion here is different and quite refreshing. Set three decades after a nuclear holocaust, the film follows Eli, a blind man who must travel across a desert wasteland to deliver a sacred book that could save humanity. Although it was met with mixed reviews, it sparked several interesting conversations about the film's message, and Washington's here performance is solid. Even so, as much as I appreciate this fascinating flick, it doesn't hold a candle to many of his other works.

30. Déjà Vu (2006)

• Director: Tony Scott
• Cast: Val Kilmer, Paula Patton, Bruce Greenwood, Adam Goldberg, Jim Caviezel
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 126 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 56% | IMDb 7.1/10
• Genre: Sci-Fi Action

Did you know that Scott and Washington have worked on five movies together? Déjà Vu is one of their standouts, thanks to the stunning cinematography, surprising plot twists and Washington's memorable performance. The actor plays Doug Carlin, an ATF Special Agent who time travels to the past to capture a terrorist who killed hundreds of people in a ferry bombing.  There's also a bit of romance, where Doug must find a way to save his love interest, Claire.

29. The Magnificent Seven (2016)

• Director: Antoine Fuqua
• Cast: Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Byung-hun
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 133 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 64% | IMDb 6.9/10
• Genre: Western Action

In this action-packed flick, the recently widowed Emma enlists the help of a U.S. Marshall and a few outcasts to get revenge on the man who murdered her husband. It's a modern twist on John Sturges's 1960 classic, and despite a few minor plot holes, it keeps the audience entertained. While discussing the Western film's diversity, Washington told Good Morning America, "It speaks to the reality in the 1870s. That's more typical than movies of the '50s and '40s, where there was nobody that looked like us."

28. The Mighty Quinn (1989)

• Director: Carl Schenkel
• Cast: Sheryl Lee Ralph, Robert Townsend, James Fox, Mimi Rogers, M. Emmet Walsh 
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 98 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 89% | IMDb 6/10
• Genre: Crime Drama

Bad Jamaican accents aside, I can honestly say that Washington's rendition of "The Mighty Quinn" still lives rent-free in my mind. Inspired by Albert H. Z. Carr's 1971 novel, Finding Maubee, the murder mystery tells the story of detective Xavier Quinn, who tries to help his friend when he's accused of murder. Fun fact: Bob Dylan, who wrote the song "The Mighty Quinn," is a big fan of the flick. He said in his autobiography, "I wondered what the movie was about. Eventually, I'd sneak off and go there to see it. It was a mystery, suspense, Jamaican thriller with Denzel Washington as the Mighty Xavier Quinn, a detective who solves crimes. Funny, that's just the way I imagined him when I wrote the song."

27. The Equalizer 2 (2018)

• Director: Antoine Fuqua
• Cast: Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 121 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 52% | IMDb 6.7/10
• Genre: Action Thriller

Washington reprises his role as the reserved, badass ex-Marine Robert McCall in The Equalizer franchise. And while this installment was met with mixed reviews, he's still as compelling as ever. In the film, he's out for revenge after he learns that an old colleague was murdered. It doesn't pack as much punch as the original film, but it delivers some great action sequences—and Pascal's performance is terrific.

26. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

• Director: Penny Marshall
• Cast: Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 124 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 62% | IMDb 5.7/10
• Genre: Comedy Drama

Few things are as satisfying as seeing one of my favorite singers of all time collaborate with the legendary Denzel Washington. In this remake of the 1947 film, The Bishop's Wife, Houston shines as Julia, a lonely preacher's wife who receives spiritual guidance from a handsome guardian angel. Washington lays on the charm, his chemistry with Houston is solid and the soundtrack is simply phenomenal. Oh, and did I mention that this film was nominated for an Oscar?

25. Antwone Fisher (2002) 

• Director: Denzel Washington
• Cast: Derek Luke, Joy Bryant, Salli Richardson
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 120 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 78% | IMDb 7.3/10
• Genre: Drama

Ladies and gents, allow me to introduce Washington's directorial debut. Based on Fisher's autobiography, Finding Fish, the film revolves around a troubled young sailor who starts to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Davenport (played by Washington), when he has a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. The dialogue is so well done, and there are quite a few tear-jerker scenes—like when Fisher confronts his mom. It's also worth noting that Washington steals nearly every scene.

24. Cry Freedom (1987)

• Director: Richard Attenborough
• Cast: Kevin Kline, Penelope Wilton, Alec McCowen
• Rating: PG
• Run Time: 157 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 74% | IMDb 7.4/10
• Genre: Drama

In this apartheid drama, Washington portrays Steve Biko, a South African anti-apartheid activist who has several encounters with a skeptical journalist. Though not considered one of his most popular movies, this film completely changed the trajectory of Washington's career after he tried his hand at comedy. Even better, his performance earned him his first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Cry Freedom tackles issues like discrimination and unjust political systems.

23. Man on Fire (2004)

• Director: Tony Scott
• Cast: Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, Giancarlo Giannini, Marc Anthony
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 146 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 39% | IMDb 7.7/10
• Genre: Action Thriller

In Man on Fire, which is based on based on A. J. Quinnell's 1980 novel of the same name, a former CIA officer-turned-bodyguard is out for revenge when Pita Ramos, the young girl he was hired to protect, suddenly gets kidnapped in Mexico City. With all the flying bullets and fiery explosions, I was hooked until the credits rolled. But it's quite fascinating to see the transformation of Washington's character, who goes from a troubled and hopeless man to a fearless protector—and his bond with Pita feels genuine.

22. Unstoppable (2010)

• Director: Tony Scott
• Cast: Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Ethan Suplee, Kevin Dunn
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 98 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 87% | IMDb 6.8/10
• Genre: Action Thriller

In this fast-paced thriller, a train operator and a veteran engineer (Washington) must find a way to stop a runaway freight train before it reaches a small Pennsylvania town, Inspired by the real-life 2001 CSX 8888 incident, it's an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that packs plenty of action sequences and builds a lot of dramatic tension. Plus, Washington's performance is stellar. This marked Scott's final film before his passing in 2012, and it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Sound Editing.

21. Flight (2012)

• Director: Robert Zemeckis
• Cast: Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly, John Goodman, Bruce Greenwood, Melissa Leo
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 138 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 77% | IMDb 7.3/10
• Genre: Drama

Meet Whip Whitaker, a skilled pilot who struggles with alcoholism. When his plane experiences technical difficulties, he narrowly crash-lands the aircraft and saves almost everyone on board. However, the authorities launch an investigation into the incident, causing some to question Whip's involvement. Washington's layered portrayal of the troubled pilot had me questioning his character one moment and sympathizing with him the next. It's no wonder this movie earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

20. The Equalizer 3 (2023)

• Director: Antoine Fuqua
• Cast: Dakota Fanning, Eugenio Mastrandrea, David Denman, Gaia Scodellaro
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 109 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 76% | IMDb 6.8/10
• Genre: Action Thriller

I'm almost certain that Washington doesn't regret breaking his no sequel rule, because this final installment is pretty impressive. In it, a retired Robert McCall settles down in Southern Italy, only to find out that his friends are being terrorized by members of the mafia. The Italian backdrop is stunning, but it's a pretty gory and violent sequel (someone gets shot through the eye, just to give you an idea) with plenty of tension-filled moments. And even at 68, Washington solidifies his status as an action hero.

19. The Equalizer (2014)

• Director: Antoine Fuqua
• Cast: Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Bill Pullman
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 132 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 61% | IMDb 7.2/10
• Genre: Action Thriller

The first installment of the famous franchise introduces fans to the retired CIA operative, Robert McCall. However, that retirement is short-lived when he embarks on a mission to save a sex worker being controlled by Russian mobsters. Washington delivers one of his most memorable performances here, switching from a mysteriously calm home improvement store worker to a badass vigilante who exacts justice.

18. Training Day (2001)

• Director: Antoine Fuqua
• Cast: Ethan Hawke, Eva Mendes, Scott Glenn, Cliff Curtis, Dr. Dre
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 122 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 74% | IMDb 7.8/10
• Genre: Crime Thriller

Training Day allows us to experience a day in the life of two LAPD narcotics officers, and there's no shortage of action and intense moments. In a 24-hour period, Alonzo, a veteran detective teams up with Jake, a hopeful newbie, to visit the most dangerous neighborhoods in L.A. The problem? Alonzo's questionable methods start to worry Jake and put him on edge. The film has plenty to say about the abuse of power and whether the ends truly justify the means. And I can see that Washington had fun with this role, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

17. The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

• Director: Jonathan Demme
• Cast: Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, Jon Voight, Kimberly Elise
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 130 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 80% | IMDb 6.6/10
• Genre: Psychological Political Thriller

Based on Richard Condon's 1959 novel of the same title, Washington stars as Captain Bennett Marco, a former soldier who suffers from nightmares and begins to suspect that he was brainwashed. Streep's unforgettable performance is a big highlight, but Washington's honest portrayal of the brave soldier is just as noteworthy. The movie features cameos by big names like Gayle King, Al Franken and Anna Deavere Smith.

16. Mo' Better Blues (1990) 

• Director: Spike Lee
• Cast: Wesley Snipes, Spike Lee, Giancarlo Esposito
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 130 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 71% | IMDb 6.7/10
• Genre: Musical Comedy Drama

If you've seen any of their collaborations, then you already know that Lee and Washington are a dynamic duo. In Mo' Better Blues, Washington shines as Bleek Gilliam, a jazz musician who discovers that his manager (and childhood friend) is squandering their earnings on personal bets. From the fedoras and double-breasted suits to the jazzy soundtrack, this film transports you to another era.

15. Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

• Director: Carl Franklin
• Cast: Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, Don Cheadle, Maury Chaykin
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 102 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 92% | IMDb 6.8/10
• Genre: Mystery Thriller

I'll admit, Cheadle is a total scene-stealer in this '90s whodunit, but Washington still holds his own as World War II veteran Easy Rawlins. In the film, Easy is hired to find a missing woman, but he soon learns that his new case is far from simple when he gets involved in a political scandal. This underrated gem, which is inspired by Walter Mosley's 1990 novel of the same title, offers some insight into the criminal underworld and tackles important themes like greed and racial injustice.

14. Courage Under Fire (1996)

• Director: Edward Zwick
• Cast: Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, Michael Moriarty, Matt Damon
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 116 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 86% | IMDb 6.6/10
• Genre: War Drama

Set during the 1991 Gulf War, Courage Under Fire follows Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling (Washington), who's tasked with investigating the death of an Army Captain who was killed on a rescue mission. However, the case gets complicated when the captain's crew tells him conflicting stories. It's safe to say that Washington's authentic performance made this movie shine, inviting viewers to obsess over this case right along with him.

13. Philadelphia (1993)

• Director: Jonathan Demme
• Cast: Tom Hanks, Jason Robards, Mary Steenburgen, Antonio Banderas
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 126 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 81% | IMDb 7.7/10
• Genre: Legal Drama

When you combine two powerhouses like Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, what you get is a poignant masterpiece. This '90s drama follows an attorney named Andrew, who seeks the help of another attorney named Joe (Washington) after his former employer fires him for being gay and having AIDS. The groundbreaking film thoughtfully addresses homophobia and workplace discrimination, and it scored two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Hanks.

12. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

• Director: Kenneth Branagh
• Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 111 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes TK% | IMDb TK/10
• Genre: Romantic Comedy

Mere days before their wedding day, Hero and Claudio team up with Claudio's commanding officer, Don Pedro (Washington) to play matchmakers for their pals, Benedick and Beatrice. However, they've got their work cut out for them, because the pair are not fond of each other. This fun, light-hearted William Shakespeare adaptation is quite different from the dark and intense flicks Washington is known for, but he definitely proves his comedic ability.

11. Mississippi Masala (1991)

• Director: Mira Nair
• Cast: Roshan Seth, Sarita Choudhury, Charles S. Dutton, Joe Seneca
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 118 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 92% | IMDb 6.8/10
• Genre: Romantic Drama

After settling with her family in Mississippi during the '70s, Mina, an Indian immigrant, strikes up an unlikely romance with Demetrius, a Black carpet cleaner. Unfortunately, Mina's family isn't very welcoming of Demetrius, so plenty of awkwardness and tension ensues. The chemistry between Washington and Choudhury is quite convincing, and I especially love how the film tackles prejudice, racism and family dynamics.

10. American Gangster (2007)

• Director: Ridley Scott
• Cast: Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 157 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 81% | IMDb 7.8/10
• Genre: Crime

Based on the life of Frank Lucas, a drug lord who was based in Harlem, American Gangster chronicles his rise to power in the criminal world during the '70s. Meanwhile, there's a detective on his tail who's determined to take him down. Washington oozes confidence and charisma in his portrayal of Frank, and Steven Zaillian's screenwriting is award-worthy. In my honest opinion, both were snubbed by the Oscars Academy, but the film did score two nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress for Rube Dee.

9. Remember the Titans (2000)

• Director: Boaz Yakin
• Cast: Will Patton, Donald Faison, Nicole Ari Parker
• Rating: PG
• Run Time: 113 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 71% | IMDb 7.8/10
• Genre: Sports Drama

I'll admit, I'm biased when it comes to this film because it's a childhood favorite—and its powerful messages on discipline, teamwork and respect were key lessons that stuck with me all the way into adulthood. Inspired by true events, Remember the Titans follows Herman Boone, a no-nonsense coach (Washington) who agrees to integrate Black and white football players at T. C. Williams High School. The film earned Washington an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture.

8. Crimson Tide (1995)

• Director: Tony Scott
• Cast: Gene Hackman, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, Matt Craven
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 116 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 89% | IMDb 7.3/10
• Genre: Action Thriller

Washington has mastered the art of portraying experienced veterans who take newbies under his wing (ex. The Little Things, Training Day, etc.). But in this case, he's the newbie with zero combat experience—and he's just as compelling. In Crimson Tide the USS Alabama receives an order to launch nuclear missiles while patroling Russian waters. The only problem? They lose radio contact, and Lieutenant Commander Ron (Washington) disagrees with his Captain on how to proceed.

7. Inside Man (2006)

• Director: Spike Lee
• Cast: Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 129 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 86% | IMDb 7.6/10
• Genre: Crime Thriller

A Manhattan bank robbery goes south and takes a dangerous turn when Dalton, a criminal mastermind, and his crew get trapped inside with several hostages. A police hostage negotiator (Washington) decides to intervene, and the bank's chairman privately hires an outsider to protect a mysterious item in the bank, which raises even more questions about the heist. As you'd expect with any Spike Lee joint, it includes some spon-on commentary on social issues, and Washington is simply brilliant as the seasoned negotiator.

6. The Great Debaters (2007)

• Director: Denzel Washington
• Cast: Forest Whitaker, Denzel Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 126 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 80% | IMDb 7.5/10
• Genre: Historical Drama

Set in Texas during the Great Depression, this emotional film chronicles the real-life experiences of the Wiley College debate team. Washington plays debate coach Melvin B. Tolson, who creates an award-winning debate team and lands them the rare opportunity to face off against reigning champions Harvard University. Washington is in his element here—and it comes as no surprise, given that he's a fountain of wisdom IRL. Plus, the story is truly engrossing, diving into themes like racial discrimination and civil disobedience.

5. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

• Director: Joel Coen
• Cast: Frances McDormand, Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 105 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 92% | IMDb 7.1/10
• Genre: Historical Thriller

In this chilling adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, Washington transforms into Macbeth, a Scottish general who takes the council of his wife and three witches when they encourage him to murder the king for power. When he does the deed, however, chaos ensues as he becomes increasingly paranoid. The film is so well-executed and it features striking visuals, but Washington's ability to show Macbeth's psychological torment stood out the most. (Fun fact, Washington's daughter, Olivia, appears in the film as a children’s nurse.)

4. He Got Game (1998) 

• Director: Spike Lee
• Cast: John Turturro, Rosario Dawson, Ray Allen
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 136 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 80% | IMDb 6.9/10
• Genre: Sports Drama

Another standout Lee-Washington collab, He Got Game tells the story of Jake, a convict who gets offered a rare deal that could shorten his prison sentence. The task? To convince his basketball star son to enroll at the governor's alma mater. The film, which was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards, offers insight into hoop culture and tackles themes like childhood trauma and family dynamics. There's plenty to learn from this one—even if you're not into the sport.

3. Glory (1989)

• Director: Edward Zwick
• Cast: Matthew Broderick, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman
• Rating: R
• Run Time: 122 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 95% | IMDb 7.8/10
• Genre: Historical Drama

Yes, I still think about that single tear rolling down Private Trip's face as he stands and takes his flogging—but there's much more to the war drama than tearjerker moments. Glory, which tells the story of a Colonel who commands the country's first all-Black regiment, made history as the first-ever film to tell the story of Black soldiers fighting during the Civil War. It also explores different kinds of racism and incorporates important history that isn't included in most textbooks. Washington's layered portrayal of Trip is just the icing on the cake.

2. Malcolm X (1992)

• Director: Spike Lee
• Cast: Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Delroy Lindo
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 202 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 88% | IMDb 7.7/10
• Genre: Biographical Drama

It's not easy to embody one of the most controversial figures in the Civil Rights movement, but boy, does Washington make it look easy. In this biopic he delivers an unforgettable performance as Malcolm, who starts off as a young criminal and embarks on a new path after converting to Islam. I love that Lee took a few creative liberties while staying true to the character and legacy of the Civil Rights leader. Also, that toilet bowl scene? Iconic.

1. Fences (2016)

• Director: Denzel Washington
• Cast: Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson
• Rating: PG-13
• Run Time: 138 minutes
• Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes 92% | IMDb TK/10
• Genre: Period Drama

If there's anyone who can portray a character who's charming, rigid, loving, prideful, stubborn and bitter all at once, it's Washington. He is truly at his best as Troy Maxson, a sanitation worker and proud patriarch in 1950s America. However, Troy is also a former athlete who's haunted by insecurities and a dark past. Unfortunately, these unresolved issues have a ripple effect on his family, which creates tension and, worse yet, jeopardizes his son's future.

Washington's poignant film came several years after he portrayed the same role in Broadway's production of August Wilson’s play, which earned him a Tony for Best Actor. Meanwhile, the film adaptation earned four Oscar nominations (including Best Picture and Best Actor for Washington), with Davis scoring a win for Best Actress.