Even King Kong Can’t Keep Denzel Washington From Becoming A Legend
20. John Q
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A movie that tugs at your heartstrings, John Q sees Denzel play the role of a loving father dealing with the imminent death of his son. Denzel’s performance is heartbreaking at every turn. From watching his son collapse, to taking a hospital hostage, Denzel does well emitting the pain he is feeling. It is not close to being his finest film, but his work in John Q is memorable — just ask LeBron James.
19. Man on Fire
Image Source: IMDb
Before Liam Neeson revived the action-thriller genre with Taken, Denzel played a similar role in a far superior movie, Man on Fire. A former CIA agent, Denzel plays an angry man who must save the girl (Dakota Fanning) that he’s sworn to protect. After Fanning is kidnapped, Washington goes on a rampage and kills everyone in sight. Neeson has nothing on Denzel.
18. Courage Under Fire
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Stoic. Obsessive. Desperate. Denzel’s take on Army sergeant Nat Serling was impactful. Serling, a proud military man who is haunted by his past, must investigate whether Karen Walden (played by Meg Ryan) should receive the Medal of Honor. Denzel carries the movie throughout alongside Ryan. In a constant battle with himself, Denzel expertly balances his own problems with his part in determining the truth in Walden’s story.
17. Philadelphia
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Starring opposite Tom Hanks, Denzel’s role in Philadelphia was one of the last times the famed actor would play a supporting role in a film. Denzel plays a lawyer tasked with defending Andrew Beckett (Hanks). The twist, Hanks plays a gay man and Denzel portrays a homophobic lawyer. Denzel and Hanks are incredible together. Washington’s personality and general consideration for Beckett’s well-being come off well. His character’s transformation is equal parts stunning and inspiring.
16. American Gangster
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Washington’s performance in American Gangster is intense, to say the least. Denzel portrays an infamous drug kingpin from Harlem named Frank Lucas. The actor is full of vitriol and hate. However, he uses his character’s resentment to his advantage. His performance doesn’t quite match his work in Training Day, but Denzel once again proves he can adequately play the villain.
15. The Hurricane
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The Hurricane was able to accomplish a feat that is difficult for sports movies. The story of Rubin Carter (Denzel), a boxer who spent two decades in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, is equal parts inspirational and daring. Washington’s riveting performance earned the actor his second Best Actor nomination, and fourth Oscar nomination overall.
14. Remember the Titans
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In Remember the Titans, Denzel turned an easygoing and inspirational football movie into an high-intensity classic. If you want to say the film is cheesy, that wouldn’t be a lie. However, Denzel’s powerful display of coaching is sure to get your blood pumping. He is inspirational, passionate, and convincing:
“Like all the other schools in this conference, they’re all white. They don’t have to worry about race. We do. let me tell you something: you don’t let anyone come between us. Nothing tears us apart. In Greek mythology, the Titans were greater even than the gods. They ruled their universe with absolute power. Well that football field out there, that’s our universe. Let’s rule it like titans.”
13. Fences
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Fences was a great movie. The film itself was nominated for Best Picture, Denzel earned his fifth Best Actor nomination, and Viola Davis captured Best Supporting Actress honors. Not only did Denzel charm audiences with his brilliant work as Troy Maxson, but Washington also directed the film. The beauty in Denzel’s performance is within the lie he tells. At first blush, Maxson is a lovable, noble man. You come to admire the chacter…until you learn that he is actually a conceited and spiteful man. Overall, Washington and Viola both put forth performances that will have a lasting impact.
12. Devil in a Blue Dress
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The chemistry between Mouse (Don Cheadle) and Easy Rawlins (Washington) steals the show in Devil in a Blue Dress. Rawlins, a World War II veteran in need of work, meets a white man named DeWitt Albright. Rawlins quickly finds himself immersed in a world full of murder and corruption. Denzel easily conveys his sense of confusion, and the results are both exciting and, at times, funny.
11. The Mighty Quinn
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Denzel turns on the charm in The Mighty Quinn. Playing a Caribbean cop who is investigating his childhood friend, Denzel displays his comedic touch throughout the film. Even the famed Roger Ebert was a fan of Washington’s work in The Mighty Quinn:
“One of those roles that creates a movie star overnight. You might have imagined that would have happened to Washington after he starred in “Cry Freedom” as the South African hero Steven Biko. He got an Oscar nomination for that performance, but it didn’t even begin to hint at his reserves of charm, sexiness and offbeat humor.”
10. Crimson Tide
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Gene Hackman vs. Denzel Washington. Crimson Tide is a film about an impending nuclear threat and a battle between the feisty nuclear submarine captain (Hackman) and his second-in-command (Washington). Denzel more than holds his own in a film that also features James Gandolfini and Viggo Mortensen. This high intensity thriller remains one of Washington’s most entertaining films.
9. Glory
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Denzel earned his first Academy Award in 1990. His performance in Glory, a Civil War movie in which he portrayed a fugitive slave, was truly breathtaking. Washington’s pain was felt through the screen, as was his resiliency and determination. Denzel dominates the screen every time he appears. Denzel’s tribute to the black soldiers who fought for the Union cause in the Civil War earned him a much-deserved Best Supporting Actor win.
8. Cry Freedom
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The biggest problem with Cry Freedom is that Denzel wasn’t onscreen the entire time. Washington’s depiction of South African activist Steven Biko was stirring. Denzel’s charisma was off the charts. He nailed the accent, and demonstrated the acting chops that would lead to a legendary career. Simply, Denzel did a brilliant job conveying the intellect and strength of Biko.
7. Mo’ Better Blues
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Spike Lee and Denzel Washington joined forces to create the memorable Mo’ Better Blues. Washington plays Bleek Gilliam, a trumpeter who must find balance between his friends, lovers and music. Denzel has an air of freedom about him throughout the film that he has rarely (if ever) been able to recreate. Bleek becomes a lovable, yet infuriating character thanks to Denzel’s captivating portrayal.
6. Mississippi Masala
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In Mississippi Masala, Denzel shows off his ability to play a romantic role. Washington played a carpet cleaner who, for the most part, was too cool for school. Enter Sarita Choudhury’s character, Meena. The chemistry between the two was undeniable. Washington’s transformed his character into a loving and magnetic person. Denzel reached into his bag and showed off multiple aspects of his greatness.
5. He Got Game
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He Got Game is an all-time classic. Once again teaming up with Spike Lee, Washington portrays a former basketball player who finds himself in a tough spot. A convict, Washington is briefly released from prison so he can convince his estranged son (Ray Allen) to attend a certain college. Washington’s character is a sad, sad, person. Allen does well as Jesus Shuttlesworth, but without Denzel’s performance the film may have fallen short. His ability to emit a sense of shame and pride are very impactful.
4. Inside Man
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Denzel’s decision to work with Spike Lee has been fruitful. Washington put forth some of his best work in Inside Man as a hostage negotiator. One of Denzel’s best qualities has to be his ability to convey a sense of calm while everything around him is going to hell. His range is also on full display in this film. One minute he is happy, the next he’s an intimidating presence. Throughout it all, Denzel controls the screen.
3. Flight
Image Source: IMDb
In a role that many believed would net Denzel his second Oscar for Best Actor, Washington reminded the audience that he is far more than an action star. In Flight, Washington portrays a pilot struggling with addiction and facing the threat of time in prison. His trademark range is on full display here, as Denzel goes from a confident (heroic) man, to a lost soul fighting to find himself, and lastly, a man who finally claims responsibility for his actions. Flight will go down as one of Denzel’s greatest performances.
2. Training Day
Image Source: IMDb
Thus far, Denzel’s work in Training Day has netted him his lone Oscar for Best Actor. Alongside the No. 1 film on this list, Training Day will forever be remembered as one of Denzel’s greatest gigs. We’ll leave you with this:
“King Kong ain’t got shit on me!”
1. Malcolm X
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Long after Denzel’s career has finished, his portrayal of Malcolm in Malcolm X will still be revered as one of film’s greatest performances. It is a shame he didn’t win the Oscar for Best Actor, but there is no denying what he accomplished. Washington was inspiring, powerful, funny, and most importantly, real. Nobody could have done a better job than Denzel Washington.
