The Best Movies of Denzel Washington
AMC Movie List

The Best Movies of Denzel Washington

As a hero, villain or historical figure, Denzel's always on top of his game. How would you rank the best of his best?

rank title points votes your vote
1 Training Day
Denzel goes very bad with spectacular results: A win at the Oscars for Best Actor. 242 506
2 American Gangster
Playing real-life drug kingpin Frank Lucas would be a challenge for most, just not Denzel. 216 452
3 Remember the Titans
Washington left behind serious drama for a bit to make this family flick, sure to warm anyone's heart. 204 444
4 Glory
Washington took home his first Oscar, and captured many hearts and minds, playing a courageous Civil War soldier. 182 390
5 Crimson Tide
Washington holds his own while going toe-to-toe with Gene Hackman in a tense submarine showdown. 148 340
6 Philadelphia
Denzel courts more controversy as a lawyer defending a man with AIDS. As always, he proved up to the challenge. 138 372
7 Malcolm X
As the titular Black Liberation leader, Washington provides an iconic performance despite a controversial subject matter. 124 354
8 Inside Man
Playing against type may sound like a bad idea, but Washington's sad-sack cop is one of his more nuanced characters. 105 313
9 The Hurricane
Washington received many plaudits for his nuanced take on the contentious boxer, including an Oscar nomination. 95 309
10 Courage Under Fire
Denzel looks great in a uniform, as an Army officer investigating a helipcopter crash and rescue. 83 277
11 The Pelican Brief
Denzel plays a journalist in pursuit of a truly big time story: The murder of two Supreme Court justices. 75 289
12 He Got Game
Another controversial Spike Lee joint for Washington, he plays the incarcerated father of a basketball prodigy to perfection. -12 256
13 Cry Freedom
While not many people know Cry Freedom, Denzel garnered an Oscar nod for his role as South African activist Steve Biko. -12 234
14 Mo' Better Blues
In his first of four go-rounds with Spike Lee, Washington brilliantly captured the soul of a Blues musician. -46 236
15 Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare is supposed to be difficult, but Denzel knocks it out of the park in this delightful Kenneth Branagh flick. -51 237