Top 5 Denzel Washington Films

"It was never my dream to be famous. I didn't start acting to be a movie star."
-Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is one of the best actors of his generation. He has the unique ability to be able to become, in the audience’s eyes, the characters that he plays. This is even more remarkable as many of his characters have existed in history. Many actors merely play a version of themselves (Keanu Reeves, I’m looking at you), but not Denzel. We can all appreciate his talent, but it is a testament to his skill as an actor, and his ability to pick good scripts, that he has played so many great characters in so many good movies. It was a difficult task, but I have tried to compile what I think are his five best films to date.

5. Malcolm X

I must admit that I am a sucker for films based in history, and this is one of those. Malcolm X is a wonderfully written and directed movie based on the life of its title character. The film delves into who Malcolm really was, and he is portrayed magnificently by Denzel. The role even garnered him an Oscar nomination. This is a great biographical film that shows us the legacy that Malcolm X left on the civil rights movement in America. This is one of Denzel’s best films because he really felt connected to his character. This helped to make his performance a true one. It is interesting to note that Washington named his son Malcolm after working on this
film.

4. Philadelphia

This film was released only one year after Malcolm X and marked a change in
pace for Denzel. This film starred Tom Hanks as a lawyer who believes that he was wrongfully fired from his job because he has contracted AIDS. Washington plays a supporting role as his homophobic representative in court. I have placed this film on the list as it really shows how well Washington can work with other actors, and help them to shine. That year Hanks received the academy award for his role, and he could not have done it without Denzel. Hanks even stated that working with Washington was like “going to film school”.

3. Remember the Titans

This is one of the greatest sports movies that there is, but that is not all it is about. It deals masterfully with the issue of race in American high schools, showing that sport can unite people. It is another film where Washington plays an historical figure, Herman Boone. In the film, Boone was tasked with leading a high school American football team to glory amidst a backdrop of racial tension within the team. Denzel does a wonderful job in portraying a man with great pride in his players and in himself. The film may not be completely historically accurate, but it does not diminish the inspiring effect of Washington’s performance.

2. American Gangster

This is a superb film that chronicles the life of real life gangster Frank Lucas, who is played by Washington. It is a great and interesting film that shows us the rise and fall of a gangster in Harlem in the 70’s and 80’s. This kind of story has been done before, but this film is brilliant and showcasing what kind of man Frank Lucas was. This is done through the performance of Denzel. He is excellent at portraying Lucas’ delight in his rise to power, but also shows the man’s dark side in his fall from grace. It is a testament to Washington’s performance that he can keep a character that does so much wrongdoing sympathetic to the audience.

1. Training Day

This was a risky role for Washington to play, as it was definitely a departure from his earlier work, but the risk definitely paid off. Denzel plays Detective Alonso Harris, an LAPD cop. Harris is not a policeman who is on the level. He steals from drug dealers and even takes drugs while on the job. Washington is excellent in portraying a character that is so dark compared to those that he has played before. Harris is definitely not a hero, and Washington’s performance reflects this. Denzel was rewarded for this role by receiving the Academy Award for best actor in a leading role, and, in my opinion, it was well deserved for this performance.

Honourable mentions: Man on Fire, Glory, The Hurricane, Déja Vu, The Book of Eli.