Top 44 Best Denzel Washington Movies To Watch
Denzel Washington is one of the most talented and versatile actors in Hollywood. With a career spanning over four decades, he has become known for his commanding presence, nuanced performances, and ability to captivate audiences with his range of emotions.
From crime dramas to historical epics, Denzel has starred in some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies of our time.
In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the top best Denzel Washington movies to watch, showcasing his incredible talent and the unforgettable stories that have made him one of the greatest actors of our generation.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to be entertained and inspired by the best of Denzel Washington on the big screen.
Top 44 Best Denzel Washington Movies To Watch
1. Carbon Copy (1981)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Carbon Copy |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, George Segal, Susan Saint James |
| Director | Michael Schultz |
| Release Date | 25 September 1981 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 1h 32min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 5.5/10 |
Plot Summary
A wealthy white businessman discovers that he has a black son from his previous relationship, and his life turns upside down when the son moves in with him and tries to adjust to a new lifestyle.
2. A Soldier's Story (1984)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | A Soldier's Story |
| Actors | Howard E. Rollins Jr., Adolph Caesar, Art Evans |
| Director | Norman Jewison |
| Release Date | 2 March 1984 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 1h 41min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
Plot Summary
A black soldier is murdered in a racially segregated Louisiana army base during World War II, and a young captain is sent to investigate the crime.
He uncovers many secrets and hidden motives of the people involved in the case.
3. Power (1986)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Power |
| Actors | Richard Gere, Julie Christie, Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington |
| Director | Sidney Lumet |
| Release Date | 31 January 1986 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 51min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 6.2/10 |
Plot Summary
A New York City district attorney is running for governor, and he hires a brilliant and ambitious young advisor to help him with his campaign.
However, their ideals clash when they uncover a conspiracy involving corruption and power.
4. Cry Freedom (1987)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Cry Freedom |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, Josette Simon |
| Director | Richard Attenborough |
| Release Date | 5 November 1987 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 2h 37min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, History |
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
Plot Summary
The movie is based on the true story of Steve Biko, a black South African activist who was brutally murdered by the apartheid government.
Denzel Washington portrays Steve Biko, and Kevin Kline plays the role of Donald Woods, a white journalist who becomes a close friend of Biko and helps to expose the injustice and brutality of the apartheid regime.
5. For Queen and Country (1988)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | For Queen and Country |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Dorian Healy, Amanda Redman |
| Director | Martin Stellman |
| Release Date | 22 September 1989 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 45min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 6.4/10 |
Plot Summary
After serving in the British army for many years, a black soldier returns to a poor and violent neighborhood in London.
He struggles to find a job and provide for his family, and he is forced to confront racism, poverty, and discrimination.
6. The Mighty Quinn (1989)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Mighty Quinn |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Robert Townsend, James Fox |
| Director | Carl Schenkel |
| Release Date | 16 February 1990 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 38min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 6.1/10 |
Plot Summary
A police chief on a Caribbean island investigates a murder case involving his childhood friend, who is now a local celebrity and a suspect in the crime.
Denzel Washington plays the role of Xavier Quinn, the police chief who must confront corruption, violence, and political intrigue to solve the case.
7. Glory (1989)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Glory |
| Actors | Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman |
| Director | Edward Zwick |
| Release Date | 16 February 1990 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 2min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, History |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary
During the American Civil War, a white officer leads the first all-black regiment in the Union Army.
Denzel Washington plays the role of Private Silas Trip, a former slave who becomes a skilled and brave soldier and earns the respect of his fellow soldiers and his commander.
8. Heart Condition (1990)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Heart Condition |
| Actors | Bob Hoskins, Denzel Washington, Chloe Webb |
| Director | James D. Parriott |
| Release Date | 2 February 1990 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require an Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Genres | Comedy, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 5.5/10 |
Plot Summary
A racist and corrupt cop receives a heart transplant from a black lawyer who he hated and mistreated.
After the transplant, he begins to see the ghost of the lawyer, who wants him to solve his murder case and clear his name. Denzel Washington plays the role of Napoleon Stone, the ghost of the lawyer who helps the cop to find the truth.
9. Mo' Better Blues (1990)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Mo' Better Blues |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes |
| Director | Spike Lee |
| Release Date | 3 August 1990 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 10min |
| Genres | Drama, Music, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 6.7/10 |
Plot Summary
A jazz musician struggles to balance his passion for music, his relationships with two women, and his addiction to gambling.
Denzel Washington plays the role of Bleek Gilliam, a talented and ambitious trumpet player who faces many challenges and conflicts in his personal and professional life.
10. Mississippi Masala (1991)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Mississippi Masala |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Sarita Choudhury, Roshan Seth |
| Director | Mira Nair |
| Release Date | 5 February 1992 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 58min |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
Plot Summary
A young Indian woman falls in love with a black man in a small town in Mississippi, and they face many obstacles and prejudices from their families, their communities, and the authorities.
Denzel Washington plays the role of Demetrius Williams, a charming and confident carpet cleaner who wins the heart of the Indian woman.
11. Ricochet (1991)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Ricochet |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, John Lithgow, Ice-T |
| Director | Russell Mulcahy |
| Release Date | 4 October 1991 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 42min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 6.1/10 |
Plot Summary
A successful district attorney is targeted by a psychopathic criminal whom he had prosecuted years ago.
The criminal ruins the DA's reputation kidnaps his family and forces him to play a dangerous and deadly game of revenge. Denzel Washington plays the role of Nick Styles, the DA who must outsmart and outfight his adversary to save his loved ones.
12. Malcolm X (1992)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Malcolm X |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee |
| Director | Spike Lee |
| Release Date | 18 November 1992 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 3h 22min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, History |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary
The movie is based on the life of Malcolm X, a civil rights activist who became a prominent leader of the Nation of Islam and a symbol of black power in the 1960s.
Denzel Washington portrays Malcolm X from his early days as a street hustler to his conversion to Islam, his rise to fame, and his assassination in 1965.
13. Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Much Ado About Nothing |
| Actors | Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington |
| Director | Kenneth Branagh |
| Release Date | 7 May 1993 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 51min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
Plot Summary
The movie is based on the play by William Shakespeare, which tells the story of two pairs of lovers and their friends who get entangled in a web of misunderstandings, deceptions, and schemes.
Denzel Washington plays the role of Don Pedro of Aragon, a nobleman who helps his friend to win the heart of a woman.
14. The Pelican Brief (1993)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Pelican Brief |
| Actors | Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard |
| Director | Alan J. Pakula |
| Release Date | 17 December 1993 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 21min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 6.6/10 |
Plot Summary
A law student uncovers a conspiracy involving the assassination of two Supreme Court justices, and she writes a brief that puts her life in danger.
Denzel Washington plays the role of Gray Grantham, a reporter who helps the student to investigate the case and expose the truth.
15. Philadelphia (1993)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Philadelphia |
| Actors | Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell |
| Director | Jonathan Demme |
| Release Date | 14 January 1994 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 6min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary
The movie tells the story of a man with AIDS who fights against discrimination and prejudice in the workplace and society.
Tom Hanks plays the role of Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired from his job because of his illness, and Denzel Washington plays the role of Joe Miller, a lawyer who takes up his case and defends him in court.
16. Crimson Tide (1995)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Crimson Tide |
| Actors | Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Matt Craven |
| Director | Tony Scott |
| Release Date | 12 May 1995 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 56min |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
Plot Summary
The movie is about a power struggle between the captain and the executive officer of a nuclear submarine during a crisis that threatens nuclear war.
Gene Hackman plays the role of the captain who believes in aggressive action, and Denzel Washington plays the role of the executive officer who questions his orders and suggests caution.
17. Virtuosity (1995)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Virtuosity |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Kelly Lynch |
| Director | Brett Leonard |
| Release Date | 4 August 1995 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 46min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi |
| IMDB Rating | 5.6/10 |
Plot Summary
In a near future, a virtual reality program develops a villainous artificial intelligence that has become too powerful and threatens the real world.
Denzel Washington plays the role of a former cop who is released from prison to catch the AI, which has taken the form of a virtual serial killer played by Russell Crowe.
18. Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Devil in a Blue Dress |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals |
| Director | Carl Franklin |
| Release Date | 29 September 1995 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 42min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
Plot Summary
The movie is based on the novel by Walter Mosley and is set in the 1940s in Los Angeles. Denzel Washington plays the role of a World War II veteran who becomes a private investigator to find a missing woman.
As he uncovers more clues, he gets entangled in a web of corruption, racism, and violence.
19. Courage Under Fire (1996)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Courage Under Fire |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips |
| Director | Edward Zwick |
| Release Date | 12 July 1996 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 56min |
| Genres | Action, Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a Lieutenant Colonel who investigates the case of a female helicopter pilot who died in combat and is recommended for a posthumous Medal of Honor.
However, as he uncovers more information about her, he starts to suspect that she might have made a mistake that cost the lives of her crew members.
20. The Preacher's Wife (1996)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Preacher's Wife |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance |
| Director | Penny Marshall |
| Release Date | 13 December 1996 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 2h 3min |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy |
| IMDB Rating | 5.6/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of an angel who comes to Earth to help a preacher and his wife, played by Whitney Houston, who are struggling with their marriage and their church.
The angel helps them to overcome their problems and rekindle their love for each other and their community.
21. Fallen (1998)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Fallen |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland |
| Director | Gregory Hoblit |
| Release Date | 16 January 1998 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Gregory Hoblitan |
| Duration | 2h 4min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Fantasy |
| IMDB Rating | 7.0/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a police detective who is investigating a series of murders that seem to be connected to a dangerous and supernatural entity.
As he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that he might be facing an evil that cannot be defeated by traditional means.
22. He Got Game (1998)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | He Got Game |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich |
| Director | Spike Lee |
| Release Date | 1 May 1998 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require an Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Genres | Drama, Sport |
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a father who is in prison for murder and is given a temporary release to convince his son, a highly recruited high school basketball player played by Ray Allen, to attend the governor's alma mater.
The movie explores their complicated relationship and the pressure and temptations that the son faces as a young athlete.
23. The Siege (1998)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Siege |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Annette Bening, Bruce Willis |
| Director | Edward Zwick |
| Release Date | 6 November 1998 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 56min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 6.4/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of an FBI agent who is tasked with stopping a series of terrorist attacks in New York City.
As the attacks escalate, the city is put under martial law, and the FBI and the military resort to extreme measures to find and capture the terrorists.
24. The Bone Collector (1999)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Bone Collector |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah |
| Director | Phillip Noyce |
| Release Date | 5 November 1999 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 58min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 6.7/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a quadriplegic forensic detective who teams up with a young female patrol officer, played by Angelina Jolie, to catch a serial killer who is targeting people with disabilities.
As they investigate the case, they become the killer's next targets, and they must race against time to solve the case and save themselves.
25. The Hurricane (1999)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Hurricane |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Vicellous Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger |
| Director | Norman Jewison |
| Release Date | 14 January 2000 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 26min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, Sport |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer who is wrongfully convicted of murder and spends nearly two decades in prison.
The movie follows the efforts of a young man played by Vicellous Shannon, who helps to bring the case to the attention of the public and eventually leads to Carter's release.
26. Remember the Titans (2000)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Remember the Titans |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris |
| Director | Boaz Yakin |
| Release Date | 29 September 2000 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may not be suitable for children |
| Duration | 1h 53min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, Sport |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of Herman Boone, a high school football coach who is hired to integrate a racially divided team in 1970s Virginia.
As the team struggles to come together, Boone faces resistance from the community, but he uses his leadership and guidance to bring the team together and inspire them to greatness.
27. Training Day (2001)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Training Day |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn |
| Director | Antoine Fuqua |
| Release Date | 5 October 2001 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 2min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a corrupt narcotics detective who takes a rookie cop, played by Ethan Hawke, on a ride-along through the streets of Los Angeles.
As the day unfolds, the rookie cop realizes that he is being drawn into the dangerous and corrupt world of his partner, and he must decide whether to go along with it or try to take him down.
28. John Q. (2002)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | John Q. |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, Gabriela Oltean |
| Director | Nick Cassavetes |
| Release Date | 15 February 2002 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 56min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.1/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of John Q. Archibald, a father whose son is in desperate need of a heart transplant.
When he is unable to get the insurance company to cover the cost of the surgery, he takes drastic measures to ensure that his son gets the medical attention he needs, including taking hostages at the hospital.
29. Antwone Fisher (2002)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Antwone Fisher |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant |
| Director | Denzel Washington |
| Release Date | 20 December 2002 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington not only acts in this movie but also directed and produced it. The movie follows the true story of Antwone Fisher, a young man played by Derek Luke, who is forced to confront his painful past and his inner demons when he is sent to a Navy psychiatrist, played by Denzel Washington, for treatment.
With the help of the psychiatrist and his girlfriend, played by Joy Bryant, Antwone learns to confront his past and move forward with his life.
30. Man on Fire (2004)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Man on Fire |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning |
| Director | Tony Scott |
| Release Date | 23 April 2004 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 26min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a former CIA operative who becomes a bodyguard for a young girl, played by Dakota Fanning, in Mexico City.
When the girl is kidnapped, he goes on a rampage to get her back and discovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government and organized crime.
31. The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Manchurian Candidate |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber, Meryl Streep |
| Director | Jonathan Demme |
| Release Date | 30 July 2004 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 10min |
| Genres | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi |
| IMDB Rating | 6.6/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a Gulf War veteran who starts to have strange nightmares about a conspiracy involving his unit.
As he investigates, he discovers that his memories may have been tampered with, and he must fight to uncover the truth and stop those who are trying to control him.
32. Inside Man (2006)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Inside Man |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster |
| Director | Spike Lee |
| Release Date | 24 March 2006 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 9min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a detective who is called to the scene of a bank robbery in progress.
As he tries to negotiate with the robbers, led by Clive Owen, he realizes that there is more to the robbery than meets the eye, and he must use all his wits and skills to uncover the truth and bring the robbers to justice.
33. American Gangster (2007)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | American Gangster |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor |
| Director | Ridley Scott |
| Release Date | 2 November 2007 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 37min |
| Genres | Biography, Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of Frank Lucas, a drug lord who rises to power in Harlem in the 1970s by importing drugs directly from Southeast Asia.
Russell Crowe plays the role of Richie Roberts, a detective who is determined to take down Lucas and his operation.
As the two men play a cat-and-mouse game, they both discover that there are darker forces at work in their own organizations.
34. The Great Debaters (2007)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Great Debaters |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise |
| Director | Denzel Washington |
| Release Date | 25 December 2007 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 6min |
| Genres | Biography, Drama, Romance |
| IMDB Rating | 7.5/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington not only acts in this movie but also directed it. The movie follows the true story of the Wiley College debate team, an African-American team from a small Texas college that rose to national prominence in the 1930s.
Washington plays the role of Melvin B. Tolson, the team's coach and a poet and political activist, who helps his students to find their voices and overcome the racism and discrimination of the era.
35. The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Taking of Pelham 123 |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, John Travolta, Luis Guzmán |
| Director | Tony Scott |
| Release Date | 12 June 2009 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 46min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 6.4/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a New York City subway dispatcher who must negotiate with a group of hijackers who have taken a subway train and its passengers hostage.
John Travolta plays the leader of the hijackers, who demands a ransom for the release of the hostages.
As the situation becomes more intense, Washington must use all his skills to keep the situation from escalating and to save the lives of the hostages.
36. The Book of Eli (2010)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Book of Eli |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson |
| Director | Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes |
| Release Date | 15 January 2010 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 58min |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of Eli, a lone traveler in a post-apocalyptic world who is on a mission to protect a sacred book that he believes can bring hope and salvation to the world.
Along the way, he meets a young woman, played by Mila Kunis, who joins him on his journey and helps him to confront the dangers and challenges that lie ahead.
37. Unstoppable (2010)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Unstoppable |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson |
| Director | Tony Scott |
| Release Date | 12 November 2010 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 1h 38min |
| Genres | Action, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 6.8/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a veteran train engineer who must team up with a young conductor, played by Chris Pine, to stop an unmanned freight train that is careening out of control and threatening to crash and cause a catastrophic disaster.
As they race against time and the odds, the two men must use all their skills and ingenuity to stop the train and save countless lives.
38. The Equalizer (2014)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Equalizer |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz |
| Director | Antoine Fuqua |
| Release Date | 26 September 2014 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 12min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of a retired intelligence agent who becomes a vigilante and takes on the Russian mob when he meets a young prostitute, played by Chloë Grace Moretz, who is in trouble with the mob.
As he unleashes his skills and takes on the criminals, he must also confront his own demons and the memories of his past.
39. The Magnificent Seven (2016)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Magnificent Seven |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke |
| Director | Antoine Fuqua |
| Release Date | 23 September 2016 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 12min |
| Genres | Action, Adventure, Western |
| IMDB Rating | 6.9/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington leads an ensemble cast in this remake of the classic Western, playing the role of a bounty hunter who assembles a team of gunfighters to defend a small town against a ruthless industrialist who wants to take over the town's land.
As they prepare for the inevitable showdown, the seven men must learn to work together and trust each other if they are to have any chance of success.
40. Fences (2016)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Fences |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen Henderson |
| Director | Denzel Washington |
| Release Date | 25 December 2016 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 19min |
| Genres | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington not only acts but also directs this movie. He plays the role of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a trash collector in Pittsburgh.
The movie is set in the 1950s and explores themes of race, family, and the American dream. Viola Davis plays the role of Troy's wife, and the movie won several awards, including an Academy Award for Davis for Best Supporting Actress.
41. Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | Roman J. Israel, Esq. |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo |
| Director | Dan Gilroy |
| Release Date | 22 November 2017 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | PG-13 |
| Parental Guidance | Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 |
| Duration | 2h 2min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 6.4/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of Roman J. Israel, Esq., a socially awkward and idealistic lawyer who works for a small law firm in Los Angeles.
When his partner suffers a heart attack, Israel finds himself thrust into a leadership role and must confront the harsh realities of the legal system.
Colin Farrell plays the role of a successful and ambitious lawyer who recruits Israel to join his prestigious law firm, but Israel soon discovers that the firm's practices conflict with his own values.
42. The Equalizer 2 (2018)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Equalizer 2 |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders |
| Director | Antoine Fuqua |
| Release Date | 20 July 2018 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 1min |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 6.7/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington reprises his role as Robert McCall, a retired intelligence agent who takes on vigilante justice to help those in need.
In this sequel, McCall comes out of retirement to seek revenge on those who killed his close friend and former colleague. Along the way, he must also confront his past and the memories that haunt him.
43. The Little Things (2021)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Little Things |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto |
| Director | John Lee Hancock |
| Release Date | 29 January 2021 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 2h 8min |
| Genres | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 6.3/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of Joe “Deke” Deacon, a burned-out sheriff's deputy who teams up with a young detective, played by Rami Malek, to track down a serial killer in Los Angeles.
Jared Leto plays the role of a suspect who may hold the key to solving the case, but as the investigation unfolds, Deacon and Malek's characters begin to question each other's motives and abilities.
44. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
| Details | |
| Movie Name with IMDB hyperlink | The Tragedy of Macbeth |
| Actors | Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Brendan Gleeson |
| Director | Joel Coen |
| Release Date | 25 December 2021 (USA) |
| Motion Picture Rating (MPAA) | R |
| Parental Guidance | Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian |
| Duration | 1h 45min |
| Genres | Drama, History, Thriller |
| IMDB Rating | 7.4/10 |
Plot Summary
Denzel Washington plays the role of Lord Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman who becomes consumed by his own ambition and the prophecy of three witches.
Frances McDormand plays the role of Lady Macbeth, his wife, and partner in crime. The movie, directed by Joel Coen, is a cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare's play and features stunning visuals and a haunting score.