Top 10 Denzel Washington Movies

From Ridley Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin
Rated R

American Gangster is a 2007 crime drama directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The film tells the true story of Frank Lucas, a Harlem gangster who rose to power in the early 1970s by selling heroin imported directly from Southeast Asia. He quickly becomes a powerful and wealthy figure in the New York underworld, but is eventually tracked down by an ambitious police detective. As Lucas' empire begins to crumble, a battle of wills ensues, testing the loyalties of both men. Ultimately, Lucas' business savvy and determination to survive make him one of the most notorious gangsters of his time.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

"Remember the Titans" is a 2000 American sports drama film directed by Boaz Yakin. The film stars Denzel Washington as Herman Boone, a football coach who takes on the challenge of unifying a newly combined African-American and white high school football team during the early 1970s in Alexandria, Virginia. Despite their differences, the team comes together and strives for success both on and off the field. Through their hard work and dedication, the team manages to overcome racism, prejudice, and bigotry, ultimately leading them to victory in the state championship game. Along the way, the team learns the meaning of friendship and loyalty, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.

From Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell
Rated R

Man on Fire tells the story of retired CIA operative John Creasy (Denzel Washington) who is hired to serve as a bodyguard to young Pita Ramos (Dakota Fanning). When Pita is kidnapped and held for ransom, Creasy embarks on a relentless quest for revenge against those responsible. With help from his friend, Rayburn (Christopher Walken), he follows a twisted trail of corruption and revenge that eventually leads him to the mastermind behind the crime. In his mission for justice, Creasy is willing to sacrifice everything in order to protect Pita and avenge her kidnapping.

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger
Rated R

Training Day is a 2001 crime thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. Washington plays Detective Alonzo Harris, a corrupt Los Angeles Police Department narcotics officer on a 24-hour ride-along with rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Hawke). On the ride-along, Alonzo forces Jake to break the law and engage in unethical activities, as well as putting him in some very dangerous situations. As the day progresses, Alonzo’s true colors are revealed and Jake must decide whether or not to take a stand against his mentor’s corruption. In the end, the truth about the nature of Alonzo’s power is uncovered and Jake must face the consequences of his decisions.

From Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee
Rated PG-13

Malcolm X is a 1992 biographical drama film directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington. The film chronicles the life of Malcolm X, from his childhood in a troubled home to his criminal activities, his conversion to Islam, and his rise as a Black Muslim leader, as well as his assassination in 1965. Along the way, the film explores Malcolm's struggles with his identity and his struggle for civil rights for African Americans, as well as his relationships with other influential figures such as Elijah Muhammad and Martin Luther King Jr. Ultimately, the film paints a complex portrait of the life and legacy of Malcolm X.

From Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer
Rated R

Inside Man is a 2006 American crime thriller film directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster. The movie follows Detective Keith Fraser (Washington) and a hostage negotiator, Dalton Russell (Owen), as they clash during a bank robbery. An elite team of robbers, led by Russell, have taken hostages and locked themselves inside the Manhattan bank in an effort to pull off a heist. As the police attempt to defuse the situation, it quickly becomes clear that the robbers’ motives are much more complex than a simple robbery. The film follows Fraser and Russell as they engage in a mental chess match as they try to outwit each other. As the hours tick by, the stakes become higher and the ultimate outcome is anyone’s guess, with an unexpected twist revealed near the end.

From Antoine Fuqua, starring Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour
Rated R

From Nick Cassavetes, starring Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, Gabriela Oltean, Kimberly Elise
Rated PG-13

From Russell Mulcahy, starring Denzel Washington, John Lithgow, Ice-T, Kevin Pollak
Rated R