Top Denzel Washington Movies

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

American Gangster is a 2007 crime drama film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. It tells the real-life story of Frank Lucas, a drug kingpin in the 1970s in New York City who smuggled heroin into the United States by hiding it inside the bodies of U.S. soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. After building an empire and gaining immense wealth, Lucas finds himself pursued by a relentless, uncompromising detective. The film follows their battle of wits and the consequences of their actions.

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

Remember the Titans is a 2000 American sports drama film based on the true story of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team from Alexandria, Virginia. The film follows the team's newly appointed African-American coach Herman Boone, played by Denzel Washington, and his attempts to integrate the racially divided school and football team. In 1971, the T.C. Williams Titans are led by Coach Bill Yoast, played by Will Patton. Despite initial racial tensions, the team ultimately overcomes prejudice and disparate motivations to emerge victorious throughout the season. The film highlights the importance of teamwork, unity and respect, while also demonstrating the strength of an individual's will to overcome adversity.

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

Man on Fire is a 2004 action thriller film directed by Tony Scott, starring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a former CIA operative-turned-bodyguard hired to protect a nine-year-old girl named Pita Ramos, played by Dakota Fanning. When Pita is kidnapped, Creasy sets out to exact revenge on the kidnappers and those responsible. Along the way, Creasy finds himself struggling against his own personal demons, and a ruthless Mexican underworld. With the help of a reformed assassin, Creasy is able to rescue Pita and exact his revenge. The film focuses on themes of redemption, vengeance, and the power of love.

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

Training Day is a 2001 American crime thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by David Ayer. The film stars Denzel Washington as Alonzo Harris, a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) who takes a rookie cop, Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke), under his wing for a 24-hour evaluation. Alonzo is a highly regarded, yet feared and corrupt narcotics officer who works in the gang-ridden neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles. Alonzo takes Jake on a harrowing journey through the city’s dark underbelly, teaching him about the realities of police work and the moral ambiguity of life on the streets. The 24-hour evaluation ultimately forces Jake to decide whether or not he is willing to cross the line and become a "crooked" cop to succeed in the LAPD.

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

Malcolm X is a 1992 biographical drama directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington. The movie follows the rise and fall of the African-American activist and leader of the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X (Washington). The film begins in 1945 as Malcolm is released from prison and takes a spiritual journey to Islam, eventually becoming one of the most influential and powerful leaders in the African-American community. As his influence grows, Malcolm eventually clashes with the Nation of Islam’s leadership and is assassinated in 1965. The movie features a powerful performance by Washington and is an important look at the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in the civil rights movement.

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

Inside Man tells the story of a bank robbery gone wrong. Denzel Washington stars as Detective Keith Frazier, a New York City police officer assigned to a complicated case involving a dangerous criminal mastermind (Clive Owen) who has orchestrated a daring bank heist. With time running out and the lives of hostages, bank employees, and police officers all in danger, Frazier has to match wits with the criminal in order to defuse the situation. With the help of Madena (Jodie Foster), an expert negotiator, Frazier must navigate an intricate network of lies and secrets to uncover the true purpose of the robbery. In the end, Frazier is able to outsmart the criminal and the hostages are released unharmed.

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