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Denzel Washington is an Academy Award-winning actor and a Hollywood icon. He’s starred in some of the most iconic films of the last thirty years, and his performances have captivated audiences around the world. Before heading to Denzel Washington Movies, lets look at some highlights on him.
Highlights on Denzel Hayes Washington
Full Name | Denzel Hayes Washington |
Parents | M Tillman Lowe & F Eliza Jackson |
Born On | 28th December 1954 |
Birthplace | Mount Veron, New York U.S |
Spouse | Pauletta Pearson (married 1983) |
Height | 1.85 meters (6’ 1”) |
Children | 4 |
Awards and Nominations | 6 awards
33 Nominations |
Networth | $ 250 Million |
List of Denzel Washington Movies
Let’s dive in and explore the 10 Best Denzel Washington movies that you’ve got to see!
- Training Day (2001)
One of the best Denzel Washington movies is Training Day, in which he plays a rogue cop, Detective Alonzo Harris. Harris is the epitome of the “ends justifies the means” cop and is willing to do whatever it takes to bring criminals to justice.
The action scenes are intense and thrilling, especially when Harris chases after a suspect, gun in hand, on foot through the streets of Los Angeles. Overall, Training Day is an excellent film that showcases Washington’s acting skills and provides an engaging story with compelling characters.
- American Gangster (2007)
Denzel Washington portrays Frank Lucas, a chauffeur for a prominent Harlem gangster. Following the death of his boss, Frank ascends to the position of one of the most powerful crime bosses. This is one of the most critically acclaimed Denzel Washington movies, harkening back to classic gangster films.
This film is entertaining, with top-tier action performances from Frank and veteran cop Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who searches for ways to bring his adversary to justice. This was one of the most popular gangster dramas of the time.
- Unstoppable ( 2010)
This is one of the most thrilling Denzel Washington movies, with a compelling plot. Denzel plays the character of Frank, a railyard at the locomotive yard. This movie keeps you glued to the edge of your seat until the high-intensity climax.
This movie is inspired by a true story and revolves around a half-mile-long freight train carrying some hazardous chemicals. The plot revolves around Frank, a seasoned engineer, and Will Colson (Chris Pine), his conductor, who are racing against the clock to keep the train from derailing, as a toxic spill could wipe out the entire town.
- The Equalizer (2014)
In the movie Equalizer, Denzel Washington plays the protagonist Robert McCall, a former special service commando who faked his death in the past to live a peaceful life in seclusion. He moves out of his self-imposed retirement to save a young girl from the clutches of Russian soldiers.
If are a fan of 80’s TV spy drama, then you must go this film from the collection of Denzel Washington movies This film is a visual treat, jam-packed with action, mystery, and thriller.
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- Remember the Titans
Denzel Washington plays Herman Boone, a football coach attempting to rally his team. “Remember the Titans” is one of the most commercially successful Denzel Washington movies. This is the story of a newly appointed African-American football coach, as well as his high school team’s first season as a racially integrated team.
This film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride in which you experience multiple emotions at the same time. It will make you cry, laugh, cheer out loud in excitement, and give you goosebumps at various points throughout the film. This film is a must-see if you enjoy sports and need some motivation.
- Glory (1989)
The movie Glory is an important milestone in Denzel’s career and one of the most loved Denzel Washington movies. Denzel plays Pvt. Trip, a former slave who volunteers to join the 54th Massachusetts, a Union regiment made up of black soldiers.
This award-winning war classic is based on the theme of diversity and its implications when combined with the United States military structure. This film tells the story of the American Civil War while emphasizing equality, pride, and self-determination. Adding this film to your watch list is a wise decision.
- The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)
Denzel in the epic movie “The Tragedy of Macbeth” makes a meal out of every scene as Macbeth, a soldier. This film accounts for one of Denzel Washington movies remembered for his outstanding performance. Among the various adaptations of Shakespeare’s Macbeth portrayed by some of the greatest actors of their time, this film stands out.
The plot revolves around a Scottish lord, played by Denzel Washington, who is convinced by evil witches that he will become the next King of Scotland. Then, in the race for power, his ambitious wife joins him in bloodstaining his hands. Denzel is the first Black actor to play Macbeth, and his performances are legendary, making this one of his most dramatic films.
- Inside Man (2006)
Denzel played Keith Frazier, a police detective who negotiates the safe release of a dozen hostages during a bank robbery. This crime thriller grossed $184.4 million making it one of the most financially successful Denzel Washington movies.
This movie is a sharp, unexpected and satisfying film loaded with powerful performances and solid story weaving. It is interesting to see the face-off between two masterminds one a clever robber (Dalton Russell) and one a hostage negotiator (Frazier). If you love watching smart crime thrillers, this movie deserves watching.
- Philadelphia (1993)
This 1993 American legal drama that battles discrimination stars acting giants Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks in lead roles. Denzel played Joe Miller, a homophobic lawyer in this culturally and aesthetically significant movie.
When Hanks, a lawyer infected with HIV is fired, he hires Denzel to advocate against his wrongful dismissal. This story of the struggle to crush ignorance and discrimination is one of the most value-relevant Denzel Washington movies.
- Flight (2012)
This movie stars Denzel as William “Whip” Whitaker Sr, an alcoholic pilot who miraculously crash-lands his plane after a mid-air mechanical failure and saves lives on board. This incident ends up in an investigation that has some surprising revelations of Whip being an alcohol addict. This movie brought Denzel an Oscar nomination due to his terrific role in this harrowing movie.
The Final Words on Denzel Washington Movies
From historical epics to crime dramas, Denzel Washington has portrayed a variety of memorable characters and left an indelible mark on cinema.
Denzel Washington’s films are adored by critics and fans alike for his ability to breathe life into his onscreen personas and bring nuance to the character. You can narrow down your options by consulting the list of best movies provided above.
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