10 Denzel Washington Movies You Absolutely Must Watch



Denzel Washington is a Hollywood powerhouse, known for his commanding performances across a diverse array of roles. With several Oscar-winning performances and an ability to make every role memorable, he's left a lasting legacy in the film industry. Here’s a roundup of his top 10 movies that you absolutely need to watch!

1. Training Day (2001)

Story: In this gritty crime thriller, Washington plays Alonzo Harris, a corrupt LAPD narcotics officer who takes rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) on a 24-hour tour of the rough streets of Los Angeles. As the day unfolds, Hoyt realizes he’s being pulled into Harris's dark, morally ambiguous world.

  • Box Office: $104.5 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn
  • Director: Antoine Fuqua
  • Producer: Bobby Newmyer, Jeffrey Silver

2. Malcolm X (1992)

Story: Washington delivers an iconic performance as the revolutionary civil rights leader Malcolm X. The film follows Malcolm’s journey from his early life, through his conversion to Islam, and his work with the Nation of Islam, culminating in his tragic assassination.

  • Box Office: $48.2 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall
  • Director: Spike Lee
  • Producer: Marvin Worth

3. Remember the Titans (2000)

Story: Based on a true story, this inspiring film follows the challenges faced by a newly integrated high school football team in 1971. Washington stars as Coach Herman Boone, who works to unite his racially divided team and lead them to victory.

  • Box Office: $136.7 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
  • Director: Boaz Yakin
  • Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman

4. The Equalizer (2014)

Story: Washington stars as Robert McCall, a former black-ops agent who uses his skills to protect those who can’t defend themselves. This action-packed thriller shows McCall avenging victims while battling his own past demons.

  • Box Office: $192.3 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz
  • Director: Antoine Fuqua
  • Producer: Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Denzel Washington

5. Glory (1989)

Story: Set during the American Civil War, Glory focuses on the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first all-Black regiment. Washington plays Private Trip, a hardened soldier who eventually sacrifices himself for his comrades, a role that earned him his first Oscar.

  • Box Office: $27 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman
  • Director: Edward Zwick
  • Producer: Freddie Fields

6. Fences (2016)

Story: Based on August Wilson's Pulitzer-winning play, Fences follows the story of Troy Maxson, a garbage collector struggling with his past and its effects on his family. Washington not only starred as Troy but also directed this deeply emotional drama.

  • Box Office: $64.4 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson
  • Director: Denzel Washington
  • Producer: Todd Black, Scott Rudin, Denzel Washington

7. Man on Fire (2004)

Story: Washington plays John Creasy, a former CIA operative turned bodyguard, who seeks vengeance after his young charge, Lupita Ramos (Dakota Fanning), is kidnapped in Mexico City. His ruthless search for justice makes this one of his most intense roles.

  • Box Office: $130.3 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken
  • Director: Tony Scott
  • Producer: Lucas Foster, Arnon Milchan

8. Flight (2012)

Story: Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a pilot who performs a miraculous crash-landing, saving nearly all of his passengers. However, his heroism is called into question when an investigation reveals his battle with addiction.

  • Box Office: $161.8 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly
  • Director: Robert Zemeckis
  • Producer: Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald

9. The Hurricane (1999)

Story: Washington plays Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for murder. The film follows his years in prison and the relentless fight for his freedom, a performance that earned Washington a Golden Globe Award.

  • Box Office: $74 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Deborah Kara Unger
  • Director: Norman Jewison
  • Producer: Armyan Bernstein, John Ketcham

10. American Gangster (2007)

Story: Washington stars as real-life Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, who builds an empire in the 1970s by smuggling heroin from Southeast Asia. The film dives into his rise to power and his eventual downfall, with a gritty, captivating performance by Washington.

  • Box Office: $266.5 million
  • Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor
  • Director: Ridley Scott
  • Producer: Brian Grazer, Ridley Scott

Final Thoughts

Denzel Washington’s career is filled with unforgettable performances and landmark films. From the intense depth of Malcolm X to the relentless grit of Training Day, these ten movies showcase his range, talent, and undeniable star power. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, these films are the ultimate introduction to his legacy in Hollywood.

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