Top 5 Movies Starring Denzel Washington

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Are you looking for Denzel Washington movies to watch next? With a career spanning over four decades, Denzel Washington has established himself as one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile actors. From intense dramas to action-packed thrillers, Washington brings depth, charisma, and authenticity to every role he takes on. His performances have earned him multiple Academy Awards and the respect of audiences worldwide, making him a true icon of American cinema.

Below, you will find a list of some of the best films starring Denzel Washington. Each movie highlights his talent and shows why he remains one of the most respected actors in the industry.

Set during the American Civil War, this powerful film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first all-Black volunteer units in the Union Army.

Washington plays Private Trip, a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Trip is a complex character—fierce and defiant yet deeply affected by his experiences as an enslaved man.

Washington’s portrayal of Trip’s struggles and his journey toward unity with his fellow soldiers is profoundly moving and one of the film’s emotional highlights.

Directed by Spike Lee, this biographical epic explores the life of Malcolm X, the African-American activist and leader.

Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm is both nuanced and passionate, capturing his evolution from a troubled youth to a powerful voice for racial justice.

The film spans the civil rights icon’s life, exploring his impact on American society and the personal transformations he undergoes.

Washington’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood's most skilled actor

Directed by Ridley Scott, this crime drama stars Washington as Frank Lucas, a real-life heroin dealer who built a drug empire in Harlem during the 1970s.

Washington's portrayal of Lucas is both charismatic and chilling, capturing the character’s ruthlessness as well as his streetwise intelligence.

Opposite Russell Crowe’s Detective Richie Roberts, who is determined to bring Lucas down, Washington's performance delivers a compelling look at power, loyalty, and the American dream gone awry.

The film is celebrated for its gritty, stylish portrayal of organized crime, with Washington anchoring the narrative as a deeply complex antihero.

In this action thriller directed by Antoine Fuqua, Washington plays Robert McCall, a former intelligence officer living a quiet life while working at a hardware store.

After befriending a young girl involved with Russian mobsters, he is drawn back into a life of violence to protect her.

Washington brings a calm, methodical intensity to McCall, portraying him as a force of justice with a strict moral code.

His precise, calculated fighting style and deeply empathetic character make McCall a compelling hero, and Washington's performance adds gravitas to every confrontation.

In this adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Washington plays Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage collector who struggles with personal failures and family relationships.

Both directing and starring in the film, Washington brings Troy’s internal battles, pride, and vulnerabilities to life in an intensely emotional performance.

The film explores themes of family, sacrifice, and broken dreams, and Washington’s portrayal, alongside Viola Davis, makes it a poignant exploration of fatherhood and lost potential.