Denzel Washington is one of the most recognizable and talented actors of his generation, having a presence and charisma on screen that is virtually unrivaled. Over his stellar 40-year career, he has embodied some of the most morally ambiguous and larger-than-life characters that have made him an icon in cinema. In every role he plays, he is known for the ruthless authenticity and genuine immersion that he brings each character to life in his extensive filmography.
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The 2000s were a decade when Washington continued his monumental run, performing in some of his most career defining roles, such as the energetic Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day or the subdued and intellectual Melvin B. Tolson in The Great Debaters. His portrayals are usually the shining centerpiece of the films he appears in, and his aura brightens the rest of the cast around him. It’s this quality, combined with his longevity and willingness to take on any role, that makes him one of the most respected actors of all time.
12 Out Of Time (2003)
As Mathias ‘Matt’ Lee Whitlock
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Carl Frankin’s Out of Time is a mystery thriller set in the Florida Keys and the second time Franklin and Washington have collaborated after their first 1995 film Devil In A Blue Dress. It follows the story of Matt Whitlock, a respected chief of police who gets embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy when he steals $485,000 from an evidence locker to give to his married lover, who is diagnosed with cancer. After the woman and her husband are murdered, he discovers the doctor lied about her diagnosis, and he is forced to uncover the deception and clear his name.
Related Every Upcoming Denzel Washington Movie
Denzel Washington has been called the best actor of the 21st century so far, and has generated a lot of excitement for his upcoming roles.
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While not one of Washington’s more well-known films, he provides a solid performance in this non-stop thriller. He plays off his ex-wife (Eva Mendes) with compelling chemistry, and his depiction of a haunted man who gets in over his head provides a genuine suspenseful feel throughout the movie. Though the film may not have been successful commercially, it is still a valuable entry in Washington’s career and would set him up for future, bigger roles in law enforcement.
11 The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009)
As Walter Garber
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The Taking of Pelham 123 rActionThriller
Denzel Washington and John Travolta star in The Taking of Pelham 123, a thriller where train dispatcher Walter Garber tries to negotiate with terrorist Ryder Ford, who hijacks a subway car in New York and demands a ransom. The 2009 film is a remake of the 1974 movie of the same name.
Director Tony Scott Release Date June 11, 2009 Studio(s) Sony Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures , Sony , Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Writers Tony Scott Cast Denzel Washington , John Travolta , James Gandolfini , John Turturro Runtime 106minutes Expand
The Taking of Pelham 123 is a 2009 action thriller starring Washington as Walter Garber, an MTA subway dispatcher who is forced to negotiate with the hijackers of the train. The film is the third adaptation of the 1973 novel of the same name by John Godey and follows the hijacking as it progresses, with the leader, Ryder (John Travolta), only wishing to negotiate with Garber. Ryder demands 10 million dollars in 60 minutes, or else he is going to start killing the hostages on board.
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Washington gives an incredibly intense and honest portrayal of a man who is caught between his duty and his unprepared ability to deal with the situation. Though the film has received mixed reviews, Washington and Travolta’s performances have garnered critical acclaim, with their witty and sinister back-and-forth dialogue over the intercom providing much of the entertainment throughout the film. It is a tense and thrilling, high-stakes film that is aided by Washington’s composed and mature portrayal of an impossible situation.
10 The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
As Bennett Marco
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The Manchurian Candidate RDramaMysterySci-FiThriller
The Manchurian Candidate is a political thriller directed by John Frankenheimer, starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Angela Lansbury. The film follows the brainwashing and manipulation of soldiers captured during the Korean War, with one soldier programmed as a sleeper agent for an international communist conspiracy. Lansbury’s compelling performance as the manipulative mother drives much of the plot’s tension.
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*Availability in US Director jonathan demme Release Date July 30, 2004 Writers Richard Condon , George Axelrod , Daniel Pyne , Dean Georgaris Cast Jeffrey Wright , Pablo Schreiber , Anthony Mackie , Dorian Missick , Jose Pablo Cantillo , Teddy Dunn Runtime 129 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
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Based on Richard Condon’s 1959 novel of the same name and the second film adaption of the story, The Manchurian Candidate stars Washington as Bennett Marco. Marco is a loyal and honorable soldier who, after having a series of haunting flashbacks, begins to have doubts about an old squad member, Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), who is the next vice-presidential candidate. The more time goes on, and Shaw’s power continues to evolve, Marco soon begins to recover his memory of the horrific plot that is about to unfold.
The Manchurian Candidate
is a reworking of the previous 1962 film
The Manchurian Candidate
, starring Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey.
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Washington is really able to display his full range in this film, going from trusted soldier to haunted veteran to driven conspiracy theorist who is on a mission to stop an assassination. His continued ability to portray a vulnerable soldier who has a complex and layered backstory is remarkable, and the psychological themes throughout the film are all well-crafted and developed. Washington finds that fine line between being driven and just being driven to madness, and it makes it an underrated gem in his 2000s work.
9 Déjà Vu (2006)
As Agent Douglas Carlin
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6.5/10 Déjà Vu PG-13ActionSci-FiThriller
Déjà Vu, directed by Tony Scott, follows Federal agent Doug Carlin, who investigates a deadly explosion on a New Orleans ferry. Utilized by a secret government lab, a time-altering surveillance device becomes key to preventing the crime, leading Carlin into unforeseen complexities of time and reality.
Director Tony Scott Release Date November 22, 2006 Distributor(s) Buena Vista Distribution Writers Bill Marsilii , Terry Rossio Cast Denzel Washington , Paula Patton , Val Kilmer , James Caviezel , Adam Goldberg , Elden Henson Runtime 126 minutes Main Genre Action Expand
In a slightly unusual outing for Washington, delving into the science fiction genre, he stars as ATF Special Agent Douglas Carlin. Carlin is tasked with solving a domestic terrorist attack, so he must travel back in time in order to figure out the plotand stop the attempt before it happens. He has multiple motivations, as well as saving thousands of lives; he also wants to save the woman he fell in love with who died in the bombing.
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Related All 16 Denzel Washington Movies Where His Character Dies
Denzel Washington has many roles where his characters often die. Washington has a total of 16 movies where his character ultimately dies.
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The film was a box office success, grossing $180.6 million worldwide on a $75 million budget. Washington’s deep commitment to the role alongside his relationship with love interest, Claire Kuchever (Paula Patton), adds an emotional element that helps propel the film forward. The sci-fi elements, special effects, and visual components have all been widely praised, and they are all glued together by Washington’s captivating performance as a man in a race against time in a high-stakes narrative.
8 Antwone Fisher (2002)
As Dr. Jerome Davenport
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Antwone Fisher PG-13BiographyDrama
Antwone Fisher is a biographical drama directed by Denzel Washington, marking his directorial debut. The film stars Derek Luke as Antwone Fisher, a young sailor who confronts his traumatic childhood with the help of a naval psychiatrist, played by Washington. Adapted from Fisher’s autobiographical book “Finding Fish,” the story portrays his journey of self-discovery and overcoming adversity.
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*Availability in US Director Denzel Washington Release Date January 10, 2003 Writers Antwone Fisher Cast Denzel Washington , Derek Luke , Joy Bryant , Malcolm David Kelley , Cory Hodges , Salli Richardson-Whitfield , Leonard Earl Howze , Kente Scott Runtime 120 Minutes Main Genre Biography Expand
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In Washington’s directorial debut, he plays the role of psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport in the biographical drama Antwone Fisher. The film tells the true story of the real Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke), based on his autobiography Finding Fish, a sailor with a tortured past who is forced to see a naval doctor due to his violent outbursts. Davenport helps Fisher open up, breaking down boundaries and helping him confront his past of sexual molestation and violence in a gripping and heart-wrenching story.
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The 12 Denzel Washington Films From The 2000s: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
Out Of Time (2003) |
6.5/10 |
|
The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) |
6.4/10 |
|
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) |
6.6/10 |
|
Deja Vu (2006) |
7.1/10 |
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Antwone Fisher (2002) |
7.3/10 |
|
John Q (2002) |
7.1/10 |
|
The Great Debaters (2007) |
7.5/10 |
|
Inside Man (2006) |
7.6/10 |
|
Man On Fire (2004) |
7.7/10 |
|
Remember the Titans (2000) |
7.8/10 |
|
American Gangster (2007) |
7.8/10 |
|
Training Day (2001) |
7.8/10 |
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Washington plays his intricate role perfectly as the composed and understanding doctor who has to balance authority with kindness. The two leads, Washington and Luke, have palpable chemistry in their counseling sessions, with the two having several explosive moments alongside heavy emotional dialogue that creates a harrowing atmosphere throughout the film. His acting versatility, as well as his masterful direction, produce a rich narrative and impactful subject matter that stays with the audience long after the movie ends.
7 John Q (2002)
As John Archibald
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10/10 John Q. PG-13DramaThrillerCrime
John Q. is a dramatic film directed by Nick Cassavetes, starring Denzel Washington as John Quincy Archibald, a factory worker whose son collapses during a baseball game due to a heart condition. Faced with the refusal of his insurance company to cover a life-saving transplant, John takes drastic measures to ensure his son’s survival. Featuring Kimberly Elise and Robert Duvall, the film explores themes of healthcare and desperation.
Director Nick Cassavetes Release Date February 15, 2002 Studio(s) Evolution Entertainment , New Line Cinema , Burg/Koules Productions Writers James Kearns Cast Denzel Washington , James Woods , Kimberly Elise , Robert Duvall , Shawn Hatosy Runtime 116 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
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James Kearns’ thriller drama John Q stars Washington as John Archibald, a father who goes to extreme lengths in order to save his son Michael. Michael collapses at a basketball game, and his family is told he needs a heart transplant or else he will die. Costing $250,000 to get this treatment, the family exhausts all options, leading John to turn up at the hospital with a gun, taking patients and staff hostage, and provoking a siege with the police in a race against time to get his son on the transplant list.
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In time for its tenth anniversary, Denzel Washington’s The Equalizer is blowing up on Netflix, hitting the streamer’s Top 10 Global chart. With it also coming nearly a year after the action trilogy ended, the question is once again being raised about which is the best of the three movies, and it’s still undeniably the 2014 original. While Robert’s backstory was never meant to be the focus, it certainly felt the most intriguing in the first movie, all while the fairly straightforward plot led to some exciting and grounded set pieces.
Though the film has been criticized for its ‘heavy-handed’ approach to its message about the problems with American healthcare, Washington still plays a convincing father brought to the brink by an unthinkable situation. The moments with the hostages, as they both fear and understand his plight, are heartbreaking and provide a raw and sympathetic look at a situation that must happen every day. The film’s narrative does stretch its believability at times, but Washington’s honest and grounded portrayal helps add a layer of nuance to this work.
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6 The Great Debaters (2007)
As Melvin B. Tolson
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The Great Debaters PG-13Drama
The Great Debaters is a biographical drama film based on the true story of the Wiley College debate team. Set in the 1930s, the film follows the team’s journey to the national championships, led by coach Melvin B. Tolson, played by Denzel Washington, who also directed the film.
Director Denzel Washington Release Date December 25, 2007 Studio(s) Marshall Production , The Weinstein Company , Harpo Films Writers Robert Eisele Cast Denzel Whitaker , Denzel Washington , Nate Parker , Jurnee Smollett , Forest Whitaker Runtime 126 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Based on Tony Scherman’s 1997 article for American Legacy, this historical drama follows the struggles and glories of the Wiley College debate team in the 1930s. The narrative recounts the efforts of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson (Washington) at a historically Black college as he coaches an all-Black debate team to compete with others in the deep American South. Eventually, going on to be able to debate at Harvard University, an unprecedented achievement at the time of Jim Crow Laws.
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Washington again takes the reins both in front of and behind the camera, with another directorial credit as well as the starring role. The film is the perfect blend of historically accurate events and dramatized sequences to create a compelling film that showcases themes of prejudice, racism, and education. Washington gives one of his most powerful and provocative performances as the teacher who must lead and inspire his team in the quest for justice and equality.
5 Inside Man (2006)
As Detective Keith Frazier
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Inside Man RThrillerDramaCrimeMystery
In a meticulously planned bank heist, masked robbers seize control of a Manhattan bank, strategically maneuvering hostages and covertly blending in among them. As negotiations ensue between the police and the robbers, hidden agendas emerge, including the protection of a mysterious safe deposit box’s contents. Detectives Keith Frazier and Bill Mitchell navigate the complexities of the standoff, uncovering layers of deception that challenge their understanding of the unfolding crisis and its true motivations.
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*Availability in US Director Spike Lee Release Date March 24, 2006 Writers Russell Gewirtz Cast Denzel Washington , Clive Owen , Jodie Foster , Christopher Plummer , Willem Dafoe , Chiwetel Ejiofor Runtime 129 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
Spike Lee’s heist thriller Inside Man sees Washington portray Detective Keith Frazier, who squares off against Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), the ringleader and mastermind of a bank heist. What starts off as an ordinary bank heist turned hostage situation descends into an incredibly intricate game of cat-and-mouse between the two men and their own motivations, with nothing as clear as it seems.
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Washington gives a genuinely iconic performance as the measured Detective who has to try and solve a mystery that may not have a solution.
Similar to his work in The Taking Of Pelham 123, Washington once again plays the role of the composed and attentive negotiator who goes back and forth with the man responsible for the hostage situation. While being an action-packed narrative, the film is known for its many dialogue-heavy scenes and lengthy negotiation sequences, which help Washington and Owens shine. Washington gives a genuinely iconic performance as the measured Detective who has to try and solve a mystery that may not have a solution.
4 Man On Fire (2004)
As John W. Creasy
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Man on Fire RCrimeActionThrillerDrama
Man on Fire is a drama thriller directed by Tony Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a burned-out ex-CIA operative turned bodyguard. He is hired to protect a young girl, Pita Ramos, played by Dakota Fanning, in Mexico City. As Creasy develops a bond with Pita, he is driven to exact vengeance when she is abducted, showcasing a relentless pursuit for justice against those responsible.
Director Tony Scott Release Date April 23, 2004 Writers Brian Helgeland Cast Dakota Fanning , Marc Anthony , Denzel Washington , Radha Mitchell , Mickey Rourke , Christopher Walken Runtime 146 minutes Main Genre Action Expand
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Based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A. J. Quinnell, Man on Fire sees Denzel portray John W. Creasy, an ex-CIA operative and U.S. Marine Recon Captain who has transitioned to high-end bodyguard work. The troubled, alcoholic officer-turned-bodyguard must shed some demons and go on a violent mission of revenge after a nine-year-old girl in his care gets kidnapped in Mexico City.
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Washington gives one of his most complex portrayals to date as the bodyguard bound by a sense of duty and love who must go through hell to find and rescue the young girl. The action sequences are incredibly effective and well-shot, interspersed with moments of emotion and critical thinking that help the plot never feel boring despite its lengthy 146-minute runtime. Washington gives a performance full of passion, energy, and inner turmoil that makes this one of his best films of the 2000s.
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3 Remember The Titans (2000)
As Herman Boone
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10/10 Remember The Titans PGSportBiographyDrama
Remember The Titans is a 2000 sports drama directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Denzel Washington. The film is based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. Under the leadership of coach Herman Boone, the team navigates racial tensions and strives for success on and off the field.
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*Availability in US Director Boaz Yakin Release Date September 29, 2000 Writers Gregory Allen Howard Cast Ryan Hurst , Will Patton , Wood Harris , Denzel Washington , Donald Faison Runtime 113 minutes
In a film loosely based on the true story of American high school football coach Herman Boone, Remember the Titans stars Washington as Boone. Coach Boone becomes the first Black head coach of a high school football team and, in the newly integrated high school, leads a team composed of both white and Black players to an undefeated season despite numerous setbacks, racist episodes, and local protests.
Washington’s performance as the iconic coach is one of his most enduring and respected roles. He gives a charismatic portrayal of Boone and exudes all the qualities needed to stand up to racial injustice while also performing on the sidelines, including grit, courage, knowledge, and leadership. Washington’s motivational coaching and speeches are the highlights of the film, and his commitment to the role is never in doubt, proving a lasting depiction that resonates throughout the whole film.
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2 American Gangster (2007)
As Frank Lucas
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10/10 American Gangster RBiographyCrimeDocumentaryDrama
American Gangster is a 2007 crime film directed by Ridley Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin in Harlem, and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, the detective determined to bring him down. The film explores the rise of Lucas in the drug trade and the eventual intersection of their lives amidst the backdrop of a corrupt and morally complex society.
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*Availability in US Director Ridley Scott Release Date November 2, 2007 Writers Steven Zaillian , Mark Jacobson Cast Carla Gugino , Idris Elba , John Hawkes , Cuba Gooding Jr , Russell Crowe , Denzel Washington , Ted Levine , Josh Brolin , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Joe Morton Runtime 157 minutes
Ridley Scott’s American Gangster is a biographical film starring Washington, loosely based on the life story of underworld gang boss Frank Lucas. Washington gives one of the most stellar performances of his career in this film that recounts the story of Lucas, smuggling heroin into the United States on service plans returning from the Vietnam War. It follows his life and crimes and the police task force led by Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is determined to take him down.
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In one of the best films of the 2000s, American Gangster was well-received by both critics and at the box office. Washington’s depiction of Lucas was the perfect combination of charismatic yet chilling, as a cold-blooded killer who also played the role of a humble family man. His chemistry with the entire cast, particularly Crowe, is spellbinding as the two combine to produce a layered and morally ambiguous criminal drama. Washington’s ruthless determination and nuanced development make this one of the most talked about roles in his career, and just shy of his best work in the 2000s.
1 Training Day (2001)
As Alonzo Harris
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Training Day RCrimeThrillerDrama
Denzel Washington and Alonzo Harris star in Training Day, an action thriller that follows the two stars as Los Angeles narcotics officers. Jake Hoyt is prepping on his first major training day for a promotion as he spends spend a tense twenty-four hours across several L.A. crime-ridden neighborhoods as Jake sees the danger and horrors of the job.
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*Availability in US Director Antoine Fuqua Release Date October 5, 2001 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers David Ayer Cast Eva Mendes , Ethan Hawke , Denzel Washington , Scott Glenn , Cliff Curtis Runtime 122 minutes Expand
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Training Day sees Washington in probably his most iconic and referenced role in his entire 40-year career. Washington stars as LAPD narcotics officer Alonzo Harris, a corrupt and jaded Detective who gets assigned to watch over Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) for a 24-hour evaluation period ahead of his anticipated promotion. The story follows the day as it descends into madness with drugs, murder, and betrayal.
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Denzel Washington has been highly decorated throughout his career, with nine of his greatest performances nominated for Academy Awards
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Washington’s iconic performance of the charismatic yet deranged detective earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. This is truly Washington at the peak of his powers, with expert delivery of endlessly quotable dialogue, a gritty and unflinching persona that tackles LA’s criminal underbelly, and a character plagued with moral corruptions and dilemmas. It genuinely has it all, and Denzel Washington’s commanding performance is still the best of his storied career.
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