Top 10 Best Denzel Washington Movies

As the corrupt, ruthless cop Alonzo Harris, Washington delivered the role that finally won him the Oscar for Best Actor. The role is in stark contrast to his earlier, often sympathetic characters.

As a broken former mercenary who becomes the bodyguard of a young girl in Mexico City, Washington plays one of his most violent and emotionally intense roles.

As civil rights activist Malcolm X in Spike Lee's epic biopic, Washington delivers one of the most respected performances of his entire career, following his life from criminal to religious and political leader.

As drug lord Frank Lucas, who builds a criminal empire in 1970s Harlem, Washington stars opposite Russell Crowe in this crime drama based on true events.

As an escaped slave serving in one of the first Black regiments of the US Army during the Civil War, Washington delivered the role that won him his first Oscar.

As a pilot hailed as a hero after an emergency landing while his own addiction threatens to come to light, Washington plays one of his most morally complex roles.

As a football coach who must lead a newly integrated team in 1970s Virginia, Washington leads this inspiring sports drama based on true events.

As a negotiator trying to resolve a lengthy bank hostage situation, Washington stars opposite Clive Owen and Jodie Foster in Spike Lee's clever, surprising crime thriller.

As second-in-command on a nuclear submarine, Washington faces off against Gene Hackman in this tense drama about a disagreement that could escalate into nuclear war.

As a frustrated former baseball player who projects his unfulfilled dreams onto his family, Washington directed and starred in this adaptation of August Wilson's play. It earned him another Oscar nomination.

Washington plays a lawyer who is initially reluctant to defend a man diagnosed with AIDS (Tom Hanks) in a groundbreaking discrimination case.

Washington plays Robert McCall, a retired covert operative who puts his extraordinary skills to use again to right wrongs.

Washington plays boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, who is wrongfully convicted of murder and fights for his freedom for years.

Washington plays a private detective in postwar Los Angeles who gets caught up in a dangerous political scandal.

Washington plays a prisoner temporarily released to persuade his son, the country's top basketball prospect, to choose a particular college.

Washington plays Don Pedro in this lively adaptation of Shakespeare's comedy, directed by Kenneth Branagh.

Washington's directorial debut, in which he also plays a Navy psychiatrist who helps a troubled young sailor (Derek Luke) come to terms with his past.