All 12 Denzel Washington Movies From the 2000s, Ranked

Denzel Washington He is one of the most recognized and talented actors of his generation, with a practically incomparable screen presence and charisma. Over the course of his stellar 40-year career, he has embodied some of the world’s most morally ambiguous and larger-than-life characters. that made him a cinema icon. In every role he plays, he is known for his relentless authenticity and the genuine immersion with which he brings each character to life in his extensive filmography.

The 2000s was a decade in which Washington continued his monumental career, starring in some of his most defining roles in his career, 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 often the shining centerpiece of the films he appears in, and his aura brightens the rest of the cast around him. It is 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

Carl Frankin Out of time is a mystery thriller set in the Florida Keys and the second time Franklin and Washington have collaborated after their 1995 first film, Devil In A Blue Dress. Follow the story of Matt Whitlock, a respected police chief who becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy when he steals $485,000 from an evidence locker to give to his married lover, who has been diagnosed with cancer. After his wife and husband are murdered, he discovers that the doctor lied about her diagnosis and is forced to uncover the mistake and clear his name.

While not one of Washington’s best-known films, he delivers a solid performance in this non-stop thriller. He plays his ex-wife (Eva Mendes) with convincing chemistry and his portrayal of a haunted man who intrudes provides a genuine sense of suspense throughout the film. While the film may not have been commercially successful, it is still a valuable entry into Washington’s career and would prepare him for future larger roles in law enforcement.

11

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009)

As Walter Garber

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 train hijackers. The film is the third adaptation of John Godey’s 1973 novel of the same name and follows the kidnapping as it progresses, with the leader, Ryder (John Travolta), wanting only to negotiate with Garber. Ryder demands 10 million dollars in 60 minutes, or else he will start killing the hostages on board.

Washington offers an incredibly intense and honest portrait of a man who is caught between his duty and his ill-prepared ability to handle the situation. Although the film received mixed reviews Washington and Travolta’s performances have received critical acclaim, with its witty and sinister dialogue over the intercom providing much of the entertainment throughout the film. It’s a tense, exciting, high-stakes film, aided by Washington’s composed and mature portrayal of an impossible situation.

10

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

As Bennett Marco

Based on Richard Condon’s 1959 novel of the same name and the second film adaptation of the story The Manchurian Candidate stars Washington as Bennett Marco. Marco is a loyal and honorable soldier who, after a series of frightening flashbacks, begins to have doubts about a former squad member, Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), who is the next candidate for vice president. As more time passes and Shaw’s power continues to evolve, Marco soon begins to regain his memory of the terrible plot that is about to unfold.

Washington is truly able to show his full range in this film, going from trusted soldier to haunted veteran to die-hard conspiracy theorist who’s on a mission to stop a murder. His continued ability to portray a vulnerable soldier who has a complex, layered story is remarkable, and the psychological themes throughout the film are all well fleshed out and developed. Washington walks the fine line between being driven and simply being driven insane, and that makes him an underrated gem in his 2000s work.

9

Déjà Vu (2006)

As Agent Douglas Carlin

In a somewhat unusual jaunt to 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 through time to to discover the plotand stop the attempt before it happens. He has multiple motivations, in addition to saving thousands of lives; he also wants to save the woman he fell in love with and who died in the attack.

The film was a box office success, grossing $180.6 million worldwide on a budget of $75 million.. Washington’s deep commitment to the role, along with his relationship with love interest Claire Kuchever (Paula Patton), adds an emotional element that helps drive the film forward. The science fiction elements, special effects and visual components have been widely praised and are all united by Washington’s captivating performance as a man in a race against time in a high-stakes narrative.

8

Antwone Fisher (2002)

As Dr.

In Washington’s directorial debut, he plays psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport in the biographical drama Anthony 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 consult a naval doctor due to his violent outbursts. Davenport helps Fisher open up, breaking down barriers and helping him confront his past of sexual abuse and violence in an emotional and moving story.

Washington perfectly plays his intricate role as a calm, understanding doctor who must balance authority with kindness. The two protagonists, 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 versatile acting, as well as his masterful direction, produce a rich narrative and impactful theme that stays with audiences long after the film ends.

7

João Q (2002)

As John Archibald

James Kearns’ suspense drama John Q. stars Washington as John Archibald, a father who will do anything to save his son Michael. Michael collapses at a basketball game, and his family is told he needs a heart transplant or will die. Costing US$250,000 to receive this treatment, the family exhausts all options, leading John to show up at the hospital armed, taking patients and staff hostage and provoking a siege with the police in a race against time to obtain his transplant. son. list.

Although the film has been criticized for its “oppressive” approach to messaging about American healthcare problems, Washington still plays a convincing father pushed to the limit by an unthinkable situation. The moments with the hostages, in which they both fear and understand their situation, are moving and provide a raw and sympathetic view of a situation that must happen every day. The film’s narrative sometimes stretches its credibility, but the honest, grounded portrayal of Washington helps add a layer of nuance to this work.

6

The Great Debaters (2007)

As Melvin B. Tolson

Based on Tony Scherman’s 1997 article for American Legacy, this historical drama follows the struggles and glory of the Wiley College debate team in the 1930s. The narrative chronicles the efforts of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson (Washington) at a historically black college as he trains an all-black debate team to compete with others in the Deep South of the United States.. Eventually being able to debate at Harvard University, an unprecedented achievement at the time of Jim Crow Laws.

Washington again takes the reins in front of and behind the camera, with another directing credit as well as a lead role. The film is the perfect blend of historically accurate events and dramatized sequences to create a compelling film that shows themes of prejudice, racism and education. Washington delivers one of his most powerful and provocative performances as a professor who must lead and inspire his team in the pursuit of justice and equality.

5

Inside Man (2006)

As Detective Keith Frazier

Spike Lee’s heist thriller Inner Man sees Washington play Detective Keith Frazier, who faces off against Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), the leader and mastermind of a bank robbery. What starts as an ordinary bank robbery that turns into a hostage situation descends into an incredibly complex game of cat and mouse between the two men and their own motivations, with nothing as clear as it seems.

Similar to your work in The Taking of Pelham 123Washington once again plays the role of the calm and attentive negotiator who goes back and forth with the man responsible for the hostage situation. Despite being an action-packed narrative, The film is known for its many dialogue-heavy scenes and long negotiation sequences, which help Washington and Owens shine. Washington gives a genuinely iconic performance as the measured detective who has to try to solve a mystery that may not have a solution.

4

Man on Fire (2004)

As John W. Creasy

Based on the 1980 novel of the same name by AJ Quinnell, man on fire sees Denzel play John W. Creasy, a former CIA agent and US Navy reconnaissance captain who has transitioned into high-level bodyguard work. THE Troubled, alcoholic officer turned bodyguard must get rid of some demons and go on a violent mission of revenge after a nine-year-old girl in his care is kidnapped in Mexico City.

Washington delivers 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 long running time of 146 minutes. Washington gives a performance full of passion, energy and inner turmoil that makes this one of his best films of the 2000s.

3

Remember the Titans (2000)

As Herman Boone

In a film loosely based on the true story of American football coach Herman Boone, Remember the Titans stars Washington as Boone. Coach Boone becomes the first black coach of a high school football team, and at the newly integrated school, he leads a team made up of black and white players to an undefeated season despite several setbacks, racist episodes, and local protests.

Washington’s performance as an iconic coach is one of his most enduring and respected roles. He paints a charismatic portrayal of Boone and exudes all the qualities necessary to confront racial injustice while also acting on the side, including courage, courage, knowledge, and leadership. Washington’s motivational coaching and speeches are the highlights of the filmand his commitment to the role is never in doubt, proving an enduring portrayal that resonates throughout the film.

2

American Gangster (2007)

As Frank Lucas

Ridley Scott American gangster is a biographical film starring Washington, loosely based on the life story of underworld gang boss Frank Lucas. Washington delivers one of the most stellar performances of his career in this film that tells the story of Lucas, heroin smuggling into the United States about 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.

In one of the best films of the 2000s, American gangster It was well received by critics and at the box office. Washington’s portrayal of Lucas was the perfect combination of charismatic and chilling, as a cold-blooded killer who also played the role of a humble family man. His chemistry with the entire cast, especially Crowe, is fascinating as the two combine to produce a layered and morally ambiguous crime drama. Washington’s relentless determination and distinctive development make this one of the most talked-about roles of his career, and only slightly behind his best work in the 2000s.

1

Training Day (2001)

As Alonzo Harris

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 is assigned to watch Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) for a 24-hour trial period before his early promotion. The story follows the day as it descends into madness with drugs, murder and betrayal.

Washington’s charismatic but troubled detective’s iconic performance earned him the Oscar for Best Actor. This is truly Washington at the height of his powers, with an expert delivery of endlessly quotable dialogue, a courageous and unflappable personality that addresses the underbelly of Los Angeles crime, and a character plagued by corruption and moral dilemmas. He really has it all, and Denzel WashingtonHis commanding performance is still the best of his storied career.