All 18 Denzel Washington Movies From the 1990s, Ranked

Denzel Washington is one of the best actors of all time and has been a cinema powerhouse since his first feature film in 1981. Proof of his immense talent and longevity, he has built a reputation for playing a diverse and eclectic collection of characters they all have their underlying poise and charisma. The 1990s were a particularly remarkable decade for Washington, as he managed to amass an impressive 18 films, most of which he starred in, with many achieving huge critical and commercial success.

Known for his multiple Oscar-nominated roles in a career highlighted by impeccable performances, some of his best work from the 1990s helped solidify him as a Hollywood icon. From his role in modern legal drama Philadelphiawhich saw him portray a complex and courageous lawyer, in his roles in sports films such as He got the game and The hurricanethat show his physical and emotional command of the screen. Washington brought an intensity and seriousness to his characters that was rarely matched by any other actor in the 90s.

18

Virtuosity (1995)

As Parker Barnes

Virtuosity is a sci-fi action thriller starring Washington as Parker Barnes, a former police officer serving 17 years in prison for killing a terrorist who murdered his family. Barnes receives an offer to capture a virtual training system serial killer (Russell Crowe) who manipulated his way into the real world via a synthetic android body. In one of Washington’s lesser-known works, the narrative is a little disjointed, but the chemistry between Washington and Crowe is magneticand the authenticity they bring to their roles makes the film worth watching.

17

Heart Condition (1990)

Like Napoleon’s Stone

Washington stars as ambulance-chasing lawyer Napoleon Stone alongside a bigoted and racist cop, Jack Moony (Bob Hoskins), in the 1990 comedy-drama. Heart condition. When Stone dies in an apparent car accident at the same time Moony suffers a heart attack, Moony receives Stone’s heart as a replacement, with his ghostly figure now haunting him. The premise is unique and gives Washington a chance to showcase his comedic talent, which he plays skillfully. The film has many touching and humorous moments, and the charm and chemistry between the protagonists once again bring the narrative to a satisfying conclusion.

16

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

As Dudley

Penny Marshall The preacher’s wife is a comedy-drama starring Washington as Dudley, an angel from heaven who is sent to help a struggling preacher and his wife (Whitney Houston) in their time of need. In another film that gives Washington a chance to show off his comedic timing and deliveryhis performance, alongside Houston, is the highlight of this charming film. It delves into deep themes of family, love, and faith, and it’s a semi-rare opportunity to see Washington bring a loving warmth and joyful nature to his roles that perfectly showcase his versatility as an actor.

15

Ricochet (1991)

Like Nick Styles

Ricochet is an action crime thriller that finds Washington masterfully portraying Nick Styles, a formidable lawman who is forced to face an old criminal (John Lithgow) who wants revenge on Styles for putting him behind bars. The dynamic cat and mouse game between the two stars feels realistic and has genuine stakes. Washington gave one of the best performances of his career to that point and helped set the stage for him to become an iconic figure in the crime/action genre with his suspenseful and nuanced performance.

14

The Siege (1998)

As Anthony Hubbard

Edward Zwick The siege is an action film that sees Washington’s star as determined FBI agent Anthony Hubbard, who must spring into action when a group of terrorist cells commit attacks throughout New York City. Washington shines in a cast with stars like Tony Shalhoub and Bruce Willis, and his grounded take on Hubbard provides many of the film’s emotional stakes. While Washington’s moving portrayal of a character struggling with the moral implications of defending national security is fascinating to watch, the plot seems a little too straightforward for him to fully flesh out the role.

13

Mississippi Masala (1991)

As Demetrius

In Mira Nair’s romantic drama Mississippi MasalaWashington portrays a black man named Demetrius who falls in love and begins a relationship with an Indian-American woman named Mina (Sarita Choudhury). Washington’s chemistry with Choudhury is palpable and undeniable throughout the filmand the two masterfully incorporate their forbidden romance into a film that delicately deals with race, traditions and prejudices. Mississippi Masala shows that Washington is more than capable of being a romantic lead in a sensitive film, but somehow fails to play to his true strengths as a dominant and commanding figure in the crime genre.

12

Mo’Better Blues (1990)

As Minifield “Bleek” Gilliam

Mo’ Best Blues sees the continuation of brilliant collaborations with Spike Lee and Washington, with Lee writing, directing and starring in this musical comedy-drama. The film’s plot follows a talented but haunted jazz musician whose life decisions cost him much of his talent, friends, and career. Lee and Washington’s close friendship allows the two to bring that chemistry to the screenand they deliver stunning performances in a beautiful story about friendship and music. Washington’s portrayal of a man on the edge who wants to improve his life is beautifully nuanced and an underrated gem in his filmography.

11

The Bone Collector (1999)

How Lincoln rhymes

The Bone Collector is a crime thriller in which Washington plays quadriplegic homicide detective Lincoln Rhyme, who, with the help of a young rookie police officer (Angelina Jolie), tracks a serial killer who leaves clues at crime scenes. Washington and Jolie create magic every time they share the screen, with each playing the other expertlycombining their skills to create an engaging and complex drama. Washington proves that he can command an audience with his delivery and intelligence, even with limited physicality. However, the film’s basic plot prevents it from being one of the highlights of the decade.

10

Fallen (1998)

As Detective John Hobbes

Fallen is a supernatural thriller that follows detective John Hobbes (Washington), who is tasked with investigating hidden murders committed by a copycat killer who can switch between bodies. In Washington’s rare departure into the paranormal, he takes to the role like a duck to water and provides a grounded authenticity to the plot. Washington is again able to show his range as a leader in a different genre; however, it was noticed “Washington has the nearly impossible task of holding together a complicated picture that is only intermittently suspenseful and not very engaging emotionally or intellectually.” (through Variety)

9

Courage Under Fire (1996)

As Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling

Washington and director Edward Zwick collaborated on the second of their three films to produce the stellar war drama Courage under fire. Washington plays a lieutenant colonel investigating the role of a Medal of Honor candidate in the Gulf Warr, which leads to a series of conflicting narratives, ancient secrets and hidden traumas. Washington has always stood out for playing an authoritarian figure who has a haunted and potentially criminal past, as he is able to perfectly convey the mixed emotions and feelings that come with battling one’s personal demons, while also seeking to maintain an air of grace.

8

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

How to Rawlins Easy

Carl Franklin’s mystery thriller, based on Walter Mosley’s novel of the same name, finds Washington playing World War II veteran Ezekiel “Easy” Rawlins. Rawlins, desperate for any kind of work, is hired as a detective to track down a missing woman and uncover a mystery he may not be able to escape. Widely considered one of the most stylish neo-noir crime films of the ’90s, Washington and Cheadle’s iconic performances help hold the film together, with Washington once again able to flow seamlessly between crime drama and poignant, sensitive topics.

7

The Pelican Summary (1993)

As Gray Grantham

Based on John Grisham’s 1992 novel, The Pelican Summary sees the Washington star as investigative journalist Gray Grantham, who teams up with a young law student (Julia Roberts) to uncover a massive political conspiracy. Washington and Roberts produce a formidable duo, with palpable chemistry and witty dialogue delivered with exceptional style.. The plot is fast-paced and the complex narrative produces many twists, with Washington providing much of the driving force behind the plot in one of the most underrated performances of his career.

6

Crimson Tide (1995)

As Commander Ron Hunter

Crimson Tide is a thriller set on a nuclear submarine, with Washington playing a lieutenant commander who clashes with his captain (Gene Hackman). The film takes place during a hotbed of political tension between Russia, the United States and Japanwith each threatening to launch nuclear weapons if provoked by the others. The film is full of action and high-energy action sequences, and Washington completes the film with a well-crafted performance and an impeccable performance as a resilient and determined naval officer who refuses to bow to the chain of command.

5

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

As Dom Pedro

Washington plays the charismatic nobleman Don Pedro in Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic play Much Ado About Nothing. The film is set in the Italian countryside and makes the most of Shakespeare’s witty dialogue and intriguing narrative with a cast including Emma Thompson, Michael Keaton and Keanu Reeves. Washington, known for his more prominent action roles, handles the lighter portrayal with ease, combining Shakespearean prose with an energetic, comedic approachh. Washington’s performance is truly magnetic, but it falls short of some of his more iconic roles from the 1990s.

4

He Got the Game (1998)

As Jake Shuttlesworth

In potentially the most forgotten film in Washington’s entire filmography, Spike Lee He got the game sees the Washington star as convicted murderer Jake Shuttlesworth. Jake is in prison for killing his wife, but he will have a chance at freedom if he can convince his son, a high school basketball sensation, to join the governor’s college.. Washington offers an expert portrait of a father caught in a moral dilemma between his freedom and his family.. Although he hasn’t received critical acclaim for some of his other performances, Washington’s introspective and honest portrayal of a broken father is one of his best performances ever.

3

Malcolm X (1992)

As Malcolm X

In yet another collaboration with Spike Lee, Washington stars in one of the most memorable roles of his career as a titular civil rights leader. Malcolm X. TThe film dramatizes important events in Malcolm’s life, from his beginnings, to his political and social influence, to his tragic murder. Washington earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal, which encompassed many aspects and variations of the character of Malcolm X. Washington effortlessly embodies each version of the civil rights icon, and his respect and commitment to the role make him a staple. in your career.

2

The Hurricane (1999)

As Rubin “Hurricane” Carter

The hurricane follows the true life story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, played by Washington, a former middleweight boxer who was wrongly convicted and imprisoned for a triple murder. The film depicts his early years, arrest and time in prison, as well as his search for justice and redemption. Once again, Washington received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his timeless and dedicated portrayal of a man destroyed by society. and the justice system that never loses hope. Washington brings his trademark intensity and tenacity to the role and has earned praise as one of his most critically acclaimed roles.

1

Philadelphia (1993)

As Joe Miller

Philadelphia sees Washington deliver the most distinguished performance of his career to that date, playing defiant lawyer Joe Miller, who takes on the case of a man with AIDS (Tom Hanks) who wants to sue his former employers. It’s not just a movie and a performance who put Washington on the map as one of the best dramatic actors of his timebut it also helped address and promote some extremely important social issues of the time. His nuance, his delivery, his tone and his command of the scenes make this truly his best performance of the 1990s.

Source: Variety