Denzel Washington’s highest-grossing movie was American gangster 17 years, and I can’t believe her reign lasted that long. As far as Hollywood actors go, Denzel Washington can be considered a household name. Best known for projects like Glory, Training Day, Malcolm X, And the equalizer, Washington’s best roles allowed him to enjoy a long and successful career. Because of this, I was shocked to discover that the actor’s highest-grossing movie of his career has remained the same for nearly two decades. However, I am excited about the fact that this may change soon enough.
In 2007, Washington starred in the crime drama, American gangster. In the role of Frank Lucas, Washington portrayed a drug dealer who rises to immense power in 1970s New York.. However, as Lucas builds his criminal empire, a brave cop (played by Russell Crowe) dedicates himself to taking down Lucas and his enterprise. Although Washington did not win any awards for the film, although he was nominated for a Golden Globe, it remained one of his most notable projects because it was his most profitable. American gangster earned 269 million dollars at the box office.
How American Gangster became (and still is) Denzel Washington’s highest-grossing movie
Denzel Washington’s career post 2007 explained
For an actor with such a wide range of projects, it’s surprising to me that the crime movie American gangster has remained Washington’s highest-grossing film for so long. when American gangster Premiering in 2007, it was bound to be a box office hit. With a star-studded cast and a dark premise, the movie appealed to audiences, leading to its nearly $300 million earnings. however, The biggest shock for me is not that American gangster Successful, but that Washington did not manage to make another movie that beat that number yet. Ultimately, it has to do with the projects he has picked.
Denzel Washington’s 5 Highest-Grossing Movies |
Box Office Earnings |
---|---|
American gangster |
$269 million |
safe house |
$208 million |
Philadelphia |
$207 million |
The Pelican Letter |
$195 million |
The equalizer |
$192 million |
After 2007, Washington starred in various projects, none of which really had the potential to be blockbusters. for the most part, Washington’s post-2007 movies have included small-time action movies and indie dramas. Although films like Fly And fences They were critical darlings, they didn’t have the flashy stories of a traditional box office hit. Meanwhile, movies like The equalizer And The Magnificent Seven Has the right ingredients, but unfortunately underperformed at the box office. In that way, Washington has had some truly great movies since american gangster, But none have struck the balance of critical and financial success.
Why I’m Surprised Denzel Washington’s Top-Grossing Movie ‘Alone’ Made $269.8 Million
Washington has the potential for massive box office numbers
Another aspect of Washington’s box office numbers that rubs me the wrong way is that American gangster Did well, but not That Health. While $269 million is definitely an impressive number, it’s not particularly outstanding. Other franchise films and blockbusters have made much more. For example, the highest-grossing movie of 2007 was Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, That made $960 million. American gangster Ranks 19th among the highest-grossing movies of that year. Now that movies are grossing even more than they were in 2007, Washington’s record is extra confusing to me.
Arguably, Washington and Crowe are at similar levels of stardom, so the question remains: Why hasn’t Washington had a bigger box office success yet?
On top of that, Washington is an actor who is so acclaimed, I would expect his box office numbers to be higher. Take his co-star, Russell Crowe, for example. While Washington’s highest-grossing movie is american gangster, At $269 million, Crowe’s highest-grossing movie is man of steel, At $668 million. Arguably, Washington and Crowe are at similar levels of stardom, so the question remains: Why hasn’t Washington had a bigger box office success yet? It definitely has to do with project choice, and pure luck, but luckily, his time may come soon enough.
Can one of Denzel Washington’s upcoming movies beat American Gangster’s box office?
Gladiator 2 has a good chance of beating American Bandit
After 17 years, it’s time for Denzel Washington to break his box office record, and luckily, 2024 could be the perfect time to do it. At the end of the year, Washington starred in the long-awaited sequel, Gladiator II. Notably, 2000s Gladiator was a massive success, drawing in $458 million. So, there is a good chance that the sequel, which boasts a star-studded cast, will do just as well, if not better. I have high hopes that Gladiator II can finally push Washington onto a higher level of box office success – One he has long earned.
Related
Of course, box office numbers aren’t everything. Although I am excited to see Washington hopefully succeed gladiator ii I cannot ignore the fact that the actor remained successful, regardless of financial gains. The equalizer The franchise has earned two sequels, and Washington has starred in some seriously important projects with massive historical and societal impact. So the money is much less than the feelings that Washington’s movies evoke. That’s probably why American gangster Has kept his record for so long.
American Gangster (English: American Gangster) is a 2007 crime film directed by Ridley Scott, with 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 Lucas’ rise in the drug trade and the eventual intersection of their lives against the backdrop of a corrupt and morally complex society.
- Release date
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November 2, 2007
- Writers
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Steven Zailian, Mark Jacobson
- runtime
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157 minutes