Movies with Denzel Washington: 2002 – 1996

Denzel Washington, deservedly recognized as one of the greatest actors of our generation, has become a true icon of Hollywood cinema. His talent, charisma and expressive acting have made him a favorite of audiences around the world. In this selection, we offer to review the films in which Denzel Washington played major roles and impressed with his acting skills.

Antwone Fisher (2002)

Antwone Fisher (2002)
Image credit: Imdb

Cast: Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant, Malcolm David Kelley, Cory Hodges, Leonard Earl Howze, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Kente Scott

Genre: Biography, Drama
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.3


The film follows the life of Antoine Fisher, played by Derek Luke, a young man who grew up in foster care and endured years of abuse and neglect. After getting into trouble in the Navy, he is sent to a naval psychiatrist, Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington).

John Q (2002)

John Q (2002)
Image credit: New Line Cinema

Cast: Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, Gabriela Oltean, Kimberly Elise, Ron Annabelle, Daniel E. Smith, David Thornton, Barry G. King

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.1


The story revolves around John Quincy Archibald, a hardworking and dedicated father whose son Mike suffers from a life-threatening heart condition. As he struggles to pay for the necessary treatment, John discovers that his insurance won’t cover the costs, leaving him with limited options.

Driven by desperation and love for his son, John takes matters into his own hands. He makes the bold decision to take the hospital’s emergency room hostage, demanding that his son be put on the transplant list and receive the life-saving surgery.

Training Day (2001)

Training Day (2001)
Image credit: Imdb

Cast: Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, Tom Berenger, Harris Yulin, Raymond J. Barry, Cliff Curtis, Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.7


Training Day is set in Los Angeles. Jake Hoyt, a police officer, is transferred to the narcotics unit. He is forced to work with his new partner, Alonzo, who is a police veteran. Alonzo introduces Jake to the cases, shows him around the neighborhood, and teaches him how to properly communicate with informants. However, Alonzo’s methods do not suit Jake. The conflict between the two leads to serious problems for the protagonist, which he finds difficult to cope with.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans (2000)
Image credit: Imdb

Cast: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Donald Faison, Craig Kirkwood, Ethan Suplee, Hayden Panettiere

Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.8


The catchy name of the school’s football team, the Titans, was nothing special. They were just a group of underdogs who stopped in the face of real challenges. Becoming state champions was pure fantasy. But the new coach, Herman Boone, was ready to make the boys claim the championship. Not only did he want to try, but he intended to succeed. And even if someone didn’t like it, he always achieved his goals. This self-confident coach, with army skills and discipline, was going to change everything.

The Bone Collector (1999)

The Bone Collector (1999)
Image credit: Letterboxd

Cast: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Michael Rooker, Michael McGlone, Luis Guzmán, Leland Orser, John Benjamin Hickey

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: United States, Canada
Rating: IMDb – 6.7


Lincoln Rhyme, a professional investigator and author of several books on forensic science, finds himself permanently confined to a hospital bed by an unfortunate set of circumstances. However, this does not stop him from continuing to solve crimes. A young police inspector from the Juvenile Department named Amelia Donaghy becomes his eyes and ears. When a serial killer appears in the city, Ryman and Amelia try to solve a secret code that the killer leaves at the crime scenes.

The Hurricane Heist (1999)

The Hurricane Heist (1999)

Cast: Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace, Ryan Kwanten, Ralph Ineson, Melissa Bolona, Ben Cross, Jamie Andrew Cutler, Christian Contreras, Ed Birch

Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime, Thriller
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Rating: IMDb – 5.1


Meteorologist Will Rutledge believes that the National Weather Service has severely underestimated the approach of the disaster to Alabama and Florida. He is convinced that an unprecedented hurricane is approaching the city of Gulfport, stronger even than the one that descended here 25 years ago, leaving only ruins. However, this natural disaster is only a cover for the plan of a century of criminals seeking to steal several hundred million dollars from the US Treasury. They have prepared well for this crime by sending their man to the federal facility. However, the robbers did not foresee one thing: Agent Casey Corbin is ready to confront them and prevent their plans from being realized, despite the fact that they are counting on getting $600 million.

He Got Game (1998)

He Got Game (1998)
Image credit: Imdb

Cast: Denzel Washington, Milla Jovovich, Ray Allen, Rosario Dawson, Hill Harper, Zelda Harris, Ned Beatty, Jim Brown, Joseph Lyle Taylor

Genre: Drama, Sport
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 6.9


Set in Coney Island, Brooklyn, the film revolves around a key decision that Jesus faces as he approaches high school graduation. Considered one of the best basketball players in the country, he is being pursued by college recruiters and professional agents who see his talent as a ticket to riches and success.

The Siege (1998)

The Siege (1998)
Image credit: Letterboxd

Cast: Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis, Annette Bening, Tony Shalhoub, Sami Bouajila, Ahmed Ben Larby, Mosleh Mohamed, Mark Valley, Lianna Pai

Genre: Action, Thriller
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 6.4


General William Devereux is leading a dangerous mission to catch the most wanted terrorist, Ahmed Ben Talala. But arresting such a major criminal unhindered is a difficult task that carries significant risk. If Ahmed Ben Talala is arrested, his supporters threaten to commit a series of terrorist acts. Despite this, Devereux decides to carry out the operation. The criminal was caught, but it was very expensive. In New York, building explosions begin, killing hundreds of innocent people and leaving thousands injured. Although the monster’s head was cut off, its body continues to commit bloody murders. To stop the series of terrorist attacks, it is necessary to infiltrate the gang’s lair and destroy them by the roots. FBI Special Agents Anthony Gabbard and Frank Gaddad take on the case.

Fallen (1998)

Fallen (1998)
Image credit: Netflix

Cast: Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davidtz, James Gandolfini, Elias Koteas, Gabriel Casseus, Robert Joy

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.0


The story of police detective John Hobbs from Philadelphia, who investigates a series of murders committed by a serial maniac, is in focus. The cop manages to capture the psychopath, and the court sentences him to the death penalty. However, something unusual happens. The criminal behaves unusually calmly, even cheerfully. And after his execution, the ritual murders continue, with all the signs that it is the work of the same maniac. What could this mean? Is it possible that there is a copycat or something even more otherworldly behind these horrific crimes?

Courage Under Fire (1996)

Courage Under Fire (1996)
Image credit: Letterboxd

Cast: Denzel Washington, Meg Ryan, Lou Diamond Phillips, Michael Moriarty, Matt Damon, Bronson Pinchot, Seth Gilliam, Regina Taylor

Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, War
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 6.6


As Serling delves deeper into Walden’s story, he finds conflicting accounts of her last mission, which was to rescue the crew of a downed helicopter. Determined to find the truth, he interviews the soldiers who served with her, each with their own version of events. The more he investigates, the more he realizes that the official version may not be entirely accurate.

Caught between loyalty to the army and the search for the truth, Serling faces numerous challenges. He must confront his own demons and navigate the politics and cover-ups surrounding the case. Along the way, he forges a bond with the family of the deceased captain, who support him and seek comfort and recognition for her heroic deeds.

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