Movies with Denzel Washington: 1996 – 1991

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.

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Image credit: D23

Cast: Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance, Gregory Hines, Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Justin Pierre Edmund

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 5.7


The film tells the story of a preacher named Reverend Henry Biggs, played by Courtney B. Vance, who is on the verge of losing faith in his calling and his marriage.

Enter Dudley, an angel sent from above, played by Denzel Washington, who arrives to help the reverend find his purpose and repair his troubled relationship with his wife Julia, played by Whitney Houston. Dudley’s presence brings a wave of magic, inspiration and miracles to the community, touching the lives of everyone he meets.

Crimson Tide (1995)

Crimson Tide (1995)
Image credit: PHOTOFEST

Cast: Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, Rocky Carroll, Jaime Gomez

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, War
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.3


The movie takes place aboard a US Navy nuclear submarine during a tense Cold War scenario.

Denzel Washington plays Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter, an experienced submarine officer. When their submarine, the Alabama, is ordered to launch missiles, a conflict arises between Hunter and the sub’s commander, Captain Frank Ramsey, played by Gene Hackman.

Virtuosity (1995)

Virtuosity (1995)
Image credit: Twitter

Cast: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Kelly Lynch, Stephen Spinella, William Forsythe, Louise Fletcher, William Fichtner, Costas Mandylor

Genre: Action, Crime, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 5.5


A sci-fi action movie starring Denzel Washington as a determined ex-cop caught in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a serial killer in virtual reality. Denzel Washington plays Lt. Parker Barnes, an ex-cop imprisoned for avenging the murder of his family. He was recruited by the authorities to enter the world of virtual reality, to track down and stop the ISIS. As he pursues the elusive killer, Barnes must confront his own demons and overcome the blurred lines between reality and simulation.

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)
Image credit: Tcm

Cast: Denzel Washington, Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, Don Cheadle, Maury Chaykin, Terry Kinney, Mel Winkler, Albert Hall, Jernard Burks

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 6.8


Set in 1940s Los Angeles, the film follows Easy Rawlins, a recently unemployed black World War II veteran who becomes a private investigator to make ends meet.

When a mysterious and seductive woman named Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals) hires Easy to find a missing woman, he quickly finds himself caught up in a web of corruption, violence and deception. Once in the city’s treacherous underbelly, Easy uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of power.

The Pelican Brief (1993)

The Pelican Brief (1993)
Image credit: Filmaffinity

Cast: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Heard, Tony Goldwyn, James Sikking, William Atherton, Robert Culp

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


An exciting legal and political conspiracy movie starring Denzel Washington. The story, adapted from John Grisham’s best-selling novel, revolves around a young law student, Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts), who discovers a dangerous truth that puts her life in danger.

After writing a speculative memo known as the “Pelican Memo,” which outlines her theory about the motives behind the murders of two Supreme Court justices, Darby becomes a target of powerful and influential forces. She seeks the help of Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington), a determined investigative journalist who becomes her ally in uncovering the truth.

Philadelphia (1993)

Philadelphia (1993)
Image credit: Tcm

Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman, Karen Finley, Daniel Chapman, Mark Sorensen Jr., Ron Vawter

Genre: Drama
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.7


A drama that tells the story of Andrew Becker (played by Denzel Washington), a successful lawyer who is suddenly faced with a difficult diagnosis of HIV infection. He decides to turn to his former rival and current lawyer, Joe Miller (played by Tom Hanks), to handle his case against the company he once represented.

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Image credit: Vulture

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Briers, Imelda Staunton, Denzel Washington, Jimmy Yuill

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Rating: IMDb – 7.3


A comedy that brings William Shakespeare’s classic play to a modern city. Denzel Washington plays the role of Benedick, an intelligent and sharp-tongued character who finds himself in the midst of a tangled love affair. Together with his friends and colleagues, including Bill, Leonata, and Beatrice (played by other talented actors), they create humorous and twisted plans to help get to a happy ending for the couples in love.

Malcolm X (1992)

Malcolm X (1992)
Image credit: Imdb

Cast: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Theresa Randle, Kate Vernon, Lonette McKee

Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Country: United States, Japan
Rating: IMDb – 7.7


A biographical drama that tells the story of the remarkable life of civil rights activist Malcolm X, played by Denzel Washington. The film traces the transformation of Malcolm X from a troubled young man involved in criminal activity to a powerful voice for African American empowerment and equality. He delves into his experiences as the charismatic leader of the Nation of Islam, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and his eventual departure from the organization to follow his own path.

Ricochet (1991)

Ricochet (1991)
Image credit: Mubi

Cast: Denzel Washington, John Lithgow, Ice-T, Kevin Pollak, Lindsay Wagner, Mary Ellen Trainor, Josh Evans, Victoria Dillard, John Amos

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Country: United States
Rating: IMDb – 6.2


The story revolves around Nicholas Stiles (Denzel Washington), a successful district attorney whose life changes dramatically when he encounters a dangerous and cunning criminal named Earl Talbot Blake (John Lithgow). Blake has a personal grudge against Stiles because of an incident many years ago when Stiles arrested him.

After escaping from prison, Blake begins to develop a ruthless plan of revenge against Stiles, turning his life into a nightmare. Blake skillfully manipulates the media, the justice system, and even Stiles’ personal relationships, forcing the district attorney to act at the limit of his abilities.

Mississippi Masala (1991)

Mississippi Masala (1991)
Image credit: Courtesy Janus Films

Cast: Denzel Washington, Sarita Choudhury, Roshan Seth, Sharmila Tagore, Charles S. Dutton, Joe Seneca, Ranjit Chowdhry, Mohan Gokhale

Genre: Drama, Romance
Country: United States, United Kingdom
Rating: IMDb – 6.7


The story revolves around the complicated relationship between Meena (Sarita Chowdhury), a young Indian woman, and Demetrius (Denzel Washington), an African-American man. Mina’s family was forced to flee Uganda during the Idi Amin regime and subsequently settled in Mississippi, where they own a motel. Despite cultural differences and societal pressures, Mina and Demetrius fall in love.

Read more: