Denzel Washington’s Top 5 Masterpieces That Cement His Legendary Status

Denzel Washington is more than just a household name—he’s synonymous with consistently compelling, high-quality performances. Known for his careful choice of roles, Washington’s career spans over 60 films, ranging from gritty action thrillers to deeply nuanced dramas. While he’s expressed some regret over passing on roles like Se7en and Michael Clayton, the films he did take on include some genuine masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on cinema.

Here are five of Denzel Washington’s standout works, recognized by critics, audiences, and awards alike:

5. Flight (2012)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Flight earned Washington an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, his first in over a decade. Playing Whip Whitaker, a commercial airline pilot who crash-lands a malfunctioning plane, Washington delivers a complex performance navigating addiction, denial, and redemption. Both he and Zemeckis, a private pilot himself, were passionate about the film—each forfeiting their usual fees to bring the project to life. The film’s harrowing plane crash scene was inspired by a real Alaska Airlines incident, adding a visceral authenticity. Despite missing out on the Oscar, many fans argue Washington’s immersive portrayal deserved the win.

4. Fences (2016)

Taking the director’s chair himself, Washington brought August Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning play Fences to the screen, reprising his Tony-winning role as Troy Maxson. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the film explores Troy’s bitterness over lost baseball dreams and his tense relationship with his son, set against the backdrop of racial discrimination. Co-starring Viola Davis—who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress—the film balances raw emotion and Shakespearean gravitas. Washington’s directing and powerhouse performance make Fences a moving, sometimes underrated masterpiece.

3. Glory (1989)

A seminal Civil War film, Glory tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first Black regiments in the U.S. Army. Washington’s portrayal of Private Trip—a defiant, charismatic soldier—earned him his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The film’s unflinching depiction of racial tension and sacrifice remains a critical favorite. Though the narrative is primarily through the white commanding officer’s eyes (Matthew Broderick), critics like Roger Ebert praised its powerful storytelling and enduring significance.

2. Malcolm X (1992)

Washington’s transformative performance in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X remains one of the greatest biographical portrayals in film history. After a year of intense preparation, he embodied the civil rights leader’s evolution from street hustler to Nation of Islam figure with uncanny authenticity. Many of Washington’s improvised speeches were kept in the film, adding emotional depth. This role brought him international acclaim and earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, solidifying his status as a leading actor.

1. Training Day (2001)

Widely regarded as Washington’s career-defining role, Training Day showcased his ability to mesmerize audiences as a morally ambiguous antagonist. Playing corrupt narcotics detective Alonzo Harris, Washington earned his second Oscar—this time for Best Actor. The film follows rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) as he navigates a harrowing day under Harris’s chaotic mentorship. Inspired by real-life LAPD scandals, Washington’s performance is hypnotic and terrifying, embodying a character whose charm masks deep corruption. Interestingly, Eminem was almost cast as Hoyt, and Washington personally requested Antoine Fuqua to direct, cementing one of Hollywood’s most iconic collaborations.

Final Thoughts

Denzel Washington’s filmography is vast and varied, but these five movies stand out as genuine masterpieces that showcase his range, depth, and commitment to storytelling. Whether playing heroes or antiheroes, Washington’s magnetic presence and nuanced performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide, affirming his legacy as one of the greatest actors of his generation.