All 12 Denzel Washington Movies From The 2000s, Ranked

Denzel Washington is one of the most recognizable and talented actors of his generation, having a presence and charisma on screen that is virtually unrivaled. Over his stellar 40-year career, he has embodied some of the most morally ambiguous and larger-than-life characters that have made him an icon in cinema. In every role he plays, he is known for the ruthless authenticity and genuine immersion that he brings each character to life in his extensive filmography.

The 2000s were a decade when Washington continued his monumental run, performing in some of his most career defining roles, such as the energetic Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day or the subdued and intellectual Melvin B. Tolson in The Great Debaters. His portrayals are usually the shining centerpiece of the films he appears in, and his aura brightens the rest of the cast around him. It’s this quality, combined with his longevity and willingness to take on any role, that makes him one of the most respected actors of all time.

12 Out Of Time (2003)

As Mathias ‘Matt’ Lee Whitlock

Carl Frankin’s Out of Time is a mystery thriller set in the Florida Keys and the second time Franklin and Washington have collaborated after their first 1995 film Devil In A Blue Dress. It follows the story of Matt Whitlock, a respected chief of police who gets embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy when he steals $485,000 from an evidence locker to give to his married lover, who is diagnosed with cancer. After the woman and her husband are murdered, he discovers the doctor lied about her diagnosis, and he is forced to uncover the deception and clear his name.

While not one of Washington’s more well-known films, he provides a solid performance in this non-stop thriller. He plays off his ex-wife (Eva Mendes) with compelling chemistry, and his depiction of a haunted man who gets in over his head provides a genuine suspenseful feel throughout the movie. Though the film may not have been successful commercially, it is still a valuable entry in Washington’s career and would set him up for future, bigger roles in law enforcement.

11 The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009)

As Walter Garber

The Taking of Pelham 123 is a 2009 action thriller starring Washington as Walter Garber, an MTA subway dispatcher who is forced to negotiate with the hijackers of the train. The film is the third adaptation of the 1973 novel of the same name by John Godey and follows the hijacking as it progresses, with the leader, Ryder (John Travolta), only wishing to negotiate with Garber. Ryder demands 10 million dollars in 60 minutes, or else he is going to start killing the hostages on board.

Washington gives an incredibly intense and honest portrayal of a man who is caught between his duty and his unprepared ability to deal with the situation. Though the film has received mixed reviews, Washington and Travolta’s performances have garnered critical acclaim, with their witty and sinister back-and-forth dialogue over the intercom providing much of the entertainment throughout the film. It is a tense and thrilling, high-stakes film that is aided by Washington’s composed and mature portrayal of an impossible situation.

10 The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

As Bennett Marco

Based on Richard Condon’s 1959 novel of the same name and the second film adaption of the story, The Manchurian Candidate stars Washington as Bennett Marco. Marco is a loyal and honorable soldier who, after having a series of haunting flashbacks, begins to have doubts about an old squad member, Sergeant Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), who is the next vice-presidential candidate. The more time goes on, and Shaw’s power continues to evolve, Marco soon begins to recover his memory of the horrific plot that is about to unfold.

The Manchurian Candidate
is a reworking of the previous 1962 film
The Manchurian Candidate
, starring Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey.

Washington is really able to display his full range in this film, going from trusted soldier to haunted veteran to driven conspiracy theorist who is on a mission to stop an assassination. His continued ability to portray a vulnerable soldier who has a complex and layered backstory is remarkable, and the psychological themes throughout the film are all well-crafted and developed. Washington finds that fine line between being driven and just being driven to madness, and it makes it an underrated gem in his 2000s work.

9 Déjà Vu (2006)

As Agent Douglas Carlin

In a slightly unusual outing for Washington, delving into the science fiction genre, he stars as ATF Special Agent Douglas Carlin. Carlin is tasked with solving a domestic terrorist attack, so he must travel back in time in order to figure out the plotand stop the attempt before it happens. He has multiple motivations, as well as saving thousands of lives; he also wants to save the woman he fell in love with who died in the bombing.

The film was a box office success, grossing $180.6 million worldwide on a $75 million budget. Washington’s deep commitment to the role alongside his relationship with love interest, Claire Kuchever (Paula Patton), adds an emotional element that helps propel the film forward. The sci-fi elements, special effects, and visual components have all been widely praised, and they are all glued together by Washington’s captivating performance as a man in a race against time in a high-stakes narrative.

8 Antwone Fisher (2002)

As Dr. Jerome Davenport

In Washington’s directorial debut, he plays the role of psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport in the biographical drama Antwone Fisher. The film tells the true story of the real Antwone Fisher (Derek Luke), based on his autobiography Finding Fish, a sailor with a tortured past who is forced to see a naval doctor due to his violent outbursts. Davenport helps Fisher open up, breaking down boundaries and helping him confront his past of sexual molestation and violence in a gripping and heart-wrenching story.

Washington plays his intricate role perfectly as the composed and understanding doctor who has to balance authority with kindness. The two leads, Washington and Luke, have palpable chemistry in their counseling sessions, with the two having several explosive moments alongside heavy emotional dialogue that creates a harrowing atmosphere throughout the film. His acting versatility, as well as his masterful direction, produce a rich narrative and impactful subject matter that stays with the audience long after the movie ends.

7 John Q (2002)

As John Archibald

James Kearns’ thriller drama John Q stars Washington as John Archibald, a father who goes to extreme lengths in order to save his son Michael. Michael collapses at a basketball game, and his family is told he needs a heart transplant or else he will die. Costing $250,000 to get this treatment, the family exhausts all options, leading John to turn up at the hospital with a gun, taking patients and staff hostage, and provoking a siege with the police in a race against time to get his son on the transplant list.

Though the film has been criticized for its ‘heavy-handed’ approach to its message about the problems with American healthcare, Washington still plays a convincing father brought to the brink by an unthinkable situation. The moments with the hostages, as they both fear and understand his plight, are heartbreaking and provide a raw and sympathetic look at a situation that must happen every day. The film’s narrative does stretch its believability at times, but Washington’s honest and grounded portrayal helps add a layer of nuance to this work.

6 The Great Debaters (2007)

As Melvin B. Tolson

Based on Tony Scherman’s 1997 article for American Legacy, this historical drama follows the struggles and glories of the Wiley College debate team in the 1930s. The narrative recounts the efforts of debate coach Melvin B. Tolson (Washington) at a historically Black college as he coaches an all-Black debate team to compete with others in the deep American South. Eventually, going on to be able to debate at Harvard University, an unprecedented achievement at the time of Jim Crow Laws.

Washington again takes the reins both in front of and behind the camera, with another directorial credit as well as the starring role. The film is the perfect blend of historically accurate events and dramatized sequences to create a compelling film that showcases themes of prejudice, racism, and education. Washington gives one of his most powerful and provocative performances as the teacher who must lead and inspire his team in the quest for justice and equality.

5 Inside Man (2006)

As Detective Keith Frazier

Spike Lee’s heist thriller Inside Man sees Washington portray Detective Keith Frazier, who squares off against Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), the ringleader and mastermind of a bank heist. What starts off as an ordinary bank heist turned hostage situation descends into an incredibly intricate game of cat-and-mouse between the two men and their own motivations, with nothing as clear as it seems.

Washington gives a genuinely iconic performance as the measured Detective who has to try and solve a mystery that may not have a solution.

Similar to his work in The Taking Of Pelham 123, Washington once again plays the role of the composed and attentive negotiator who goes back and forth with the man responsible for the hostage situation. While being an action-packed narrative, the film is known for its many dialogue-heavy scenes and lengthy negotiation sequences, which help Washington and Owens shine. Washington gives a genuinely iconic performance as the measured Detective who has to try and solve a mystery that may not have a solution.

4 Man On Fire (2004)

As John W. Creasy

Based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A. J. Quinnell, Man on Fire sees Denzel portray John W. Creasy, an ex-CIA operative and U.S. Marine Recon Captain who has transitioned to high-end bodyguard work. The troubled, alcoholic officer-turned-bodyguard must shed some demons and go on a violent mission of revenge after a nine-year-old girl in his care gets kidnapped in Mexico City.

Washington gives one of his most complex portrayals to date as the bodyguard bound by a sense of duty and love who must go through hell to find and rescue the young girl. The action sequences are incredibly effective and well-shot, interspersed with moments of emotion and critical thinking that help the plot never feel boring despite its lengthy 146-minute runtime. Washington gives a performance full of passion, energy, and inner turmoil that makes this one of his best films of the 2000s.

3 Remember The Titans (2000)

As Herman Boone

In a film loosely based on the true story of American high school football coach Herman Boone, Remember the Titans stars Washington as Boone. Coach Boone becomes the first Black head coach of a high school football team and, in the newly integrated high school, leads a team composed of both white and Black players to an undefeated season despite numerous setbacks, racist episodes, and local protests.

Washington’s performance as the iconic coach is one of his most enduring and respected roles. He gives a charismatic portrayal of Boone and exudes all the qualities needed to stand up to racial injustice while also performing on the sidelines, including grit, courage, knowledge, and leadership. Washington’s motivational coaching and speeches are the highlights of the film, and his commitment to the role is never in doubt, proving a lasting depiction that resonates throughout the whole film.

2 American Gangster (2007)

As Frank Lucas

Ridley Scott’s American Gangster is a biographical film starring Washington, loosely based on the life story of underworld gang boss Frank Lucas. Washington gives one of the most stellar performances of his career in this film that recounts the story of Lucas, smuggling heroin into the United States on service plans returning from the Vietnam War. It follows his life and crimes and the police task force led by Detective Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe), who is determined to take him down.

In one of the best films of the 2000s, American Gangster was well-received by both critics and at the box office. Washington’s depiction of Lucas was the perfect combination of charismatic yet chilling, as a cold-blooded killer who also played the role of a humble family man. His chemistry with the entire cast, particularly Crowe, is spellbinding as the two combine to produce a layered and morally ambiguous criminal drama. Washington’s ruthless determination and nuanced development make this one of the most talked about roles in his career, and just shy of his best work in the 2000s.

1 Training Day (2001)

As Alonzo Harris

Training Day sees Washington in probably his most iconic and referenced role in his entire 40-year career. Washington stars as LAPD narcotics officer Alonzo Harris, a corrupt and jaded Detective who gets assigned to watch over Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) for a 24-hour evaluation period ahead of his anticipated promotion. The story follows the day as it descends into madness with drugs, murder, and betrayal.

Washington’s iconic performance of the charismatic yet deranged detective earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. This is truly Washington at the peak of his powers, with expert delivery of endlessly quotable dialogue, a gritty and unflinching persona that tackles LA’s criminal underbelly, and a character plagued with moral corruptions and dilemmas. It genuinely has it all, and Denzel Washington‘s commanding performance is still the best of his storied career.