One of the greatest actors of his generation, Denzel Washington, is well remembered for his gripping dramas and fast-paced action movies, but these are far from the only projects he’s been a part of. From his early work in romantic comedies to his forays into Shakespeare, Washington elevates every film he works on, capturing the audience’s attention even when he isn’t the story’s protagonist. However, like all performers, he’s taken on some interesting roles that stand out as a departure from the types of work that audiences and critics are used to associating with him.
However, breaking out of these archetypes and shaking up people’s expectations can be good for an actor. Getting typecast or pigeonholed into a particular type of role can be restricting. As Washington’s career has progressed, he’s always been interested in working with innovative and visionary filmmakers, even stepping behind the camera at various points in his life. However, when looking at Denzel Washington’s best movies, it’s clear they demonstrate his range as an actor. While many of the most unexpected additions to his filmography aren’t his highest-rated, they’re still important parts of his career.
You are watching: 10 Weird Denzel Washington Movies That Were Unique In His Career
10
Fallen (1998)
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Fallen
R
Thriller
Crime
Drama
14
7.1/10
Release Date
January 16, 1998
Runtime
124 Minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
John Hobbes
-
John Goodman
Jonesy
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
The stacked cast of Fallen, boasting Washington, Donald Sutherland, and James Gandolfini, to name just a few, couldn’t save it from a negative critical reception. Though Washington often operates in stories with heightened realities and somewhat unrealistic action, Fallen dives headfirst into supernatural territory. For an actor typically so rooted in reality, starring in Fallen as Detective Hobbes was a departure for Washington, but he helps to ground the otherworldly narrative.
Hobbes begins the story by solving typical, if gruesome, crimes. However, the narrative quickly evolves, and Hobbes becomes aware that the fallen angel Azazel is behind the killings. From there, it comes down to Hobbes and the body-jumping Azazel in a tense game of cat and mouse, which Washington anchors with his dedication to the unexpected storyline. Though Washington wouldn’t make many returns to the fantasy genre after this, his performance is a highlight of the project.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Fallen (1998) |
40% |
72% |
3:02
Related
Denzel Washington’s Most Underrated Movie Is A $46 Million Flop From 26 Years Ago
Although Denzel Washington has enjoyed many major hits in his lengthy screen career, one of the star’s most underrated movies was a flop from 26 years ago.
Posts
9
Virtuosity (1995)
Directed by Brett Leonard
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Virtuosity
R
Action
Crime
Science Fiction
Thriller
Release Date
August 4, 1995
Runtime
106 Minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
Parker Barnes
-
Russell Crowe
Sid 6.7
-
Kelly Lynch
Madison Carter
-
Alanna Ubach
Ella
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Russell Crowe joins Washington in Virtuosity, a sci-fi thriller that pushed both actors out of their comfort zones. Watching Virtuosity today is even more interesting, as the story is entrenched in conversations about virtual reality and conversations about consciousness. Unfortunately, the computer program brought to life in Virtuosity doesn’t merely want to live its life in peace. Instead, it wreaks havoc on a dystopian version of Los Angeles. This forces Washington’s character, Barnes, to go after him.
The sci-fi aspects of the movie make Virtuosity memorable and elevate it beyond a typical crime thriller.
All of Denzel Washington’s movies from the 1990s showcase a different side of the actor as he gained fame and transformed into a movie star, and Virtuosity is no exception. Washington and Crowe have good chemistry, even though their characters are at odds throughout the story. The sci-fi aspects of the movie make Virtuosity memorable and elevate it beyond a typical crime thriller. Even when Virtuosity pushes the boundaries of believability, the performers take the subject matter seriously and help the audience to do the same.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Virtuosity (1995) |
32% |
32% |
8
The Book Of Eli (2010)
Directed by Albert & Allen Hughes
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
The Book of Eli
pg-13
Action
Adventure
6/10
10/10
Release Date
January 11, 2010
Runtime
118minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
-
Gary Oldman
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Washington plays Eli, the titular character in The Book of Eli, a post-apocalyptic story that follows Eli, the seemingly perfect survival machine, as he embarks on a single-minded quest. Throughout his journey, Eli is smart, strong, fast, and a dangerous enemy, with enough emotional appeal to ensure that the viewer has no trouble rooting for him. Compared to other post-apocalyptic movies, The Book of Eli treads similar ground, especially considering the number of films within this genre that were cropping up in the 2010s.
A few years after this, Washington would kick off his next act with The Equalizer, which firmly cemented him as an action blockbuster start, and projects like The Book of Eli paved the way for this. Though it isn’t the best-remembered addition to Washington’s filmography, The Book of Eli performed well at the box office, earning $157,107,755 worldwide against a $80 million budget (via Box Office Mojo). It’s also notable because it’s an overtly religious addition to his filmography.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Book of Eli (2010) |
47% |
64% |
7
The Tragedy Of Macbeth (2021)
Directed by Joel Coen
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
The Tragedy of Macbeth
R
Thriller
Drama
History
7/10
Release Date
December 5, 2021
Runtime
105 minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
Macbeth
-
Frances McDormand
Lady Macbeth
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
It had been a long time since Washington portrayed a Shakespeare character onscreen, and he made his fantastic return by embodying the iconic lead character in The Tragedy of Macbeth. Playing opposite Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth, Washington grapples with the drama and tragedy of a man shaken to the core by the force of his ambition and the cost of his triumphs. Directed by Joel Coen, the project has a similar feel to the movie collaborations of the Coen Brothers but distinguishes itself as a faithful adaptation of the beloved play.
His recent filmography demonstrates that Washington is interested in these sweeping historical narratives.
One of the best movies based on Shakespeare’s plays, The Tragedy of Macbeth, sparked renewed interest in these classic stories and is a great example of how they can be made relevant to modern viewers. Though many audiences know Washington for his action and thriller projects, he has a long history of working in the theater and has brought to life nuanced figures like Macbeth many times before. His recent filmography demonstrates that Washington is interested in these sweeping historical narratives.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) |
93% |
74% |
6
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Much Ado About Nothing
PG-13
Drama
Comedy
Romance
Release Date
May 7, 1993
Runtime
111 Minutes
Cast
See All
-
Emma Thompson
Beatrice
-
Kenneth Branagh
Benedick
-
Robert Sean Leonard
Claudio
-
Kate Beckinsale
Hero
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
In the 1993 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Washington is underused as Don Pedro, but he still cuts a charming and striking figure whenever he’s onscreen. Like many of Shakespeare’s plays, Much Ado About Nothing relies on miscommunications and hijinx to propel the story forward, allowing Washington to have fun and break out of the more serious roles he had been cast in in the early 1990s. Though Much Ado About Nothing wasn’t boundary-breaking, it’s an enjoyable and easy watch.
Related
10 Most Rewatchable Denzel Washington Movies, Ranked
Throughout his long & influential career, Denzel Washington has cemented himself as one of the greatest actors of all time, & his movies show it.
Posts
6
When the film first premiered, it was far from the most exciting project that Washington was a part of at the time. A romantic period piece that didn’t feature him heavily, Much Ado About Nothing paled in comparison to bigger films like Malcolm X or Philadelphia, which gave Washington more to work with. However, it’s a fun reminder that Washington can easily fit into any role, and is a compelling romantic figure when given the chance to take on these parts.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) |
90% |
86% |
5
The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009)
Directed by Tony Scott
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
The Taking of Pelham 123
r
Action
Thriller
7/10
10/10
Release Date
June 11, 2009
Runtime
106minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
-
John Travolta
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
The 1973 novel of the same name by Morton Freedgood inspired this 2009 film, as well as the two film adaptations that preceded it in 1974 and 1998. In the most recent iteration, Washington goes head-to-head with John Travolta as the MTA dispatcher Walter Garber and the man hijacking the subway car, Ryder. A tense hostage thriller, The Taking of Pelham 123, was able to make some interesting changes to the original story since technological advancements have changed public transit. However, the life-and-death stakes remain just as compelling.
Washington is heroic and compelling enough as Garber, but the character doesn’t have the drive and intensity that would make his later action hero roles so iconic.
One of the biggest critiques against The Taking of Pelham 123 was that it didn’t justify its existence as a remake of an already strong original movie. Washington is heroic and compelling enough as Garber, but the character doesn’t have the drive and intensity that would make his later action hero roles so iconic. Though this wasn’t the only movie remake of Washington’s career, The Taking of Pelham 123 stands out because of its interesting concept but mixed results.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) |
51% |
52% |
4
The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Directed by Penny Marshall
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
The Preacher’s Wife
PG
Family
Fantasy
Drama
Comedy
Romance
Release Date
See more : What Happened to Vince in Fast and Furious? Does Vince Die in Fast and Furious?
December 13, 1996
Runtime
123 minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
Dudley
-
Whitney Houston
Julia Biggs
-
Courtney B. Vance
Reverend Henry Biggs
-
Gregory Hines
Joe Hamilton
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
This 1996 reimagining of the 1947 fantasy rom-com The Bishop’s Wife sees Washington step into the role of an angel. The Preacher’s Wife updates the story of The Bishop’s Wife, placing the story in a contemporary setting and intertwining the intersectional struggles of a predominantly Black community in New York City with the protagonist’s, Henry, journey to self-actualization and commitment to his family. Washington’s character, the angel Dudley, arrives to help Henry but finds himself falling in love with his wife, Julia, played by Whitney Houston.
Though Houston didn’t have many film roles, as she was primarily a singer, she holds her own in The Preacher’s Wife and has strong chemistry with Washington. The story itself is strange, as Dudley might have a connection with Julia, but the movie maintains the fact that he can never be with her. It’s a more serious take on the rom-com, which Washington has been known to participate in, but it’s far more sentimental than most of his other work.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
The Preacher’s Wife (1996) |
62% |
41% |
3
Out Of Time (2003)
Directed by Carl Franklin
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Out of Time
R
Thriller
Crime
Drama
Release Date
October 3, 2003
Runtime
105 Minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
Matt Lee Whitlock
-
Eva Mendes
Alex Diaz Whitlock
-
Sanaa Lathan
Ann Merai Harrison
-
John Billingsley
Chae
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
An intense thriller with a gripping emotional heart, Out of Time sees Washington’s character, Matt, targeted at every turn as he’s looking to find love. Though it makes sense that Washington would partner with the director, Carl Franklin, for a second time after the success of Devil in a Blue Dress, Out of Time didn’t reach the heights of their earlier collaboration. Set in the Florida Keys, Out of Time has a fun visual aesthetic that isn’t seen in many of Washington’s other projects and is a surprisingly romantic action movie.
Though Matt falls victim to the charms of a femme fatale, his relationship with his estranged wife is the most important part of the story, as their connection persists even when they’re at odds. Unlike some of Washington’s past works, Out of Time puts his character in the position to be saved time and again, as he relies heavily on the kindness of others. Eva Mendes’ work as Matt’s wife, Alex, is a strong part of the story, with Sanaa Lathan’s Ann rounding out the love triangle.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Out of Time (2003) |
65% |
58% |
2
Déjà Vu (2006)
Directed by Tony Scott
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Déjà Vu
PG-13
Action
Sci-Fi
Thriller
6.5/10
Release Date
November 22, 2006
Runtime
126 minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
-
Paula Patton
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Déjà Vu was Washington’s earlier collaboration with the director Tony Scott before they partnered on The Taking of Pelham 123. However, like The Taking of Pelham 123, Déjà Vu borrows elements of more successful movies with less innovation and intrigue. Using time travel as a central conceit of the story, Washington’s character, Douglas Carlin, must travel back in time to prevent a terrorist attack. From there, the narrative only gets more complex and convoluted, two things most of Washington’s movies aren’t.
It’s always interesting when Washington delves into sci-fi and fantasy territory since audiences and critics aren’t used to seeing him in this light.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to draw unfavorable comparisons between Déjà Vu and the 1990s thriller 12 Monkeys, which played with similar themes in a much more engaging way. It’s always interesting when Washington delves into sci-fi and fantasy territory since audiences and critics aren’t used to seeing him in this light. However, it’s obvious why Washington might have wanted to take on a project like Déjà Vu, as there’s a lot to work with in the script and many exciting action-pack moments.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
Déjà Vu (2006) |
55% |
73% |
1
John Q. (2002)
Directed by Nick Cassavetes
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
See more : Who are Naya Rivera Parents? Meet George Rivera and Yolanda Previtire
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
John Q.
PG-13
Drama
Thriller
Crime
9/10
Release Date
February 15, 2002
Runtime
116 Minutes
Cast
See All
-
Denzel Washington
-
James Woods
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
John Q. isn’t a perfect film, but it’s emotionally resonant and has lost none of the potency of its messaging since its release in 2002. Washington portrays the desperate father, John Q., who holds a floor of a hospital hostage when his son is denied a heart transplant because the insurance company refuses to pay the enormous sum required for the surgery. John Q. grapples with universal themes of social equality and the desperation one feels when they’re made powerless in the face of exploitative bureaucracy and privatized healthcare.
It’s clear from the start of John Q. that the audience is supposed to sympathize with John rather than the faceless corporations that would allow his son to die. Denzel Washington gives a moving performance and disappears into the role, immersing the viewer in the tense story. Though it’s not subtle in its messaging, John Q. is one of the most overtly socially political movies of the actor’s career. However, no matter how political it gets, it’s impossible not to understand Jonh’s emotional journey.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
John Q. (2002) |
26% |
78% |
Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment