Every Movie Starring Denzel Washington On Netflix (& Some Are Leaving Soon)

Denzel Washington is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood right now, and luckily several of his movies are currently streaming on Netflix. Washington first gained attention on the TV series St. Elsewhere in the 1980s, and quickly began to grow in popularity with roles in films such as A Soldier’s Story and Power. In 1990, Washington’s role in Glory earned him his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, further solidifying his stardom. Since then, Denzel Washington has been nominated seven times for Best Actor, and he has appeared in some of the best movies of the 21st century.

✕ Remove Ads

Most recently, Denzel Washington starred as Macrinus in Gladiator II, creating a perfect reminder to revisit some of his past performances. Along with the dramatic prowess Washington displayed as Macrinus, Netflix also currently has several movies streaming which include Denzel Washington’s name as a producer rather than actor, proving that his influence and know-how in Hollywood extends beyond his appearances onscreen. Fans of Washington’s recent appearance on the big screen will certainly enjoy Netflix’s current offerings, which include some of Denzel Washington’s best movie performances.

1 The Equalizer 3 (2023)

Washington Also Served As A Producer For The Third Film In The Equalizer Series

Close

✕ Remove Ads

The newest of Washington’s films available on Netflix is his 2023 movie The Equalizer 3. The Equalizer 3 saw Washington reprise his role as Robert McCall, former Marine and DIA Officer turned vigilante, as he attempts to protect the people of a small Italian town from the mafia’s threats. The movie is also a reunion of the fruitful partnership between Washington and director Antoine Fuqua, who have worked together on numerous financially successful and acclaimed movies since 2001’s Training Day. The Equalizer 3‘s beautiful Italian setting and well-acted characters make it one of Denzel Washington’s most entertaining action films.

Though Denzel Washington is great in every genre, many of his most well-known roles have been in action films, and The Equalizer 3 is no exception. Though some reviewers found the plot of the film formulaic, citing its similarity to the previous two installments and other action films, The Equalizer 3 received many positive reviews as well for its enthralling action. Since Equalizer 4 and 5 have already been announced by Washington, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the movie’s availability on Netflix to catch-up on the series or have a rewatch.

✕ Remove Ads

2 American Gangster

American Gangster Is Leaving Netflix On December 31

Close

American Gangster is one of the highest rated Denzel Washington movies that is currently streaming on Netflix, and fans should take advantage of its availability before it leaves the streaming service at the end of December 2024. Following its 2007 release, American Gangster was financially successful, and as of December 2024, the film has made $269.8 million worldwide on a budget of $100 million (via Box Office Mojo). Likewise, the film received positive responses from critics, who enjoyed the plot and the performances of leading actors Washington and Russell Crowe.

While the real Lucas has stated that the film is not, strictly speaking, very accurate, that does not stop
American Gangster
from being a great crime movie featuring a great dramatic performance by Denzel Washington.

✕ Remove Ads

The biographical movie puts Washington’s dramatic talents to work in his role as Frank Lucas, a real-life gangster and drug lord who supplied heroin to much of New York City and the surrounding areas. Washington’s Frank Lucas is perfectly matched by Russell Crowe’s Detective Richie Roberts, who first pursues Lucas and later represents him as an attorney. While the real Lucas has stated that the film is not, strictly speaking, very accurate, that does not stop American Gangster from being a great crime movie featuring a great dramatic performance by Denzel Washington.

3 Safe House

Safe House Is Leaving Netflix On December 31

Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds in Safe House

✕ Remove Ads

The 2012 movie Safe House is another of Denzel Washington’s action movie offerings, and it is certain to keep audiences at the edge of their seats with its exciting twists. Washington stars as Tobin Frost, a criminal and former CIA agent, who is being kept in a safe house while being interrogated. When the criminals who want Frost dead figure out his location, he is forced to flee with Agent Matt Weston to avoid his fate. While Safe House seems straightforward at first, viewers will be entertained by the layers of secrets that unfold as the movie progresses.

Booth (Ryan Reynolds) with his hands up at gunpoint in Red Notice Related Underrated Denzel Washington & Ryan Reynolds Action Movie Leaving Netflix Soon

An underrated action movie starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds is soon going to leave Netflix, leaving limited time to watch the film.

Posts

Though Safe House may not be as highly rated as Washington’s Equalizer series, it is still a worthy watch for action fans. Washington’s anti-hero, Tobin Frost, may be a criminal, but his attempts at exposing the CIA’s illegal missions keep audiences rooting for him throughout. What’s more, Frost’s uneasy alliance with Ryan Reynolds’s Matt Weston really makes the movie work, since both characters are very unsure of who they can trust but ultimately are forced to work together. Sadly, Safe House leaves Netflix on December 31, so fans should watch this one before it is gone.

✕ Remove Ads

4 2 Guns

2 Guns Is Leaving Netflix On December 31

Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg looking at each other in 2 Guns

Denzel Washington added to his action movie streak with the 2013 buddy cop movie 2 Guns alongside Mark Wahlberg. The R-rated action movie sees the two movie stars teaming up as criminals who are both secretly undercover agents for different US government agencies. Naturally, chaos ensues as the two men are forced to fight off the CIA, the Navy, drug dealers, hitmen, and more, as the movie’s pace never slows down. Like several of Denzel Washington’s other movies, 2 Guns will be leaving Netflix on December 31, giving audiences only a few more weeks to enjoy it.

Denzel Washington in The Book of Eli and Inside Man on a blue sky gritty background Related Denzel Washington’s 10 Most Underrated Movies

Denzel Washington has made a career out of Oscar-winning performances and films, but he has starred in many underrated films that need more love.

Posts1
✕ Remove Ads

2 Guns is as wild as an action movie could be with unending twists that sometimes verge on being comical, and the characters themselves sometimes lean into this comedic aspect. With a moderate 64% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, it is neither the best nor the worst of Washington’s movies, but it is perfect for audiences looking for nonstop action. There is no real deeper meaning to this movie, which means that 2 Guns is ideal for fans who simply want to sit back and have fun.

5 Hard Lessons

The TV Movie Was One Of Washington’s Earliest Roles

Denzel Washington in Hard Lessons

Originally known as The George McKenna Story, Hard Lessons was one of Washington’s earliest roles, and despite then being an unknown actor, his performance is moving nonetheless. In Hard Lessons, Washington portrays George McKenna, a real individual who served as the principal of George Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles from 1979 to 1988. The television film showcases McKenna’s efforts to reform the high school, particularly ridding it of gang violence and encouraging students to become more involved in their own academic welfare.

✕ Remove Ads

Though Hard Lessons is certainly not one of Washington’s best known movies, it is a worthwhile watch because his performance in the film is indicative of the star that he would become. The movie brought attention to the hard work of one man who was able to make a difference in the lives of many. Audiences should check out The George McKenna Story on Netflix to see an underrated biographical performance from Denzel Washington that proved his talent early in his career.

6 Giving Voice

Giving Voice Is A Documentary Featuring Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington pointing to the screen in Giving Voice

Giving Voice is the only documentary film that features Denzel Washington currently streaming on Netflix, making it a unique watch. Giving Voice centers on the 2018 August Wilson monologue competition which sees thousands of teenagers converge on New York City for the chance to perform on Broadway. Washington appears in the documentary film to add helpful information about the competition and August Wilson, as well as express his respect for August Wilson and his works.

✕ Remove Ads

Fences (2016) - Denzel Washington and Viola Davis laughing and hugging Related Denzel Washington Confirms Next Adaptation From The Piano Lesson & Fences Author

Denzel Washington has confirmed what his next August Wilson play adaptation will be, and the author whose work he previously adapted with Fences.

Posts

Though Denzel Washington is not the main focus of the documentary by any means, it does make sense that he would appear in it given his admiration of August Wilson’s plays. Wilson is best known for writing The Pittsburgh Cycle of plays, which includes Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and The Piano Lesson, among others. These three plays in particular are significant in Denzel Washington’s career as he has either starred in or produced adaptations of all three. Giving Voice is a great watch for audiences interested in learning more about the contest and its inspiration.

7 The Piano Lesson

Denzel Washington Served As Producer For The Piano Lesson

Close
✕ Remove Ads

Though Denzel Washington is not an actor in the Piano Lesson, he did serve as a producer for the film. Instead, The Piano Lesson was directed by his son, Malcolm Washington, and stars his other son, John David Washington. The Piano Lesson is the third of Washington’s August Wilson adaptations, and it has already been well received by critics and audiences. The movie follows the Charles family as they debate whether Boy Willie should be able to sell their family’s treasured piano as it represents all the things that theie family have had to go through to get to that moment.

Netflix New Denzel Washington Oscar Contender Unexpected Horror Ghost Story (1) Related Netflix’s New Denzel Washington-Produced Oscar-Contender With 90% RT Score Is 2024’s Most Unexpected Horror Ghost Story

Denzel Washington has already garnered 2025 Oscar buzz for his role in Gladiator II but has also produced another Oscar contender with his two sons.

Posts

✕ Remove Ads

The Piano Lesson comes as part of Washington’s plan to produce all the films from August Wilson’s The Pittsburgh Cycle. Additionally, for audiences interested in the Oscars, The Piano Lesson is a must-watch because its positive reception has sparked speculation over whether it will earn a Best Picture nomination. This means that Denzel Washington could have a chance to win two Oscars at the upcoming awards ceremony, as his performance as Macrinus in Gladiator II could lead to a Best Supporting Actor nomination, and The Piano Lesson could garner a Best Picture nomination.

8 Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Denzel Washington Served As Producer For Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Close

Like Denzel Washington’s most recently produced film, The Piano Lesson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom was the previous film that Washington had produced and the second from the cycle written by the playwright August Wilson, following 2016’s Fences. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom centers on a recording session for the singer Ma Rainey and her band, featuring fantastic performances from Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, and Colman Domingo.

✕ Remove Ads

Though Denzel Washington does not make an appearance in the movie, it is worth watching all the same, and his involvement in the film as a producer shows his ongoing interest in adapting
The Pittsburgh Cycle
.

The movie is beautiful and tense, and viewers who watch the film on Netflix will quickly understand how Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom garnered so many awards and nominations upon its release. Though Denzel Washington does not make an appearance in the movie, it is worth watching all the same, and his involvement in the film as a producer shows his ongoing interest in adapting The Pittsburgh Cycle. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom pairs well with Washington’s more recently produced movie, The Piano Lesson, since audiences can get excited to see which play Denzel Washington might adapt next.

Sources: Box Office Mojo & Rotten Tomatoes

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Headshot Of Denzel Washington In The Premiere Of Apple Original Films' and A24's Denzel Washington Birthdate December 28, 1954 Birthplace Mount Vernon, New York, USA
✕ Remove Ads