The best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows are a masterclass in emotional power, gravitas, and unforgettable characters. Born on July 15, 1961, in Longview, Texas, Whitaker has carved out one of the most respected careers in Hollywood, dazzling audiences with his ability to disappear into every role he takes on. After early supporting roles, his breakout came with 1988’s Bird, which brought Whitaker’s soft-spoken intensity, commanding screen presence, and incredible depth to the fore. Whether he’s leading a major movie or stealing scenes in ensemble casts, Whitaker’s performances always leave a mark.
Across a career spanning decades, Forest Whitaker has proven there’s no character he can’t tackle. From warriors and musicians to political revolutionaries and real-life icons, he makes every performance feel lived-in and authentic. He’s not just an actor – he’s a storyteller, a chameleon who elevates every project he’s part of. Over the years, he’s racked up a slew of awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA. Diving into the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows reveals a depth and incredible range that has made him a true Hollywood legend.
You are watching: Forest Whitaker’s 10 Best Movies And TV Shows
10
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Forest Whitaker Plays Saw Gerrera
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Science Fiction
8/10
106
8.6/10
Release Date
December 16, 2016
Runtime
133 Minutes
Director
Gareth Edwards
Writers
Chris Weitz, Tony Gilroy
Producers
Kathleen Kennedy, Simon Emanuel, Tony To, Allison Shearmur
Cast
See All
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Felicity Jones
Jyn Erso
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Diego Luna
Captain Cassian Andor
Prequel(s)
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
Sequel(s)
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Franchise(s)
Star Wars
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In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Forest Whitaker made an unforgettable impact as Saw Gerrera, the grizzled and radical freedom fighter. Directed by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One bridges the gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, following a ragtag group trying to steal the Death Star plans. Whitaker’s Saw Gerrera, complete with a battered breathing apparatus and a tragic backstory, adds layers of moral complexity to the rebellion, showing that even heroes can lose their way.
Forest Whitaker’s performance brought a haunted, larger-than-life quality to Gerrera, making him one of the most memorable side characters in Rogue One. Sharing the screen with Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Ben Mendelsohn, he made his relatively limited screen time count. Although Rogue One didn’t score Whitaker any awards, his portrayal was so compelling that it carried over into the animated series Star Wars Rebels and The Bad Batch. It’s performances like this that solidify Rogue One as part of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows – proof that even in galaxy-spanning adventures, Whitaker’s emotional heft shines through.
9
Black Panther (2018)
Forest Whitaker Plays Zuri
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Black Panther
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Science Fiction
8/10
38
8.7/10
Release Date
February 16, 2018
Runtime
135 minutes
Director
Ryan Coogler
Writers
Joe Robert Cole, Ryan Coogler
Producers
Jeffrey Chernov, Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso
Cast
See All
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Chadwick Boseman
T’Challa / Black Panther
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Michael B. Jordan
Erik Killmonger
Sequel(s)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Franchise(s)
Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe
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2018 saw the arrival of Marvel’s groundbreaking Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, and Forest Whitaker stepped into the mystical shoes of Zuri, a shaman-like figure and trusted advisor to King T’Challa. The MCU movie follows T’Challa’s rise to the throne after his father’s death, with Zuri serving as both spiritual guide and keeper of Wakanda’s deepest secrets. Whitaker’s performance carries immense emotional weight, especially in key moments when past decisions come back to haunt the new king.
Black Panther was a global sensation, praised for its cultural impact, storytelling, and stunning performances. Forest Whitaker’s scenes alongside Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan are pivotal, offering gravitas and a sense of sacred tradition to the sci-fi superhero movie. As part of one of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows, his portrayal of Zuri in Black Panther showed his uncanny ability to blend wisdom, vulnerability, and sorrow into a character who leaves a lasting impression.
8
The Enemy Within (1994)
Forest Whitaker Plays Colonel Lyle MacArthur “Mac” Casey
The Enemy Within
NR
Thriller
Drama
Release Date
August 24, 1994
Runtime
86 minutes
Director
Jonathan Darby
Writers
Fletcher Knebel, Charles W. Bailey II, Rod Serling, Ronald Bass, Darryl Ponicsan
Producers
Peter Douglas
Cast
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Forest Whitaker
Col. MacKenzie Casey
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Sam Waterston
President William Foster
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Dana Delany
Betsy Corcoran
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Jason Robards
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General R. Pendleton Lloyd
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In the 1994 HBO political thriller The Enemy Within, Forest Whitaker played Colonel Lyle MacArthur “Mac” Casey, a man caught in the crosshairs of a deadly political conspiracy. Directed by Jonathan Darby, The Enemy Within is a modern remake of the novel Seven Days in May by Rode Serling, and explores a plot to overthrow the U.S. government from within. Whitaker’s Mac Casey is at the heart of the action – brave, moral, and determined to expose the truth even at great personal cost.
Forest Whitaker’s performance is what elevates The Enemy Within from a standard political thriller to something truly gripping. Starring opposite Sam Waterston and Jason Robards, Whitaker brings an emotional urgency and quiet intensity that few actors could match. Although the 1994 movie didn’t snag major awards, it remains a hidden gem that showcases the kind of magnetic, fiercely intelligent performances that make up the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows. In a genre often full of caricatures, Whitaker made sure Mac Casey felt painfully real.
7
Bird (1988)
Forest Whitaker Plays Charlie “Bird” Parker
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Bird
R
Drama
Music
Release Date
September 30, 1988
Director
Clint Eastwood
Writers
Joel Oliansky
Cast
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Forest Whitaker
Charlie Bird Parker
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Samuel E. Wright
Chan Parker
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Michael Zelniker
Red Rodney
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Samuel E. Wright
Dizzy Gillespie
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Bird, directed by Clint Eastwood, features Forest Whitaker in one of his most transformative roles as legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker. The 1988 biographical film dives deep into Parker’s genius, addiction, and ultimate tragic downfall. Whitaker’s deeply soulful performance captures both Parker’s musical brilliance and the demons that plagued him, earning him the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe nomination.
In Bird, Forest Whitaker doesn’t just play Parker – he becomes him. Whether depicting the soaring highs of musical success or the crushing lows of personal despair, Whitaker’s portrayal is mesmerizing. Clint Eastwood’s direction provided a moody, atmospheric backdrop that let Whitaker’s talents shine. It’s easy to see why Bird remains one of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows – it’s a performance that etched his name permanently among Hollywood’s finest.
6
American Gun (2005)
Forest Whitaker Plays Carter
The 2005 drama American Gun may not be the most widely known Forest Whitaker movie or TV show, but the underrated gem should be considered essential viewing for his fans. Forest Whitaker plays Carter in the grounded crime drama, a high school principal trying to guide his students in a world plagued by gun violence. Directed by Aric Avelino, American Gun is a sobering look at how gun culture impacts everyday lives, told through interwoven stories. Whitaker’s Carter is a man trying to make a difference against overwhelming odds, and his compassionate yet weary performance anchors the entire film.
Forest Whitaker brings a quiet heroism to Carter, a man who knows he can’t save everyone, but refuses to stop trying. While American Gun didn’t receive major award recognition, it earned critical praise for its thoughtful storytelling and strong performances. As part of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows, American Gun highlights Whitaker’s gift for humanizing even the most broken and burdened characters, making audiences feel every struggle and small victory.
5
Roots (2016)
Forest Whitaker Plays Henry (AKA Fiddler)
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Roots
TV-MA
Drama
Action & Adventure
History
Release Date
2016 – 2016-00-00
Network
History
Directors
Bruce Beresford, Mario Van Peebles, Phillip Noyce
Cast
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Matthew Goode
Dr. William Waller
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Malachi Kirby
Kunta Kinte
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James Purefoy
John Waller
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Forest Whitaker
Fiddler
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The 2016 remake of the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries Roots introduced a new generation to the powerful story of Kunta Kinte and his descendants, and Forest Whitaker brought wisdom and quiet dignity to his role as Henry. Directed by Phillip Noyce and others, the Roots remake was a sweeping retelling of one of the most important sagas in American television history. Whitaker’s Henry is a freedman who represents the strength and survival of Black Americans post-slavery.
Appearing in the first episode, Forest Whitaker set the tone for the emotional journey to come, and delivered a performance filled with heartbreak, resolve, and grace. Roots received several Emmy nominations, reflecting its cultural importance. However, the reason it’s one of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows isn’t due to the story itself, but because of Whitaker’s performance – it’s a strong reminder of his ability to embody history with sensitivity and a relatable authenticity.
4
The Butler (2013)
Forest Whitaker Plays Cecil Gaines
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The Butler
pg-13
Drama
5.0/10
Release Date
August 16, 2013
Runtime
132 Minutes
Director
Lee Daniels
Writers
Danny Strong
Cast
See All
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Forest Whitaker
Cecil Gaines
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Oprah Winfrey
Gloria Gaines
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In 2013’s The Butler, directed by Lee Daniels, Forest Whitaker stars as Cecil Gaines, a White House butler who serves under eight U.S. presidents while navigating the sweeping social changes of the 20th century. Inspired by the real-life story of Eugene Allen, the film is both a personal and political epic, and Whitaker’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary.
Forest Whitaker portrays Cecil’s journey from a struggling childhood on a cotton farm to the corridors of power with aching humanity. His chemistry with Oprah Winfrey, who plays his wife Gloria, adds rich layers to the story. The Butler was a box-office hit and earned Whitaker multiple award nominations, including nods from the Screen Actors Guild and winning the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture. Easily one of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows, The Butler showcases his stunning ability to make historical narratives feel deeply personal, heartfelt, and real.
3
Good Morning Vietnam (1987)
Forest Whitaker Plays Private Edward Garlick
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Good Morning, Vietnam
R
Comedy
Drama
War
10.0/10
Release Date
December 23, 1987
Runtime
121 Minutes
Director
Barry Levinson
Writers
Mitch Markowitz
Cast
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Robin Williams
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Forest Whitaker
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Forest Whitaker brought warmth and heart to Barry Levinson’s Good Morning, Vietnam, playing Private Edward Garlick, the loyal assistant to Robin Williams’ irreverent radio DJ Adrian Cronauer. Set during the Vietnam War, Good Morning Vietnam captures the clash between military authority and the spirit of rebellion, with Whitaker’s Garlick often caught in the middle. The 1987 film is often considered one of the best war movies of all time, and Forest Whitaker was a key ingredient both for the initial success of the project and its lasting legacy.
Even alongside the unstoppable comedic energy of Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker held his own, providing the perfect balance of humor and genuine emotional grounding. Good Morning, Vietnam was a critical and commercial hit, earning Williams a Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination, while Whitaker’s understated brilliance drew widespread praise. The iconic film is firmly cemented among the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows – a shining early example of how he could light up a scene even when surrounded by larger-than-life personalities.
2
Godfather Of Harlem (2019-Present)
Forest Whitaker Plays Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson
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Godfather of Harlem
TV-MA
Crime
Drama
9.7/10
Release Date
September 29, 2019
Writers
Chris Brancato, Paul Eckstein
Cast
See All
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Forest Whitaker
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Nigél Thatch
Creator(s)
Chris Brancato, Paul Eckstein
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As Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson in Godfather of Harlem, Forest Whitaker leads a powerhouse series that blends gritty crime drama with historical depth. Created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, Godfather of Harlem explores Harlem’s underworld in the 1960s as Bumpy fights to reclaim his neighborhood from the Italian mob, while navigating alliances with figures like Malcolm X.
Forest Whitaker’s performance in Godfather of Harlem is mesmerizing, making Bumpy both terrifying and sympathetic. Leading a cast that also includes the likes of Vincent D’Onofrio and Giancarlo Esposito, Whitaker dominates every scene with steely resolve and emotional complexity. He also serves as an executive producer, showing just how deeply connected he is to the project. Though Godfather of Harlem hasn’t scored Whitaker a major award yet, critics and audiences alike have praised the series, easily marking it as one of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows.
1
The Last King Of Scotland (2006)
Forest Whitaker Plays Idi Amin
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The Last King of Scotland
R
Drama
Biography
Release Date
January 12, 2006
Runtime
123 minutes
Director
Kevin Macdonald
Writers
Giles Foden, Jeremy Brock, Peter Morgan
Producers
Allon Reich, Andrea Calderwood, Andrew Macdonald, Charles Steel, Christine Ruppert, Lisa Bryer, Ros Borland, Suzanne Warren
Cast
See All
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Forest Whitaker
Idi Amin
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James McAvoy
Dr. Nicholas Garrigan
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Simon McBurney
British Diplomat
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Gillian Anderson
Sarah Merrit
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The Last King of Scotland gave Forest Whitaker the role of a lifetime – and he rose to the challenge spectacularly. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, The Last King of Scotland tells the story of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin through the eyes of his fictional Scottish physician (James McAvoy as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan). Whitaker’s terrifyingly charismatic turn as Amin earned him an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for Best Actor.
Forest Whitaker completely transforms into Amin, delivering a performance that’s both magnetic and monstrous. Harnessing an incredible chemistry with James McAvoy, Whitaker captures Amin’s volatility and charm in equal measure, making him one of cinema’s most chilling villains. The Last King of Scotland isn’t just one of the best Forest Whitaker movies and TV shows – it’s a towering achievement in acting that secured Whitaker’s place in Hollywood history. His commitment to authenticity and fearlessness in portraying such a complicated figure is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
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Category: Entertainment