Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors of his generation, but he’s rarely recognized for his contributions to the action genre through some of his best movies. Since he’s such a versatile performer, it’s easy to forget that Washington has been in just as many action-oriented projects as any other genre. While Denzel Washington’s best drama movies are more widely discussed and are the films he’s been awarded for, they’re far from his other projects. However, there have been a few instances when Washington’s work in action films has been too iconic and skillful to ignore.

Part of the reason Washington’s work within action movies is so notable is that few of his films merely stick to one niche of the genre. Seamlessly blending elements of thrillers, mysteries, and even Westerns, Washington’s action films are unlike anything else onscreen. This is fitting for the actor, as he always takes on unique projects that push him to his limits in the fight sequences and the character-driven moments. Additionally, the characters he takes on, whether they’re traditional heroes or morally ambiguous figures, are always complex individuals full of nuance for Washington to bring to life.

10

Out Of Time (2003)

As Mathias Lee Whitlock

After collaborating with Carl Franklin on Devil in a Blue Dress, Washington reunited with the filmmaker for Out of Time, a twisting action-thriller that leaves you guessing until the very end. Washington’s character, Matt, can’t be sure who to trust and where to place his faith throughout Out of Time, as he’s emotionally manipulated and fooled many times over. However, as the audience, we’re just as shocked and vengeful as he is when Matt learns how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

Matt is a great protagonist, as it’s easy to empathize with him and place yourself in his shoes throughout the story.

As one of Denzel Washington’s best crime movies, Out of Time is easily praised for its slick visual style and compelling central performances. Matt is a great protagonist, as it’s easy to empathize with him and place yourself in his shoes throughout the story. Full of romantic drama as well as chase scenes, lies, and criminal intrigue, Out of Time should be a better-remembered part of Washington’s filmography. His chemistry with Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan helps to ground the film.

9

The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009)

As Walter Garber

The Taking of Pelham 123 has been adapted for the screen several times, with Washington’s 2009 project being the most recent. One of the reasons that The Taking of Pelham 123 can be translated to the screen so well in different eras is because it follows the hijacking of a subway car, and the way subways run has been deeply impacted by emerging technologies. The modern iteration of The Taking of Pelham 123 explores how computerization and new tech both help and hurt situations like this.

Washington leads the cast, but he’s far from the only famous actor in the cast. John Travolta plays the central antagonist, Ryder, and both John Turturro and James Gandolfini appear throughout the film. While the star-studded cast isn’t the only reason to watch The Taking of Pelham 123, it elevates the tense and immediate story that draws the viewer in. As Walter, the uncertain protagonist, Washington portrays the character not as a natural hero but as a man who does what he has to and steps up.

8

Man On Fire (2004)

As John W. Creasy

There are few things the action genre does better than revenge, and Man on Fire is a great example of this. Washington’s character, John W. Creasy, is still packing plenty of CIA skills when he becomes a bodyguard for a young girl in Mexico City and embarks on a violent tear across the city in search of her. Starring a young Dakota Fanning as Pita, the girl Creasy’s protecting, Man on Fire is an updated take on the 1980 novel by A. J. Quinnell.

Though the book was first brought to life in 1987, the 2004 iteration makes enough changes to successfully differentiate the two projects while staying true to the heart of the narrative. The father-daughter relationship that blossoms between Creasy and Pita is the emotional centerpiece of Man on Fire and is the reason we care so deeply, as Creasy cuts a bloody path throughout the city in the wake of her kidnapping. While Creasy is terrifying and powerful, the viewer is on his side in his search for Pita.

7

Unstoppable (2010)

As Frank Barnes

Washington and Chris Pine are tasked with stopping a runaway freight train in Unstoppable, a sharp action-thriller that follows in the footsteps of iconic films like Speed. The stakes are already high in Unstoppable when we first learn the train can’t be powered down, but this intensity is increased tenfold when it’s revealed the freight is carrying toxic chemicals and might have to be derailed into a town. Frank (Washington) and Will (Pine) are unlikely heroes in Unstoppable, but they make a compelling pair.

The chemistry between Washington and Pine helps keep the audience invested in the personal and character-driven aspects of Unstoppable, as it’s impossible not to be engaged by the runaway train. Watching Frank and Will work together and race against the clock to save lives is incredible, and Unstoppable revels in every second of its premise. Fun and adrenaline-pumping until the film’s final moments, Unstoppable is an underrated action flick. Unstoppable doesn’t try to complicate itself with anything other than the pure enjoyment of watching two regular people save the day.

6

Flight (2012)

As Whip

Robert Zemeckis directed Flight, a complex, character-driven drama that includes most of its action sequences in the first third of the film. Washington plays the pilot, Whip, who has substance abuse issues that follow him throughout the story. Almost all of the high-octane drama occurs early on in Flight, as Whip is forced to safely land a plane after a technical failure while he’s under the influence. It’s a tense sequence, and even though Whip lands the plane, this is far from the end of the story.

Flight does a great job showcasing two prominent sides of Washington as a performer, as Whip is a skilled hero as well as a flawed character who needs to recover.

Flight does a great job showcasing two prominent sides of Washington as a performer, as Whip is a skilled hero as well as a flawed character who needs to recover. Throughout the film, the audience accompanies Whip on his journey to come to terms with his drinking and recognize that his heroism doesn’t erase his mistakes, and vice versa. Few other actors could portray this balance and nuance as skillfully as he, but Washington is more than up to the challenge.

5

The Book Of Eli (2010)

As Eli

The Book of Eli is one of the more unique additions to Washington’s filmography and is often overlooked within the action genre and the post-apocalyptic sphere. However, at the time of its release, The Book of Eli performed extremely well at the box office, even in the wake of middling reviews from critics. Washington’s central performance as Eli can’t be ignored as a pivotal factor in the movie’s success, as the actor weathers the plot twists with grim defiance throughout the story.

The Book of Eli also features Mila Kunis, Gary Oldman, and Jennifer Beals as members of a group Eli encounters. Oldman’s character becomes the central foil to Eli as the two men seek a sacred book for different reasons. Though it could be argued that the post-apocalyptic genre has become oversaturated today, The Book of Eli differentiates itself from other end-of-the-world blockbusters that pit people against each other as they attempt to survive. In The Book of Eli, Washington is the unquestionable hero, making it easy to root for him.

4

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

As Sam Chisholm

There have been many iterations of The Magnificent Seven since Akira Kurosawa’s The Seven Samurai was adapted to the Western genre in 1960. Washington leads the 2016 iteration as Sam Chisholm, the U.S. Marshal who leads the band of seven outlaws and bounty hunters who become the unlikely heroes of The Magnificent Seven. Though The Magnificent Seven isn’t a neo-Western, which was a popular genre niche in the 2010s, it does expand upon many traditional Western tropes.

Westerns incorporate many elements of action films, but put exciting spins on these epic onscreen moments. The Magnificent Seven reminds us that Washington is just as capable of bringing to life an epic car chase scene as he is a good old-fashioned shootout at high noon. There’s little question that Washington’s participation in the project is a large part of why the film succeeded at the box-office and earned a decent reputation in comparison to the other adaptations.

3

Training Day (2001)

As Alonzo Harris

The mark of a great action hero is their ability to play a villain, and Washington gave one of the best performances of his career as the morally bankrupt Alonzo Harris in Training Day. Ethan Hawke joins Washington in the crime drama set in Los Angeles. Training Day sees Harris take the young police officer, Jake (Hawke), on a terrifying ride through the city. It’s soon revealed that Harris isn’t training the young Jake but using him as a tool to further his own corruption.

Washington won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Training Day, a well-deserved accolade, especially since action-driven films like Training Day aren’t always recognized during awards season. However, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that Washington is giving the performance of a lifetime in Training Day. Harris is deliciously evil, making you want to cringe away from his despicable actions while pulling you deeper into the drama. Though Training Day is also a thriller and crime movie, it blends genres seamlessly, immersing the viewer in the violence.

2

Gladiator II (2024)

As Macrinus

Paul Mescal might be the hero of Gladiator II, but Washington’s role in the historical blockbuster indicates that the actor is capable of evolving and adapting within the genre. He shines just as brightly in his action-oriented scenes as he does in the tense moments packed with layers of subtext and dialogue. Gladiator II exemplifies where the action genre is heading in the 2020s and shows that Washington can fulfill many roles within it, not just the hero.

Washington understands that projects like Gladiator II and action movies in general need to be well acted in addition to explosively engaging, as this helps the audience care about the characters. The juxtaposition between Macrinus (Washington) and Lucius (Mescal) in Gladiator II builds their animosity and electric dynamic, which ultimately culminates in a showdown between them. Though Washington’s Macrinus is older, his experience and knowledge make him just as formidable as the young Lucius.

1

The Equalizer Movies (2014–2023)

As Robert McCall

There’s little question that The Equalizer movies deserve greater recognition within the action sphere, as the trilogy demonstrates what’s great about action movies in the 21st century. Though the plots can get serious, they’re also unafraid to be fun and dynamic, taking the audience on an unforgettable thrill ride. While The Equalizer doesn’t take itself too seriously, it clearly has a lot of love for action movies, as seen through the great fight scenes.

The Equalizer has become a streaming hit many years after the franchise first started because audiences have realized how much the projects have to offer. With well-choreographed action sequences and exciting espionage, The Equalizer movies would be engaging on their own. However, with Washington anchoring the projects as Robert McCall, they’re made all the stronger. Denzel Washington takes his experience within the action genre and puts everything he’s got into The Equalizer films.