Denzel Washingtonis 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 seriesSt. Elsewherein the 1980s, and quickly began to grow in popularity with roles in films such asA Soldier’s StoryandPower. In 1990,Washington’s role inGloryearned him his first Oscarfor 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.
Most recently,Denzel Washington starred as Macrinus inGladiator 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 ofDenzel Washington’s best movie performances.
1The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Washington Also Served As A Producer For The Third Film In The Equalizer Series
The newest of Washington’s films available on Netflix is his 2023 movieThe Equalizer 3.The Equalizer 3saw 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’sTraining Day.The Equalizer 3’s beautiful Italian setting and well-acted characters make it one ofDenzel 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, andThe Equalizer 3is 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 3received 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.
2American Gangster
American Gangster Is Leaving Netflix On December 31
American Gangsteris one of the highest rated Denzel Washington movies that is currently streaming on Netflix, andfans should take advantage of its availability before it leaves the streaming service at the end of December 2024. Following its 2007 release,American Gangsterwas financially successful, and as of December 2024, the film has made $269.8 million worldwide on a budget of $100 million (viaBox 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 stopAmerican Gangsterfrom being a great crime movie featuring a great dramatic performance by Denzel Washington.
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 stopAmerican Gangsterfrom being a great crime movie featuring a great dramatic performance by Denzel Washington.
3Safe House
Safe House Is Leaving Netflix On December 31
The 2012 movieSafe Houseis another of Denzel Washington’s action movie offerings, andit 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. WhileSafe Houseseems straightforward at first, viewers will be entertained by the layers of secrets that unfold as the movie progresses.
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.
ThoughSafe Housemay 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, sinceboth characters are very unsure of who they can trust but ultimately are forced to work together. Sadly,Safe Houseleaves Netflix on December 31, so fans should watch this one before it is gone.
42 Guns
2 Guns Is Leaving Netflix On December 31
Denzel Washington added to his action movie streak with the 2013 buddy cop movie2 Gunsalongside Mark Wahlberg. The R-rated action movie sees thetwo 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 Gunswill be leaving Netflix on December 31, giving audiences only a few more weeks to enjoy it.
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2 Gunsis 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 onRotten 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 that2 Gunsis ideal for fans who simply want to sit back and have fun.
5Hard Lessons
The TV Movie Was One Of Washington’s Earliest Roles
Originally known asThe George McKenna Story,Hard Lessonswas one of Washington’s earliest roles, and despite then being an unknown actor, his performance is moving nonetheless. InHard 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.
ThoughHard Lessonsis 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 outThe George McKenna Storyon Netflix to see an underrated biographical performance from Denzel Washington that proved his talent early in his career.
6Giving Voice
Giving Voice Is A Documentary Featuring Denzel Washington
Giving Voiceis the only documentary film that features Denzel Washington currently streaming on Netflix, making it a unique watch.Giving Voicecenters 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.
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Denzel Washington has confirmed what his next August Wilson play adaptation will be, and the author whose work he previously adapted with Fences.
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 writingThe Pittsburgh Cycleof plays, which includesFences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, andThe Piano Lesson, among others. These three plays in particular are significant in Denzel Washington’s career ashe has either starred in or produced adaptations of all three.Giving Voiceis a great watch for audiences interested in learning more about the contest and its inspiration.
7The Piano Lesson
Denzel Washington Served As Producer For The Piano Lesson
Though Denzel Washington is not an actor in thePiano Lesson, he did serve as a producer for the film. Instead,The Piano Lessonwas directed by his son, Malcolm Washington, and stars his other son, John David Washington.The Piano Lessonis 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.
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The Piano Lessoncomes as part of Washington’s plan to produce all the films from August Wilson’sThe Pittsburgh Cycle. Additionally, for audiences interested in the Oscars,The Piano Lessonis a must-watch because its positive reception has sparked speculation over whether it will earn a Best Picture nomination. This means thatDenzel Washington could have a chance to win two Oscarsat the upcoming awards ceremony, as his performance as Macrinus inGladiator IIcould lead to a Best Supporting Actor nomination, andThe Piano Lessoncould garner a Best Picture nomination.
8Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Denzel Washington Served As Producer For Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Like Denzel Washington’s most recently produced film,The Piano Lesson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottomwas the previous film that Washington had produced and the second from the cycle written by the playwright August Wilson, following 2016’sFences.Ma Rainey’s Black Bottomcenters on a recording session for the singer Ma Rainey and her band, featuring fantastic performances from Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, and Colman Domingo.
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 adaptingThe Pittsburgh Cycle.
The movie is beautiful and tense, and viewers who watch the film on Netflix will quickly understand howMa Rainey’s Black Bottomgarnered 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 adaptingThe Pittsburgh Cycle.Ma Rainey’s Black Bottompairs well with Washington’s more recently produced movie,The Piano Lesson,since audiences can get excited to see which playDenzel Washingtonmight adapt next.
