Flight
With two Academy Awards under his belt, it's safe to say this actor is as A-list as they come. From famed activist to rising gangster, check out all of this seasoned Hollywood star's many memorable roles.
Glory
Playing the part of Private Silas Tripp in this 1989 war film, Denzel picked up an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture. Film critic James Berardinelli dubbed the critically acclaimed flick, "Without question, one of the best movies ever made about the American Civil War."
Malcolm X
Starring alongside Angela Bassett and Spike Lee, the famous actor takes on the role of activist Malcolm X in this $48.2 million-grossing epic biographical drama from 1992.
Philadelphia
In 1993, Denzel co-starred with Tom Hanks in one of the first mainstream dramas to acknowledge homosexuality, homophobia and AIDS. This box office success grossed $206.7 million and was nominated for four Academy Awards.
The Preacher's Wife
In this 1996 fantasy flick, Denzel acts alongside Whitney Houston and plays the part of an angel who descended from heaven. The film was developed by Mundy Lane Entertainment, Denzel's very own production company.
Crimson Tide
This 1995 film revolves around the critical wartime decision making process of launching nuclear submarine missiles. Denzel acts as a lieutenant commander in this $163.7 million-grossing movie.
The Bone Collector
Denzel plays the part of Lincoln Rhyme, a forensics expert who works with a patrol cop played by Angelina Jolie, in this 1999 horror psychological thriller. At the box office, the film grossed $151.5 million off of a $48 million budget.
Remember the Titans
In the critically acclaimed 2000 biographical sports drama, the Mount Vernon-native acts as the head coach of a Virginian high school's football team. Winning Best Actor at the BET Awards and Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards, Denzel helped launch the $136.7 million-grossing movie to a box office success.
Training Day
Co-starring with Ethan Hawke, Eva Mendes, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Denzel plays the part of a corrupt narcotics cop in the 2001 crime thriller. In 2002, the celebrated actor won the Academy Award for Best Actor and the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.
John Q
As the father of a young boy in dire need of a heart transplant, Denzel's character John Quincy goes to extreme measures to put his son's name on the organ recipient list. The 2002 drama grossed over $102.2 million worldwide.
Antwone Fisher
In his feature film directorial debut, the nine-time Academy Award-nominee stars alongside Derek Luke in this 2002 biographical drama. The $23.4 million-grossing movie was recognized by the American Film Institute Awards as one of the Top 10 of 2000, and Denzel won Best Director at the Black Reel Awards.
Man on Fire
The 2004 British-American crime thrilled features Denzel starring alongside Dakota Fanning and Christopher Walken for the $130.3 million-grossing flick.
The Manchurian Candidate
In this 2004 political thriller, Denzel's character, Major Ben Marco, is a celebrated war veteran who becomes a U.S. Congressman. The film grossed $96.1 million and features Meryl Streep as a leading actress.
American Gangster
Acting as a rising Harlem gangster, the experienced actor helped this 2007 biographical crime film gross $266.5 million at the box office.
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Co-starring with John Travolta in this $150 million-grossing 2009 thriller, Denzel plays the part of train dispatcher who must negotiate with a criminal during a subway hostage crisis.
Unstoppable
Denzel stars as a veteran railroad engineer alongside Chris Pine, a young train conductor, in this 2010 disaster thriller. Grossing $167.8 million at the box office, the film was nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Action Movie.
The Book of Eli
As an apocalypse survivor, Denzel's character Eli must survive a barren world in this 2010 neo-Western action. Featuring stars like Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis, the film grossed over $157.1 million at the box office.
Safe House
Acting alongside Ryan Reynolds in this American-South African spy action-thriller, Denzel acts as a veteran operative who has allegedly betrayed the CIA. The film was a box office hit, grossing $208.1 million worldwide.
Fences
Co-starring with Viola Davis, who won Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards, Denzel directed this Best Picture-nominated film and helped launch the period drama into the American Film Institute's Top 10 Films of 2016.