Iconic Roles: The Best Will Smith Movies
After a four-year absence, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are taking their talents back to Miami for more action-packed mayhem in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, the fourth entry in the popular series that originated way back in 1995. The Michael Bay-helmed action extravaganza uniquely marked Will Smith’s leap to the big screen, transforming him from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to an action star practically overnight. Following his breakout hit, Smith has starred in some of Hollywood’s most successful films and remains a hot commodity nearly 30 years later. So, in case you’re in the mood for more of the superstar’s work following Bad Boys 4, here are the best Will Smith movies, ranked by order of release date.
Independence Day (1996)
Smith was already famous when he starred in Roland Emmerich’s disaster epic Independence Day. Regardless, his turn as the ever-likable Captain Steven Hiller catapulted him to A-list status and cemented him as a de facto box office draw. While ID4’s still impressive special effects drew escapism-seeking audiences, Smith’s natural charisma and wisecracking persona stole the show and pushed the summer blockbuster to a mind-blowing $817.4 million worldwide haul.
In short, ID4 likely grosses a nice chunk of money without Smith. However, his presence pushed the film to extraordinary heights, placing it among the most rewatchable pictures ever produced and the best Will Smith movies.
Men In Black (1997)
If Independence Day certified Smith as a box office star, Men In Black earned him King of Summer status until Wild Wild West knocked him off the perch a few years later. Smith has a blast alongside the cantankerous Tommy Lee Jones, playing Jay, a newcomer to a top-secret organization dubbed the MIB whose job involves keeping tabs on extraterrestrials living amongst us on Earth.
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the dark comedy never hits the extraordinary heights required to vault into comedy legend. No matter, there’s still plenty of fun to be had, mainly due to Smith and Jones’ terrific chemistry and a handful of creative set pieces. Shockingly, this surefire hit amounted to little beyond its initial installment despite two sequels and a big-budget reboot starring Chris Hemsworth.
Ali (2001)
After a series of blockbusters, including Tony Scott’s hit Enemy of the State, Smith tried his hand at more serious fare, Michael Mann’s acclaimed Ali. Based on the life of prolific boxer Muhammad Ali, the 2001 drama presented Smith with an astounding opportunity, and the man delivered the goods, fully transforming into the iconic star. His performance is larger-than-life, capturing Ali’s enigmatic persona, unbelievable physicality, and whip-smart intelligence.
Moreover, Mann delves into the darker aspects of Ali’s life, his controversial politics that stripped him of his title, and his return to the top via the fabled Rumble in the Jungle. Biographies don’t get much better than this. Ali provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth and a greater appreciation for his arduous journey to success.
Bad Boys II (2003)
Michael Bay’s Bad Boys II is the type of action epic Hollywood refuses to produce these days. Trashy, foul-mouthed, dumb, gleefully vulgar, and incredibly violent, the film plays like the wet dream of a desensitized madman, and it’s all the better for it.
The belated sequel to 1995’s Bad Boys is a blast from start to finish, a rip-roaring extravaganza that never tries to be anything more than it is—big-budget action porn. In the center of the madness lies Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, incessantly arguing even while surrounded by bullets and the biggest explosions a $130M budget can buy. Smith once again steals the show, effortlessly commanding the screen like a rock star. Neither he nor his co-star are asked to do much, but somehow, their infectious chemistry carries the 2.5-hour film across the finish line.
Bad Boys II is the ultimate example of Bayhem and stands tall on the list of the best Will Smith movies. It’s definitely not art, but damn it all if it’s not entertaining.
King Richard (2021)
Smith won a well-deserved Oscar for this biopic about Richard Williams, the hard-nosed father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. Except here, the two girls are youngsters striving to escape their impoverished surroundings. Richard, for his part, pushes his girls along, urging them to look past their limitations, work hard, and achieve success.
He’s stubborn, a little crass, and perhaps too devoted to his objective. Although his methods may seem unorthodox, they ultimately lead to success. This results in a crowd-pleasing rags-to-riches drama that showcases Smith’s impressive acting skills and emphasizes the importance of family. Great stuff!
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