Denzel Washington has a wonderfully eclectic career, proving he can excel in any genre. He’s brought audiences to tears with heartbreaking dramas like Fences and true stories like The Hurricane. He’s tackled war in Glory and alcoholism in Flight, but one genre where Washington truly stands out is action thrillers. When ranking them, a few obvious choices make the list, but I also faced some unexpected hurdles.
When ranking Washington’s action thrillers, I considered every facet of each film. I looked at action, acting, direction, tension, and overall satisfaction. I checked reviews for each movie to get both critics’ and audience perspectives using sites like Rotten Tomatoes, where I noticed an interesting trend. Many films in Washington’s career have critics and audiences in agreement, with scores close together. But Washington’s action thrillers often show a wide gap between critic and audience reception. Films that seem like they should be universally loved are, in fact, the subject of major disagreement. How do you factor in that kind of division? Well, that’s where the fun starts.
‘The Book of Eli’ (2010)
The Action Is Only Topped by the Shocking Twist Ending
Why It’s Great: Washington plays a mysterious character named Eli who wanders the wasteland with a mission: protecting a unique and powerful book. Along the way, he meets other survivors like Solara (Mila Kunis), who joins him, and the evil Carnegie (Gary Oldman), who sees the power Eli’s book could wield. The action is top-notch, with Eli showing an aptitude for firearms, but he truly shines with his machete and bow and arrow. The movie also features one of Oldman’s most underrated villain performances. However, the twist ending packs a punch and makes you want to rewatch it.
Why It Made the Cut: The Book of Eli is an often underrated entry in Washington’s filmography. The nearly 20% gap between critics’ and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes may explain this, with 46% and 65%, respectively. Writer Gary Whitta (Rogue One) created a bleak post-apocalyptic world full of nefarious people and harsh environmental obstacles that keep tensions high. Directors Albert and Allen Hughes capture a unique tone, with Washington as a beacon of hope amid the decay. Audiences outscore critics here, with The Book of Eli holding a respectable 6.8/10 on IMDb and 3.3/5 on Letterboxd.
‘Ricochet’ (1991)
One of Denzel Washington’s Most Underrated Action Thrillers
Why It’s Great: Ricochet is one of Washington’s best action thrillers but often gets buried by the quality of later films. The story is a master class in tension, with a rookie officer putting a maniacal killer behind bars, only for the criminal to escape years later seeking revenge. Washington gives a stellar early performance as an action-hero lead, but John Lithgow steals the show. Lithgow plays killer Earl Talbot Blake, delivering a vile, sadistic performance that increases the tension with every scene.
Why It Made the Cut: Critics and audiences were split on Rotten Tomatoes, giving Ricochet 75% and 52%, respectively. I side with the critics on this one. Director Russell Mulcahy (Highlander) elevates a simple story with exceptional actors delivering strong performances. The violence is brutal, and the finale is edge-of-your-seat entertainment that immerses Washington in a story grittier than some of his later outings. Ricochet should be more commonly discussed among the actor’s work.
‘Déjà Vu’ (2006)
Denzel Washington and Tony Scott Are a Reliable Pairing
Why It’s Great: Washington and director Tony Scott never made a bad film together. In Déjà Vu, the pair tackle a twisty sci-fi story where Washington’s ATF Agent Doug Carlin travels through time to stop a terrorist bombing. Jim Caviezel delivers a terrifying villain performance, while Paula Patton plays a victim whose only chance of survival lies in the past. The bombing investigation draws audiences in, and the film’s brilliant action sequences and time-travel premise make it undeniably engaging.
Why It Made the Cut: Déjà Vu divides reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics at 55% and audiences at 73%. Audiences win this dispute because Scott’s near-experimental, deliberately skewed imagery adds style that lets the story thrive as much on aesthetics as on plot. The gunplay is top-notch, but the true standout is the car chase. In one of the most original scenes of all time, Washington’s character pursues the bomber from the present, using imaging technology to track the villain in the past. It’s one of the greatest chases ever filmed and doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Thankfully, IMDb rates it 7.1/10, and Letterboxd users give it 3.5/5.
‘The Equalizer 3’ (2023)
Washington’s Action Franchise Has Continued To Impress
Why It’s Great: Washington’s Equalizer franchise has never had a bad entry. Even The Equalizer 2, often considered the trilogy’s weakest, delivers exceptional action and a great villain. The third film continues the trend, with some even touting it as Washington’s best outing as Robert McCall. The Equalizer 3 also benefits from reuniting Washington with his Man on Fire co-star Dakota Fanning, offering a distinct dynamic informed by their past collaboration.
Why It Made the Cut: Director Antoine Fuqua crafts impeccable action, letting Washington’s presence carry the character’s intimidating nature until he cuts loose. The fights are as satisfying as ever, and the villa finale stands out as an action sequence that could easily be hailed as one of the franchise’s best. Washington was hesitant to do sequels, but The Equalizer series proved the perfect reason for him to play the same character, earning continued critical and audience praise. His third outing as McCall has the highest audience score in the series, with 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics are lower at 76%, but that doesn’t change the fact that the action garners acclaim across the board.
‘Inside Man’ (2006)
A Talented Ensemble Bolsters Spike Lee’s Tense Heist Thriller
Why It’s Great: Inside Man is a film full of fantastic characters and performances. Washington plays Detective Keith Frazier, locked in a battle of wits with bank robber Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) while juggling an influential New York City power broker. Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, and Chiwetel Ejiofor complete a stellar ensemble cast, with each actor expertly playing off the others as tensions rise.
Why It Made the Cut: Lee’s intense heist thriller has earned universal praise, with an 86% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences close behind at 85%. Inside Man lacks the same level of action viewers may find in an Equalizer movie but offers a deeper battle of wills amid a harrowing situation. The heist includes clever twists and a phenomenal cast that help it earn a spot on the list. Inside Man may rank higher in Washington’s overall filmography, but as an action thriller, it can’t quite beat some of the actor’s other outings.
‘The Equalizer’ (2014)
John Wick Wishes He Was This Slick
Why It’s Great: The Equalizer embodies everything Washington excels at. His screen presence pulls audiences in, with McCall’s charisma crafting a character his neighbors can love and those involved in crime can fear. The movie features some of Washington’s best action scenes, with the warehouse fight a sight to behold. The first time audiences see him unleash his fury with the watch gimmick becomes a defining franchise element, making the fight a master class in building and releasing tension.
Why It Made the Cut: The Equalizer was an established IP before Washington got involved, starting as a TV series in the 1980s. What is notable about Washington’s franchise is that it has become the definitive version. Audiences may acknowledge the original series as the impetus for the films, even giving a respectful nod to Queen Latifah’s five-season series of the same name that ended in 2025. Yet when The Equalizer comes up, Washington’s franchise comes to mind first. The 2014 movie may not have the high marks of later outings, with 61% from critics and 77% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Still, it’s an entertaining, energetic action film packed with wall-to-wall, audience-pleasing moments. The Equalizer isn’t just a great movie; it kickstarted one of the best action franchises in recent memory.
‘Unstoppable’ (2010)
An Endlessly Rewatchable Disaster Thriller
Why It’s Great: Unstoppable weaves down-to-earth, blue-collar characters into an entertaining thrill ride that feels grandiose while keeping the stakes grounded. Washington and Chris Pine are fantastic, playing off each other as a veteran and rookie train operator who choose to follow an unmanned runaway train, hoping to stop it before it derails with hazardous cargo. Once the train starts rolling, the thrills never let up, whether audiences are watching Rosario Dawson’s character chew out incompetent corporate leaders or are sitting on the edge of their seats as Washington tries to stop the train.
Why It Made the Cut: I’m biased on this one. Unstoppable is based on a real incident that occurred in Northwest Ohio in 2001 (via Smart Union). I grew up close enough to the event to remember the warnings being sent out. Nothing as drastic as the film depicts occurred, but my personal life has endeared the movie to me in a unique way. Thankfully, I’m not alone, as critics and audiences agree that Scott’s final film is masterful. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes rate the film an impressive 87%, with audiences close behind at 73%.
‘Crimson Tide’ (1995)
Washington Butting Heads With Gene Hackman Is Cinematic Gold
Why It’s Great: Crimson Tide thrives on escalating tensions between two strong-willed personalities played by Washington and Gene Hackman. The stakes are as high as they get, and their actions could cause global devastation. Audiences face a morally gray area since neither man is clearly wrong, creating a battle of wills that highlights the immense power submarine captains held at the time. The film features some of the most intense conversations ever put to film, with thrilling stakes that keep viewers locked into claustrophobic action.
Why It Made the Cut: Scott and Washington’s first collaboration is one of their best. It lacks the experimental camerawork Scott used in later films like Unstoppable, but every scene is crafted with palpable tension that is hard to ignore. Pairing Washington and Hackman is an inspired choice, and both actors deliver fantastic, conviction-filled performances. Even after 31 years, audiences still consider Crimson Tide one of Washington’s greatest roles. The submarine thriller has critics and audiences aligned, with an 89% critics’ score and an 84% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
‘Training Day’ (2001)
An All-Time Great Villain Performance That Earned Washington an Academy Award
Why It’s Great: Training Day unfolds over a single day. Fuqua uses that time frame to capture opposing personalities and their approaches to police work. Ethan Hawke plays the young rookie undergoing his titular training. Washington plays the corrupt veteran detective who crosses every line imaginable. The film expertly builds tension by never letting the audience know how far the characters will go. The finale is one of Washington’s most quoted scenes, as even casual audiences know that “King Kong ain’t got shit on me!”
Why It Made the Cut: Washington doesn’t always play villains, but turns in great performances when he does, like in American Gangster or Gladiator II. However, Alonzo in Training Day is one of his most deliciously evil characters, using his badge to break the law. His personality is larger than life, his death is iconic, and every ounce of Washington’s talent is on display, making his Best Actor Oscar win well deserved. Audiences enjoyed the film, giving it an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics close behind at 74%. Training Day was also the first time Washington and Fuqua worked together.
‘Man on Fire’ (2004)
Washington and Scott’s Greatest Collaboration
Why It’s Great: Scott and Washington knocked it out of the park with Man on Fire. Creasy is an alcoholic former CIA operative with PTSD. The film sets the emotional stakes early, with Creasy established as suicidal. Through his work as a bodyguard for a young girl (Dakota Fanning), Creasy’s icy exterior breaks as they form a warm bond that brings him back from the edge. When she is kidnapped, Creasy’s past rushes to the forefront, sending him on a violent revenge rampage, stopping at nothing to save the girl he swore to protect.
Why It Made the Cut: Man on Fire features Washington’s best action-thriller performance, mixing his tortured character flaws into a redemption arc as brutal as it is satisfying. Christopher Walken’s Rayburn perfectly captures the sentiment in one of the movie’s best quotes, saying, “Creasy’s art is death. He’s about to paint his masterpiece.” What is shocking about Man on Fire is the vast disparity between critics and audiences. It has a 39% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, they couldn’t be more wrong, as I side with the audience score of 89%. Letterboxd audiences agree, giving it a 3.8/5. The movie takes its time setting up the characters and the threats they face before cutting loose. That time only heightens the emotional payoff, making Man on Fire Washington’s action masterpiece.
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Letterboxd
