As the actor launches his comeback with Bad Boys: Ride or Die [read our review here], EJ Moreno looks at the best Will Smith movies…
From rapper to television star to Academy Award winner, a career like this is almost unheard of. Will Smith, whose film work has grossed over $9 billion, is a once-in-a-generation actor who changed the game.
Smith began his career in television, breaking out in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996), and later found his way into the world of films with the 1992 drama Where the Day Takes You. From there, he’s gathered an impressive filmography with massive blockbusters, indie darlings, and the occasional box office flop.
Without a doubt, though, he’s a massive force in Hollywood, and we’re looking at his work with a highlight on the most significant moments. Here are ten essential Will Smith movies…
Independence Day
“Now, that’s what I call a close encounter.”
While not his first film, Will Smith seemingly became a blockbuster star with Independence Day. The bombastic Roland Emmerich-directed film found the best way to highlight the best of Smith.
The sci-fi actioner was a strong film before Smith’s Captain Steven Hiller entered the fold, but once he did, Independence Day became an instant classic. Smith oozes charm and hilarity and proves his worth in an action role. He elevates but also allows others to shine still.
If you haven’t gone back to watch this again, you’ll see why we needed more of Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum together.
Men In Black
“I make this look good.”
All we learned from Will Smith from Independence Day was amplified even more with Men In Black. You’d think back-to-back alien-filled movies would be too much, but there’s so much range here.
It has the sci-fi and action elements we’ve seen before, but this time, there’s more comedy for Smith to sink his teeth into. Working against the straight man, Tommy Lee Jones gave Smith so much to work with, and it’s a delight to see him nail the fish-out-of-water role.
Two films followed this with Smith, and both have strengths, but the first outing is one of the best of the 90s.
Bad Boys II
“We ride together, we die together. Bad boys for life.”
With Will Smith, sometimes his sequels aren’t so bad. Bad Boys II succeeds the 1995 original with its sheer bombastic style and upped ante. It captured the chaotic nature of the 00s quite well.
Louder, wilder, and funnier than its predecessor, Bad Boys II features the underrated duo of Will Smith and Michael Bay. We all know Martin Lawrence and Smith are great comedic duos, but Bay and Smith work together well. The director fully gets the actor.
The Bad Boys franchise has kept going, even if they’ve lost Bay as the filmmaker. Smith still nails it, though.
Hitch
“Basic principles… there are none.”
While we all know Will Smith is funny, Smith’s power as a romantic comedy lead must be discussed. His charm and swagger were always there, but it was a joy to see him play up his sexiness.
Many knew Smith would handle a film like Hitch with ease, but he even stood next to professional funnyman Kevin James with ease. The 00s had tons of Will Smith projects, many of which didn’t hit the peaks of his early work, but Hitch easily tops all of them.
As the tenth highest-grossing film of 2005, it’s hard to think anyone missed this, but Hitch is a great nearly 20 years later.
Ali
“What’s my name? What’s my name, motherfucker!”
Michael Mann is one of the best filmmakers of all time, and when he teamed with Will Smith, we saw how good he was as a craftsman. Ali even led Smith to his first Oscar nomination.
It was a box-office flop at the time but saw some critical love that powered Ali through its less-than-stellar haul. Going against The Fellowship of the Ring isn’t easy for anyone, but seeing the film keep itself in the conversation during a hectic time was impressive.
In all honesty, Ali might be the best of Smith’s three Best Actor noms. It’s gritty, hard-hitting, and makes you feel for things like no other.
I Am Legend
“What the hell are you doing out here, Fred?”
When I tell you, it’s a damn shame that Will Smith never starred in more horror-inspired works cause he wholly owns the dread and terror needed to be a leading man in the genre.
I Am Legend leans heavily on the action with a tinge of sci-fi, much like Independence Day, but the post-apocalyptic setting allows Smith to explore the horror of the situation. The actor commands the screen, especially when it sometimes feels like a one-man show.
Watch the scene with the mannequin or the emotional moment with the dog and tell me Smith doesn’t understand the horror.
Suicide Squad
“So that’s it? What? We some kinda Suicide Squad?
Many may question the placement of Suicide Squad, but this isn’t just a “best of” but an “essential” look at Will Smith’s career, and without a doubt, this was huge in terms of money and recognition.
A sour spot for some DC fans, Suicide Squad, wasn’t met with the warmest regard of Smith’s career, but it put him at the forefront of a massive superhero film. While starring in a hero parody with Hancock, seeing him get this during the height of superheroes was refreshing.
Smith was treated like a star. The film allowed him to use humor and drama to elevate it, even with lackluster direction and a wild script.
The Pursuit of Happyness
“You got a dream…You gotta protect it.”
Will Smith is hilarious and can serve up action roles, but his dramatic work could be the absolute highlight of his career. That’s why The Pursuit of Happyness is an excellent showcase.
All of Smith’s talents are on display here, with the 2006 biopic setting the actor on his path to a second Academy Award nomination. At times, it can feel a bit corny as an overall film, but you can’t deny the beyond-amazing work we see from the actor throughout.
Movies like The Pursuit of Happyness remind us why Will Smith was, and could still be, one of the most beloved talents.
Enemy of the State
“Conspiracy theorists of the world unite.”
In one of his more overlooked performances, Will Smith teamed with the legendary Tony Scott for this political thriller and chewed up every moment he was given.
Enemy of the State was ahead of the curve in many ways, making it surprisingly relevant almost 30 years later. Smith’s wonderful work as Robert Clayton Dean also contributes to the film’s timeless vibes. His intensity is terrific, and he sells the shock of the situation well.
This is also the perfect opportunity to mention Gene Hackman’s great work, giving Smith one of his most underrated co-stars ever.
King Richard
“Just have fun!”
While the controversy of the evening will permanently stain this achievement, King Richard propelled Will Smith to his first-ever Academy Award, and it’s sad the drama clouds it.
That evening truly felt like the long-overdue celebration of all of what Smith did, but also for the incredible work he put into the film. Many questioned doing a movie about the Williams sisters and not focusing on the tennis pros but instead on their father. He showed why that was the best choice.
King Richard feels like the close of the first major chapter in Smith’s career, and we can only hope to see more classics on this list later.
What are your favourite Will Smith movies? Let us know on our social channels @FlickeringMyth…
EJ Moreno
