Very few actors have a resume as impressive and wide ranging as Denzel Washington. Since he hasn’t been in a giant franchise…yet, his box office numbers aren’t as big as some of his contemporaries. However, he’s made up for it with nine acting Oscar nominations and two wins. His new film “Gladiator II” is already creating buzz for a tenth nomination and has become one of his most successful films with its huge opening weekend.
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With the legend poised to take over the Broadway stage in “Othello,” then bring the project on screen, possibly appear in “Black Panther 3,” once again work with Spike Lee, collaborate with Steve McQueen and make two more “Equalizer” films, we need to take a few moments and celebrate all things Denzel Washington with his highest grossing movies worldwide, per Box Office Mojo.
‘American Gangster’ - $269,755,430
The amazing thing about “American Gangster” is that it has so many quotable moments and everyone has their favorite. It’s why we keep coming back to it over and over.
‘Gladiator II’ - $221,000,000
In just its first week of worldwide release, the follow up to the Oscar winning epic is already one of the acting icon’s most successful films. If it continues on its current path, it won’t take long for it to jump into the No. 1 spot. We know he’s supposed to be the villain, but how can we ever truly root against our king.
‘Safe House’ - $208,076,205
Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds isn’t a team we were expecting, but somehow their two different styles work in this fun, good vs. evil action film.
‘Philadelphia’ - $206,678,440
What makes Washington so fantastic in “Philadelphia” is how you can still discover something new in his performance all these years later. He and Tom Hanks are perfection here.
‘The Pelican Brief’ - $195,268,056
If you like government conspiracy thrillers and major movie stars, this ‘90s hit is probably one of your favorites. If we’re being honest, we weren’t expecting it to be this high.
‘The Equalizer’ - $192,330,738
In his first outing as “The Equalizer,” Denzel entered the action hero conversation with a brutal, violent trip to a big box hardware store. We’ll never look at Home Depot or Lowe’s the same way again.
‘The Equalizer 3’ - 191,067,560
This was meant to feel like a final chapter, but we’ll watch Washington “equalize” problems forever if he keeps making these awesome movies.
‘The Equalizer 2’ - $190,400,157
Just in case you’re wondering, that’s a franchise total of $573,798,455. Half a billion dollars for an action franchise led by a Black actor is a major deal.
‘Inside Man’ - $186,003,591
Every time Spike Lee and Washington team up, it’s magic. The way “Inside Man” unravels its complicated web is beautiful and even more fun on subsequent viewings. And of course, in a ridiculously star-studded cast, Denzel is a spectacular anchor.
‘Déjà Vu’ - $180,557,550
Spoiler alert for a movie from 2006: the time travel plot is a lot. Don’t think too hard about it or you’ll get a headache.
‘Unstoppable’ - $167,805,466
Not only were we not expecting this runaway train epic to crack the top 10, it’s also surprising to see how evenly split the box office is between domestic and international numbers. It brought in $81.5 million domestic and $86.2 million globally.
‘The Magnificent Seven’ - $162,360,695
Despite a cast that includes Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke, we’re giving all the credit for this western’s success to Washington.
‘Flight’ - $161,772,375
Washington delivers another classic performance in “Flight,” but we’re still not happy about his character’s fate.
‘Crimson Tide’ - $157,387,195
Washington and Gene Hackman go toe to toe in this thriller that somehow feels relevant again.
‘The Book of Eli’ - $157,107,755
Word on the street is we’re getting “Book of Eli” prequel series starring John Boyega. He’s an amazing actor who can definitely bring the emotional weight required for the role. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want a Washington cameo if possible.
‘The Bone Collector’ - $151,493,655
As quadriplegic forensics investigator Lincoln Rhyme, Washington brilliantly conveys his character’s emotional upheaval without venturing into pity or mockery.
‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ - $150,166,126
We’re not claiming this is one of his instant classics, but clearly some people enjoyed it. Even amongst John Travolta’s overacting, Washington is rock solid.
‘Remember the Titans’ - $136,771,683
If you don’t like “Remember the Titans” we have serious questions about all your life choices.
‘2 Guns’ - $131,940,411
Even when you’re a legend, they won’t all be winners. We’re totally blaming Mark Wahlberg for the lower box office total.
‘Man on Fire’ - $130,834,852
If this were a list of Washington’s best action movies, “Man on Fire” would definitely be in the top five. It’s his unmatched ability to draw you in and make you truly feel every single one of Creasy’s emotions that makes him so great.
‘The Siege’ - $116,672,912
Following the Sept. 11 attacks, this 1998 film about similar attacks in NYC leading to martial law sort of faded away, as it was a little too real in how it portrayed the United States’ response to the situation.
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