Will Smith. Denzel Washington. Jamie Foxx. These three men have been a staple in action and drama films for most of our lives. They have played some of the most legendary real-life heroes, musicians, and activists (Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Ray Charles). In fact, I still wonder why Smith didn’t receive an Academy Award for his mind-blowing role as Ali, but that’s another conversation entirely. People were dazzled by the achievements of Black Panther, for a very good reason, but these three men were black heroes before T’Challa broke records around the world. The Jamie Foxx Show and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air defined an entire decade of African-American sitcoms while at the same time, Denzel was delivering blockbuster after blockbuster.
Netflix has a catalog of great content for you to watch whenever you choose. Binge watching series and shuffling through films can become somewhat monotonous though. Sometimes, having a guide on what to watch is exactly what is needed to kill the endless time spent searching for something to watch. With Smith, Washington, and Foxx in mind, we have compiled a list of must-watch films by the iconic trio. While some of their best films are not currently on the streaming site, there are still great films featuring the three actors available to watch at this moment. For example, people forget that Denzel won an Academy Award for his role in Glory years before he starred in Training Day. Also, when Will Smith movies are brought up, people forget to mention Enemy of The State, which foreshadowed just how far privacy was going to be invaded by the government years before social media was even in existence. Choosing from the content available on Netflix right now, these are the best Smith, Washington, and Foxx films to watch.
Enemy Of The State
When people talk about Will Smith classics, they tend to forget this gem. Before smartphones and social media took over the world, this suspense thriller predicted the downfall of privacy and freedom based on the advancement of technology. Will Smith and Gene Hackman attempt to outsmart the government after Smith’s life is destroyed by officials who believe he can thwart their plans of surveillance domination.
Focus
Before Will Smith and Margot Robbie were Deadshot and Harley Quinn, they starred in this comedy/crime drama together. The plot twists and turns as Smith, a seasoned con man, teaches Robbie how to become a top-notch swindler. Their plans of fortune become entangled with their romantic relationship, leading to a confusing yet fulfilling story that keeps you guessing until the end.
I Am Legend
If you haven’t seen this movie, you must live under a rock. Will Smith plays one of the last surviving humans on Earth in the film based on the novel of the same name. The real star of this film is Smith’s dog, and even the most heartless person in the world will be jarred by how this movie plays out.
Déjà Vu
You think you’re having a bad day? Try being Denzel in this suspense thriller where murder, time travel, and romance lead to one of the worst days in the protagonist’s life. Denzel attempts to stop a bomb from killing a boat full of civilians by using a program that allows him to look into the past, but when he makes a vital discovery about the program, things take an insane turn.
The Equalizer
One thing Denzel has always been good at, is playing a man drowning in his own vengeful agenda. The action in this movie is intense, and Denzel becomes somewhat of a vigilante after Chloë Grace Moretz is beaten to a bloody pulp by Russian mobsters. A sequel to The Equalizer is set to hit theaters this Summer, with Eminem featured in the cast.
Inside Man
Spike Lee and Denzel team up for this bank heist thriller. The all-star cast of this film includes Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. After several bank robbers initiate an intricate heist, the plot takes several twists when authorities find out that nothing is what it seems, and the robbers appear to be ten steps ahead of everyone else.
Glory
When Jadakiss rapped “Why Denzel have to be crooked before he took it,” he must’ve forgotten that Washington won an Academy Award in 1990 for his role in this film. This emotional war epic focuses on an African-American military unit that fights for the Union against the Confederates in the Civil War.
The Kingdom
Jamie Foxx is badass in this war drama based on true events that occurred in Saudi Arabia in the 90’s and early 00’s. Both Saudis and Americans team up to take down a group of terrorists who kill civilians and soldiers on both sides of the conflict, leading to strained relationships and suspenseful interactions.
Horrible Bosses
Although Jamie is just a supporting actor/cameo in this film, every second that he’s on screen is amazing. Foxx plays a murder consultant to three men who plan to kill their bosses. This comedy spawned a sequel, in which Foxx is also irresistible to watch.
Collateral
Foxx and Tom Cruise star in this Neo-Noir drama where Cruise steps out of his usual role and plays a villain. Foxx, a cab driver, becomes trapped by Cruise, who plays a hitman, and forced to help him complete a night of murders. Mark Ruffalo, aka The Hulk, makes an appearance in a film filled with action and plot twists.