Denzel Washington’s 5 Best Thrillers, Ranked (& Where You Can Stream Them)

by

For thriller lovers, certain actors just naturally excel in the genre, and Denzel Washington is definitely one of them. He consistently delivers suspenseful performances, and his skill is so strong that he can make any scene captivating. He doesn’t just act in thrillers, he leads them, dictating the movie’s rhythm and making it truly memorable.

Denzel Washington has starred in all kinds of thrillers, from elaborate robberies to stories of vengeance and gritty crime dramas. No matter the plot, he consistently captivates audiences – often becoming the focal point even when his character isn’t meant to be. Here’s our ranking of the 5 best thrillers he’s appeared in, starting with number 5 and counting down to his best.

5) Inside Man

Spike Lee’s Inside Man is a truly excellent thriller, and it’s captivating even before considering Denzel Washington’s performance. The film works so well because it’s clever and consistently engaging. It centers on Detective Keith Frazier (Washington) who finds himself in the middle of a highly unusual bank robbery. While it’s a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game with plenty of surprises, the tension mainly comes from the ingenious plan of the robber, Dalton Russell (Clive Owen). As a result, Washington doesn’t necessarily steal the show in this particular film.

Despite its lower ranking, Inside Man is still a great movie. Denzel Washington excels as an investigator constantly challenged by a clever criminal, bringing the necessary confidence and strength to the role. While he doesn’t dominate every scene, his character’s moral ambiguities add depth to the story. Ultimately, it’s a strong film in Washington’s career, but not his most outstanding performance, which is why it’s placed at the bottom of this list.

Inside Man is available to stream on Starz.

4) Crimson Tide

If you enjoy thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat with psychological tension rather than action, then Crimson Tide is a perfect choice. The film centers on a new submarine officer, Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington), who finds himself in conflict with his seasoned Captain, Ramsey (Gene Hackman), over critical decisions that could escalate into World War III. Just the idea behind the movie is captivating, but what truly makes it special is its incredible ability to create suspense through intense dialogue and unspoken tension.

The film puts Hunter in a tough spot: he must choose between following what he thinks are risky orders or questioning his captain, all under immense pressure with global consequences. Denzel Washington plays this internal struggle with impressive strength and nuance, building tension simply through his character’s presence and moral dilemma – he’s fantastic in the role. However, Crimson Tide focuses more on the dynamic between Washington and Hackman, and their conflicting approaches, rather than being a film that truly highlights Washington’s individual talent.

Crimson Tide is available to stream on Prime Video.

3) Man on Fire

Okay, things really shift gears here. Man on Fire is Denzel Washington absolutely letting loose. He’s intense, emotional, and frankly, terrifying from beginning to end. He plays John Creasy, an ex-CIA guy who becomes incredibly close to a young girl named Pita Ramos, and when she’s kidnapped, he transforms into a force of nature seeking vengeance. It’s a violent movie, no doubt, but it’s balanced by real emotion, and Washington is so convincing – you genuinely believe he’s capable of anything to get revenge, and that he won’t hold back. It’s a brutal, but effective, performance.

Denzel Washington’s character, Creasy, is fiercely protective, and will stop at nothing – even destruction – to safeguard the girl he’s watching over. He truly carries the movie, and his powerful performance elevates even the more over-the-top moments. That’s why Man on Fire ranks third: it’s thrilling and keeps you gripped. However, it doesn’t quite feel as refined or well-put-together as the top two films on the list.

Man on Fire is available to stream on Netflix.

2) American Gangster

True crime is always captivating, and Denzel Washington has a film that blends real criminal events with the thrill of a brilliant mastermind. In American Gangster, Washington plays Frank Lucas, a driver who climbs the ranks to become Harlem’s biggest drug lord. His rise is challenged by Detective Richie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe. Washington is known for playing heroes, but here he delivers a complex character – charismatic yet frightening – and remains surprisingly human. He’s a classic anti-hero, and Washington portrays him perfectly.

The movie American Gangster follows Lucas, who builds a drug empire by smuggling heroin directly from Asia, and Roberts, the man tasked with stopping him. What makes this film stand out? Denzel Washington delivers a truly captivating performance – he’s both chilling and charismatic in every scene. Russell Crowe is equally impressive. The film’s grand scope and ambitious storytelling ultimately make it a standout crime drama.

American Gangster is available to stream on Prime Video.

1) Training Day

Denzel Washington delivers a truly masterful performance in Training Day, arguably his best thriller work. The film follows rookie cop Jake Hoyt (Ethan Hawke) as he spends 24 hours being mentored by Alonzo Harris (Washington), a deeply corrupt officer who blurs the lines between justice and lawlessness. It’s an iconic role for Washington, and many consider it one of the most compelling depictions of a police officer ever filmed. Every scene featuring Washington is gripping and full of surprises.

Denzel Washington’s performance in Training Day is captivating because his character, Alonzo, is unpredictable and constantly throws you off balance. The film takes you on a wild ride through a day of deceit, illegal activity, and difficult choices. Washington masterfully blends charm, menace, and intelligence, making it impossible to look away. If you haven’t seen much of his work, this is a perfect place to start. The movie truly revolves around his incredible performance – he’s magnetic from beginning to end, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling it off.

Training Day is available to stream on Prime Video.

Do you enjoy Denzel Washington’s movies? What other suspenseful films starring him would you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/black-panther-3-cast-updates-denzel-washington-rumors-ryan-coogler-response/embed/#

Read More

2026-01-18 20:16