14 Best Will Smith Movie Performances, Ranked

by Dara Morgan

14 Best Will Smith Movie Performances, Ranked

25 Sept 2024

The oldest among us can recall Will Smith bursting onto our screens as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1990 — a series that catapulted him to stardom. For those unfamiliar (read: Gen Z), this was the show that marked his transition from a rapper to a Hollywood icon. Since then, Smith has established himself as one of the most successful and acclaimed actors in the industry. To celebrate his 56th birthday, we have ranked 14 of his standout film performances. Pick any from the list, and you are all set for a good movie night.

Movie 14. Aladdin (2019)

The new Aladdin may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but Will Smith's lively portrayal of the Genie keeps us entertained. At least we are pretty sure that this blue six-pack is partly magic!

Movie 13. Hancock (2008)

What we love about the Internet is the debate on whether Hancock or Deadpool would win a fight. We reckon scruffy Hancock might just outmuscle cocky Deadpool, though nobody will ever know. Shoutout to Smith for playing a superhero who doesn’t quite know what to do with his life — just like many of us.

Movie 12. Hitch (2005)

The story of a professional "date doctor" may not break the rom-com mould, but Will Smith and Kevin James definitely bring the laughs and charm (and good box office with $371.6 worldwide). If you need something feel-good and heartwarming, look no further than Hitch.

Image: IMDb

Movie 11. Concussion (2015)

Smith stars as Dr. Bennet Omalu, a Nigerian pathologist who challenges the NFL by revealing the dangers of CTE. His performance, complete with a convincing accent and quiet fury, earned him a Golden Globe nod. This dramatic role shows just how versatile he can be.

Movie 10. Bad Boys (1995)

Bad Boys saw Smith transition from a TV star to a big-screen action hero. His chemistry with Martin Lawrence and their improvisation made this buddy-cop movie a standout. Plus, who can forget Smith running through Miami? Michael Bay certainly didn’t.

Image: IMDb

Movie 9. Enemy of the State (1998)

Smith’s dry run for more serious roles, Enemy of the State sees him as an everyman lawyer caught up in a deadly conspiracy. Political intrigue meets action-packed chases, and Smith makes you root for the underdog all the way.

Image: IMDb

Movie 8. Emancipation (2022)

As a runaway slave, Smith’s near-wordless performance in Emancipation is powerful. His physicality and presence carry the film, even when the action sequences stray a bit into Revenant territory. This is Smith at his most intense and focused.

Image: IMDb

Movie 7. I Am Legend (2007)

Smith plays Robert Neville, the last human survivor in a post-apocalyptic New York. His portrayal of isolation and despair, interspersed with moments of heart-pounding action, makes this one of Smith’s most compelling performances.

Movie 6. Independence Day (1996)

Independence Day was Smith's first major blockbuster, and it showed the world what a superstar he was. As Capt. Steven Hiller, his swagger and one-liners (plus some alien butt-kicking) helped turn this into a classic alien-invasion flick. And, wisely, he skipped the sequel.

Movie 5. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Smith earned his second Oscar nomination for his moving portrayal of Chris Gardner, a homeless father striving for a better life. His real-life son, Jaden, plays his on-screen son, adding emotional depth to this heartfelt performance. Smith’s subtlety and sincerity shine here.

Image: IMDb

Movie 4. Six Degrees of Separation (1993)

This early role is often overlooked, but it was crucial in proving Smith’s acting chops. As Paul, a con artist posing as Sidney Poitier’s son, he holds his own against veterans like Donald Sutherland and Stockard Channing. The Fresh Prince wasn’t just a TV star anymore.

Image: IMDb

Movie 3. Ali (2001)

Playing Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann’s movie was no small feat, but Smith delivered in every way. His physical transformation, his mastering of Ali’s voice and mannerisms, and his portrayal of the legendary boxer’s inner turmoil all earned him his first Oscar nomination. A knockout performance.

Movie 2. Men in Black (1997)

No doubt, this is the role that comes to mind when you think of Will Smith. As Agent J, Smith’s smooth humour and cool attitude made Men in Black an instant hit. An iconic duo with Tommy Lee Jones, combined with snappy sci-fi action, made it one of the decade’s most memorable blockbusters and a cool family movie for all time.

Movie 1. King Richard (2021)

In his Oscar-winning role, Smith embodies Richard Williams, the determined father of Venus and Serena Williams. His nuanced portrayal of a complex man, balancing love and tough ambition, made this one of his most compelling performances. Smith is at his very best here, capturing the intensity and heart of a father on a mission.

by Dara Morgan