Denzel Washington is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished actors of our generation. Despite his illustrious career, which includes two Academy Awards and numerous memorable performances, Washington has seen some films fail to resonate financially. His recent involvement in Gladiator II has notably become his most commercially successful project. However, it’s essential to explore the lesser-known films that, while not hitting the box office jackpot, add rich textures to his impressive legacy.
Washington’s most notable films are distinguished by their unique storytelling and his compelling ability to convey urgency and depth in his characters. Whether collaborating with visionary director Spike Lee or delving into classic literature as in his adaptations of Shakespeare, every role Washington undertakes offers something noteworthy. This exploration of his less commercially successful projects highlights how even these films contribute significantly to his extensive filmography.
10 Mo’ Better Blues (1990)
$16,153,000
One of Washington’s most fruitful collaborations has been with Spike Lee, with their first effort, Mo’ Better Blues, showcasing their creative chemistry. Despite its commercial underperformance, this film paints a poignant picture of jazz through the story of Bleek Gilliam, a fictional trumpeter. Washington’s performance dives deep into themes of friendship, art, and personal redemption, encapsulating a vibrant exploration of jazz culture.
Even without the political urgency found in some of their later works, such as Malcolm X, Mo’ Better Blues serves as a heartfelt homage to jazz music. The dynamics between Bleek and his manager, played by Lee himself, unwrap the complex relationships and influences that shape Bleek’s tumultuous life, providing audiences with an intimate look into the ups and downs of a jazz musician.
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9 Devil In A Blue Dress (1995)
$16,030,096
Washington brings a dynamic energy to the detective genre in Devil In A Blue Dress, adapted from Walter Mosley’s acclaimed novel. As Ezekiel “Easy”Rawlins, a war veteran turned detective, Washington leads a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of a racially tense 1948 Los Angeles. The film is not only visually striking but also delves into pressing issues surrounding race and socioeconomics.
Although the film’s success is overshadowed by better-known titles, Washington’s chemistry with co-star Don Cheadle, who plays the enigmatic Mouse, elevates the narrative. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of conspiracy and moral ambiguity, showcasing Washington’s evolving prowess throughout the 1990s.
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8 Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)
$12,967,012
In Roman J. Israel, Esq., Washington explores the complexities of a civil rights lawyer whose ideals clash with the realities of the legal system. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination, demonstrating his ability to craft deeply layered characters. Although the film underperformed at the box office, earning less than its production budget, Washington’s performance was widely lauded.
This film highlights his commitment to taking risks in his career, as it invites audiences to reflect on themes that resonate well beyond the screen. Each aspect of Roma’s character reveals the inherent struggles faced in American society, emphasizing Washington’s sustained relevance as a leading actor.
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7 Carbon Copy (1981)
$8,400,000
Washington’s acting debut, Carbon Copy, an offbeat comedy-drama, portrays a young African American man discovering he is the illegitimate son of a wealthy white businessman. Though the film attempts to tackle themes of race and class disparity, its execution feels outdated, and it struggled to make a meaningful impact at the box office.
Despite its comedic elements, Carbon Copy lacks the sophistication of Washington’s later roles and serves as a reminder of the limitations of early 1980s storytelling regarding complex social issues.
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6 Mississippi Masala (1991)
$7,332,515
Mississippi Masala, directed by Mira Nair, presents a nuanced narrative of an interracial romance between African American and Indian American characters in the Deep South. Washington plays Demetrius Williams, a carpet cleaner entangled in a culturally rich love story that resonates with poignant themes of identity and acceptance.
The film uniquely navigates the complexities of cultural intersections, contrasting with more conventional narratives about racism. Although it didn’t achieve commercial success, it remains a vital part of Washington’s film repertoire, demonstrating his penchant for roles that challenge societal norms.
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5 Heart Condition (1990)
$4,134,992
In the misguided comedy Heart Condition, which features Washington alongside Bob Hoskins, a racist cop encounters the ghost of an African American lawyer post-heart transplant. The film muddles its commentary on race relations and suffers from weak storytelling, resulting in a significant box office disappointment.
Despite landing at the bottom of Washington’s filmography, it paved the way for more thought-provoking projects, as it premiered before his successful collaborations with Spike Lee. Critics widely panned it, marking it as a low point in Washington’s career.
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4 The Mighty Quinn (1989)
$3,992,420
The Mighty Quinn stars Washington as Chief of Police Xavier Quinn, who endeavors to help a friend embroiled in murder accusations in a Caribbean setting. This film blends elements of comedy, music, and mystery, forecasting Washington’s rising star power.
Though it did not succeed at the box office, the film garnered critical acclaim, including praise from notable critics like Roger Ebert, who labeled it as a multifaceted examination of human nature that, despite its commercial failure, held artistic merit.
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3 Power (1986)
$3,800,000
In Sidney Lumet’s politically charged drama Power, Washington stars as Arnold Billings, a public relations strategist caught amidst political machinations in a story that examines the darker aspects of political campaigns. Though it achieved modest box office returns, it solidified Washington’s reputation as an emerging talent.
The exploration of corruption and deceit in American politics provides a necessary critique that feels particularly relevant today, marking this film as a noteworthy chapter in Washington’s evolving filmography.
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2 For Queen & Country (1988)
$191,051
Washington’s foray into action with For Queen & Country features him as Reuben James, a former paratrooper struggling with life post-Falklands War. This film seeks to address sociopolitical issues from the Thatcher era but ultimately fails to provide a cohesive narrative.
Regrettably, this low-budget production did not resonate with audiences and is regarded as one of Washington’s more significant commercial misfires, despite its potential for impactful storytelling.
1 The Tragedy Of Macbeth (2021)
$176,248
In perhaps his most artistically ambitious project, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Washington delivers a mesmerizing performance as the titular character in this adaptation directed by Joel Coen. Though the film experienced limited theatrical release and low box office numbers, it stands as a remarkable testament to Washington’s range and dedication to challenging roles.
This film’s critical acclaim only solidifies Washington’s status as one of the most formidable talents of his generation, further enriching an already illustrious career.
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For reference, all box office figures have been sourced from The Numbers. Discrepancies in metrics may exist across various sources.
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