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As one of the most successful and popular actors of all time, Will Smith has built a diverse and rich carer. He originally started as a musician but started acting in the early 1990s. After his breakthrough roles, Smith starred in multiple movies of different genres. However, he's most often associated with action and comedy roles thanks to his parts in two highly successful franchises: Men in Black and Bad Boys.
Despite that, his filmography is rich and full of excellent performances. Will Smith shines in almost every movie he appears in, but some of his performances stand out even among the rest. His latest role is that of Serena and Venus Williams's father in King Richard, but Smith's past filmography has a lot to offer as well.
8 I Am Legend (2007)
Based on the high-quality Richard Matheson novel, this movie doesn't quite hit the jackpot with its ending. However, everything that comes before the movie's finale works. And the ending doesn't have a negative impact on Smith's performance.
For most of the film's runtime, Will Smith was the only actor in the movie, which gave him a lot of opportunities to shine. He plays a man alone in a world affected by a disaster and whose only friend is his dog. The movie's intense scenes, as well as Smith's focused performance, make it a must-watch for all fans of this genre.
7 Men In Black (1997)
The Men in Black franchise is now a classic, and it made Will Smith a household name. While it's not the most challenging movie he's ever done, that doesn't change the fact Smith gives a wonderful action-comedy performance as a new hunter of all alien scum.
His quips with his partner, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, are some of the highlights of the movie. Men In Black showcases Smith's ability to make fun of himself in an intelligent way, endearing him to viewers.
6 Hancock (2008)
Will Smith has somehwat recently appeared in a well-known superhero movie — Suicide Squad (2016). However, Hancock, which mostly flew under the radar, works much better and gives Smith a chance to shine. His superhero is very different from the likes of Spider-Man or Superman, since Smith plays a man who can't deal with his powers or the fact that they keep him from living a life like everybody else.
The refreshing take on the superhero formula, combined with Smith's solid performance, means that this movie has the chance to attract even an audience that's already seen too many superhero movies.
5 Enemy Of The State (1998)
Some of the best Will Smith movies are those that allow him to portray a different type of character than he usually does. Will Smith often plays people who know what they're doing and are full of confidence, but that's not the case in Enemy of the State.
Smith's character, Robert Clayton Dean, is a lawyer whom people are trying to discredit. Dean's fight with them isn't an easy battle, and he faces both fear and insecurity. The role gave Smith the opportunity to showcase his rich acting range, displaying emotions that make his character seem very human.
4 Concussion (2015)
Movies based on real-life stories often give the actors a chance to shine, and it's only up to them whether they will take it or not. Will Smith manages it. In Concussion, he plays a doctor who investigates head injuries of American football players.
Once upon a time, this was a highly sensitive topic. Will Smith seems to realize this, as he brings seriousness and civility to the role. As a result, it comes as no surprise that Smith was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance as doctor Bennet Omalu.
3 Seven Pounds (2008)
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It's most common to see Will Smith play a hero. In this film, though, audiences witness him portray a character who uses his charm and other skills to influence other people, originally not in a good way. However, Smith's character Ben Thomas eventually turns things around and decides to help people instead.
What might not have worked in the hands of a less experienced actor makes for a believable and touching transformation in Smith's case. As a result, Seven Pounds ends up as a feel-good movie that has the potential to make more sensitive viewers shed tears.
2 The Pursuit Of Happyness (2006)
Will Smith has been nominated for an Oscar for the best actor twice, and The Pursuit of Happyness was the second time he received this honor. His character, Chris Gardner, is sympathetic and relatable as a father of a young boy who tries to take the best care possible of his son, despite financial difficulties.
It's easy to cheer on the character and wish him well. Smith gives a very realistic performance in the role. What makes this movie even more interesting is that Smith's real-life son, Jayden Smith, stars as his onscreen son as well.
1 Ali (2001)
Will Smith's performance as the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali remains one of his best works. It's no wonder he was nominated for an Academy Award for the best actor in this movie.
In Smith's version, Ali is a sympathetic, determined, yet surprisingly introverted young man. He has enormous charisma but at the same time, keeps his distance from people. The interesting dichotomy as well as the overall mastery of the movie makes for a captivating story surrounding this famous figure.