Exploring Denzel Washington's Top Earning Films on the Big Screen

Denzel Washington's career has been marked by immense success in both prestigious dramas and action thrillers. His versatility as an actor made him a popular choice at the box office, with audiences eager to see any movie with his name on the poster. Whether it was a fast-paced crime story or a socially conscious legal drama, Washington's top-grossing films showcased his talent and range.

Working with renowned directors like Tony and Ridley Scott, Washington brought depth and nuance to every character he portrayed. Even though his Academy Award-winning performances in Glory and Training Day may not have been his highest-grossing films, Washington approached each role with the same level of dedication. His top-grossing movies offer a glimpse into the diverse and impressive body of work he has built over the years.

Unstoppable (2010)

Box office: $167,805,466

Denzel Washington as Frank Barnes and Chris Pine as Will Colson approach train tracks in Unstoppable - Box office: $167,805,466 - Unstoppable (2010)

Unstoppable, the final film by the renowned director Tony Scott, was a fitting end to his career. The movie, starring Denzel Washington as railway engineer Frank Barnes, showcased Scott's talent for action and thriller films. The story follows Barnes as he tries to stop a massive freight train from causing a disaster in a city. With its thrilling plot, impressive visuals, and great chemistry between Washington and Chris Pine, Unstoppable became a huge success, grossing over $167 million worldwide.

Déjà Vu (2006)

Box office: $180,557,550

Tony Scott Deja Vu Denzel Washington 2006 - Box office: $180,557,550 - Déjà Vu (2006)

Denzel Washington teamed up with director Tony Scott for the first time in the action-packed sci-fi thriller Déjà Vu. Washington portrayed Special Agent Douglas Carlin, who embarks on a mission to stop a terrorist attack by traveling back in time to New Orleans. While the movie kept audiences on the edge of their seats, its attempt to explore the concept of time travel didn't quite hold up under scrutiny. Nonetheless, Déjà Vu was a hit at the box office, raking in over $180 million worldwide.

Washington played Special Agent Douglas Carlin tasked with traveling back in time to prevent a domestic terrorist attack in New Orleans.

Inside Man (2006)

Box office: $186,003,591

Denzel Washington as Detective Keith Frazier in a scene from Inside Man. - Box office: $186,003,591 - Inside Man (2006)

The Equalizer 2 was a thrilling action film that marked the return of director Antoine Fuqua and actor Denzel Washington in their first sequel together. Following their successful collaboration on the first film, The Equalizer 2 continued the story of Robert McCall, a retired CIA operative who now uses his skills to help those in need. The film showcased Washington's charismatic performance as McCall, delivering justice in his own unique way. The Equalizer 2 was well-received by fans of the original movie and action enthusiasts alike, becoming a box office success with over $190 million in worldwide earnings.

Box office: $190,400,157

Denzel Washington hold guns in The Equalizer 2 - Box office: $190,400,157 - The Equalizer 2 (2018)

The Equalizer 3 (2023)

The Equalizer 2 showcased Denzel Washington's versatility as both an action star and the centerpiece of a vigilante-themed series. Despite not surpassing the box office success of its predecessors, it still managed to earn an impressive $190 million globally. Once again, Washington reprised his role as Robert McCall seeking vengeance for the death of a close friend. Alongside a talented supporting cast that included Pedro Pascal and the late Orson Bean, The Equalizer 2 solidified the potential for this action franchise to continue into the future.

Box office: $191,067,560

Denzel Washington with blood spatter on his face as Robert McCall in The Equalizer 3. - Box office: $191,067,560 - The Equalizer 3 (2023)

In 2014, Denzel Washington starred in "The Equalizer," marking the beginning of his journey as Robert McCall.

Box office: $192,330,738

denzel washington in the equalizer poster - Box office: $192,330,738 - The Equalizer (2014)

In 1993, Denzel Washington starred in "The Pelican Brief," a legal thriller film based on the novel by John Grisham.

Box office: $195,268,056

Denzel Washington as Gray Grantham answering the phone in The Pelican Brief. - Box office: $195,268,056 - The Pelican Brief (1993)

Philadelphia is a 1993 American drama film directed by Jonathan Demme. Starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, the movie tells the story of a lawyer who is fired from his firm after they discover he has AIDS. Washington plays the role of Joe Miller, a homophobic lawyer who takes on the case of Hanks' character, Andrew Beckett. The film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of discrimination and won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Tom Hanks.

Box office: $206,678,440

Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) and Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) in court in Philadelphia. - Box office: $206,678,440 - Philadelphia (1993)

Denzel Washington's Role in Philadelphia

While Tom Hanks received the Best Actor award for his performance in Philadelphia, Denzel Washington played a crucial part in the success of this socially conscious film. Grossing over $200 million, Philadelphia helped raise awareness about the AIDs epidemic and portrayed the struggles of those affected by the disease who often face social rejection. Washington's portrayal of defense attorney Joe Miller effectively highlighted the discrimination faced by patients, drawing parallels between homophobic and racial discrimination, and enhancing the film's message of empathy.

Safe House (2012)

Box office: $208,076,205

Safe House 2 Denzel Mirror - Box office: $208,076,205 - Safe House (2012)

American Gangster (2007)

The crime drama American Gangster starred Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in a gripping tale of drug trafficking and police corruption in 1970s Harlem. The film was based on the true story of Frank Lucas, a drug lord who smuggled heroin into the United States in the coffins of American soldiers killed in Vietnam. Washington's portrayal of Lucas earned critical acclaim and showcased his versatility as an actor. American Gangster was a commercial success, grossing over $266 million worldwide. The film's intense storyline and powerful performances solidified its place as a modern classic in the crime genre.

Box office: $269,755,430

Denzel Washington Is Walking in American Gangster - Box office: $269,755,430 - American Gangster (2007)

Denzel Washington’s highest-grossing movie was the biographical crime drama American Gangster which took in a whopping $269,755,430 at the worldwide box office.

Sources: Box office in from Box Office Mojo, ET

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an extensive overview of Denzel Washington's top-grossing films, highlighting his remarkable versatility and enduring appeal. It showcases his ability to captivate audiences in both action-packed thrillers and thought-provoking dramas. Washington's dedication to each role and his collaborations with renowned directors have resulted in a diverse and impressive body of work.

The article also sheds light on the social and cultural impact of Washington's films, particularly "Philadelphia," which played a significant role in raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic and promoting empathy. His portrayal of characters who confront discrimination and injustice underscores his commitment to using his platform to address important societal issues.