Laurence Fishburne’s Best Roles

Laurence Fishburne is an actor who has consistently delivered powerful and memorable performances for decades. From his early start as a teenager in a cinematic masterpiece to his iconic roles in science fiction and intense dramas, he has showcased an incredible range and commanding presence. His ability to fully embody his characters, whether they are wise mentors, flawed fathers, or terrifying villains, has made him one of the most respected actors of his generation and a true force in Hollywood.

Throughout his extensive career, Fishburne has not only achieved critical acclaim, including prestigious award nominations and wins, but he has also left a lasting mark on popular culture. He has a unique talent for bringing depth and gravity to every role he takes on, making even smaller parts feel significant and unforgettable. His journey through film and television is a testament to his dedication and his profound understanding of the craft of acting, securing his place as a legendary figure on screen.

‘Event Horizon’ (1997)

Laurence Fishburne plays Captain Miller, the leader of a rescue crew sent to investigate the mysterious reappearance of the starship Event Horizon. The ship had vanished seven years earlier after activating its experimental gravity drive, a device capable of creating a black hole to travel vast distances in space. Miller is a seasoned and pragmatic leader, focused on the safety of his crew and the mission’s objectives, but he is unprepared for the psychological and supernatural horrors awaiting them.

As the crew explores the seemingly abandoned vessel, they discover that the ship has returned from a dimension of pure chaos and evil, bringing a malevolent consciousness with it. Captain Miller must confront not only the terrifying entity that haunts the ship but also his own past traumas, which the ship uses against him. He is forced to make impossible choices to prevent the ship from returning to its horrific dimension and unleashing hell upon Earth, showcasing his courage in the face of unimaginable terror.

‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ (2019)

In the third installment of the ‘John Wick’ series, Laurence Fishburne returns as the Bowery King, the leader of a powerful and extensive intelligence network disguised as a homeless population. The Bowery King operates an underground system that rivals the authority of the High Table, using pigeons to carry messages and maintaining control over the city’s hidden pathways. He is a charismatic and theatrical figure who commands loyalty and respect from his subjects.

After John Wick is declared “excommunicado” and has a massive bounty placed on his head, the Bowery King offers him aid, despite the immense risk it poses to his own empire. This decision puts him in direct conflict with the High Table and their ruthless Adjudicator. His allegiance with John Wick sets off a brutal chain of events, leading to severe consequences for him and his organization, yet he remains a defiant and formidable player in the clandestine world of assassins.

‘Akeelah and the Bee’ (2006)

Laurence Fishburne portrays Dr. Joshua Larabee, a former national spelling bee champion and English professor who becomes a reluctant coach to a gifted young girl. Akeelah Anderson is an 11-year-old from South Los Angeles with a remarkable talent for spelling, but she lacks the discipline and support to reach her full potential. Dr. Larabee is initially stern and demanding, pushing Akeelah with rigorous methods and high expectations.

Beneath his tough exterior, Dr. Larabee is dealing with his own personal grief and sees a chance to honor his past by helping Akeela succeed. He teaches her not just about spelling but also about perseverance, self-respect, and the importance of community. Through their work together, he forms a close bond with Akeelah, guiding her through the intense pressures of competition while helping her inspire her entire neighborhood.

‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ (1993)

Laurence Fishburne delivers a powerful and unsettling performance as Ike Turner, the talented but abusive musician and husband of Tina Turner. The biographical film chronicles the turbulent relationship between the two music legends, from their initial meeting and rise to fame to their violent and destructive marriage. Fishburne captures the charm and charisma that first drew Tina to Ike, as well as the deep-seated insecurity and rage that fueled his controlling behavior.

His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, as he masterfully depicted the complexities of a man who was both a musical pioneer and a terrifying abuser. Fishburne’s performance is crucial in showing the immense struggle Tina Turner faced, highlighting the physical and emotional pain she endured before finding the strength to leave and build her own legendary career. The role showcased his ability to tackle challenging and dark subject matter with incredible skill.

‘Searching for Bobby Fischer’ (1993)

In this film, Laurence Fishburne plays Vinnie, a speed chess hustler who plays in New York City’s Washington Square Park. He becomes an unlikely mentor to Josh Waitzkin, a young chess prodigy who displays a natural, intuitive talent for the game. Vinnie’s style of play is fast, aggressive, and instinctive, which contrasts sharply with the more rigid, classical approach taught by Josh’s formal chess coach, Bruce Pandolfini.

Vinnie teaches Josh the importance of trusting his gut feelings and playing with passion, encouraging him to take risks and not be afraid of losing. He represents the vibrant and competitive world of street chess, offering Josh valuable lessons that go beyond the technical aspects of the game. Through his friendship with Vinnie, Josh learns to balance two different philosophies of chess, which ultimately helps him develop his own unique and successful style as a player.

‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ (2017)

Laurence Fishburne makes his first appearance in the ‘John Wick’ series as the Bowery King, an enigmatic and powerful figure who rules over New York City’s underground intelligence network. He commands an army of spies disguised as homeless people, giving him eyes and ears all over the city. When a wounded John Wick seeks his help, the Bowery King reveals the vastness and efficiency of his operation, providing a glimpse into a hidden world that exists alongside the assassins’ society.

The Bowery King is a character defined by his theatrical personality and his strategic mind. He agrees to help John, but only after John reminds him of a past debt. He provides John with a weapon and safe passage, demonstrating his influence and resources. This introduction establishes him as a key player in the criminal underworld, setting the stage for his larger role in the ongoing conflict between John Wick and the powerful High Table.

‘The Color Purple’ (1985)

In this acclaimed film, Laurence Fishburne plays the role of Swain. The movie is a powerful and emotional drama that spans several decades, focusing on the life of Celie, an African American woman living in the South during the early 20th century. Celie endures immense hardship, including abuse from her husband, but she eventually finds her voice and strength through her relationships with other women.

Swain is a member of the community who interacts with the main characters during key moments in the story. Fishburne’s appearance is one of his earlier film roles, and it placed him among a cast of celebrated actors in a film that would go on to receive numerous accolades. His participation in the project was a significant step in his developing career, contributing to a story that explores deep themes of resilience, sisterhood, and liberation.

‘Boyz n the Hood’ (1991)

Laurence Fishburne plays the pivotal role of Jason “Furious” Styles, a wise and principled father trying to raise his son, Tre, in the tough environment of South Central Los Angeles. Furious is determined to teach Tre responsibility, self-respect, and the importance of making good choices in a world filled with violence and limited opportunities. He provides a strong moral compass and actively works to steer his son away from the dangers of gang culture.

Furious Styles is a powerful figure of positive masculinity in the community, offering guidance not only to his son but to other young men in the neighborhood as well. He delivers some of the film’s most memorable and impactful lines, speaking about gentrification, systemic racism, and the cycle of violence. Fishburne’s performance is central to the film’s message, portraying a father who understands that knowledge and discipline are the keys to survival and a better future.

‘Mystic River’ (2003)

In this dark and atmospheric crime thriller, Laurence Fishburne portrays Sergeant Whitey Powers, a detective investigating the murder of a young woman. He and his partner, Sergeant Devine, are tasked with unraveling a complex case that involves three childhood friends whose lives were forever changed by a traumatic event. The investigation forces the friends to confront their past and their suspicions of one another.

Sergeant Powers is a sharp and observant officer who remains methodical and composed throughout the increasingly tense investigation. He serves as a grounding presence in the story, carefully piecing together clues while navigating the volatile emotions of the people involved. Fishburne brings a quiet authority to the role, representing the official justice system in a story where personal vendettas and street justice threaten to take over.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

In the television series ‘Hannibal’, Laurence Fishburne plays Jack Crawford, the head of the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI. Crawford is a dedicated and driven agent, tasked with hunting down the most dangerous and elusive serial killers. He recruits the brilliant but troubled criminal profiler Will Graham to help him with his cases, unaware that he is also consulting with the cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Jack Crawford is a complex character who carries the heavy burden of his responsibilities, often pushing his team to their emotional and psychological limits to catch killers. His professional relationship with Will Graham is central to the show, as he walks a fine line between using Will’s unique talents and exploiting his fragile mental state. Fishburne’s portrayal captures the character’s immense pressure, personal sacrifices, and relentless pursuit of justice in a world of profound darkness.

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

Laurence Fishburne was just a teenager when he was cast in this epic war film, playing the role of Tyrone “Mr. Clean” Miller. He is a young, seventeen-year-old gunner on the Navy patrol boat that travels up the Nung River into Cambodia. The crew is on a secret mission to find and assassinate Colonel Kurtz, a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces officer who has gone rogue and is commanding his own army of local tribesmen.

As the boat journeys deeper into the war-torn jungle, the crew members are confronted with the chaos and psychological horrors of the Vietnam War. Mr. Clean is often seen dancing to music and trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in an insane environment. His youthful energy stands in stark contrast to the grim reality surrounding him, making his eventual fate one of the most tragic and impactful moments in the film, symbolizing the loss of innocence in war.

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Laurence Fishburne’s role as Morpheus in ‘The Matrix’ is one of his most iconic and widely recognized performances. Morpheus is the captain of the hovercraft Nebuchadnezzar and a leader within the human resistance against the intelligent machines that have trapped humanity in a simulated reality. He is a man of unwavering faith, driven by a prophecy that speaks of the coming of “The One,” a savior who will liberate humanity.

Morpheus is the one who finds Neo and offers him the choice between the red pill and the blue pill, a decision that allows Neo to awaken to the real world. He serves as a wise mentor, training Neo and guiding him as he begins to understand his true potential. Fishburne’s commanding presence, deep voice, and philosophical dialogue made Morpheus an unforgettable character who represents hope, belief, and the fight for freedom in a dystopian world.

Let us know in the comments which Laurence Fishburne role is your absolute favorite.