Denzel Washington Names His Four Greatest Roles

Denzel Washington has been in more than 50 films, and his acting has rarely dipped in quality. When asked during a Reddit AMA which of his movies newcomers should see first, he was quick to suggest two: Fences and Man on Fire.

Washington has also talked about Training Day and Roman J. Israel, Esq. as some of his favorite roles, showing a mix of his range and personal approach to acting.

Fences is a 2016 period drama directed and co-produced by Washington himself. The movie is based on a play by August Wilson from 1985, and the story follows a working-class African-American father in the 1950s as he tries to raise his family while dealing with past regrets.

The cast includes Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Saniyya Sidney. Washington clearly values this role for how closely it reflects the depth of human experience.

Man on Fire, released in 2004, is a very different story. Directed by Tony Scott and co-produced by Arnon Milchan, it is based on a 1980 novel by A.J. Quinnell. Washington plays a former CIA officer turned bodyguard who goes on a violent revenge mission after the young girl he is protecting is kidnapped in Mexico City. The movie also stars Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken, Radha Mitchell, Giancarlo Giannini, Marc Anthony, Rachel Ticotin, and Mickey Rourke. Unlike Fences, this film received mixed reviews. Still, Washington has highlighted this performance as one that showcases his intensity and commitment.

When it comes to Training Day, Washington often points to it as the role he is proudest of. He plays Detective Alonzo Harris, a corrupt LAPD officer who is violent, arrogant, and manipulative. Washington described the character in an interview with Blackfilm in 2006, saying, “An arrogant thief, liar, killer and egomaniac. He’s a sick, sick man who has no heart.”

He also admitted, “There is a different kind of excitement and reward for an actor in playing a villain. I have to admit I had a lot of fun playing Harris in Training Day.” The movie, directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by David Ayer, follows Harris and a rookie officer, played by Ethan Hawke, over a single day in Los Angeles.

It also features Scott Glenn, Eva Mendes, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Macy Gray. Washington clearly enjoyed playing someone complicated, dangerous, and yet believable.

Finally, Roman J. Israel, Esq. shows Washington’s desire for artistic purity and personal growth. He explained to the Inquirer, “I’m trying to get better. When I turned 60 and started to think about my career differently, I’m like, ‘This ain’t a dress rehearsal.’ I really don’t know how many years I have left on this planet, so I just want to maximise the effort and utilise the gifts I’ve been given.” In the film, Washington plays a defense lawyer at a failing law firm. He describes his character by saying, “The thing about Roman is he can read any book with total recall… but he can’t read people.” The role was a challenge he relished, and it allowed him to explore both skill and vulnerability. Directed by Dan Gilroy and released in 2017, the film co-stars Colin Farrell.

Across these four films, you can see how Washington chooses roles that challenge him in different ways. Whether it’s deep drama, high-intensity action, corrupt villainy, or intellectual nuance, he shows both his skill and his dedication.

As he told Reddit users, “I would suggest that they watch two. Fences and Man on Fire.” But for fans of his full range, Training Day and Roman J. Israel, Esq. are just as essential, highlighting why Washington remains one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.

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