Will Smith’s Career: From ‘Where the Day Takes You’ to ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’

Will Smith is an American actor, rapper, and producer who transitioned from a successful music career to become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. He first gained fame as the rapper The Fresh Prince in the late 1980s, forming a hip-hop duo with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Their fun, radio-friendly songs earned them the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance. This success led to his starring role in the popular sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, which ran for six seasons and solidified his status as a household name with his natural charisma and comedic timing.

After conquering the worlds of music and television, Smith set his sights on film. He quickly proved his star power with a string of blockbuster hits in the mid-1990s, becoming known for his action-packed summer movies. Over the years, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, moving beyond action and comedy to take on complex dramatic roles that have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including an Academy Award. His career is a testament to his immense talent and enduring appeal to audiences worldwide.

‘Where the Day Takes You’ (1992)

‘Where the Day Takes You’ is a drama that offers a gritty look at the lives of a group of homeless teenagers and runaways trying to survive on the streets of Hollywood. The film follows the group’s de facto leader as he navigates the daily struggles of finding food, shelter, and a sense of family among his fellow outcasts. It explores serious themes of drug addiction, abuse, and the challenges faced by youth living on the fringes of society.

In one of his earliest film roles, Will Smith plays Manny, a young man in a wheelchair who is part of the street crew. Although not a large role, his appearance was an important step in his transition from television to the big screen. The character is a member of the tight-knit group, and Smith’s performance adds to the film’s realistic and emotional depiction of life on the streets.

‘Made in America’ (1993)

‘Made in America’ is a lighthearted comedy about a young Black woman who discovers that her father, whom she believed to be a deceased, intelligent Black man, is actually a white, obnoxious car salesman. The discovery comes after she finds out she was conceived through artificial insemination. The film follows the hilarious and awkward interactions as the daughter and her mother meet the biological father for the first time.

Will Smith plays Tea Cake Walters, the best friend of the main character, Zora. He provides much of the film’s comedic relief, reacting to the bizarre family situation with a mix of shock and humor. The role allowed Smith to showcase the same charming and funny persona that made him a star on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’.

‘Six Degrees of Separation’ (1993)

‘Six Degrees of Separation’ is a compelling drama based on an acclaimed play. The film tells the story of a wealthy New York art dealer couple who take in a charming and intelligent young Black man named Paul. He claims to be the son of actor Sidney Poitier and a friend of their children, and he quickly wins them over with his wit and sophistication. However, they soon discover that he is not who he says he is.

Will Smith took on his first serious dramatic role as Paul, a complex and charismatic con artist. The role was a significant departure from his comedic television work and proved he had serious acting talent. Smith’s performance was praised by critics for its depth and nuance, as he captured both the character’s charm and his deep sense of loneliness.

‘Bad Boys’ (1995)

‘Bad Boys’ is a high-octane action-comedy that solidified Will Smith’s status as a movie star. The film follows two Miami narcotics detectives, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett. The two partners are forced to switch identities to protect a witness in a major drug case, leading to a series of explosive action sequences and hilarious banter between the two mismatched cops.

Smith plays Mike Lowrey, the smooth, fast-talking, and wealthy ladies’ man, a perfect contrast to his more cautious family-man partner. The incredible on-screen chemistry between Smith and his co-star Martin Lawrence is the heart of the film. ‘Bad Boys’ was a massive commercial success and established a formula of action and comedy that Smith would revisit throughout his career.

‘Independence Day’ (1996)

‘Independence Day’ is a science-fiction disaster film that became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. The story begins when massive alien spaceships appear over major cities around the world. After the aliens launch a devastating global attack, the remnants of humanity must band together to fight back against the technologically superior invaders on the Fourth of July.

Will Smith stars as Captain Steven Hiller, a cocky and skilled Marine Corps pilot. His character becomes one of the central heroes in the fight for Earth’s survival. The role cemented Smith’s position as a global box-office superstar, and his charismatic performance, including the now-famous line, “Welcome to Earth,” made him an iconic action hero.

‘Men in Black’ (1997)

‘Men in Black’ is a sci-fi action-comedy that became a cultural phenomenon. The film follows a secret government agency that monitors and polices alien life on Earth. A seasoned agent recruits a cocky NYPD officer into the organization, and the new partners are soon tasked with saving the world from a giant alien bug.

Will Smith plays James Edwards, who is recruited to become Agent J. His character serves as the audience’s introduction to the strange and hidden world of aliens living among us. Smith’s comedic timing and his brilliant chemistry with his stoic partner, played by Tommy Lee Jones, were key to the film’s massive success. The movie also produced a hit song performed by Smith.

‘Enemy of the State’ (1998)

‘Enemy of the State’ is a fast-paced conspiracy thriller. The film centers on a successful labor lawyer who is unknowingly given a piece of evidence that exposes a government conspiracy involving a corrupt National Security Agency official. He suddenly finds his life destroyed as the NSA uses its advanced surveillance technology to hunt him down.

Will Smith stars as Robert Clayton Dean, the lawyer who becomes a target of the government. The role allowed Smith to play a more serious, everyday character who is thrown into an extraordinary and dangerous situation. The film was a commercial and critical success, proving that Smith could lead a high-stakes thriller.

‘Wild Wild West’ (1999)

‘Wild Wild West’ is a steampunk Western action-comedy based on a 1960s television series. Set in the 1860s, the film follows two government agents with very different styles who are forced to work together. Their mission is to protect the U.S. President from a diabolical, legless Confederate scientist who is building a giant mechanical spider.

Smith plays Captain James West, a charismatic and impulsive gunslinger. He is paired with a master of disguise and gadgetry, leading to a clash of personalities that provides much of the film’s humor. Despite its ambitious special effects and star power, the movie was a critical and commercial disappointment, though it also produced another hit song for Smith.

‘The Legend of Bagger Vance’ (2000)

‘The Legend of Bagger Vance’ is a sports drama with mystical elements, set in the 1930s. The story follows a disillusioned and traumatized war veteran who was once a promising golfer. He is given a chance to reclaim his life when he is asked to compete in a high-profile exhibition match against two of the greatest golfers of the era.

Will Smith plays the title role of Bagger Vance, a mysterious and wise caddie who appears out of nowhere to help the golfer find his “authentic swing.” Vance serves as a spiritual guide, offering cryptic advice about golf that doubles as life lessons. The role was a departure for Smith, allowing him to play a more serene and philosophical character.

‘Ali’ (2001)

‘Ali’ is a biographical drama that focuses on a pivotal decade in the life of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The film covers his career from his heavyweight championship win in 1964 to his famous “Rumble in the Jungle” fight in 1974. It also explores his political activism, his conversion to Islam, and his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.

Will Smith underwent a significant physical and vocal transformation to portray Muhammad Ali. His performance was widely praised by critics for capturing the boxer’s charisma, confidence, and complexity, both in and out of the ring. The role earned Smith his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

‘Men in Black II’ (2002)

‘Men in Black II’ is the first sequel to the hugely successful sci-fi comedy. The story begins when a dangerous alien returns to Earth, and Agent J discovers that the only person who knows how to defeat her is his former partner, Agent K. The problem is that Agent K’s memory was erased, and he now works as a postmaster with no knowledge of his past.

Smith reprises his role as the witty and capable Agent J. In this film, his character has grown from a rookie into a seasoned agent who must now be the one to guide his mentor back into the world of aliens. While the sequel did not receive the same level of critical acclaim as the original, it was a box office success.

‘Bad Boys II’ (2003)

‘Bad Boys II’ brings back the explosive action and comedy of the original film, but on a much larger and more chaotic scale. Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are now part of a high-tech task force investigating the flow of ecstasy into Miami. Their investigation leads them to a ruthless drug lord, resulting in massive car chases and city-wide destruction.

Will Smith returns as the cool and reckless Mike Lowrey. The sequel doubles down on the action and the hilarious, often improvised, arguments between Smith and his co-star Martin Lawrence. The film was a huge commercial success, proving that audiences were still eager for the duo’s signature brand of action-comedy.

‘I, Robot’ (2004)

‘I, Robot’ is a science-fiction action film set in the year 2035, where humanoid robots are common and serve humanity. The story follows a technophobic police detective who investigates the apparent suicide of a brilliant scientist. He suspects that a robot was responsible, an act that would violate the fundamental Three Laws of Robotics and could signal a larger threat to humanity.

Smith stars as Detective Del Spooner, a cop who harbors a deep distrust of robots due to a past trauma. His character is a classic noir-style detective in a futuristic setting, and Smith brings both physicality to the action sequences and emotional depth to the role. The film was a global box office hit.

‘Shark Tale’ (2004)

‘Shark Tale’ is a computer-animated comedy set in a bustling underwater metropolis. The film tells the story of Oscar, a fast-talking little fish who works at a whale wash. He dreams of being a rich and famous somebody, and he gets his chance when he falsely takes credit for the accidental death of a great white shark, the son of a mob boss.

Will Smith provides the voice for the main character, Oscar. His character’s personality is modeled on Smith’s own charismatic and energetic persona. Oscar’s lie gets him into deep trouble with the shark mafia, and he must find a way to set things right. The film featured an all-star voice cast and was a commercial success.

‘Hitch’ (2005)

‘Hitch’ is a romantic comedy about a professional “date doctor” who helps men win over the women of their dreams. He is incredibly successful in his anonymous career, but he finds his own romantic life thrown into turmoil when he falls for a cynical gossip columnist who is determined to unmask the mysterious date doctor.

Will Smith stars as Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, the smooth and confident love guru who is suddenly clumsy and unsure of himself when it comes to his own love life. Smith’s charm and comedic talent are on full display in this role, and the film was a massive box office success, proving his appeal as a romantic leading man.

‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ (2006)

‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ is a biographical drama based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a man who went from being a homeless single father to a successful stockbroker. The film follows Gardner’s incredible struggle as he and his young son face eviction and poverty while he undertakes a grueling, unpaid internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm.

Will Smith delivers one of his most powerful and emotional performances as Chris Gardner. His real-life son, Jaden Smith, plays his on-screen son, adding a layer of authenticity to their relationship. The role earned Smith his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and was widely praised for its inspirational and heartbreaking portrayal of a father’s love and determination.

‘I Am Legend’ (2007)

‘I Am Legend’ is a post-apocalyptic science-fiction thriller. The film is set in a deserted New York City after a man-made virus has turned most of humanity into nocturnal, vampire-like mutants. A brilliant military virologist appears to be the last human survivor, and he spends his days searching for a cure and his nights hiding from the infected.

Will Smith gives a compelling solo performance as Robert Neville, the lone survivor. For much of the film, Smith acts opposite only a dog, masterfully conveying his character’s profound loneliness, grief, and unwavering hope. The film was a huge commercial success and was praised for Smith’s powerful and nuanced performance.

‘Hancock’ (2008)

‘Hancock’ is a superhero film with a unique twist on the genre. The story is about a powerful, immortal, and alcoholic superhero who has fallen out of favor with the public due to his reckless and destructive behavior. His life takes a turn when he saves a public relations specialist who then offers to help him repair his public image.

Will Smith stars as the title character, a cynical and reluctant hero. The role allowed Smith to deconstruct the traditional superhero archetype, playing a flawed and deeply human character despite his incredible powers. The film explores themes of loneliness and destiny and was a major box office hit.

‘Seven Pounds’ (2008)

‘Seven Pounds’ is a mystery drama about a man who is haunted by a dark secret from his past. He sets out on a mysterious and emotional journey to redeem himself by changing the lives of seven complete strangers. The true nature of his plan and the reason behind it are slowly revealed over the course of the film.

Will Smith plays Ben Thomas, the enigmatic and tormented protagonist. He reunited with the director of ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ for this film, which required a somber and intense performance. Smith portrays a man carrying a heavy emotional burden, and the film’s shocking and tragic ending relies on his deeply felt performance.

‘Men in Black 3’ (2012)

‘Men in Black 3’ is the third installment in the popular sci-fi franchise. In this film, an old enemy of Agent K escapes from a lunar prison and travels back in time to 1969 to kill him, altering the course of history. Agent J must also travel back in time to save his partner and the world, where he teams up with a younger version of Agent K.

Smith returns as the charismatic Agent J, once again bringing his signature humor to the role. The time-travel plot allows for a fresh dynamic, as Agent J gets to learn more about his partner’s mysterious past. The film was well-received by critics and audiences, who felt it was a return to form for the series.

‘After Earth’ (2013)

‘After Earth’ is a science-fiction adventure set 1,000 years after humanity was forced to abandon Earth. The story follows a legendary general and his teenage son, who crash-land on the now-wild and dangerous planet. With his father seriously injured, the young son must embark on a perilous journey across hostile terrain to signal for help.

Will Smith plays Cypher Raige, the stoic and emotionally distant father. His son in the film is played by his real-life son, Jaden Smith. The film was conceived by Will Smith, who also co-wrote the story. Despite the father-son pairing, the movie was a major critical and commercial failure.

‘Focus’ (2015)

‘Focus’ is a sleek crime caper about a veteran con artist who takes a young, aspiring grifter under his wing. He teaches her the tricks of the trade, and the two become romantically involved. However, he abruptly ends the relationship, and they meet again years later on opposite sides of a high-stakes con.

Will Smith stars as Nicky Spurgeon, the smooth and experienced con man. He brings his signature charm and confidence to the role of a master of deception. The film is a stylish thriller that relies heavily on the chemistry between Smith and his co-star, Margot Robbie, as they engage in a series of clever and unpredictable schemes.

‘Concussion’ (2015)

‘Concussion’ is a biographical sports drama based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu. He was a brilliant forensic pathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player. The film follows his journey as he fights to bring this inconvenient truth to light, facing intense opposition from the powerful National Football League.

Will Smith portrays Dr. Bennet Omalu, adopting a Nigerian accent and a distinct physical presence for the role. He delivers a powerful and convincing performance as a man of science and conviction fighting against a corporate giant. The role earned Smith a Golden Globe nomination and was praised as one of his best dramatic performances.

‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

‘Suicide Squad’ is a superhero film based on the DC Comics team of the same name. A secret government agency recruits a group of imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for reduced sentences. The dysfunctional team of anti-heroes must learn to work together to defeat a powerful mystical threat.

Will Smith plays Floyd Lawton, also known as Deadshot, a deadly assassin and one of the central characters in the squad. Despite being a cold-blooded killer, his character is humanized by his love for his young daughter. Smith was a standout in the ensemble cast, and his performance was one of the most praised aspects of the critically divisive film.

‘Collateral Beauty’ (2016)

‘Collateral Beauty’ is a drama that follows a successful New York advertising executive who retreats from life after suffering a profound personal tragedy. His concerned friends and colleagues devise an unconventional plan to help him confront his grief, which involves hiring actors to personify the abstract concepts of Death, Love, and Time.

Will Smith stars as Howard Inlet, the grieving man who writes therapeutic letters to the universe. He delivers a deeply emotional performance, portraying a character consumed by pain and loss. While the film’s premise was heavily criticized by critics, Smith’s commitment to the role was noted.

‘Bright’ (2017)

‘Bright’ is a fantasy action film set in an alternate present-day Los Angeles where humans coexist with magical creatures like orcs, elves, and fairies. The story follows a human cop and his orc partner who stumble upon a powerful magic wand. They must protect the wand from various criminals and dark forces who would use it for evil.

Will Smith plays Daryl Ward, a veteran LAPD officer who is reluctantly partnered with the nation’s first orc police officer. The film blends the gritty buddy-cop genre with high-fantasy elements. Despite being overwhelmingly disliked by critics, the movie was a major viewership success for the streaming service Netflix.

‘Aladdin’ (2019)

‘Aladdin’ is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1992 animated classic. The film retells the beloved story of a kind-hearted street urchin who falls in love with a princess. His life changes forever when he discovers a magic lamp containing a powerful, wish-granting Genie, and he must use his wishes to stop an evil sorcerer from taking over the kingdom.

Will Smith took on the iconic role of the Genie, a character made famous by Robin Williams. Instead of imitating the original, Smith brought his own style and personality to the role, incorporating elements of hip-hop and his signature charisma. The film was a massive global box office success.

‘Gemini Man’ (2019)

‘Gemini Man’ is a science-fiction action thriller directed by Ang Lee. The film stars Will Smith as an aging elite assassin who is suddenly targeted and hunted by a mysterious young operative who can seemingly predict his every move. He soon discovers that the man trying to kill him is a younger, faster, cloned version of himself.

Smith plays two roles: the 51-year-old assassin Henry Brogan, and his 23-year-old clone, Junior. The film utilized groundbreaking visual effects to create a completely digital, de-aged version of Smith. While the technology was praised, the film’s story and script were heavily criticized, and it was a box office disappointment.

‘Spies in Disguise’ (2019)

‘Spies in Disguise’ is an animated spy comedy. The story follows a super-suave and highly effective secret agent who is accidentally turned into a pigeon by a young, nerdy scientist. The mismatched duo must then learn to work together to stop a powerful terrorist and turn the world’s greatest spy back into a human.

Will Smith voices Lance Sterling, the “world’s most awesome spy,” who is confident, charming, and used to working alone. The role is a perfect fit for Smith’s persona, and he brings his signature energy to the animated character. The film is a fun, family-friendly adventure that plays on the classic odd-couple dynamic.

‘Bad Boys for Life’ (2020)

‘Bad Boys for Life’ is the long-awaited third installment in the action-comedy franchise, released 17 years after the second film. Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett are back, but they are at different places in their lives, with Marcus ready to retire. They are forced to reunite one last time when a vengeful and dangerous figure from Mike’s past emerges.

Smith reprises his role as Mike Lowrey, who now must confront his own mortality and the consequences of his reckless past. The film successfully blended the franchise’s signature explosive action with more emotional depth and character development. It was a huge critical and commercial success, praised for its fresh take on the beloved series.

‘King Richard’ (2021)

‘King Richard’ is a biographical drama that tells the story of Richard Williams, the determined and ambitious father of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. The film follows Richard as he raises his daughters in Compton, California, and executes his detailed and audacious plan to turn them into the world’s greatest tennis players, challenging the conventions of a predominantly white sport.

Will Smith delivers a transformative performance as Richard Williams, capturing his complex, controversial, and deeply loving nature. Smith’s portrayal was met with widespread critical acclaim, and he won numerous awards for the role, including the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Actor.

‘Emancipation’ (2022)

‘Emancipation’ is a historical action thriller inspired by the true story of an enslaved man in the 1860s. After being brutally whipped, he escapes from a Louisiana plantation and embarks on a treacherous journey through the swamps to reach the Union Army. The film is a harrowing tale of survival, resilience, and the fight for freedom.

Will Smith stars as Peter, the enslaved man whose photograph of his scarred back became a powerful symbol of the brutality of slavery. The role is intense and physically demanding, and Smith gives a powerful performance that conveys his character’s strength and unwavering determination in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024)

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ is the fourth film in the blockbuster franchise, continuing the adventures of Miami’s most famous detectives. This time, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett find themselves on the wrong side of the law when their late police captain is framed and linked to a drug cartel. The duo must go on the run to clear his name and their own.

Will Smith returns as the ever-cool Mike Lowrey, but his character is now dealing with new personal challenges, including panic attacks. The film delivers the franchise’s signature mix of high-speed chases, explosive action, and hilarious banter, while also exploring the detectives’ enduring partnership as they face their most dangerous mission yet.

From action blockbusters to powerful dramas, which Will Smith movie has left the biggest impression on you?