Will Smith movies: Will Smith’s top 10 greatest movies (so far)

Will Smith is a household name, and now, an Academy Award-winner. It’s no question that the actor has long been one of the most successful stars in Hollywood. Besides King Richard, the movie that won Smith the biggest honor in the business, what are the top 10 Will Smith movies of all time, so far?

Actor Will Smith quickly became known by all after starring in the beloved classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show ran for six years and Smith was quick to take on other projects both during and after The Fresh Prince, always proving to be a hardworking man.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air also helped the actor launch himself as a rapper. Some of his songs are still hits today and down as classics. Since his days as the Fresh Prince, Smith has starred in numerous movies — both smash box office hits and flops, which are your favorite?

Some of Will Smith’s most memorable roles include Men in Black, Bad Boys, Shark Tale, I Am Legend, and Suicide Squad. Is there a role Smith has taken on that is the most memorable to you? Is it his latest film, King Richard? Either way, Smith is far from done! He has many movies in post-production, including Bright 2, Bad Boys 4, and others. What are you most looking forward to checking out?

Have you been a longtime fan of Will Smith or did you only discover his talents recently? It doesn’t matter, as long as we’re all fans! Share your favorite movie starring the actor in the comments, below.

We’re counting down Will Smith’s 10 greatest movies of all-time. Please note, we rank these movies based on more than just the movie’s box office winnings. After all, we all know the amount of money a film makes in theaters does not accurately reflect the quality of the movie. What we also considered in the ranking is the movie’s critical acclaim, plot of the story, and more. Let’s get to it!

Will Smith movies

No.10 Ali

Original Release Date: December 25, 2001

In Ali, Will Smith becomes heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali as the movie follows the boxers early days as he slowly rises. The cast also includes Jon Voight, Jamie Foxx, and others. To some, there was no question Will Smith had real star talent. But for those with any doubts, the movie Ali makes it very clear. Though mostly known as a funny guy who loves to take on charming roles, Ali challenges the actor to take on something drastically different, and Smith proves to be more than able to do so. Smith’s Academy Award nomination speaks for itself!

No. 9 Independence Day

Original Release Date: July 3, 1996

Will Smith plays Capt. Steven Hiller in Independence Day, a jet pilot and part of a group of Americans trying to save the planet from aliens. The movie also stars Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldbum, and Mary McDonnell.

Despite the movie not featuring an original plot or idea, it is the characters who carry the film, particularly Will Smith. Smith in charge of saving the world? You don’t have to tell me twice!

No. 8 I, Robot

Original Release Date: July 16, 2004

In I, Robot, Will Smith plays Detective Del Spooner. The sci-fi movie follows a near-future world where robots are part of our everyday lives. But, you know how it goes, one should never trust robots. Leave it Smith, though, to save the day! The movie also stars Alan Tudyk, Shia LaBeouf, Bruce Greenwood, and others. Nowadays, this is a tired plot, but back in 2004, a sci-fi plot like this was pretty unique and highly entertaining. Robots taking over? Yes, please!

No. 7 Bad Boys

Original Release Date: April 7, 1995

In Bad Boys, Will Smith plays Mike Lowrey, a Miami cop who witness $100 million worth of heroin get stolen by a gang. Once Fouchet, the drug lord, finds out, Lowrey and his partner find themselves on the run. The movie also stars Martin Lawrence and Tea Leoni. The Bad Boys franchise is a classic. If you haven’t seen it yet, you truly need to! Especially because another sequel is coming soon. Catch up before it premieres!

No. 6 I Am Legend

Original Release Date: December 14, 2007

At this point, who hasn’t watched I Am Legend? But just in case you haven’t, it’s another post-apocalyptic thriller. Smith plays Robert, the last man on Earth (or so he thinks) trying to find a cure to a vampiric plague that has wiped out humanity. The movie also stars Alice Baga, Charlie Tahan, and others.

Despite its relatively low scores from both critics and fans, the movie still holds up and earned more praise and a larger audience in time. The movie is still thrilling and never fails to spook viewers, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. There’s just something about the mystery of it all and how, for the majority of the movie, we only follow on character.

No. 5 Enemy of the State

Original Release Date: November 20, 1998

In this movie, Will Smith plays Robert Clayton, an attorney who is also a devoted husband and father. His innocent role makes him the perfect person to frame for murder, but will he realize this before it’s too late? Enemy of the State is one entertaining and fun thrill ride. If you need to recover from the blues after watching Pursuit of Happyness, definitely check out this one! Audience immediately love Smith’s character and feel themselves going along for the ride to prove his innocence.

No. 4 Six Degrees of Separation

Original Release Date: December 10, 1993

This is a role you may not be used to seeing Will Smith takes on. But as we’ve mentioned, the actor can rock any challenge. In Six Degrees of Desperation, Smith plays Paul, a savvy conartist who takes advantage of the rich. The movie also stars Ian McKellen, Donald Sutherland, Mary Beth Hurt, and Bruce Davison.

Simply the Best: Will Smith as a conartist in this R-rated film? Sign us up! The movie was clearly not appreciated back in the 90s and was underrated. Six Degrees of Desperation did a lot better when it was released on DVD. Check it out if you haven’t already.

No. 3 The Pursuit of Happyness

Original Release Date: December 15, 2006

In The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith takes on the role of Chris, a struggling single father trying to make ends meet. When Chris lands a promising job, their hardships don’t end as they go from shelter to shelter in hopes of a better life. The movie also stars Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton, and Brian Howe.

Will Smith is no stranger to premiering in movies around Christmas time, when audiences are more vulnerable to inspirational movies and tugging at heartstrings. If you haven’t watched The Pursuit of Happyness and are considering it, be prepared to cry! This isn’t to say the movie is simply a depressing one, it’s a lot more than that. You will be left feeling motivated and inspired.

No. 2 Men in Black

Original Release Date: July 2, 1997

I don’t think I need to explain why Men in Black is easily in Will Smith’s Top 3. It is the most recognizable and known role (after Fresh Prince, of course). It’s funny that despite nearly all the roles on this list being more on the drama side for Will Smith, his No. 2 movie (in our humble opinion) is J in Men in Black, a comedy. What can I say? It’s a great one. So great, that the movie inspired a cartoon series, live action show, and a movie franchise. Not to mention, a reboot/sequel.

No. 1 King Richard

Yes, King Richard is our favorite Will Smith movie. Smith’s performance as King is emotional, empowering, and motivational. And Smith’s Academy Award speech really reached into our feelings. The movie is streaming on HBO Max in case you missed it!

Which Will Smith movie is your favorite? Is there one we didn’t mention, but should, on this list? Be sure to let us know!