Top 20 Will Smith Movies Ranked - The Fresh Prince

Will Smith has entertained audiences for over 25 years with his charming charisma, action-packed roles and ability to bring heartfelt emotion to any scene. From blockbuster hits like Independence Day and Men in Black to critically acclaimed performances in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness, Smith has proven his versatility and star power in Hollywood.

This list of the top 20 Will Smith movies showcases his incredible range and most iconic roles throughout his prolific career. We've included fan favorites, critical darlings and films that exemplify his talent for combining humor, action and sentimentality. Whether you prefer watching Smith save the world, make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings, these movies capture the legendary star at his very best.

Top 20 Will Smith Movies of All Time

Before going into details of each movie separately, we have compiled a list of all the top 20 Will Smith movies in the following table. You can jump to any song details by clicking its name from the following table.

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1 - The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Chris Gardner, Jaden Smith as Christopher Gardner Jr.
• Supporting Actors: Thandie Newton as Linda Gardner, Brian Howe as Jay Twistle
• Director: Gabriele Muccino
• Release date: December 15, 2006
• Runtime: 117 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 8.0
• Revenue: $307.1 million
• Language: English

The Pursuit of Happyness is based on the true story of Chris Gardner's journey from homeless single father to successful stockbroker. Will Smith delivers one of his most emotional performances as Gardner, a struggling salesman who loses his wife and home but refuses to give up on providing a better life for his young son Christopher (Jaden Smith).

After joining an unpaid internship program at a prestigious brokerage firm, Gardner faces obstacles and setbacks while working to earn a permanent position. He and his son are evicted and forced to live on the streets and in shelters, but Gardner remains determined. His perseverance pays off when he impresses his bosses and secures a job, changing his family's life forever. The film is an inspirational portrayal of the power of persistence in the face of adversity.

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2 - Men in Black (1997)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Agent J, Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K
• Supporting actors: Linda Fiorentino as Laurel Weaver, Vincent D'Onofrio as Edgar the Bug
• Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
• Release date: July 2, 1997
• Runtime: 98 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.3
• Revenue: $589.4 million
• Language: English

The first installment in the popular Men in Black franchise pairs Will Smith with Tommy Lee Jones as members of a top-secret organization that monitors alien activity on Earth. Smith plays rookie Agent J whose first assignment is to help the seasoned Agent K (Jones) investigate a deadly alien Bug intent on destroying the planet.

With its mix of action, comedy and visual effects, Men in Black became one of the biggest hits of 1997. Smith and Jones have hilarious chemistry as mismatched partners learning to work together. While saving the world from an extraterrestrial threat, they uncover secrets about J's past and the greater Men in Black operation. With its cool gadgets, intergalactic plot and Smith's energized performance, the original Men in Black is an absolute classic.

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3 - I Am Legend (2007)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Robert Neville
• Supporting actors: Alice Braga as Anna, Charlie Tahan as Ethan
• Director: Francis Lawrence
• Release date: December 14, 2007
• Runtime: 101 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.2
• Revenue: $585.4 million
• Language: English

In this post-apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, Will Smith holds the screen as Robert Neville, seemingly the sole human survivor of a virus that has ravaged humanity. Neville lives in isolation with his dog in an abandoned New York City, hunting during the day and barricading himself inside at night to hide from infected mutants.

When Neville rescues a woman named Anna (Alice Braga) and her son Ethan (Charlie Tahan), he finds a reason to fight on. Smith captures Neville's loneliness and trauma, conveying the weight of being the last man on Earth. Flashbacks help explain the events leading to the virus outbreak while fast-paced action scenes raise the stakes. I Am Legend blends sci-fi, drama and horror with a powerful lead performance from Smith.

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4 - Independence Day (1996)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Capt. Steven Hiller, Bill Pullman as President Thomas J. Whitmore
• Supporting actors: Jeff Goldblum as David Levinson, Mary McDonnell as First Lady Marilyn Whitmore
• Director: Roland Emmerich
• Release date: July 3, 1996
• Runtime: 145 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.0
• Revenue: $817.4 million
• Language: English

Independence Day helped cement Will Smith's status as a major action star. He leads the ensemble cast as Capt. Steven Hiller, a fearless fighter pilot leading the counterattack against invading aliens. When massive UFOs position themselves over major cities, Hiller and David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) must devise a plan to access the alien mothership and deactivate its shields.

Between the epic destruction scenes of alien attacks and rousing speeches from President Whitmore (Bill Pullman), Independence Day merged sci-fi spectacle with patriotism. Smith brings charisma and humor to the heroic Capt. Hiller, delivering an inspirational performance in this thrilling blockbuster.

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5 - Hitch (2005)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Eva Mendes as Sara Melas
• Supporting actors: Kevin James as Albert Brennaman, Amber Valletta as Allegra Cole
• Director: Andy Tennant
• Release date: February 11, 2005
• Runtime: 118 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.6
• Revenue: $368.1 million
• Language: English

Proving his versatility, Will Smith transitioned smoothly from action hero to charming romantic lead in the comedy Hitch. He plays Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, a smooth-talking "date doctor" who coaches awkward men on how to impress women. But when Hitch falls for no-nonsense celebrity gossip columnist Sara (Eva Mendes), he struggles to take his own advice.

Hitch mixes romance with hilarious gags, especially around Hitch attempting to help meek accountant Albert (Kevin James) win the heart of a glamorous heiress. Thanks to Smith and Mendes' irresistible chemistry and comedic timing, the film became one of 2005's biggest crowd-pleasers. With jokes, emotion and a big heart, Hitch showcases Smith as a dashing and hilarious leading man.

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6 - Hancock (2008)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as John Hancock, Charlize Theron as Mary Embrey
• Supporting actors: Jason Bateman as Ray Embrey, Johnny Galecki as Jeremy
• Director: Peter Berg
• Release date: July 2, 2008
• Runtime: 92 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.4
• Revenue: $624.4 million
• Language: English

Will Smith puts an original twist on the superhero genre with Hancock, playing an alcoholic superhuman with a bad reputation. After wrecking Los Angeles one time too many during his reckless crime fighting, Hancock reluctantly agrees to a PR makeover from idealistic publicist Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman). Meanwhile, he develops a confusing connection with Ray's wife, Mary (Charlize Theron).

Showcasing his trademark sarcasm, Smith makes the cynical, unpopular Hancock hilarious and compelling. The movie combines blockbuster action with a character-driven story punctuated by Smith's lively performance. Hancock may be an unconventional hero, but his vulnerabilities and inner turmoil add depth.

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7 - Bad Boys (1995)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey, Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett
• Supporting actors: Téa Leoni as Julie Mott, Joe Pantoliano as Captain Conrad Howard
• Director: Michael Bay
• Release date: April 7, 1995
• Runtime: 118 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.8
• Revenue: $141.4 million
• Language: English

Bad Boys paired rising stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as partner detectives hunting down Ecstasy smugglers in Miami. Brash and overconfident Mike Lowrey (Smith) teams up with stressed family man Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) for an eventful and sometimes explosive, investigation.

Smith and Lawrence's comedic chemistry made the film a breakout hit and established Michael Bay's signature style of high-octane action. While racing through shootouts, car chases and nefarious crime rings, Mike and Marcus cement an unlikely friendship. Bad Boys delivers thrills and laughs in equal measure, thanks in large part to Smith's effortless magnetism.

8 - I, Robot (2004)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Del Spooner
• Supporting actors: Bridget Moynahan as Dr. Susan Calvin, James Cromwell as Dr. Alfred Lanning
• Director: Alex Proyas
• Release date: July 16, 2004
• Runtime: 115 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.1
• Revenue: $347.2 million
• Language: English

Will Smith lends his charisma to I, Robot as Del Spooner, a technophobic detective in 2035 who distrusts helpful robots. When Dr. Alfred Lanning, founder of robotics corporation U.S. Robotics, is found dead, Spooner suspects murder and uncovers an anti-human conspiracy.

Spooner teams up with sympathetic scientist Dr. Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan) to get to the bottom of Lanning's death and potential robot rebellion. With impressive CGI effects and kinetic action sequences, I, Robot is a slick sci-fi mystery carried by Smith's wit and dry humor. Viewers root for Spooner as his paranoid fears become reality in this visually captivating thriller.

9 - Ali (2001)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Muhammad Ali
• Supporting actors: Jamie Foxx as Drew "Bundini" Brown, Jon Voight as Howard Cosell
• Director: Michael Mann
• Release date: December 25, 2001
• Runtime: 157 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.7
• Revenue: $87.7 million
• Language: English

Will Smith earned his first Academy Award nomination for disappearing into the role of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in this riveting biopic. Spanning 1964 to 1974, the film charts Ali's early career and rise to fame, controversial conversion to Islam, refusing military service during the Vietnam War and legendary bouts like the "Rumble in the Jungle."

Smith captures Ali's swagger, humor, convictions and verbal flourishes with an utterly transformative performance. Dramatic reenactments of Ali's fights are electrifying, bolstered by Smith's intense physical preparation to mimic the icon's dexterity in the ring. Ali illustrates the heavyweight champion's cultural impact and cemented Smith as a serious dramatic actor.

10 - Enemy of the State (1998)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Robert Clayton Dean
• Supporting actors: Gene Hackman as Edward "Brill" Lyle, Jon Voight as Thomas Brian Reynolds
• Director: Tony Scott
• Release date: November 20, 1998
• Runtime: 132 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.3
• Revenue: $250.6 million
• Language: English

In this lightning-paced techno thriller from director Tony Scott, Will Smith plays an attorney targeted for assassination after accidentally receiving an incriminating video. On the run from corrupt agents and hackers, he receives help from retired intelligence operative Brill (Gene Hackman).

Enemy of the State contains all of Scott's signature action flourishes, matched by Smith's magnetic portrayal of an everyman forced into an impossible situation. As Dean struggles to survive and expose the conspiracy against him, the film builds Hitchcockian suspense and paranoia. Smith delivers both quick-witted humor and intense emotions in one of his most versatile performances.

11 - Seven Pounds (2008)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Ben Thomas
• Supporting actors: Rosario Dawson as Emily Posa, Woody Harrelson as Ezra Turner
• Director: Gabriele Muccino
• Release date: December 19, 2008
• Runtime: 123 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.6
• Revenue: $168.2 million
• Language: English

Reuniting with his Pursuit of Happyness director Muccino, Will Smith turns in an exceptionally nuanced performance in the melodrama Seven Pounds. As IRS agent Ben Thomas, Smith harbors a tragic secret motivating him to change the lives of seven strangers. When he meets terminally ill Connie (Rosario Dawson), Ben's plan faces obstacles as genuine romance develops.

Critics praised Smith's subdued yet powerful acting, anchored by the mystery of his character's motivations. He compellingly balances Ben's melancholy with lighter moments, particularly in romantic scenes with Dawson. Seven Pounds culminates in an emotional and cathartic climax about remorse, compassion and redemption.

12 - Six Degrees of Separation (1993)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Paul Poitier
• Supporting actors: Stockard Channing as Louisa "Ouisa" Kittredge, Donald Sutherland as Flan Kittredge
• Director: Fred Schepisi
• Release date: April 16, 1993
• Runtime: 112 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.9
• Revenue: $6.4 million
• Language: English

Adapted from John Guare's acclaimed play, Six Degrees of Separation marked one of Will Smith's earliest film roles before he achieved stardom. He earned praise for his portrayal of Paul Poitier, a young con artist who poses as the son of actor Sidney Poitier to scam New York socialites. Smooth-talking Paul insinuates himself into the lives of art dealer Flan Kittredge (Donald Sutherland) and his wife Ouisa (Stockard Channing), convincing them he was mugged and needs to stay with them.

As the truth about Paul slowly unravels, Smith brings nuance and sympathy to his complex character. His magnetic performance opposite Channing earned him critical acclaim and proved his acting chops. Six Degrees of Separation showcases Smith's talent for balancing charm and vulnerability.

13 - Men in Black II (2002)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Agent J, Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K
• Supporting actors: Lara Flynn Boyle as Serleena, Johnny Knoxville as Scrad/Charlie
• Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
• Release date: July 3, 2002
• Runtime: 88 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.2
• Revenue: $441.8 million
• Language: English

Reuniting the dynamic duo of Agents J and K, Men in Black II rehashes much of the same alien-hunting formula that made the original a smash hit. While Will Smith brings his natural enthusiasm and humor as J, the mismatched agents lack fresh chemistry against a stock villain played by Lara Flynn Boyle.

That said, the film delivers decent sci-fi action as J and K once again police aliens hidden on Earth. Smith's comedic skills remain on point even when the script falls short. And the sequel's rendition of New York City, full of CGI creatures and gadgets, makes for a fun backdrop to the interstellar buddy cop antics. Men in Black II is an amiable but derivative sequel carried by Smith's appeal.

14 - Bad Boys II (2003)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Detective Mike Lowrey, Martin Lawrence as Detective Marcus Burnett
• Supporting actors: Jordi Mollà as Johnny Tapia, Gabrielle Union as Sydney Burnett
• Director: Michael Bay
• Release date: July 18, 2003
• Runtime: 147 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.6
• Revenue: $273.3 million
• Language: English

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence team up again as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett for another high-octane thrill ride in Bad Boys II. This time, the buddy cops take down a Cuban drug kingpin (Jordi Mollà) flooding Miami with ecstasy. Cue nonstop chase scenes, explosions, shootouts and quippy banter between Smith and Lawrence.

While not as fresh as the original, Bad Boys II delivers on crazy action sequences, especially a climactic showdown on the Miami bridge. Smith slides back into the slick, fiery Detective Mike Lowrey, playing off Lawrence's neurotic Burnett for laughs. They remain an engaging comedic duo who reignite their chemistry amidst the bullets and car crashes. Bad Boys II is a fun, if overlong, sequel for fans of the franchise.

15 - Men in Black 3 (2012)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Agent J, Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K
• Supporting actors: Josh Brolin as Young Agent K, Jemaine Clement as Boris the Animal
• Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
• Release date: May 25, 2012
• Runtime: 106 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.8
• Revenue: $624.0 million
• Language: English

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones reprise their roles as alien-fighting partners Agents J and K for more intergalactic hijinks in Men in Black 3. When K disappears in the past, J must time travel back to 1969 on a mission of rescue and self-discovery. Director Barry Sonnenfeld recreates the slick style and humor that made the original film a hit.

Along with Jones' gruff straight man, Smith provides plenty of dynamic energy and quipping chemistry with Josh Brolin as the young Agent K. Visiting iconic 1969 settings and weaving in a poignant storyline makes the second sequel a creative revival for the franchise. Smith's natural magnetism brings fun and feeling to even the zaniest sci-fi scenarios.

16 - King Richard (2021)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Richard Williams
• Supporting actors: Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene "Brandy" Williams, Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams
• Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
• Release date: November 19, 2021
• Runtime: 144 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.5
• Revenue: $34.1 million
• Language: English

Will Smith earned an Oscar nomination starring as Richard Williams, determined father and coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, in the inspiring biopic King Richard. Showcasing Williams' unconventional methods and unyielding belief in his daughters, Smith captures the man's complicated passion, dedication and flaws.

Scene-stealing performances from Saniyya Sidney as Venus and Demi Singleton as Serena portray the sisters' immense talent and impact. But at its core, King Richard is a thoughtful character study carried by Smith's nuanced turn as a polarizing, influential parent who shaped sports history. The film earned Smith some of the strongest reviews of his career.

17 - Concussion (2015)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu
• Supporting actors: Alec Baldwin as Dr. Julian Bailes, Albert Brooks as Dr. Cyril Wecht
• Director: Peter Landesman
• Release date: December 25, 2015
• Runtime: 123 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.1
• Revenue: $48 million
• Language: English

Will Smith takes on a more restrained real-life role in Concussion, delivering a passionate performance as Dr. Bennet Omalu. After discovering a brain trauma epidemic among NFL players, Dr. Omalu tries to sound the alarm despite the league's denial and suppression of his findings.

As the Nigerian-born forensic pathologist advocating for player safety, Smith captures Omalu's conviction and accent with care. He conveys the doctor's resolve to expose the consequences of head injuries in football. Concussion achieved modest success but earned Smith praise for expanding his dramatic range.

18 - Shark Tale (2004)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Oscar (voice)
• Supporting actors: Robert De Niro as Don Lino (voice), Renée Zellweger as Angie (voice)
• Directors: Vicky Jenson, Bibo Bergeron, Rob Letterman
• Release date: October 1, 2004
• Runtime: 90 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.0
• Revenue: $367.3 million
• Language: English

Proving his versatility, Will Smith transitioned to animated comedy starring as Oscar the fish in Shark Tale. After falsely taking credit for killing a shark, timid Oscar becomes an overnight celebrity in his reef community. But the shark mob, led by Don Lino (Robert De Niro), wants payback.

With his rapid-fire delivery tailored for animated antics, Smith makes Oscar a lively underdog hero. His vocal performance dominates amidst the sea creature world, singing numbers and cracking wise alongside co-stars Renée Zellweger as angelfish Angie and Jack Black as Lenny the shark. While critically panned, Shark Tale demonstrated Smith's appeal with younger audiences.

19 - Focus (2015)

• Lead actors: Will Smith as Nicky, Margot Robbie as Jess Barrett
• Supporting actors: Rodrigo Santoro as Garriga, Gerald McRaney as Owens
• Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
• Release date: February 27, 2015
• Runtime: 105 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.6
• Revenue: $159.3 million
• Language: English

Will Smith turns on the charm starring opposite Margot Robbie in the crime caper Focus. He plays Nicky, a seasoned con artist who takes a novice named Jess (Robbie) under his wing before a romance threatens their plans. With sparks flying between the leads, Focus delivers twists, humor and sizzling chemistry.

Smith inhabits suave grifter Nicky with the effortless confidence and appeal he brings to so many roles. Scenes of the pair flirting while renovating a con and dancing in the street make Focus an enjoyable watch. As Nicky schools Jess in the art of deception, their partnership walks a fine line between romance and criminal enterprise. Smith's magnetism holds it all together.

20 - Aladdin (2019)

• Lead actor: Will Smith as Genie (voice)
• Supporting actors: Mena Massoud as Aladdin (voice), Naomi Scott as Jasmine (voice)
• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Release date: May 24, 2019
• Runtime: 128 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.0
• Revenue: $1.05 billion
• Language: English

Will Smith breathed new life into the beloved role of Genie in Guy Ritchie's live-action remake of Disney's Aladdin, updated with his signature charm and style. After street thief Aladdin (Mena Massoud) discovers the wish-granting lamp, he befriends the eccentric Genie inside. Smith captures Genie's magical essence while making the role his own with humor and a hip-hop flavor.

Bright, funny and surprisingly moving, his performance became the highlight of a vibrant cast. Along with visual splendor and classic songs, Smith's contemporary Genie gave Aladdin wide appeal for a new generation of fans.

DPM Top Picks

Here are our top 3 picks of all 20 movies discussed above:

1. Ali - Will Smith fully immerses himself in the larger-than-life role of Muhammad Ali,\ showcasing his dedication and talent. His physical transformation and portrayal of the boxing legend's spirit and convictions are outstanding.
2. The Pursuit of Happyness - Smith delivers a deeply emotional performance as a father determined to build a better life. His moving depiction of love and perseverance grounds the film's uplifting story.
3. I Am Legend - Carrying virtually every scene alone, Smith captivates as the last man on Earth in this sci-fi thriller. He compels viewers to root for his survival with a raw, layered turn.

Final Verdict

In examining Will Smith's eclectic filmography, his rare blend of magnetism, versatility and star power becomes clear. Whether bringing levity to sci-fi spectacles like Men in Black or conveying inspiring tenacity in true stories like The Pursuit of Happyness, Smith elevates every project. His energy, humor and emotional depth have anchored many of the past 25 years' most entertaining films. While hits like Independence Day cement his status as a bankable leading man, more nuanced performances in works like Ali prove Smith is so much more than just a movie star. 

He is an actor with the skill to disappear into roles of any genre. Throughout comedy, drama, action and more, Will Smith has created some of the most memorable cinematic characters and moments of our time. His films reveal an artist capable of alternately making us think, inspiring us and making us laugh until it hurts. Any ranking of Smith's work is sure to spur debate among fans who have their own favorites. But his steady presence through decades of changing tastes and trends is a testament to his wide and lasting appeal. Will Smith remains one of Hollywood's most charismatic leading men whose choice of material and commitment to every performance will likely continue entertaining audiences for years to come.

FAQs

Q: What film is Will Smith known for?

Will Smith is probably best known for starring in blockbuster action movies like Independence Day, Men in Black and Bad Boys. These roles helped establish him as a major box office draw capable of leading big budget summer movies.

Q: What was Will Smith's biggest role?

While Smith has starred in many successful films, his portrayal of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in the biopic Ali is considered one of his biggest and most critically acclaimed roles. His transformation for the part earned him his first Oscar nomination.

Q: Where does Will Smith rank as an actor?

Will Smith is widely regarded as one of the most popular and bankable movie stars in the world. His films have grossed over $9 billion globally. While known for blockbusters, he has proven himself a versatile actor capable of comedy, drama, romance and more. Many consider him one of the finest actors of his generation.

Q: What was Will Smith's breakout role?

Will Smith rose to fame playing the Fresh Prince on 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His breakout film role came shortly after in Bad Boys, displaying the action hero charisma he became known for.

Q: How many Oscar nominations does Will Smith have?

Will Smith has been nominated for 2 Academy Awards. He earned Best Actor nominations for Ali in 2002 and King Richard in 2022 winning for the latter.