The 20 Best Will Smith Movies Of All Time Ranked By Critics And Fans

Will Smith has captivated audiences for decades with his magnetic charm, infectious humor and incredible range as an actor. He first rose to fame as a rapper in the late 80s and starred on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Smith has gone on to become one of the biggest movie stars in the world.
We will count down Smith's 20 greatest films according to critics and fans. Get ready for a look back at Will Smith's stellar big-screen career.

1 King Richard (2021)

Will Smith gives the performance of his career as Richard Williams in this movie, the devoted father and coach of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams. Smith disappears into the role capturing Williams' look, accent and unwavering belief in his daughters' talent. 
Smith earned universal acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination for bringing Richards' powerful real-life story to screen. King Richard shows one man's vision to change the game with warmth and humor.

Add Block

2 The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Will Smith brings heart-wrenching emotion to his portrayal of Chris Gardner in the poignant drama The Pursuit of Happyness. Smith's moving performance earned him his second Oscar nomination as a struggling salesman fighting for a better life for himself and his son. The Pursuit of Happyness is an inspirational tearjerker that highlights Smith's standout dramatic talents with powerful themes of perseverance and the love between a father and son.

3 Men in Black (1997)

Will Smith made sci-fi look cool in 1997's Men in Black proving his action-comedy prowess. As Agent J, Smith's quick-witted charm and dynamic chemistry with Tommy Lee Jones' Agent K turned the original Men in Black into a wildly entertaining blockbuster. The franchise starter launched a billion-dollar series and cemented Smith as a go-to leading man with its unique world, cutting-edge effects and Smith's hip star power

Add Block

4 Ali (2001)

Will Smith took on the daunting task of portraying boxing legend Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann biopic Ali. Smith put in intense physical training to match Ali's athleticism in the ring while also expertly mimicking his voice and mannerisms. Smith's commitment paid off with his first Oscar nomination disappearing into the brash and outspoken icon in one of his most impressive transformations.

Add Block

5 Aladdin (2019)

Will Smith brought his trademark personality, humor and flair to the role of the Genie in Disney live-action Aladdin. Smith succeeds by not simply imitating Williams but adding his own spin. Highlights include Smith's hilarious renditions of the Genie's signature songs like "Friend Like Me" and "Prince Ali." Aladdin became one of Smith's biggest hits introducing a new generation to Disney's wishing Genie.

6 Independence Day (1996)

Will Smith became a full-blown action star with his charismatic performance as Capt. Steven Hiller in the blockbuster smash Independence Day. Smith's mix of humor, heroics and special effects-driven action as a cocky fighter pilot leading the charge against invading aliens powered this popcorn thriller to massive box office. Independence Day soared as 1996's highest-grossing film with its patriotism and famous President Whitmore speech.

Add Block

7 Bad Boys (1995)

Bad Boys marked Will Smith's first major foray into action cinema playing wisecracking Miami cop Mike Lowrey opposite Martin Lawrence. Smith's natural leading man charisma energized Bad Boys' combination of slick action set pieces, fast-paced humor and buddy-cop chemistry between Smith and Lawrence. Its winning formula launched a successful franchise and set the template for Smith's many future action-comedies.

Add Block

8 Hitch (2005)

Will Smith plays a legendary date doctor who helps clueless men woo women in the romantic comedy Hitch. Smith meets his match in Eva Mendes' gossip reporter as they fall for each other. Hitch showcases Smith's underrated knack for physical comedy with abundant charm and wit while also wooing audiences with a funny and feel-good love story.

9 I Am Legend (2007)

Will Smith creates a haunting lived-in character as Robert Neville seemingly the last human left after a virus decimates humanity carrying the post-apocalyptic thriller I Am Legend mostly solo. Smith's Neville touchingly bonds only with his dog in isolated New York City scenes battling infected survivors. Smith's compelling performance grounds this eerie thoughtful sci-fi gem balancing big action with quiet moments.

Add Block

10 Concussion (2015)

Will Smith gives one of his most restrained dramatic turns in Concussion as Dr. Bennet Omalu who discovered the alarming link between football injuries and brain trauma. Smith adopting an authentic Nigerian accent conveys Omalu's passion and integrity as he fights to expose the truth despite opposition from the NFL. Concussion features one of Smith's most mature performances.

Add Block

11 Enemy of the State (1998)

Will Smith plays a lawyer wrongly targeted by corrupt NSA agents and must go on the run to clear his name in the fast-paced thriller Enemy of the State. Smith shows off lively chemistry and action hero skills in this prescient paranoia-fueled thriller about surveillance with Gene Hackman as a retired intelligence operative helping him. Enemy of the State proved Smith could broaden his appeal to more mature and suspense-driven fare.

12 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion (2020)

Will Smith sat down with his beloved Fresh Prince castmates to reminisce about the hit 90s sitcom that made him a star for this nostalgic reunion special. The special is a heartwarming celebration of the show's legacy full of behind-the-scenes stories, emotional tributes, and laughs. It reminds audiences of Smith's talent for comedy while showing his appreciative down-to-earth nature.

Add Block

13 Seven Pounds (2008)

Will Smith delivers another moving drama performance in Seven Pounds as Ben Thomas who is a man seeking redemption by changing the lives of seven strangers. Ben's raw journey has powerful moments including his tender romance with Rosario Dawson's Emily who is a cardiac patient. Seven Pounds features some of Smith's most understated affecting work.

Add Block

14 I, Robot (2004)

Will Smith plays a technophobic cop investigating a murder committed by a robot in a world where A.I.s are ubiquitous bringing wit and charisma to this futuristic thriller. Bouncing off co-star Bridget Moynahan, Smith anchors I, Robot's sleek vision of the future with humor and plausibly relatable reactions to this high-concept mystery. It showcases Smith as a reliably magnetic sci-fi action lead.

15 Hancock (2008)

Will Smith gets to show off his self-deprecating comedy chops as the titular antihero of Hancock Subverting superhero tropes. Smith brings vulnerability and deadpan humor to this flawed character as a disillusioned hero with a bad reputation. His evolving dynamic with Jason Bateman's PR agent and Charlize Theron's Mary allowed Smith to add new shades to his persona as a superpowered misfit.

Add Block

16 Focus (2015)

Will Smith turns on the charm as a smooth-talking con man who takes novice grifter Margot Robbie under his wing in Focus. Smith's moral ambiguity makes him an appealing mentor and love interest as they enter a dangerous romantic heist together. Focus lets Smith rely on his natural magnetism to command the screen with a glossy seductive mood.

Add Block

17 Suicide Squad (2016)

Will Smith adds dimension to the murderous anti-hero showing his ruthless side as skilled assassin Deadshot in Suicide Squad while revealing a softer one as a father. Smith helps ground the punk-rock supervillain team alongside co-stars like Margot Robbie's gleefully unhinged Harley Quinn. Smith's star power remains a consistent bright spot though the film itself is flawed.

18 Bright (2017)

The gritty fantasy Bright teams Will Smith with Joel Edgerton as cops in a world where magical creatures live beside humans. They make an engaging odd couple as a human partnered with Edgerton's orc while uncovering a conspiracy. Smith fits well into this supernatural police procedural adding gravitas and a dash of humor. Bright showed Smith's versatility extending to new genres.

Add Block

19 Gemini Man (2019)

Ang Lee's sci-fi action flick Gemini Man pitted Will Smith against a younger clone of himself achieved through cutting-edge de-aging effects. Smith's dual performances make him both a seasoned world-weary assassin and the fresh-faced agent sent to kill him. Smith's work demonstrates his still-sharp action skills and increasingly nuanced acting abilities though Gemini Man itself underwhelmed.

Add Block

20 After Earth (2013)

The post-apocalyptic After Earth finds Will Smith stranded with his real-life son Jaden Smith playing his on-screen son Kitai. Smith projects the qualities of a tough military veteran and affectionate dad as a father and son struggle to survive on an abandoned Earth. After Earth marked an interesting change of pace for Smith to work in a more solemn haunting sci-fi project  despite its flaws as a film.

The Definitive Will Smith Ranking

Will Smith has rightfully earned a place among Hollywood's greatest and most bankable movie stars with his immense likability, versatility and decades of hits across genres. This look back at his 20 best films according to critics and fans shows the incredible range of his talents and roles. Smith has created an unparalleled body of work from inspiring biopics to spectacular sci-fi. There is no question he is one of our most charismatic dynamic screen presences.