Denzel Washington‘s best remake movie performances ranked demonstrates his longstanding impact on cinema, capturing his standout roles in various reimagined films over the decades. While famed for original projects, Washington has delivered compelling portrayals in a remarkable array of film remakes, consistently breathing new life into iconic and lesser-known characters alike.
Renowned for largely steering clear of sprawling franchises, Denzel Washington remains a dynamic force in Hollywood, repeatedly earning acclaim as he revisits classic material. With his highly anticipated reunion with Spike Lee on the modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low” approaching, now is the perfect time to revisit and rank the actor’s finest remake performances, spanning powerful thrillers, heartfelt dramas, and Shakespearean tales.
8. The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009): An Intense but Flawed Collaboration
Directed by Tony Scott, “The Taking of Pelham 123” marked the penultimate collaboration between Washington and Scott, who had joined forces for five films prior to the director’s passing. This remake of the 1970s classic, inspired by John Godey’s crime novel, centers on a tense subway hostage crisis in New York City. John Travolta stars alongside Washington, who plays Walter Garber, a subway dispatcher reluctantly thrust into the role of negotiator as criminals demand ransom for captive passengers.
The film departs from the original’s wry humor, opting instead for elevated brutality and a darker tone that some felt diminished the essence of the story. Washington’s portrayal of Garber is earnest and grounded, offering a contrast to Walter Matthau’s unpolished hero from the 1974 version. Although John Travolta embraces a more flamboyant villainous performance, it is the earlier film’s restraint and wit that are often missed here. Despite the talented cast, the film’s intensity comes at the cost of the original’s distinctive charm.
7. The Preacher’s Wife (1996): A Heavenly Modernization
A contemporary take on the 1947 Christmas classic “The Bishop’s Wife,” this film gives Denzel Washington the chance to step into a role once played by Cary Grant. As Dudley, an angel sent to Earth to aid a struggling preacher (Courtney B. Vance), Washington infuses the film with warmth and disarming energy. The story’s dramatic core revolves around Dudley’s growing bond with the preacher’s wife, portrayed by Whitney Houston, whose musical performances provide an added highlight.
While this remake does not revolutionize the narrative, it does allow Washington to lean into his comedic abilities, offering a lighter, more playful character than many of his typical roles. Embracing Dudley’s outsider status, Washington’s charm anchors the film’s appeal, complemented by Houston’s dynamic presence. The movie ultimately shines through its lead performances and holiday spirit, making for an uplifting, if familiar, viewing experience.
6. The Magnificent Seven (2016): Revisiting a Storied Western Legacy
Antoine Fuqua’s “The Magnificent Seven” stands as a remake of the classic 1960 Western, itself adapted from Akira Kurosawa’s legendary “Seven Samurai.” In this reimagining, Washington leads as Sam Chisolm, joined by a formidable cast including Chris Pratt, Vincent D’Onofrio, and his “Training Day” co-star Ethan Hawke. The film follows a band of skilled fighters hired to defend a vulnerable village from a ruthless gang, drawing on enduring genre themes of camaraderie and justice.
Rooted in Western tradition, the film delivers energetic action and an ensemble dynamic, but does not quite capture the original’s captivating vibrance. Washington’s Sam Chisolm offers composed strength, yet the reserved approach curbs opportunities for his dramatic range. While the cast’s chemistry is evident and the production values strong, the movie’s distinctiveness lies more in spectacle than substance, making it a solid but not standout role for Washington.
5. Much Ado About Nothing (1993): A Commanding Turn in a Classic Comedy
Directed by Kenneth Branagh, this vibrant adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy is not a direct remake of a prior film, but instead a fresh retelling of a story revisited many times onscreen. Washington steps into the role of Don Pedro, the authoritative yet good-natured nobleman who orchestrates matchmaking schemes among his friends, including the spirited Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Branagh).
The film distinguishes itself through a lively mix of comedy, romance, and drama, with Washington’s Don Pedro exuding both gravitas and humor. The ensemble cast—featuring Michael Keaton, Keanu Reeves, and Kate Beckinsale—blends seamlessly, creating a buoyant adaptation that balances loyalty to the text with cinematic flair. Washington’s presence brings added depth to Don Pedro, enabling memorable moments within the tapestry of relationships and trickery at the heart of the tale.
4. The Manchurian Candidate (2004): A Modern Political Thriller
Washington’s role in Jonathan Demme’s “The Manchurian Candidate” brings a fresh urgency to the story first told in the Frank Sinatra-led 1962 film. As Ben Marco, a deeply unsettled former army officer, Washington finds himself investigating his old comrade Raymond Shaw—played by Liev Schreiber—as he emerges as a vice-presidential candidate. What begins as unease gives way to a sprawling conspiracy, raising questions not just about political corruption, but about the very nature of free will.
Demme reimagines the original’s Cold War paranoia through a contemporary lens, exploring threats inside America rather than external adversaries. Washington imbues Marco with palpable vulnerability and determination, crafting a nuanced hero wrestling with the psychological scars of war. While unable to fully eclipse the prestige of the original film, this version stands out as a rewarding and suspenseful thriller, elevated by Washington’s deeply human performance.
3. The Equalizer Trilogy (2014–2023): Television Classic Redesigned for the Big Screen
Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Robert McCall in “The Equalizer” trilogy draws inspiration from the 1980s crime series starring Edward Woodward. Recasting the character as a former black-ops operative seeking redemption by protecting the innocent, Washington reinvents McCall as a quiet-force vigilante with a strict moral code.
The trilogy’s premise, with McCall confronting dangerous criminals on behalf of vulnerable individuals, makes for a gripping sequence of films. Although the stories prioritize action over emotional complexity, Washington’s presence deepens each movie, elevating standard revenge-driven narratives into character-driven dramas. The series remains consistent in tone and quality, serving as a showcase for Washington’s skill as a relentless yet compassionate action star.
2. The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021): A Riveting Shakespearean Reinvention
“The Tragedy of Macbeth,” directed by Joel Coen, offers a striking visual and psychological reimagining of Shakespeare’s dark classic. Shot in stark black-and-white, the film casts Washington as the aging Scottish lord, whose ambition—stoked by ominous prophecy and the encouragement of Lady Macbeth (Frances McDormand)—turns him toward ruthlessness and despair.
Coen’s interpretation distinguishes itself by casting Washington in a role more often portrayed by younger actors, adding complexity to Macbeth’s motivations and sense of urgency. This choice heightens the tragic elements of the story, with Washington delivering a layered, quietly intense interpretation that earned him an Academy Award nomination. “The Tragedy of Macbeth” stands out as both a daring adaptation and a testament to Washington’s continued artistic range.
1. Man on Fire (2004): A Cult Favorite Rises Above
Perhaps the most surprising remake on Washington’s resume, “Man on Fire” saw him take on the role of Creasy, a damaged ex-CIA agent turned bodyguard for a young girl, Pita, played by Dakota Fanning. The original 1987 film featured Scott Glenn and was set in Italy, but Tony Scott’s version moves the story to Mexico City, amping up the emotional stakes and violence when Pita is kidnapped, prompting Creasy’s relentless quest for vengeance.
Initially overlooked by critics, the film has since developed a dedicated following thanks to Washington’s nuanced performance. He expertly blends stoic intensity with vulnerability, turning Creasy into a haunted figure seeking redemption through his bond with Pita. The remarkable chemistry between Washington and Fanning anchors the film, propelling the narrative’s momentum and cementing “Man on Fire” as one of Washington’s most iconic roles in a remake.
Denzel Washington’s best remake movie performances ranked highlight his unique versatility, enabling him to reimagine both legendary and understated characters for new generations. These films underscore not only his ability to carry reimagined classics, but also to elevate them, ensuring that each remake becomes an event in its own right. With new projects like the adaptation of “High and Low” on the horizon, Washington’s legacy as a transformative force in both original and adapted cinema is set to endure.
