Top 10 Best Films Starring Will Smith

King Richard is a film based on the true story of the efforts of Venus and Serena Williams - legendary tennis players. The movie follows the journey of Richard Williams (portrayed by Will Smith), the father who nurtured two talented athletes to become tennis champions. During the day, Richard and his two daughters train on public tennis courts. At night, he works as a security guard at a local market to support the family of seven. He spends time going to wealthy tennis clubs to introduce his children's talent to coaches but faces rejection and ridicule.

Will Smith's performance in this film earned him a nomination for the 2022 Oscar for Best Actor. His portrayal of Richard is incredibly authentic. The actor embodies the psyche of a father, a friend who always supports and protects his children. Richard lives by principles, plans meticulously, and steadfastly pursues goals, envisioning how his children will succeed after hard work.

In addition to depicting the harsh realities of gangs in Compton, King Richard also condemns racial discrimination in America. The film has many emotionally touching scenes for viewers.

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Tomatometer Score: 90%

Audience Rating: 98%

Aladdin (2019) takes its screenplay from the original 1992 animated film by John Musker, which was already a classic, so the story in the 2019 Aladdin movie doesn't offer much novelty. The story framework remains the same with the familiar characters. However, the novelty of this live-action version lies in its filmmaking and the elements that bring joy, and importantly, it's done in a cinematic manner.

Will Smith creates a fresh version of the Genie and significantly contributes to the success of the film. Still loquacious, he brings laughter with his humor and wit, but in a way that differs from the previous Genie version. Paired with Aladdin, this duo shines throughout the film, leaving the audience feeling uplifted.

The film satisfies the audience's entertainment needs with dazzling visuals and special effects. However, some critics find the film lacking in climactic moments.

IMDb Rating: 6.9

Tomatometer Score: 57%

Audience Rating: 94%

Bad Boys for Life takes place in the sunny city of Miami. The once mischievous boys are now two middle-aged cops, but that doesn't make the film any less humorous and thrilling. With the signature style of action and self-love dialed up to the max, only with Will Smith's portrayal does Mike avoid being clichéd. He makes audiences feel right at home from the first moment he returns to the screen.

One reason Bad Boys for Life receives praise from audiences is its ability to balance humor and emotion, blending rough yet real jokes with touching moments. Marcus and Mike's (Will Smith) banter without end is still the highlight. The harmonious combination of veteran actors Will Smith and Martin Lawrence is a big plus for the film. With contrasting personalities, the duo makes viewers laugh with their adorable bickering.

With a makeover in terms of visuals, the film studio spared no expense in special effects, especially in complex action sequences. The street races, explosions, gunfights... are meticulously choreographed, creating a powerful, intense rhythm for the film. The downside of the film lies in some of the crime-chasing scenes, which feel a bit forced, and some details in the script are somewhat loose.

IMDb Rating: 6.5

Tomatometer Score: 76%

Audience Rating: 96%

Focus immerses viewers into the thrilling world where professional thieves flaunt their tricks and schemes. Lessons from characters on how to pickpocket, steal necklaces, snatch watches amidst crowded streets, or deceive in sports betting are cleverly and intelligently displayed on screen.

The highlight of Focus is the on-screen chemistry between actor Will Smith and Australian-born actress Margot Robbie, born in 1990. In Focus, Will Smith embodies the top-notch con artist, capable of deceiving the world, but when entangled in love, becomes vulnerable, trapped, and somewhat floundering in pain, fear of loss, or failure. Will Smith's acting through facial expressions and soulful eyes brings the character to life. However, in some scenes, viewers still see on the silver screen the A-list actor Will Smith rather than the character, the super conman Nicky.

The film was well-received by audiences, but there were also some shortcomings, such as the excessive use of twists, causing the story to lose its authenticity. While the con plotline lacks appeal, the film shifts to emphasize the love story between the two main characters, making the storyline lack drama and feel somewhat cheesy.

IMDb Rating: 6.6

Tomatometer Score: 56%

Audience Rating: 53%

Gemini Man (2019) directed by Ang Lee - a three-time Oscar winner. The film revolves around the talented assassin Henry Borgan (Will Smith) with the ability to hit targets with pinpoint precision. However, a mistake in a mission leaves him disillusioned and dissatisfied with himself, prompting him to retire. Hoping for a peaceful retirement, Henry finds himself in an unending pursuit. To his horror, he discovers that the one hunting him is a soulless clone of himself, but twenty years younger.

Will Smith doesn't disappoint viewers. He embodies the stoic demeanor of the most skilled assassin perfectly. Playing dual roles, the megastar masterfully portrays both the maturity and arrogance of Henry Borgan and the innocence of Junior. The actor's expressions, especially in the scene where Junior learns the truth about his identity, are incredibly vivid.

The most captivating aspect of Gemini Man is undoubtedly its stunning visual effects and high-octane action. Will Smith's youthful portrayal is so convincing that many mistakenly thought the director had cast Will Smith's son to play his younger self.

IMDb Rating: 5.7

Tomatometer Score: 27%

Audience Rating: 83%

I Am Legend unfolds the narrative of a virus believed to originate from a laboratory, spreading rapidly, leading to the isolation of New York City, where panicked residents flee, and the consequences of the pandemic are devastating. Additionally, Robert (Will Smith) being alone in a city, repeating daily tasks, evokes parallels to recent experiences of self-isolation.

The strength of I Am Legend lies in its compelling storytelling, weaving between past and present, offering insights into the origin of the virus and Robert's adaptation to daily life. Viewers witness the bond between Robert and his dog Sam, as well as his solitude and how he brings color to his life.

I Am Legend (2007) resembles a solo performance by Will Smith, as two-thirds of the film feature only him and his interaction with the dog. Our beloved genie truly embodies the character, allowing viewers to sense his effort, loneliness, pain, and the aftermath of the disease.

Although the film dates back to 2007, the visuals, effects, and graphics of I Am Legend (2007) remain impressive, captivating, and grand.

IMDb Rating: 7.2

Tomatometer Score: 68%

Audience Rating: 68%

10 years after Men In Black 2, the Black Suits return in Men In Black 3, recounting the tale of two agents, J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones), who share a close partnership, enduring numerous missions over 15 years with the Men in Black organization.

The film kicks off with Boris escaping from a prison on the moon, jeopardizing K's life and the fate of Earth. J is compelled to travel back in time to rectify matters. He returns to 1969, where J encounters a young K (Josh Brolin) and unravels secrets about his own childhood. The battle between J & K resumes, aided by a friend from a distant planet, they defeat Boris and timely deploy the Arc Net device into the atmosphere, safeguarding Earth from impending invasion.

Men In Black 3 brings together numerous cinema luminaries. Besides names like Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, and Josh Brolin, the production team includes Rick Baker, with 7 Oscar gold statues for alien design, Ken Ralston, and Jay Redd, with 5 Oscar gold statues for special effects, cinematographer Bill Pope, who achieved success with the Matrix and Spider-Man 2 and 3 series,... It's needless to say much about the acting, visuals, sound, or effects of the film. As an action-packed yet humor-infused spectacle, it's worth investing time to watch.

IMDb Rating: 6.8
Tomatometer Score: 68%
Audience Rating: 70%

I, Robot unfolds in the futuristic world of 2035, where robots have become integral to human life, governed by the Three Laws of Robotics. Everyone trusts robots implicitly, except Detective Del Spooner. That trust is challenged when a seemingly impossible murder sets off a rebellion among the robots.

I, Robot boasts a compelling script. While the sci-fi genre is abundant, this film distinguishes itself with innovative ideas. It's a blend of sci-fi, detective mystery, and action, with meaningful messages interwoven throughout.

Upon its release, Will Smith's return to the screen garnered significant attention from both critics and audiences, and he didn't disappoint. Smith delivers a stellar performance, showcasing his acting prowess and seasoned expertise through expressions, dialogue delivery, and his impressive physicality. His agile action sequences, coupled with his cool demeanor, contribute to some memorable moments in the film.

IMDb Rating: 7.1

Tomatometer Score: 56%

Audience Rating: 70%

The Pursuit of Happyness serves as a worldwide motivational film. If you're feeling challenged or helpless in life, this is a must-watch. It's based on the true story recounted in the memoir of renowned stockbroker Chris Gardner. He even makes a cameo appearance at the end.

In 2006, Will Smith received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor after starring in 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'

Though not a superhero blockbuster or a sci-fi extravaganza, this psychological drama leaves a profound impact on audiences with its touching narrative about a man's pursuit of happiness despite a childhood filled with adversity and trauma.

The Pursuit of Happyness lacks grandiose scenes or unique camera angles, and its music isn't a standout feature. Yet, there are unforgettable moments, like when father and son spend a night in a public restroom at a subway station. Audiences will be moved by a segment near the end where Chris spends his last few coins repairing a broken bone-scanning machine, unaware of whether it will succeed. When the machine's light flickers to life, it serves as a beacon, a guiding light for him, illuminating his darkest hour, like a ray of hope illuminating and redeeming Chris's soul. Then, in the final scene, as Chris officially joins the brokerage firm, achieving success on the challenging path he's chosen, he finds himself amidst the hustle and bustle of life, wearing a smile mixed with tears of joy, the ultimate happiness as his sacrifices are duly rewarded.

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Tomatometer Score: 67%

Audience Rating: 87%

Independence Day, an Oscar-winning film for Best Visual Effects, ranks second on the list of highest-grossing disaster films of all time. It made a big bang in 1996, grossing over $800 million worldwide on a budget of just $75 million. Independence Day is a monumental film, embodying the American spirit of heroism in the most iconic way.

In the movie, as America's Independence Day approaches, global communication systems descend into chaos due to extraterrestrial signals. Alien spacecraft are hurtling towards Earth. David Levinson, a satellite technician, uncovers the organized attack plan of these extraterrestrial forces.

To thwart the attack, humanity must rely on the unlikely weapons of uninvited guests. In Independence Day, Will Smith portrays the brave Captain Steven Hiller.

IMDb Rating: 7.0

Tomatometer Score: 67%

Audience Rating: 75%