Best Will Smith Movies, Ranked: From Fresh Prince to Oscar Winner
In short: Will Smith's best films are Ali (2001) and King Richard (2021), which won him the Best Actor Oscar, followed by The Pursuit of Happyness, Independence Day and Men in Black. His biggest box-office hit is Aladdin (2019), at just over $1 billion worldwide. After the 2022 Oscars slap, Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) showed audiences still turn up for him.
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Get movie picksPrefer to answer a few questions? Take the 8-question movie quiz →His career in four stages
From rap to film (1985 to 1995). As the Fresh Prince with DJ Jazzy Jeff, Smith won the first Grammy for Best Rap Performance, for "Parents Just Don't Understand." The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990 to 1996) made him a TV star, and Bad Boys (1995) made him a film one.
The blockbuster run (1996 to 2008). Independence Day, Men in Black, Enemy of the State, I, Robot, Hitch and I Am Legend made him the most reliable summer star of the era, while Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness earned him two Oscar nominations.
The uneven 2010s. After Earth (2013) and Gemini Man (2019) disappointed; Concussion (2015) and Aladdin (2019) were the high points.
After 2022. He won Best Actor for King Richard on the same night he slapped Chris Rock. Emancipation (Apple TV+, December 2022) followed quietly, then Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) opened to about $56 million in the US and passed $400 million worldwide.
The best Will Smith movies, ranked
1. Ali (2001)
Michael Mann's portrait of Muhammad Ali from 1964 to 1974. Smith transformed physically and earned his first Oscar nomination.
2. King Richard (2021)
As Richard Williams, the father who coached Venus and Serena, he is stubborn, difficult and moving. Won him Best Actor.
3. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The true story of Chris Gardner, homeless with his son while chasing a stockbroker job. Co-starring Jaden Smith. Second Oscar nomination.
4. Independence Day (1996)
Roland Emmerich's alien-invasion spectacle and the film that made him a global star.
5. Men in Black (1997)
A perfect sci-fi comedy pairing with Tommy Lee Jones, plus a hit theme song.
6. I Am Legend (2007)
Largely a one-man show as the last survivor in an empty New York. His most impressive solo carry.
7. Aladdin (2019)
He makes the Genie his own instead of copying Robin Williams. His biggest hit, at over $1 billion.
8. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
The fourth Bad Boys, with the Martin Lawrence chemistry intact. Fun and energetically directed by Adil and Bilall.
9. Bad Boys (1995)
Michael Bay's debut feature, which launched Smith's film career.
10. Men in Black II (2002) and 3 (2012)
II is thin; 3, with Josh Brolin as young Agent K, is the better sequel.
11. Bad Boys II (2003) and Bad Boys for Life (2020)
II is loud excess; For Life is a surprisingly emotional return.
12. Suicide Squad (2016)
A messy film, but his Deadshot is one of its best parts.
13. I, Robot (2004)
A slick, underrated sci-fi thriller loosely inspired by Isaac Asimov.
14. Hitch (2005)
A charming romantic comedy, with Kevin James stealing scenes.
15. Concussion (2015)
A Golden Globe-nominated turn as Dr. Bennet Omalu, who exposed brain injuries in NFL players.
16. Wild Wild West (1999)
A famous misfire that won the Razzie for Worst Picture. Watch it as a curiosity.
17. Six Degrees of Separation (1993)
An early dramatic role as a con man claiming to be Sidney Poitier's son. Proof of range before the blockbusters.
18. Emancipation (2022)
Antoine Fuqua's drama about an enslaved man's escape, inspired by the "Whipped Peter" photograph. Committed, but grim and uneven.
Where to start, by mood
- Pure fun: Men in Black, Independence Day or Hitch.
- Something moving: The Pursuit of Happyness or King Richard.
- A serious film: Ali.
- Action night: Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
- Family viewing: Aladdin.
What's next
Smith returned to music with the album Based on a True Story (2025). Announced film projects include the Netflix thriller Fast and Loose and the action film Supermax for Amazon MGM; release dates were not set as of October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Did Will Smith win an Oscar? Yes. He won Best Actor for King Richard at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022, after nominations for Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness. After slapping Chris Rock at that ceremony, he resigned from the Academy and was banned from Academy events for ten years.
What is Will Smith's highest-grossing movie? Aladdin (2019), which earned just over $1 billion worldwide. Independence Day (about $817 million) and Suicide Squad (about $747 million) follow.
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