Hollywood actor Will Smith finally got his first Academy award yesterday for his titular portrayal in the biographical sports drama ‘King Richard’. We take this opportunity to compile a list of five must-watch films featuring Will Smith.
We have intentionally tried to include a blend of some of the blockbusters and performance-oriented films starring the 53-year-old actor which you can watch on various Indian OTT platforms.
Ali (2001, Streaming on Lionsgate Play)
The biographical sports film featured Will Smith essaying the role of one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time – Muhammad Ali aka Cassius Clay Jr. The film revolved around the personal and professional aspects that happened in the boxer’s life from 1964 to 1974.
Besides his famous boxing matches, his religious beliefs, friendship with Malcolm X, and his romantic relationship were touched upon in this Michael Mann’s directorial. Will Smith was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in the film.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006, Streaming on Netflix)
Another Oscar-nominated performance by Will Smith in this rags-to-riches, heartrending true story of Chris Gardener which is based on the 2006 memoir co-written by Chris Gardener himself.
The film’s plot focuses on how the protagonist survives a poverty-stricken, homeless life with his 5-year-old son (Jaden Smith) while working as an unpaid intern at a brokerage firm and how he eventually overcomes hardships for a better life.
Enemy of the State (1998, Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar)
Directed by gifted filmmaker Late Tony Scott, the film follows a sharp-witted lawyer (Will Smith) who accidentally becomes the target of government authorities after he unknowingly secures a critical piece of evidence. The only person who can save him is a former communication analyst (played by Gene Hackman).
I Am Legend (2007, Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)
The film featured Will Smith as a scientist and apparently the lone human survivor roaming around in the post-apocalyptic desolated streets of New York, which are infested with violent, cannibalistic mutants.
The film went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of 2007, and Will Smith’s performance was unanimously praised by critics and viewers alike.
Men in Black (1997, Streaming on Voot, SonyLIV)
Inspired by the Men in Black comic book series, the sci-fi action movie features Will Smith as a gifted NYPD cop who is recruited by the legendary agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) for the top-secret alien surveillance organization he works for.
Together, they must stop a body-snatching alien terrorist from wreaking havoc on the planet. Arguably, the best film in the MiB franchise.