After clinching the Best Actor Oscar for his powerful role in King Richard, Will Smith solidifies his status as a Hollywood powerhouse. Here's a curated look at five standout films from the Philadelphia native's stellar career.
Catapulted to global fame with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith dominated the '90s and 2000s as a leading man. His Oscar win for portraying the Williams sisters' father overshadowed by the infamous Chris Rock slap at the 2022 ceremony, but it's his triumphant statuette moment that resonates. Dive into five career-defining movies.
A cornerstone of '90s sci-fi comedy, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, Men in Black captivated a generation with its alien-hunting antics. Following his intense turn in Independence Day with Jeff Goldblum, Smith brought witty charm as Agent J, partnering with Tommy Lee Jones to handle extraterrestrial immigrants. The franchise's sequels cemented its cult status.
Barry Sonnenfeld and Will Smith reunited for the steampunk Western Wild Wild West. Despite mixed reviews upon release, it's a fun rewatch over two decades later packed with action, romance, and a magnetic villain—perfect for casual popcorn viewing.
Evolving beyond comedy, Smith delivers a brooding performance as Detective Spooner in I, Robot. Set in 2030s Chicago, where robots serve humanity, his suspicious, gritty cop uncovers a robot conspiracy amid a murder probe. Blending Asimov's tales with thriller tension, it's endlessly rewatchable.
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Solo projects suit Smith perfectly; three years post-I, Robot, he anchors the post-apocalyptic I Am Legend as Dr. Robert Neville, seemingly the last human in deserted New York. A zombie thriller that won audiences over critics, it's unforgettable for his bond with his dog (prepare for tears). A sequel with Michael B. Jordan is in the works.
Instead of Hitch, The Pursuit of Happyness, or Suicide Squad, spotlight his harrowing role in Seven Pounds as Ben Thomas. Seeking redemption after a fatal accident that killed seven, he upends his life—and falls for Emily (Rosario Dawson). Emotional, raw, and underappreciated, it's among Smith's most gut-wrenching performances.
