Can You Name All of These Denzel Washington Movies From an Image?

By: Ashley Ehman
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Name All of These Denzel Washington Movies From an Image?
Image: Davis Entertainment / Joseph M. Singer Entertainment / Friendly Films

About This Quiz

Denzel Washington has been in the acting game since 1975. After graduating from the American Conservatory Theatre in California with a graduate degree in acting, the young man got his first big break when he was cast on the TV drama, "St. Elsewhere." He was present for all six years that the series ran and this role launched his career. Since then, Washington has won a variety of awards for his acting credits, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. As of 2019, Denzel Washington has been in at least 52 motion pictures. 

With such an impressive and extensive filmography, one might think it would be easy to name all of the iconic films that he's been in. Do you know which thrilling movie he starred alongside Julia Roberts in? Perhaps athletic movies are more your speed. Can you name the popular Disney sports biopic that Washington played the lead in? Denzel Washington has taken on many roles, far more than could be included in this quiz. Can you name all of the movies featured? Or will you become a Flight risk? 

Training Day
Village Roadshow Pictures / Outlaw Productions
This Denzel Washington flick focuses on two LAPD narcotics officers. Which film is it?
Brooklyn's Finest
Training Day
The Equalizer
The Mighty Quinn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Out of all the roles he's played, Denzel Washington has said on more than one occasion that playing Detective Alonzo Harris is his favorite. He even took on the look of the police officer that Harris was based on.

Malcolm X
40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
In which film does Washington play a human rights activist?
Antwone Fisher
Glory
Malcolm X
Man on Fire
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One marketing campaign for the film came in the form of Spike Lee telling kids to skip school to see his film. He believed that the movie would provide just as much education as their school day would.

Philadelphia
Clinica Estetico
Starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, which film was one of the first of its kind to discuss HIV/AIDS and homosexuality in a mainstream Hollywood film?
Philadelphia
Power
The George McKenna Story
Virtuosity
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In order to encourage people that were unfamiliar with AIDS to see the movie, the director enlisted the help of Bruce Springsteen. By incorporating his song into the film, people who wouldn't normally see the movie went just because of Springsteen's role in things.

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American Gangster
Imagine Entertainment / Scott Free Productions / Relativity Media
Denzel Washington played Frank Lucas in what film?
American Gangster
Lawless
The Departed
Blow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The production of this movie called for filming 360 scenes in over 150 locations. While filming in Chiang Mai, some of the extras were participants in the real-life drug operation of Frank Lucas.

Glory
Freddie Fields Productions
Of the following movies, which one earned Washington an award for Best Supporting Actor?
Cry Freedom
Glory
Flight
Fences
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At one point during the movie, Washington's character is seen getting whipped. While it didn't cut up his back, the actor is legitimately getting lashed in this scene, making the lone tear that runs down his cheek entirely authentic.

The Preacher's Wife
Touchstone Pictures / The Samuel Goldwyn Company
In what movie does Denzel Washington play an angel?
Fallen
The Preacher's Wife
Virtuosity
Ricochet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denzel Washington starred alongside Whitney Houston in this film. It's a remake of the holiday classic "The Bishop's Wife." Washington took on the role originally played by Cary Grant.

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Remember the Titans
Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films / Technical Black Films
Which film won Washington a "Best Actor" award from the BET Awards in 2001?
Much Ado About Nothing
Courage Under Fire
Training Day
Remember the Titans
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During one scene in the film, a brick is thrown through a window at Coach Boone's house. In reality, it was an old toilet that broke his window, but directors thought this would detract from the serious tone of the movie.

The Book of Eli
Alcon Entertainment / Silver Pictures
This movie was released in 2010 and took place in a post-apocalyptic America. Which movie was it?
Inception
Clash of the Titans
The Book of Eli
The Town
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In order to be properly prepared for his role, Denzel Washington studied martial arts from Dan Inosanto. Under his tutelage, Washington was able to perform all of his own stunts in the movie's fight sequences.

The Great Debaters
Harpo Productions
Which Washington movie was written about the Wiley College debate team?
Remember the Titans
The Great Debaters
The George McKenna Story
Flash of Genius
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the movie shows the Wiley College debate team defeating Harvard College, this is incorrect. In actuality, Wiley College defeated the University of Southern California debate team.

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Flight
Parkes + McDonald Imagenation / ImageMovers
Washington takes on the role of an alcoholic airline pilot in which film?
Training Day
Man on Fire
Sully
Flight
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though he was playing an alcoholic on-screen, Washington himself rarely drinks. In fact, during filming, he made a promise to himself to not drink at all, for fear that he would become fascinated with alcohol.

The Magnificent Seven
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Columbia Pictures / Village Roadshow Pictures / LStar Capital / Pin High Productions / Escape Artists / Fuqua Films
Loosely based on the film "Seven Samurai", which film was released in 2016?
The Lone Ranger
The Equalizer
The Magnificent Seven
True Grit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While filming the remake of "Magnificent Seven," Chris Pratt's film, "Jurassic World," was released. Denzel Washington teased Pratt about his success, and would regularly introduce him on set based on the movie's current earnings that morning.

Fences
Bron Creative / Macro Media / Escape Artists / Scott Rudin Productions
Directed by Washington, this movie is based on an award-winning play that shares the same name. Which movie is it?
Fences
Antwone Fisher
Concussion
American Gangster
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The main character, Cory, was originally supposed to be played by Eddie Murphy. Because Cory is a teenage boy, however, delays in production quickly prevented Murphy from appearing young enough for the role.

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John Q.
Evolution Entertainment
Which film centers around a father's son who needs a new heart?
Crimson Tide
The Negotiator
Extraordinary Measures
John Q.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In one particular scene in the film, George W. Bush can be seen on the television discussing healthcare in the United States. Because the election winner wasn't known at the time, this scene was also done with Al Gore footage.

Man on Fire
Regency Enterprises / Scott Free Productions
Written by A.J. Quinnell, what movie is based on a novel by the same name?
Training Day
American Gangster
Man on Fire
Taken
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denzel Washington was cast in the movie because he went to the doctor at the right time. While he was waiting for his appointment, Washington ran into director Tony Scott and the rest is history.

The Bone Collector
Universal Pictures / Columbia Pictures
Starring alongside Angelina Jolie, Washington played Lincoln Rhyme in which movie?
The Hurricane
The Bone Collector
Taking Lives
Fallen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While filming for the movie, there were nude scenes done with Angelina Jolie. However, before finalizing the movie, they were cut from the reel for fear of being too distracting from the story line.

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The Taking of Pelham 123
Relativity Media / Scott Free Productions / Escape Artists
Which movie has Washington dealing with the hijackers of a New York City subway train?
Man on Fire
Unstoppable
The Taking of Pelham 123
Deja Vu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though it wasn't based on a true story, the movie still influenced the New York Transit Authority. For years after the release of the original movie, schedule planners were not allowed to have a train leave Pelham at 1:23.

The Equalizer 2
Columbia Pictures / Escape Artists / Zhiv Productions / Mace Neufeld Productions / Picture Farm
Released in 2018, this film was directed by Antoine Fuqua. What's the title of this film?
Mile 22
Safe House
The Equalizer 2
John Wick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While Denzel Washington has a large number of film and television credits to his name, "The Equalizer 2" was the first sequel performed by the actor. During filming, members of the crew even called it "The Sequelizer."

2 Guns
Marc Platt Productions / Emmett/Furla Films / Envision Entertainment / Herrick Entertainment / Boom! Studios
Which of the following Denzel Washington movies is based on a comic book?
2 Guns
Flight
John Q.
The Bone Collector
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are said to be a few different inspirations for this movie. "2 Guns" was the name of a graphic novel by Steven Grant that the movie is based on. However, there's also speculation that this film may have been inspired by another movie, "Charley Varrick."

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The Hurricane
Beacon Pictures
In this film, Washington plays an ex-middleweight boxer named Rubin Carter. What is the nickname of this boxer, as well as the title of the movie?
Ricochet
Crimson Tide
Unstoppable
The Hurricane
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denzel Washington had to lose 60 pounds in preparation for the role. Even with this weight loss, however, he still weighed 40 pounds more than the actual Rubin Carter during his boxing career.

Inside Man
Universal Pictures / Imagine Entertainment / 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
Directed by Spike Lee, which film has Denzel Washington starring as Detective Keith Frazier?
Book of Eli
Safe House
Inside Man
Out of Time
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Whether it was on purpose or not, at one point in the film, Detective Frazier can be heard saying "I'm listening." Frasier Crane, from the sitcom "Frasier," says the very same thing on his radio show.

The Pelican Brief
Warner Bros.
Which movie starts with two Supreme Court Justices being killed?
Courage Under Fire
The Bone Collector
John Q.
The Pelican Brief
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Based on the novel with the same name, the two main characters are supposed to fall in love. Washington felt that this should stay out of the movie, however, because he thought an interracial relationship would distract from the story.

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Safe House
Relativity Media / Stuber Productions
Starring Ryan Reynolds, which of the following movies follows a CIA agent on his first mission in Cape Town?
Criminal
Safe House
The Equalizer
Dead Man Down
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denzel Washington has a tendency to fulfill any stunts within his movie roles. "Safe House" was no exception. While it was only for a few seconds at a time, Washington was waterboarded during his character's torture scene.

Mo' Better Blues
40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
One of many partnerships with Spike Lee, which film has Washington playing a jazz trumpeter called Bleek Gilliam?
Inside Man
Mississippi Masala
Jungle Fever
Mo' Better Blues
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though he was hired to play the part of a trumpeter, Washington could barely play three notes before filming began. Instead of learning the instrument entirely, he was taught to simply mimic playing the songs in the film.

He Got Game
Touchstone Pictures / 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
Released in 1998, which Washington film revolved around basketball?
Remember the Titans
Mo' Better Blues
Above the Rim
He Got Game
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The role of Jesus Shuttlesworth was originally offered to Kobe Bryant. While the rookie liked the script and the idea of starring in a movie, he had a vigorous workout regime planned that was more important to his future in the NBA.

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Crimson Tide
Hollywood Pictures / Simpson/Bruckheimer
Released in 1995, which Washington film takes place on a submarine?
The Siege
Crimson Tide
Fallen
Out of Time
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though the movie was supposed to be based on U.S. Navy submarines, filming with active submarines proved to be problematic. To get some of the scenes, the crew filmed a French submarine instead.

Virtuosity
Gary Lucchesi Production
Released in 1995, which Washington movie had a plot centered around virtual reality?
Virtuosity
He Got Game
Power
Carbon Copy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

During casting, Paramount Pictures had reached out to Arnold Schwarzenegger about taking on the role of Parker Barnes, but the salary he asked for was far above what the studio was willing to pay.

Deja Vu
Touchstone Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films / Scott Free Productions
This movie centers around time travel. Which movie is it?
Inception
Deja Vu
Source Code
Enemy of the State
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hurricane Katrina delayed some of the filming since the story took place in New Orleans, Louisiana. Some pieces of the plot were altered or added to work in the damage of the storm to the story.

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Ricochet
HBO Pictures / Silver Pictures / Cinema Plus L.P. / Indigo Productions
Ice-T acts alongside Washington in which movie?
Inside Man
The Manchurian Candidate
Ricochet
The Preacher's Wife
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To be in peak physical form, Washington worked out an excessive amount for the four months prior to filming. He devoted three hours of his day for six days a week to his training regimen.

Out of Time
Original Film / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Which movie has Denzel Washington's character having an affair with Sanaa Lathan's character?
Philadelphia
Cry Freedom
Out of Time
Dead Man Down
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At one point during the movie, audio from the movie "Legally Blonde" can be heard because it's playing on one of the hotel TVs during a fight scene. The audio in question is of the scene where Elle and Warner break up.

Antwone Fisher
Fox Searchlight Pictures / Antwone Fisher Productions
Of the following movies, which film served as Denzel Washington's directorial debut?
Notorious
Men of Honor
Antwone Fisher
Fences
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denzel Washington initially didn't want to star in the movie, but stay in the Director's chair. However, he eventually agreed to fill the starring role as a way to get the film financed.

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The Manchurian Candidate
Scott Rudin Productions
Washington takes on the role of Bennett Marco in which movie?
The Manchurian Candidate
Courage Under Fire
Power
Malcolm X
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While promoting the movie, two websites were made. One was explicitly for the movie and its release. The other promoted the fictional Manchurian Global Corporation that's seen in the film.

Devil in a Blue Dress
TriStar Pictures
Which movie was based on a Walter Mosley novel, in which Washington plays a private investigator?
A Soldier's Story
L.A. Confidential
Devil in a Blue Dress
The Mighty Quinn
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This movie was originally supposed to have a love scene with Washington and Beals, but it was cut before it was released. The director feared that it took away from the story and wasn't needed in the film.

Courage Under Fire
Davis Entertainment / Joseph M. Singer Entertainment / Friendly Films
In this film, Meg Ryan's character, Captain Karen Emma Walden, is up for the Medal of Honor. Washington's character is in charge of evaluating whether she should receive it or not. What is the title of this movie?
Courage Under Fire
A Soldier's Story
For Queen & Country
Glory
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In order to appear as emaciated as his character, Matt Damon took on extreme measures. In addition to a very restricted diet, the actor also ran twelve miles a day and drank more than four pots of coffee to keep up his energy.

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The Mighty Quinn
A&M Films
In this movie, a police officer must clear the name of his childhood friend, Maubee. What movie is it?
The Mighty Quinn
Devil in a Blue Dress
A Soldier's Story
The Bone Collector
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the movie focuses on a character who's said to have a $10,000 bill, these bills were taken out of circulation in 1969. Any bill found past that year is considered very rare and worth far more than their face value.

Unstoppable
Dune Entertainment / Scott Free Productions / Prospect Park / Millbrook Farm Productions
Starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine, which film was the last one directed by Tony Scott?
Deja Vu
Source Code
The Taking of Pelham 123
Unstoppable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Denzel Washington performed the stunts that required his character to run along the top of the fast-moving train himself. Even though Washington was wired for safety, there was still a significant risk of injury.

The Siege
Twin River Productions
Anthony Hubbard was the main character in which film?
Fallen
The Siege
The Sentinel
Unthinkable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Siege" was not met with success when it was released in the theaters, since it portrayed Muslim and Arab individuals as terrorists. However, following 9/11 it was one of the most rented movies of the period.

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Cry Freedom
Marble Arch Productions
This Washington film is set in apartheid era South Africa during the late 1970s. Which film is it?
Invictus
Malcolm X
Cry Freedom
The Color of Freedom
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While the film crew attempted to film the movie in South Africa, the political unrest at the time made this nearly impossible. Instead, much of the movie was filmed in Zimbabwe in order to avoid further complications.

Fallen
Turner Pictures
According to Rotten Tomatoes, which Washington movie was "not all that thrilling"?
Deja Vu
The Siege
Out of Time
Fallen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While preparing for the role, Denzel Washington spent time with a pair of detectives. He learned that they would carry an extra pair of shoes in their trunk, in case the ones they were wearing got blood on them.

Much Ado About Nothing
BBC Films / American Playhouse Theatrical Films / Renaissance Films
Which film was entered into the 1993 Cannes Film Festival?
Heart Condition
Dead Again
The Mighty Quinn
Much Ado About Nothing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Beyond Washington's role, there are three familiar faces from the "Harry Potter" universe in this movie. The actors who play Gilderoy Lockhart, Sybil Trelawny and Dolores Umbridge can all be seen in this film.

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Heart Condition
New Line Cinema
Which movie has Washington in the role of Napolean Stone?
Training Day
Hollywood Homicide
The Equalizer
Heart Condition
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The film was very ill-received and never scored a rating over 6/10 on any movie sites that have it listed. It also received 0% on Rotten Tomatoes and was only given two stars by Roger Ebert.

You Got:
/40
Davis Entertainment / Joseph M. Singer Entertainment / Friendly Films