25 Best Will Smith movies and shows: Ranked according to IMDb
For over two decades, the beloved actor has given us a variety of impressive and impactful movies. Here is a low-down of the best Will Smith movies and TV shows.
Will Smith and the Oscars were two separate words until they were not. Social media came crashing down when his and Chris Rock's infamous drama unfolded at the 2022 Oscar awards event. What was supposed to be a joke turned terribly ugly when Will Smith slapped the host Chris Rock amidst the ongoing event. And ever since that dreaded night, the name, fame, and everything else Will worked for became a blur, and the only prominent thing people frantically searched for was "Will Smith at the Oscars". However, he certainly is much more than a controversy gone wild! So, let's go down memory lane and revisit all the best Will Smith movies and his fabulous performances in the entertainment industry.
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Scroll ahead for the 25 best movies ranked as per IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
Top 25 Best Will Smith movies & shows with their IMDb ratings
We have often seen Will playing rebellious and wise-cracking characters, but we have also witnessed his diversified pop culture portfolio in the ’90s. Although his popularity saw a hugely precipitous and significant decline after the reckless incident, you cannot deny that he did win the hearts of a whole lot of audiences with his goofy smile and impressive career. So, here are some of his finest works ranked best to better as per IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. We have also included trailers and which OTT platform you can watch them on!
20 Best Will Smith movies
1. The Pursuit of Happyness
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10
- Released on: 15 December 2006
- Director: Gabriele Muccino
- Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, and Thandiwe Newton
- Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, and Overbrook Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video or Sony Entertainment
Anybody who’s on the lookout for Will Smith movies needs to watch The Pursuit of Happyness. Gabriele Muccino’s biographical drama released in 2006 is available on Amazon Prime to watch. The storyline of the spectacular Hollywood hit is based on the tale of a struggling salesman who struggles for the custody of his only son. The heart-touching movie also features the life-changing personal and professional experiences of the father-son duo.
2. Men in Black
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
- Released: 2 July 1997
- Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Starring: Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, and Tommy Lee Jones
- Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, and Parkes/MacDonald Image Nation
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video
Another Will Smith, you are certainly going to love is the 1997 action adventure comedy titled Men in Black. This Barry Sonnenfeld movie is the very first of the iconic Men in Black film series. The movie features Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio, along with Rip Torn. The movie features the story of Kevin Brown aka Agent K as well as James Darrell Edwards III aka Agent J who are seen investigating intriguing criminal incidents which are interestingly linked to extraterrestrial life.
3. Seven Pounds
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Released on: 19 December 2008
- Director: Gabriele Muccino
- Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, and Woody Harrelson
- Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Escape Artists, and Overbrook Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video
Seven Pounds is another must-watch movie that features the journey of a man with a secret embarks which ends up altering the lives of 7 people. Created under the direction of Gabriele Muccino this Will Smith starrer also features Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, and Barry Pepper. The 2008 movie was a Hollywood hit.
4. Six Degrees of Separation
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Released on: 8 December 1993
- Director: Fred Schepisi
- Starring: Will Smith, Stockard Channing, and Donald Sutherland
- Production companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Maiden Movies, and New Regency Productions
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV
We highly recommend watching Six Degrees of Separation if you like comedy dramas. Directed by The 1993 movie is directed by Fred Schepisi and the storyline is adapted from a 1990 Pulitzer Prize-nominated play by John Guare also known as Six Degrees of Separation. The play and the film were based on the real story of a robber and con man named David Hampton.
5. Enemy of the State
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
- Released on: 20 November 1998
- Director: Tony Scott
- Starring: Will Smith, Jon Voight, and Gene Hackman
- Production companies: Touchstone Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
- OTT: Watch on Disney+Hotstar
Another iconic action movie that’s also a political thriller is the 1998 film titled Enemy of the State. With the direction of Tony Scott, the story by David Marconi, and production by Jerry Bruckheimer. The Will Smith starrer also features Barry Pepper, Gene Hackman, Dan Butler, Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet, Gabriel Byrne, Jack Black, Jake Busey, Loren Dean, and Regina King.
6. I Am Legend
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Released on: 14 December 2007
- Director: Francis Lawrence
- Starring: Will Smith, Charlie Tahan, and Alice Braga
- Production companies: Warner Bros., Village Roadshow Pictures, and Weed Road Pictures
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video
This action thriller film titled I Am legend is also a post-apocalyptic drama which is an adaptation of the 1954 novel written by Richard Matheson. Created under the direction of Francis Lawrence the movie features Will Smith who plays the character of a virologist for the US Army. The storyline is based in New York City and features a dangerous fantasy that a virus that was supposed to cure cancer wipes out mankind. Watch the movie to witness Smith's struggle in such chaos.
7. Where the Day Takes You
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Released on: January 1992
- Director: Marc Rocco
- Starring: Will Smith, Dermot Mulroney, Robert Knepper, and Laura San Giacomo
- Production companies: Production companies, Cinetel Films, and John Cornett & Doc Productions
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video
This 1992 crime-thriller drama titled Where the Day Takes You is directed by Marc Rocco and features stars like Will Smith, David Arquette, Christian Slater, Dermot Mulroney, Balthazar Getty, Sean Astin, Lara Flynn Boyle, James LeGros, Ricki Lake, and Laura San Giacomo. Watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video.
8. I, Robot
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
- Released on: 13 August 2004
- Director: Alex Proyas
- Starring: Will Smith, Bruce Greenwood, and Bridget Moynahan
- Production companies: Twentieth Century Fox, Mediastream Vierte Film GmbH & Co. Vermarktungs KG, and Davis Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or Apple TV
Another Will Smith film, that we highly recommend is I, Robot. The 2004 science fiction drama created under the direction of Alex Proyas is certainly an action masterpiece. Apart from Will Smith the film also features Alan Tudyk, Bridget Moynahan, James Cromwell, Bruce Greenwood, and Chi McBride.
9. Independence Day
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
- Released on: November 1996
- Director: Roland Emmerich
- Starring: Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman
- Production companies: Twentieth Century Fox and Centropolis Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Apple TV
Independence Day aka ID4 released in 1996 is one of the biggest science fiction action dramas of its time. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the movie features Will Smith, Mary McDonnell, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Margaret Colin, Robert Loggia, James Rebhorn, and Harvey Fierstein. Watch the movie to witness a story of groups of people who are stuck in the Nevada desert post an extraterrestrial attack on July 4 which is why the movie is called Independence Day.
10. Spies in Disguise
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Released: 27 December 2019
- Directors: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
- Starring: Will Smith, Rachel Brosnahan, Claire Crosby, and Jarrett Bruno
- Production companies: Blue Sky Studios, Chernin Entertainment, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation
- OTT: Watch on Disney+Hotstar
Another movie we highly recommend is Spies in Disguise. The movie was released in 2019 and is one of the best computer-animated comedy dramas that features a spy story. The movie is an adaptation of an animation called the short Pigeon: Impossible by Lucas Martell. The movie features voices of the stars like Will Smith, Tom Holland, DJ Khaled, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Rachel Brosnahan, Reba McEntire, Karen Gillan, and Masi Oka in supporting roles.
11. Bad Boys
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Released on: 7 April 1995
- Director: Michael Bay
- Starring: Will Smith, Lisa Boyle, and Martin Lawrence
- Production companies: Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
- OTT: Watch on Netflix
Bad Boys is one of the most-loved action dramas that also features elements of comedy and crime. The 1995 drama features the tale of two detectives who offer probation to a murder witness. The movie is available on Netflix to stream.
12. Ali
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
- Released on: 25 December 2001
- Director: Michael Mann
- Starring: Will Smith, John Voight, and Jamie Foxx
- Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Forward Pass, and Initial Entertainment Group (IEG)
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video
The movie is one of the best sports biographies ever created. Based on the tale of one of the biggest sports legends of all time, Muhammad Ali. The movie features the sports icons' triumphs as well as controversies. The 2001 masterpiece is directed, written, and directed by Michael Mann. Stream the movie on Amazon Prime Video to witness Will Smith showcasing the life of infamous boxer Muhammad Ali.
13. Hitch
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Released on: 18 March 2005
- Director: Andy Tennant
- Starring: Will Smith, Kevin James, Eva Mendes, and Amber Valletta
- Production companies: Columbia Pictures and Overbrook Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or Apple TV
Hitch aka HITCH is another outstanding romantic comedy that features the best of a smooth-talking fellow who falls in love with a columnist. The 2005 movie was directed by Andy Tennant and stars Will Smith, Kevin James, Eva Mendes, and Amber Valletta. Watch the movie to witness a story by Kevin Bisch who portrays Smith as Alex Hitchens aka Hitch who plays the role of a proficient "date doctor" who teaches men how to woo the ladies as a profession.
14. Bad Boys for Life (also known as Bad Boys 3)
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Released on: 17 January 2020
- Directors: Bilall Fallah and Adil El Arbi
- Starring: Will Smith, Vanessa Hudgens, and Martin Lawrence
- Production companies: Columbia Pictures, 2.0 Entertainment, and Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films
- OTT: Watch on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video
Watch this movie to witness the most promising performance by Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Vanessa Hudgens. The movie features the tale of two Miami detectives named Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey. This action drama features the best of comedy and crime and is available on Netflix to stream.
15. Focus
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Released on: 13 March 2015
- Directors: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
- Starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Gerald McRaney, and Adrian Martinez
- Production companies: RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Kramer & Sigman Films, Di Novi Pictures, Overbrook Entertainment, and Zaftig Films
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix
Focus is a must-watch for anyone who loves crime and comedy. This 2015 Will Smith starrer is directed as well as written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and features stars like Margot Robbie, Gerald McRaney, and Adrian Martinez. Watch the movie to witness how a con artist takes a female con played Margot’s character under his wing.
16. Hancock
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
- Released on: 11 July 2008
- Director: Peter Berg
- Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Eddie Marsan, and Jason Bateman
- Production companies: Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, and Blue Light
- OTT: Watch on Netflix
The perfect movie for any superhero fanatic. Directed by Peter Berg, Hancock features Will Smith, Eddie Marsan, Charlize Theron, and Jason Bateman. The action comedy-drama is available on Netflix to watch.
17. The Legend of Bagger Vance
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
- Released on: 3 November 2000
- Director: Robert Redford
- Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Bruce McGill, and Charlize Theron
- Production companies: Twentieth Century Fox, Dreamworks Pictures, and Epsilon Motion Pictures
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Robert Redford, The Legend of Bagger Vance is a sports-fantasy drama that features breathtaking performances by Will Smith, Bruce McGill, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron. Watch this movie to witness a tale of a golfer who finds a mystical caddy.
18. Shark Tale
- IMDb rating: 6.0/10
- Released on: 1 October 2004
- Directors: Rob Letterman, Vicky Jenson, and Bibo Bergeron
- Starring: Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Jack Black, and Renée Zellweger
- Production companies: DreamWorks Animation and Dreamworks Pictures
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
Directed by Rob Letterman, Bibo Bergeron, and Vicky Jenson, this adventure comedy features the best of stars including Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, and Jack Black. The movie features the story of a gangster shark boss’s son. The animated movie is available on Amazon prime video to watch.
19. Suicide Squad
- IMDb rating: 5.9/10
- Released on: 5 August 2016
- Director: David Ayer
- Starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, and Joel Kinnaman
- Production companies: Atlas Entertainment, DC Comics, and DC Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Youtube
Directed by David Ayer, the action drama features the best of adventure and fantasy. The movie features Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, and Jared Leto. Watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video to witness a tale that features a secret agent by the government that recruits the most dangerous supervillains in order to create a defensive task force to save mankind from an apocalypse.
20. Gemini Man
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
- Released on: 11 October 2019
- Director: Ang Lee
- Starring: Will Smith, Clive Owen, Benedict Wong, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead
- Production companies: Skydance Media, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and Fosun Group Forever Pictures
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Youtube
The 2016 movie titled Gemini Man is a work of wonder for anyone who loves science fiction action as well as a thriller. Directed by Ang Lee, the movie features the biggest Hollywood stars like Will Smith, Mary E Winstead, Benedict Wong as well as Clive Owen. The plot of the movie features how a hitman creates a much younger clone of himself.
5 Best Will Smith TV shows
1. One Strange Rock
- IMDb rating: 8.7/10
- Released on: 26 March 2018
- Directors: Glenn Barden and Nigel Walk
- Starring: Will Smith, Jerry Linenger, Nicole Stott, and Chris Hadfield
- Production companies: Nutopia, Protozoa Pictures, and Overbrook Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Youtube
We highly recommend this Will Smith-starrer TV documentary series. The 2018 show premiered on the National Geographic channel and was also renewed for the second season which was released in 2021 as a brand new show titled Welcome to Earth. It is available on Youtube to watch.
2. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Released on: 10 September 1990
- Ended: 20 May 1996
- Directors: Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz
- Starring: Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, Tatyana Ali, and James Avery
- Production companies: NBC Productions, Quincy Jones Entertainment, and Quincy Jones-David Salzman Entertainment
- OTT: Watch on Netflix
Another television show created by Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz that features Will Smith is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The show features a fictionalized rendition of Smith, a street-savvy teenager in West Philadelphia who begins to live with his wealthy uncle as well as an aunt in Bel-Air
3. Welcome to Earth
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Released on: 8 December 2021
- Director: Michael Mann
- Starring: Will Smith, Cory Richards, and Diva Amon
- Production companies: National Geographic, Nutopia, and Westbrook Studios
- OTT: Watch on Disney+Hotstar
Welcome to Earth is another amazing TV show that features the best of Will Smith. The show is available on Disney+ Hotstar to stream and offers an insight into the world's uncharted as well as remote locations.
4. Amend: The Fight for America
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
- Released on: 17 February 2021
- Starring: Will Smith, Larry Wilmore, and Bryan Stevenson
- Production companies: Makemake, Netflix, and The Documentary Group
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix
One of the biggest historical documentaries of all time this show features Will Smith, Larry Wilmore, and Bryan Stevenson. Watch the show to witness how Will Smith guides you to the historical tale of the equal rights fight in America from the US Constitution's 14th Amendment point of view.
5. Best Shape of My Life
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10
- Released on: 2021
- Starring: Will Smith
- Production company: Westbrook Media
- OTT: Watch on Amazon Prime Video or Youtube
Watch this Youtube original documentary starring Will Smith and witness how the man challenges himself on a journey to improve his fitness. In fact, the show even interestingly features how he teams up with scientists, pro athletes, experts, as well as top YouTube creators.
About Will Smith
Willard Carroll Smith II, also known as The Fresh Prince, his stage name, is an American actor, producer, rapper, and comedian. He is the founder of the following organizations -
- Overbrook Entertainment,
- New Village Leadership Academy,
- Treyball Development Inc., and
- Westbrook.
He was first nominated in 1991 for the Kids' Choice Award for Favorite TV Actor but won his first award, the ShoWest Award for Male Star of Tomorrow, in 1995. Since then, he has been in 182 nominations, out of which he has won 89 accolades, including an Oscar. He has also been named as the most powerful actor in Hollywood by Newsweek in 2007.
Did you know?
Some interesting facts about our Bel Prince are -
- Will likes to don a head guard to indulge in a bout of fencing with his friends, even including David Beckham and Tom Cruise.
- Smith can solve a Rubik's cube in ONLY 55 seconds!
- Will is the ONLY actor to gross 100 million dollars (domestically) with eight consecutive movies in a row!
- Smith's famous running catchphrase is Aw, hell no! - he makes sure to use this line in almost every movie and TV series.
- Will is a BIG fan of professional wrestling (now, common on, do not connect it with the Oscar slap incident)
- Today he surely is a billionaire, but he was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1990 (unbelievable, right?)
ALSO READ: Sarah Hyland: 10 Most engrossing facts about the newlywed Modern Family star
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