The best movies of Will Smith are The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), King Richard (2021), Hitch (2005), Enemy of the State (1998), I, Robot (2004) and Seven Pounds (2008), along with action hits like Hancock and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024). Here is our updated list of 10 Will Smith films that most viewers enjoy.
Born on 25 September 1968, Will Smith moved from music and television into films in the 1990s and became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. This list mixes his serious dramas with the big entertainers, and we have swapped two weaker titles from our older list, After Earth and Wild Wild West, for his Oscar-winning role and his latest box-office hit.
Best movies of Will Smith: quick list
| # | Film | Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Pursuit of Happyness | 2006 | Drama |
| 2 | King Richard | 2021 | Sports drama |
| 3 | Hitch | 2005 | Romantic comedy |
| 4 | Seven Pounds | 2008 | Drama |
| 5 | Enemy of the State | 1998 | Thriller |
| 6 | I, Robot | 2004 | Sci-fi action |
| 7 | Bad Boys: Ride or Die | 2024 | Action comedy |
| 8 | Hancock | 2008 | Superhero comedy |
| 9 | Gemini Man | 2019 | Sci-fi action |
| 10 | Suicide Squad | 2016 | Superhero |
1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this drama follows a struggling single father who fights his way out of poverty and into a career in finance. Smith also produced the film.
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His performance earned him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor. For many viewers, this is still the film that defines him as an actor.
2. King Richard (2021)
Smith plays Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. It is a family sports drama built around his stubborn, determined lead role.
The film won him the Best Actor Oscar at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022. That same night, he slapped presenter Chris Rock on stage, which led to his resignation from the Academy and a 10-year ban from the Oscars.
3. Hitch (2005)
In this romantic comedy, Smith plays Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a professional dating coach who helps clumsy men win over the women they like. His own plans fall apart when he falls for a gossip columnist who does not like him.
It is light, charming and still one of the most rewatched romcoms of the 2000s.
4. Seven Pounds (2008)
Smith plays Tim Thomas, a man on a secret mission to change the lives of seven strangers he believes deserve help. The reason behind his plan is revealed slowly.
It is a sad, quiet film that divides critics, but many viewers rate it among his most emotional performances.
5. Enemy of the State (1998)
Smith plays Robert Clayton Dean, a lawyer who accidentally receives evidence of a politically motivated murder. He is framed and hunted, and a reclusive surveillance expert becomes his only help.
Its theme of government surveillance feels even more relevant today than in 1998.
6. I, Robot (2004)
Loosely based on Isaac Asimov’s stories, this sci-fi action film casts Smith as Detective Del Spooner, a man who distrusts robots. He investigates a death that points to a possible robot uprising.
Smith was also an executive producer on the film.
7. Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
The fourth Bad Boys film brings back Smith as Mike Lowrey alongside Martin Lawrence. Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, it premiered in Dubai in May 2024 and released in the US on 7 June 2024.
It grossed about $405 million worldwide on a $100 million budget. No fifth film has been confirmed yet, though the stars have said they are open to one.
8. Hancock (2008)
Smith plays John Hancock, a careless, grumpy superhero whom the public dislikes. A publicist tries to repair his image, and the story then takes a surprising turn.
Reviews were mixed, but the film grossed over $624 million worldwide.
9. Gemini Man (2019)
Directed by Ang Lee, this sci-fi action thriller follows an ageing assassin who is hunted by a younger clone of himself. Smith plays both versions.
The story is simple, but the action and the digital de-ageing make it a fun watch.
10. Suicide Squad (2016)
In David Ayer’s DC film, Smith plays Deadshot, a skilled hitman with a soft spot for his daughter. He is part of a team of villains sent on a dangerous mission.
The film had a rough reception, but Smith’s Deadshot was one of its better-liked parts.
More Will Smith films to watch
- Bad Boys (1995): the start of the Mike Lowrey franchise.
- Independence Day (1996): Roland Emmerich’s alien-invasion blockbuster.
- Men in Black (1997): he plays Agent J, a role he repeated in 2002 and 2012.
- Ali (2001): his biopic role as the boxing legend.
- I Am Legend (2007): the lonely survival thriller now getting a sequel.
- Aladdin (2019): Guy Ritchie’s live-action musical, with Smith as the Genie.
What is Will Smith doing in 2026?
After Emancipation (2022) and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Smith has several projects in development. He is set to co-star with Michael B. Jordan in an I Am Legend sequel and is attached to the sci-fi films Brilliance and Resistor. He is also an executive producer on Pole to Pole, a National Geographic series for Disney+.
He returned to music too, releasing the album Based on a True Story on 28 March 2025. For more, see our Hollywood section, celebrity profiles and other movie lists.
Frequently asked questions
What is Will Smith’s best movie?
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) is the most widely loved, while King Richard (2021) won him the Oscar for Best Actor.
Did Will Smith win an Oscar?
Yes. He won Best Actor for King Richard at the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022.
Is there going to be a Bad Boys 5?
Not officially. As of now, no fifth film has been confirmed, though Smith and Martin Lawrence have said they would return if the story is right.
Is Will Smith banned from the Oscars?
Yes. In April 2022, the Academy banned him from attending the Oscars and related events for 10 years after he slapped Chris Rock.
Sources: Wikipedia: Will Smith, Wikipedia: Will Smith filmography, Wikipedia: Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
