Hollywood Gangster

Few actors are as on the money as Denzel Washington. Whether depicting revolutionary civil rights icon Malcolm X, staunch high school football coach Herman Boone in Remember The Titans, or a sharp-witted badge bearer in countless others, Washington's silver screen swag is unmatched. Now, as he's set to portray ‘70s crime boss Frank Lucas in American Gangster—which hits theaters Friday—King-Mag.com gives due props by taking a look back on the legendary actor's storied career with five big screen faves.

He Got Game (1998)
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Attempting to convince estranged son and high school basketball's top prospect, Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen) to play college ball, Washington plays a temporarily paroled dad who has to chin check some cats to track him down. Blouses don't win this game.

John Q (2002)
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Flipping the bird on the establishment, Denzel takes an entire hospital hostage to get his son a critical coronary transplant. Ultimately deciding to give his own ticker, he offers his son some heartfelt final words.

The Hurricane (1999)
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What supporting cast? Here, as hard-edged boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, he goes for dolo in a deranged discussion with alter egos.

Glory (1989)
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No words needed—in this chilling scene set during the Civil War, the lone tear running down Washington's face says it all. Who ever said real men don't cry?

Training Day (2001)
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This hood favorite, chock full of quotables, found Washington veering from heroic roles as crooked cop Alonzo and ultimately winning an Academy Award. LL Cool J was never this bad.