one of the best actors of all time and has been a powerhouse of cinema since his first feature-length role, all the way back in 1981. Testament to his immense talent and longevity, he has forged a reputation for playing a diverse and eclectic collection of characters that all have his underlying poise and charisma. The 1990s were a particularly breakout decade for Washington as he was able to string together an impressive 18 films, most of which he starred in, with many gaining massive critical and commercial success.

Known for his many Oscar-nominated roles in a career highlighted with impeccable performances, some of his best work from the '90s helped solidify him as a Hollywood icon. From his role in the ahead-of-its-time law drama Philadelphia, which saw him portray a gritty, complex lawyer, to his roles in sports films like He Got Game and The Hurricane, which show his physical and emotional command of the screen. Washington brought an intensity and gravitas to his characters that was seldom matched by any other actor in the '90s.

18 Virtuosity (1995)

As Parker Barnes

Virtuosity is a science fiction action thriller that stars Washington as Parker Barnes, a former police officer who is serving 17 years in prison for killing a terrorist who murdered his family. Barnes is offered a deal to catch a virtual training system serial killer (Russell Crowe) who has manipulated their way into the real world via a synthetic android body. In one of Washington's lesser-known works, the narrative is a little disted, but the chemistry between Washington and Crowe is magnetic, and the authenticity they bring to the roles makes it a film worth watching.

17 Heart Condition (1990)

As Napoleon Stone

Washington stars as 'ambulance chasing' lawyer Napoleon Stone alongside a bigoted, racist cop, Jack Moony (Bob Hoskins), in the 1990 comedy-drama Heart Condition. When Stone dies in an apparent car accident at the same time as Moony has a heart attack, Moony is given Stone's heart as a replacement, with his ghostly figure now haunting him. The premise is unique, and it gives Washington a chance to show his comedy chops, which he performs expertly. The film has many heartwarming and humorous moments, and the charm and chemistry between leads once again lead the narrative to a satisfying conclusion.

Washington used his influence to 'tone down' the character of Napoleon Stone, who was initially written to be a flashy pimp, wanting to negate some of the negative racial stereotypes.

16 The Preacher's Wife (1996)

As Dudley

Penny Marshall's The Preacher's Wife is a comedy-drama starring Washington as Dudley, an angel from heaven who is sent to help out a struggling preacher and his wife (Whitney Houston) in their time of need. In another film that gives Washington the chance to show off his comic timing and delivery, his portrayal, alongside Houston, is the bright spot in this charming film. It delves into deep themes of family, love, and faith, and it's a semi-rare opportunity to see Washington bring a loving warmth and lighthearted nature to his roles that perfectly showcase his versatility as an actor.

15 Ricochet (1991)

As Nick Styles

Ricochet is an action crime thriller that sees Washington masterfully portray Nick Styles, a formidable lawman who's forced to confront an old criminal (John Lithgow) who wants revenge on Styles for putting him behind bars. The dynamic cat-and-mouse game between the two stars feels realistic and like it has genuine stakes. Washington gave one of the best performances of his career to that date and helped set the stage for him to become an iconic figure in the crime/action genre with his suspenseful and nuanced performance.

14 The Siege (1998)

As Anthony Hubbard

Edward Zwick's The Siege is an action film that sees Washington star as determined FBI Agent Anthony Hubbard, who must leap into action when a collection of terrorist cells commit attacks across New York City. Washington shines in an ensemble cast featuring stars like Tony Shalhoub and Bruce Willis, and his grounded approach to Hubbard provides much of the film's emotional stakes. Though Washington's gripping portrayal of a character grappling with the moral implications of upholding national security is fascinating to watch, the storyline feels a little too straightforward for him to flesh out the role fully.

13 Mississippi Masala (1991)

As Demetrius

In Mira Nair's romantic drama Mississippi Masala, Washington portrays a Black man named Demetrius, who falls for and begins a relationship with an Indian-American woman named Mina (Sarita Choudhury). Washington's chemistry with Choudhury is palpable and undeniable throughout the film, and the two masterfully embody their forbidden romance in a film that delicately deals with race, traditions, and prejudices. Mississippi Masala shows that Washington is more than capable of being a romantic lead in a sensitive film, but in a way, it fails to play to his true strengths as a commanding, dominant figure in the crime genre.

12 Mo' Better Blues (1990)

As Minifield "Bleek" Gilliam

Mo’ Better Blues sees the continuation of brilliant collaborations with Spike Lee and Washington, with Lee writing, directing, and starring in this musical comedy-drama. The film's plot follows a talented yet haunted jazz musician whose life decisions have cost him much of his talent, friends, and career. Lee and Washington's close friendship allows the two to bring that chemistry onto the screen, and they provide commanding performances in a beautiful story about friendship and music. Washington's portrayal of a man on the edge who wishes to improve his life is beautifully nuanced and is an underrated gem in his filmography.

11 The Bone Collector (1999)

As Lincoln Rhyme

The Bone Collector is a crime thriller that sees Washington play quadriplegic homicide detective Lincoln Rhyme, who, with the help of a young rookie officer (Angelina Jolie), tracks down a serial killer who leaves clues at his crime scenes. Washington and Jolie create magic every time they share the screen, with one playing off the other expertly, combining their skills to create a gripping and intricate drama. Washington proves he can command an audience with his delivery and intelligence, even with limited physicality. However, the film's basic plot prevents it from being one of the standouts of the decade.

10 Fallen (1998)

As Detective John Hobbes

Fallen is a supernatural thriller that follows Detective John Hobbes (Washington), who is tasked with investigating occult murders committed by a copycat killer who can shift between bodies. In a rare outing for Washington into the paranormal, he takes to the role like a duck to water and provides a grounded authenticity to the storyline. Washington is again able to showcase his range as the lead in a different genre; however, it was noted "Washington has the almost impossible task of holding together a convoluted picture that's only intermittently suspenseful and not very engaging emotionally or intellectually" (via Variety)

9 Courage Under Fire (1996)

As Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling

Washington and director Edward Zwick collaborated for the second of their three films together to produce the stellar war drama Courage Under Fire. Washington plays a Lieutenant Colonel who investigates a Medal of Honor candidate's role in the Gulf War, which leads to a series of conflicting narratives, old secrets, and hidden traumas. Washington has always excelled at playing an authoritative figure who has a haunted and potentially criminal past, as he is able to perfectly convey the mixed emotions and feelings that come with fighting one's own personal demons while aiming to maintain an air of grace.