The action movie genre has been one of the classic movie genres dating all the way back to the dawn of cinema. It is also one that has evolved from stylistic sword fights to giant mechanical aliens fighting one another for control of the planet, and everything in between. It takes a particular kind of actor to pull off the action hero. Charisma, charm, and toughness are all qualities in a great action hero or heroine. For a stretch in the mid to late ’90s, Will Smith was the premier action star, gracing the silver screen in several blockbuster movies.

Despite the fact that he has had a tumultuous career full of the highest highs and the lowest lows. Throughout it all and despite the drama surrounding the actor, he gives his all to each and every role he undertakes. His resume has spanned everything from comedy, to drama, to romance. One particular genre Smith has excelled in throughout his career is the action film, having starred in some of the highest grossing and entertaining action flicks in history. Which Will Smith action film reigns supreme? Let’s take a look!

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7 Hancock (2008)

     Sony Pictures

Hancock is an interesting take on the superhero film and is in many ways a precursor to some of the things we see today like The Boys. The story follows John Hancock as the alcoholic and reckless superhero who after a string of incidents gains the assistance of a public relations manager he rescues. The film was met with mixed reactions, but its unique take on the superhero and performance by Smith makes it one of his best action roles.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

6 Enemy of the State (1998)

     Buena Vista Pictures

Enemy of the State is a classic ’90s action spy thriller. Directed by the Tony Scott, the movie tells the story of a lawyer who becomes the target of a corrupt politician and his government cronies when he receives evidence to a high profile political crime. Along with stellar performances from costars like Gene Hackman, and Jon Voight, Will Smith proves he belongs as an action movie headliner.

5 I Am Legend (2007)

     Warner Bros.

Smith finds himself as the last man on Earth in 2007’s I Am Legend, a movie based on the novel of the same name. After a plague wipes out most humanity, Will Smith’s Robert Neville, fights daily to find a cure to the disease that turns people into frightening monsters. Smith is essentially acting alongside himself for the majority of the movie, aside from a few flashbacks. While the movie does not have some of the bigger action packed set pieces of his other roles, this version of the action film helps to provide an alternative tone to his normal action flick, despite its frustrating ending.

4 Bad Boys II (2003)

     Sony Pictures Releasing

Bad Boys II sees the return of Will Smith alongside Martin Lawrence as the anything goes police duo. Attempting to take down a Cuban drug cartel, the sequel to the 1995 original is chock-full of action, and certainly one of the best outings of director Michael Bay. Smith having grown into a bigger star since the release of the original feels and looks more comfortable as the anything goes police officer.

3 Independence Day (1996)

     20th Century Fox

“Welcome to Earth!”, Will Smith utters as he punches an alien invader unconscious, that’s how America deals with the threat of an extraterrestrial invasion. The line is one of Smith’s most quotable ones from any of his roles. Independence Day holds a special place in many movie fans hearts. It is jam-packed full of set pieces, explosions, and is truly an American action film. Smith’s calm and cool demeanor in the face of an alien invasion makes this one of his best action roles.

2 Bad Boys (1995)

Most of what has already been said about Bad Boys II can be said about the original 1995 Bad Boys. The major difference being that the first installment is an overall better film, both in direction and acting. Smith is believable as both the action star, but also as the comedic relief when needed. Making Bad Boys one of the funniest buddy-cop movies and one of Smiths best action movies. Despite the lackluster critical response to the film, even to this day, audiences continue to love it and that is what makes the movie have the lasting impact it has.

1 Men in Black (1997)

Men in Black is a criminally underrated and underappreciated science fiction action movie. It comes pretty darn close to being a perfect action film. It is full of great performances, most notably Will Smith, lots of laughs, great action, and memorable alien creatures. It went on to break numerous box office records in July 1997, and was truly the blockbuster film of that year. The charismatic Will Smith helped bring fun to this action-packed alien adventure.