(Photo by Warner Bros. / courtesy Everett Collection)

All Will Smith Movies Ranked

It’s now 20 years into the Willennium, and how has our reigning Fresh Prince fared since the 1990s? On the Oscars front, Will Smith notched two Best Actor nominations for 2001’s Ali, and then for The Pursuit of Happyness in 2006. He’s adapted two genre literary classics into blockbusters (I Am Legend and I, Robot), and he was there during the 2008’s summer of superheroes with Hancock, which released one month after Iron Man and one before The Dark Knight and Hellboy II.

Of course, that’s not to say Smith was slacking in the ’90s (though if he was, certainly no one would have noticed), which saw a diversified pop culture portfolio that includes a beloved TV show at the beginning of the decade, and a slew of hip-hop crossover hits at the end. Sandwiched in between were films like Independence Day, which at the time felt like the biggest movie event ever, and Men in Black, which got its first Smith-less sequel in 2019.

But on the subject of sequels that didn’t disappoint, and even surprised: Bad Boys For Life, which reunited Smith with Martin Lawrence for some Certified Fresh throwback buddy action. Next, you can see him in the inspirational family drama King Richard. Now, we’re ranking the best Will Smith movies by Tomatometer! —Alex Vo

#30

After Earth (2013)
Tomatometer icon 12%

#30
Adjusted Score: 21676%
Critics Consensus: After Earth is a dull, ploddingly paced exercise in sentimental sci-fi -- and the latest setback for director M. Night Shyamalan's once-promising career.
Synopsis: People were forced to leave Earth a millennium ago to establish a new home on Nova Prime. Now, Gen. Cypher... [More]
Starring: Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Sophie Okonedo, Zoë Kravitz
Directed By: M. Night Shyamalan

#29

Winter's Tale (2014)
Tomatometer icon 12%

#29
Adjusted Score: 18977%
Critics Consensus: Winter's Tale tries to retain the grandiose sweep of its source novel, but fails to fill it in with characters worth rooting for or a sensible plot.
Synopsis: One night in early 20th-century New York, master thief Peter Lake (Colin Farrell) breaks into a Central Park mansion --... [More]
Starring: Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly
Directed By: Akiva Goldsman

#28

Collateral Beauty (2016)
Tomatometer icon 14%

#28
Adjusted Score: 22453%
Critics Consensus: Well-meaning but fundamentally flawed, Collateral Beauty aims for uplift but collapses in unintentional hilarity.
Synopsis: When a successful New York advertising executive (Will Smith) suffers a great tragedy, he retreats from life. While his concerned... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Michael Peña
Directed By: David Frankel

#27

Wild Wild West (1999)
Tomatometer icon 16%

#27
Adjusted Score: 22486%
Critics Consensus: Bombastic, manic, and largely laugh-free, Wild Wild West is a bizarre misfire in which greater care was lavished upon the special effects than on the script.
Synopsis: When President Ulysses S. Grant (Kevin Kline) learns that diabolical inventor Dr. Arliss Loveless (Kenneth Branagh) is planning to assassinate... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Kevin Kline, Kenneth Branagh, Salma Hayek
Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld

#26

Bad Boys II (2003)
Tomatometer icon 24%

#26
Adjusted Score: 30369%
Critics Consensus: Two and a half hours of explosions and witless banter.
Synopsis: The drug ecstasy is flowing into Miami, and the police want it stopped. Police Detective Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) and... [More]
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Jordi Mollà, Gabrielle Union
Directed By: Michael Bay

#25

Gemini Man (2019)
Tomatometer icon 27%

#25
Adjusted Score: 44367%
Critics Consensus: Gemini Man's impressive visuals are supported by some strong performances, but this sci-fi thriller is fatally undermined by a frustratingly subpar story.
Synopsis: Henry Brogan is an elite 51-year-old assassin who's ready to call it quits after completing his 72nd job. His plans... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, Benedict Wong
Directed By: Ang Lee

#24

Suicide Squad (2016)
Tomatometer icon 26%

#24
Adjusted Score: 45140%
Critics Consensus: Suicide Squad boasts a talented cast and a little more humor than previous DCEU efforts, but they aren't enough to save the disappointing end result from a muddled plot, thinly written characters, and choppy directing.
Synopsis: Figuring they're all expendable, a U.S. intelligence officer decides to assemble a team of dangerous, incarcerated supervillains for a top-secret... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman
Directed By: David Ayer

#23

Bright (2017)
Tomatometer icon 26%

#23
Adjusted Score: 31662%
Critics Consensus: Bright tries to blend fantasy, hard-hitting cop drama, and social commentary -- and ends up falling painfully short of the mark on all three fronts.
Synopsis: In an alternate present day, humans, orcs, elves and fairies have been coexisting since the beginning of time. Two police... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Lucy Fry
Directed By: David Ayer

#22

Seven Pounds (2008)
Tomatometer icon 26%

#22
Adjusted Score: 33587%
Critics Consensus: Grim and morose, Seven Pounds is also undone by an illogical plot.
Synopsis: A life-shattering secret torments Ben Thomas (Will Smith). In order to find redemption, he sets out to change the lives... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Michael Ealy, Barry Pepper
Directed By: Gabriele Muccino

#21

Made in America (1993)
Tomatometer icon 32%

#21
Adjusted Score: 34380%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: An honor student (Nia Long) discovers her father (Ted Danson) is a flashy car salesman and sperm-bank donor her mother... [More]
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Ted Danson, Nia Long, Will Smith
Directed By: Richard Benjamin

#20

Shark Tale (2004)
Tomatometer icon 35%

#20
Adjusted Score: 40982%
Critics Consensus: Derivative and full of pop culture in-jokes.
Synopsis: Underachiever Oscar (Will Smith) is a pint-sized fish with grand aspirations. When mob-connected great white shark Frankie (Michael Imperioli) is... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renée Zellweger, Jack Black
Directed By: Rob Letterman, Bibo Bergeron, Vicky Jenson

#19

Hancock (2008)
Tomatometer icon 42%

#19
Adjusted Score: 51110%
Critics Consensus: Though it begins with promise, Hancock suffers from a flimsy narrative and poor execution.
Synopsis: A scruffy superhero named Hancock (Will Smith) protects the citizens of Los Angeles but leaves horrendous collateral damage in the... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Eddie Marsan
Directed By: Peter Berg

#18

Bad Boys (1995)
Tomatometer icon 43%

#18
Adjusted Score: 47839%
Critics Consensus: Bad Boys stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have enjoyable chemistry; unfortunately, director Michael Bay too often drowns it out with set pieces and explosions in place of an actual story.
Synopsis: Miami-Dade detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) blow a fuse when $100 million worth of heroin... [More]
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Téa Leoni, Tchéky Karyo
Directed By: Michael Bay

#17
#17
Adjusted Score: 47987%
Critics Consensus: Despite the talent involved in The Legend of Bagger Vance, performances are hindered by an inadequate screenplay full of flat characters and bad dialogue. Also, not much happens, and some critics are offended by how the film glosses over issues of racism.
Synopsis: During the Great Depression, Georgia socialite Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron) announces a publicity-garnering high-stakes match at her struggling family golf... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Bruce McGill
Directed By: Robert Redford

#16

I, Robot (2004)
Tomatometer icon 57%

#16
Adjusted Score: 64470%
Critics Consensus: Bearing only the slightest resemblance to Isaac Asimov's short stories, I, Robot is still a summer blockbuster that manages to make viewers think -- if only a little.
Synopsis: In 2035, highly intelligent robots fill public service positions throughout the world, operating under three rules to keep humans safe.... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell
Directed By: Alex Proyas

#15

Focus (2015)
Tomatometer icon 56%

#15
Adjusted Score: 67000%
Critics Consensus: Focus may have a few too many twists and turns, but it nearly skates by on its glamorous setting and the charm of its stars.
Synopsis: Nicky (Will Smith), a veteran con artist, takes a novice named Jess (Margot Robbie) under his wing. While Nicky teaches... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Adrian Martinez, Gerald McRaney
Directed By: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

#14

Aladdin (2019)
Tomatometer icon 57%

#14
Adjusted Score: 77727%
Critics Consensus: Aladdin retells its classic source material's story with sufficient spectacle and skill, even if it never approaches the dazzling splendor of the animated original.
Synopsis: Aladdin is a lovable street urchin who meets Princess Jasmine, the beautiful daughter of the sultan of Agrabah. While visiting... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari
Directed By: Guy Ritchie

#13

Concussion (2015)
Tomatometer icon 58%

#13
Adjusted Score: 67737%
Critics Consensus: Concussion lands a solid, well-acted hit on its impressively timely subject matter, even if its traditional sports drama structure is a little too safe to deserve a full-on dance in the end zone.
Synopsis: While conducting an autopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster (David Morse), forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith)... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Arliss Howard
Directed By: Peter Landesman

#12
#12
Adjusted Score: 74084%
Critics Consensus: Will Smith's heartfelt performance elevates The Pursuit of Happyness above mere melodrama.
Synopsis: A single father and his young son endure many hardships as the father strives to provide a better future for... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe
Directed By: Gabriele Muccino

#11

Independence Day (1996)
Tomatometer icon 68%

#11
Adjusted Score: 73477%
Critics Consensus: The plot is thin and so is character development, but as a thrilling, spectacle-filled summer movie, Independence Day delivers.
Synopsis: In the epic adventure film "Independence Day," strange phenomena surface around the globe. The skies ignite. Terror races through the... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell
Directed By: Roland Emmerich

#10

Ali (2001)
Tomatometer icon 69%

#10
Adjusted Score: 74424%
Critics Consensus: Though perhaps no film could fully do justice to the fascinating life and personality of Muhammad Ali, Mann's direction and Smith's performance combine to pack a solid punch.
Synopsis: With wit and athletic genius, with defiant rage and inner grace, Muhammad Ali forever changed the American landscape. Fighting all... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles
Directed By: Michael Mann

#9

I Am Legend (2007)
Tomatometer icon 68%

#9
Adjusted Score: 76676%
Critics Consensus: I Am Legend overcomes questionable special effects and succeeds largely on the strength of Will Smith's mesmerizing performance.
Synopsis: Robert Neville, a scientist, is a survivor of a man-made plague that transforms humans into mutants; he wanders alone through... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Dash Mihok, Charlie Tahan
Directed By: Francis Lawrence

#8

Men in Black 3 (2012)
Tomatometer icon 67%

#8
Adjusted Score: 78975%
Critics Consensus: It isn't exactly a persuasive argument for the continuation of the franchise, but Men in Black III is better than its predecessor and manages to exceed expectations.
Synopsis: Even though agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) have been protecting the Earth from alien scum for... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement
Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld

#7

Hitch (2005)
Tomatometer icon 68%

#7
Adjusted Score: 74898%
Critics Consensus: Despite Hitch's predictability, Will Smith and Kevin James win praise for their solid, warmhearted performances.
Synopsis: Dating coach Alex "Hitch" Hitchens (Will Smith) mentors a bumbling client, Albert (Kevin James), who hopes to win the heart... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta
Directed By: Andy Tennant

#6

Enemy of the State (1998)
Tomatometer icon 71%

#6
Adjusted Score: 75885%
Critics Consensus: An entertaining, topical thriller that finds director Tony Scott on solid form and Will Smith confirming his action headliner status.
Synopsis: Corrupt National Security Agency official Thomas Reynolds (Jon Voight) has a congressman assassinated to assure the passage of expansive new... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Gene Hackman, Jon Voight, Lisa Bonet
Directed By: Tony Scott

#5

Bad Boys for Life (2020)
Tomatometer icon 76%

#5
Adjusted Score: 91659%
Critics Consensus: Loaded up with action and a double helping of leading-man charisma, Bad Boys for Life reinvigorates this long-dormant franchise by playing squarely to its strengths.
Synopsis: The wife and son of a Mexican drug lord embark on a vengeful quest to kill all those involved in... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Jacob Scipio
Directed By: Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah

#4

Spies in Disguise (2019)
Tomatometer icon 77%

#4
Adjusted Score: 82944%
Critics Consensus: A cheerfully undemanding animated adventure that's elevated by its voice cast, Spies in Disguise is funny, fast-paced, and family-friendly enough to satisfy.
Synopsis: Super spy Lance Sterling and scientist Walter Beckett are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is... [More]
Starring: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn
Directed By: Troy Quane, Nick Bruno

#3
#3
Adjusted Score: 39699%
Critics Consensus: No consensus yet.
Synopsis: King (Dermot Mulroney) is a young man, but he's already a veteran of life on the streets of Los Angeles.... [More]
Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Lara Flynn Boyle, Balthazar Getty, Sean Astin
Directed By: Marc Rocco

#2
#2
Adjusted Score: 90707%
Critics Consensus: Though it betrays its theatrical roots, Six Degrees of Separation largely succeeds thanks to astute direction and fine performances -- particularly from an against-type Will Smith.
Synopsis: Privileged art dealers Flan (Donald Sutherland) and Ouisa (Stockard Channing) are hosting a dinner party when Paul (Will Smith), a... [More]
Starring: Stockard Channing, Will Smith, Donald Sutherland, Bruce Davison
Directed By: Fred Schepisi

#1

Men in Black (1997)
Tomatometer icon 91%

#1
Adjusted Score: 97168%
Critics Consensus: Thanks to a smart script, spectacular set pieces, and charismatic performances from its leads, Men in Black is an entirely satisfying summer blockbuster hit.
Synopsis: They are the best-kept secret in the universe. Working for a highly funded yet unofficial government agency, Kay (Tommy Lee... [More]
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio
Directed By: Barry Sonnenfeld

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