Black actors have long been the force behind some of the most influential moments in the movies—breaking ground, redefining genres, and committing performances to memory that linger long after the curtain goes up. From vintage Hollywood to the box-office titans of today, these performers haven’t only entertained—they’ve opened doors and redefined the industry for generations to come. Following are 10 of the greatest Black movie actors in cinema history—ranked not just by awards, but by their influence, artistry, and lasting legacy.
10. Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan has become one of the defining stars of his generation. His early breakthrough in Fruitvale Station revealed a raw emotional strength, then Creed revitalized the Rocky franchise with realism and heart. As Erik Killmonger in Black Panther, Jordan refigured the superhero villain—layered, magnetic, and culturally attuned. His performances continue to upend expectations and push the boundaries of Black representation in Hollywood.
9. Laurence Fishburne
Few actors own the screen like Laurence Fishburne. He’s either guiding Neo as the venerable and powerful Morpheus in The Matrix or doing scorching work in films such as What’s Love Got to Do with It, Boyz n the Hood, and Mystic River. Fishburne infuses each role with intensity, dignity, and weight. His low, authoritative voice and commanding presence have established him as a pillar of American film.
8. Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx is a one-in-a-million talent who does it all. His Oscar-winning performance as Ray Charles in Ray was a life-changing moment, nailing not only the sound but the spirit of the music legend. From his terrifying turn in Collateral to the high-octane fury he brought to Django Unchained, Foxx transitions between comedy, action, and drama with unparalleled ease. His concurrent success in music and on film merely increases his reputation as one of entertainment’s most diversified stars.
7. James Earl Jones
Few voices are more legendary than James Earl Jones’. As Darth Vader, he established the template for one of the most famous villains in the history of cinema. As Mufasa in The Lion King, he was a father figure to a generation. But outside voice-overs, Jones brought depth and gravitas to Field of Dreams, The Great White Hope, and The Hunt for Red October, and solidified his legend.
6. Danny Glover
Danny Glover’s career cuts across genres and generations. He added warmth and humor to the Lethal Weapon series, and delivered profoundly emotional performances in The Color Purple and Beloved. Glover’s skill at moving between action hero and socially aware dramatic actor makes him one of the most versatile—and endearing—actors on screen. His activism in real life has further secured his place in history.
5. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy transformed comedy during the 1980s and beyond. With classic roles in Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Trading Places, Murphy demonstrated he was more than a comic mastermind—he was a film star. His ability to play several characters in The Nutty Professor demonstrated a combination of ability and imagination rarely seen. Even more recently, his performance in Dolemite Is My Name recalled audiences of his remarkable range and enduring ability.
4. Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes infused action and drama with charisma and edge. As Blade, he set the tone for the modern superhero age years before the MCU dominated the Hollywood scene. His raw performance as Nino Brown in New Jack City became a highlight of ’90s movies. Snipes even demonstrated his comedic chops in White Men Can’t Jump, showcasing that he could seamlessly switch from humor to swagger.
3. Samuel L. Jackson
Perhaps the most prolific leading man in Hollywood history, Samuel L. Jackson has a commanding voice, incendiary performances, and an unshakeable presence on screen. In Pulp Fiction, as Jules, he had one of the most quoted monologues in cinema. As Nick Fury in the Marvel universe, he’s become the linchpin of the cinematic universe. With more than 150 film credits to his name, Jackson is a cultural institution unto himself.
2. Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker’s greatest asset is his capacity for inwardness and how he can convey inner conflict with understated subtlety. He received an Oscar for his bone-chilling portrayal of Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, and has brought understated gravitas to such films as The Butler, Bird, and Black Panther. Whitaker’s characters frequently wrestle with the nature of power, vulnerability, and morality—all of them with profound humanity.
1. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is at the top of the heap for good reason. With unparalleled charisma, intensity, and range, he’s given one masterful performance after another. From Malcolm X to Training Day to Fences, Washington dominates the screen with ease. He’s just as effective in subdued dramas as he is in high-octane thrill rides, and his record as actor and director continues to expand. Denzel isn’t simply one of the greatest Black actors—he’s one of the greatest actors, period.
These performers didn’t entertain us—they revolutionized the industry. What they did on screen broke rules, paved the way for others, and created legacies that continue to influence the future of storytelling.