Denzel Washington’s highest-grossing movie has beenAmerican Gangsterfor 17 years, and I can’t believe that its reign has lasted so long. As far as Hollywood actors go, Denzel Washington could be considered a household name. Best known for projects likeGlory, Training Day, Malcolm X,andThe Equalizer,Washington’s best roleshave allowed him to enjoy a long and successful career. Because of this,I was shocked to discover that the actor’s highest-grossing movie of his career has stayed the same for nearly two decades. However, I am excited about the fact that this could change soon enough.
In 2007, Washington starred in the crime drama,American Gangster.Inthe role of Frank Lucas,Washington portrayed a drug dealer who rises to immense power in 1970s New York. Yet, as Lucas builds up his criminal empire, a heroic cop (played by Russell Crowe) dedicates himself to taking down Lucas and his enterprise. Though Washington didn’t win any awards for this film, though he was nominated for a Golden Globe, it has remained one of his most notable projects because it was his most profitable.American Gangstergrossed a whopping $269 million at the box office.
How American Gangster Became (& Is Still) Denzel Washington’s Highest-Grossing Movie
Denzel Washington’s Career Post 2007 Explained
For an actor with such an expansive catalog of projects, it’s surprising to me thatthe crime movieAmerican Gangsterhas remained Washington’s highest-grossing movie for so long. WhenAmerican Gangsterpremiered in 2007, it was bound to be a box office hit. With a star-studded cast and a dark premise, the movie appealed to audiences, leading to its nearly $300 million earnings. However,the biggest shock to me isn’t thatAmerican Gangstersucceeded, but that Washington hasn’t managed to make another movie that has beaten this numberyet. Ultimately, it has to do with the projects he has picked.
$269 million
$208 million
$207 million
$195 million
The Equalizer
$192 million
Following 2007, Washington has starred in various projects, none of which really had the potential to be blockbusters. For the most part,Washington’s post-2007 movies have included small-time action movies and indie dramas. Although films likeFlightandFenceswere critical darlings, they didn’t have the flashy stories of a traditional box office hit. Meanwhile, movies likeThe EqualizerandThe Magnificent Sevenhad the right ingredients, but unfortunately underperformed at the box office. In this way, Washington has had some truly great movies sinceAmerican Gangster,but none have struck the balance of critical and financial success.
Why I’m Surprised Denzel Washington’s Highest-Grossing Movie “Only” Made $269.8 Million
Washington Has The Potential For Massive Box Office Numbers
Another aspect of Washington’s box office numbers that rubs me the wrong way is thatAmerican Gangsterdid well, but notthatwell.While $269 million is definitely an impressive number, it isn’t particularly outstanding. Other franchise films and blockbusters have made way more. For example, the highest-grossing movie of 2007 wasPirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,which made $960 million.American Gangsterranks 19th among thehighest-grossing movies of that year. Now that movies are grossing even more than what they were in 2007, Washington’s record is extra confusing to me.
Arguably, Washington and Crowe are on similar levels of stardom, so the question remains: why hasn’t Washington had a bigger box office success yet?
On top of that, Washington is an actor who is so acclaimed, I would expect his box office numbers to be higher. Take his co-star, Russell Crowe, for instance. While Washington’s highest-grossing movie isAmerican Gangster,at $269 million,Crowe’s highest-grossing movie isMan of Steel,at $668 million. Arguably, Washington and Crowe are on similar levels of stardom, so the question remains: why hasn’t Washington had a bigger box office success yet? It definitely has to do with project choice, and pure luck, but fortunately, his time may be coming soon enough.
Could Any Of Denzel Washington’s Upcoming Movies Beat American Gangster’s Box Office?
Gladiator 2 Has A Good Chance Of Beating American Gangster
After 17 years, it is time for Denzel Washington to break his box office record, and luckily, 2024 may be the perfect time to do so. At the end of the year, Washington is starring in the long-awaited sequel,Gladiator II.Notably, 2000’sGladiatorwas a massive success, drawing in $458 million. Thus, there is a good chance that the sequel, which boasts a star-studded cast, will do just as good, if not better. I have high hopes thatGladiator IIcan finally push Washington onto a higher level of box office success- one that he has long deserved.
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Denzel Washington’s Gladiator 2 character is a new addition to the franchise who looks set to play a pivotal role reminiscent of an earlier story.
Of course, box office numbers are not everything. Although I am excited to see Washington hopefully succeed inGladiator II,I cannot ignore the fact that the actor has remained successful, regardless of financial gains.The Equalizerfranchise has earned two sequels, and Washington has starred in some seriously important projects with massive historical and societal impacts. In this way, the money is far less important than the feelings Washington’s movies evoke. That is likely whyAmerican Gangsterhas held its record for so long.
American Gangster
Cast
American Gangster is a 2007 crime film directed by Ridley Scott, featuring Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas, a heroin kingpin in Harlem, and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, the detective determined to bring him down. The film explores the rise of Lucas in the drug trade and the eventual intersection of their lives amidst the backdrop of a corrupt and morally complex society.
