From any era and genre, these are the greatest African American actors in film history, ranked by the community to determine who is the best African American actor of all time. These top Black actors are the best of the best and many are also among the best living actors today. From those who have portrayed classic Black characters, to award winning actors, only the best African American male actors are on this list. (Click here to vote on the best Black actresses.)
Who are the greatest African American actors in film? Including Oscar winners, like Denzel Washington, classic actors, like Sidney Poitier, and movie stars, like Will Smith, each of the famous Black actors on this list has earned his place with an excellent body of work and memorable performances. Some African American comedians and rappers are also on this list, having found success in a movie, or two.
From young to old, the popular Black male actors that are featured on this list include some of the best actors of all time including, Morgan Freeman, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, Ossie Davis, Forest Whitaker, Danny Glover, and Eddie Murphy. Of course, you'll also find young Black actors who've recently risen to the top, like John David Washington, Chadwick Boseman, LaKeith Stanfield, and Donald Glover. Is the African American actor you think is best not on the list? Add him to make a truly comprehensive list to determine the best African American leading Hollywood men.
- 1
With a career crammed with powerful performances, Denzel Washington carries an unmatched depth in his dramatic roles, notably in films like Training Day, for which he scored an Oscar. He's got one foot atop the thespian peak, offering us a masterclass in acting, with others being Glory and Malcolm X. His sweeping oeuvre has not only earned him critical praise but also reinforced his status as a titan of cinema.
- Birthplace: Mount Vernon, New York, USA
- 2
Beloved for his velvety-firm voice and commanding presence, Morgan Freeman is a fixture of American cinema, renowned for his roles in Shawshank Redemption and Million Dollar Baby. The Academy Award winner's quiet dignity and the gravitas he infuses in his roles have etched an indelible impact on audiences globally. In essence, his body of work has set in stone his stature as an acting paragon scraping the clouds of cinematic hierarchy.
- Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- 3
Keeping tongues wagging with his dynamic performances and character versatility, Samuel L. Jackson, has candidly marked his territory in Hollywood with films like Pulp Fiction and the Star Wars series. His indomitable spirit shines through his roles, making him a force to be reckoned with, domestically and internationally. As one of the highest-grossing box office stars, Jackson has colored the silver screen with his hard-punching performances imprinting his footprints in the sands of time.
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
- 4
Laurence Fishburne, known for his role as Morpheus in the Matrix series, brings a gravitational pull on the screen that's hard to ignore. Sporting an armory of accolades, including a Tony and an Emmy, Fishburne has carved a deep well of presence in the world of acting. His unflinching commitment has cemented his space in Hollywood, influencing generations of actors.
- Birthplace: Augusta, Georgia, USA
- 5
Cutting a majestic figure in Hollywood, Chadwick Boseman graced the screen with such vibrancy and vitality, most notably in his role as Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The late actor's on screen mettle earned him an Academy award nomination, proving that he was no flash in the pan. Boseman's influential portrayals continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, establishing his legacy as a dazzling beacon.
- Birthplace: Anderson, South Carolina
- 6
Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, celebrated for his role in The Last King of Scotland, has a life's work splashed over film and television spectrum. His soul-stirring performances have been the gold standard, leaving an indelible and pioneering impact. Whitaker is a live wire who infuses every fiber of his being into his roles, creating a canon that would stand the test of time.
- Birthplace: Longview, Texas, USA
