One half of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, rapper-turned-actor Will Smith burst onto the scene with his breakout role in the iconic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and has never looked back. Starring in the likes of Independence Day and Enemy of the State during the early stages of his career, the American swiftly became a mainstay of blockbuster cinema, going on to earn Oscar nominations for his more dramatic roles in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness.
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As of 2025, Smith is regrettably most widely associated with his slapping scandal at the 94th Academy Awards, but the actor’s best movies underline his status as one of Hollywood’s most prolific and bankable stars in sharp relief. However, while much of the fanfare for Smith’s career is reserved for his most critically and commercially successful movies, the actor has starred in a number of notably underappreciated films over the years, breathing life into a line-up of criminally underrated characters along the way.
You are watching: Will Smith’s 10 Most Underrated Movies
10
Hancock (2008)
Directed By Peter Berg
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Hancock
r
Action
Comedy
7/10
8/10
Release Date
July 2, 2008
Runtime
102minutes
Director
Peter Berg
Writers
Vince Gilligan
Cast
See All
-
Will Smith
-
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Charlize Theron
Hancock is a 2008 superhero film starring Will Smith as John Hancock. Despite being a superhero, Hancock could care less about the damage he causes in the city as long as he catches the criminals he’s after. But after he saves Ray (Jason Bateman) the two work together to help his public image and turn him into a real hero.
Studio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony, Columbia Pictures
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Gleefully subverting every superhero trope in the book, Peter Berg’s box-office hit Hancock saw Smith take on the role of the eponymous character. John Hancock is an alcoholic superhero suffering from amnesia; the movie chronicles his reluctant attempts to turn over a new leaf and become the pillar of society that humanity needs him to be. Hancock’s quality notably falls off around the halfway point of the movie, contributing to the film’s status as one of Smith’s more unsung bodies of work.
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However, some thrilling action sequences and a wickedly satirical sense of humor softens the blow associated with a middling final act. Traditionally one of Hollywood’s more likable leading men, Smith is on top form as he plays against type, whether he’s threatening to break his foot off in an old lady’s backside, throwing a beached whale back into the sea, or hurling a potty-mouthed child into the stratosphere just to teach him a lesson.
9
Independence Day (1996)
Directed By Roland Emmerich
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Independence Day
PG-13
Adventure
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Sci-Fi
Action
8/10
9/10
Release Date
July 3, 1996
Runtime
145 minutes
Director
Roland Emmerich
Writers
Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich
Sequel(s)
Independence Day: Resurgence
Cast
See All
-
Will Smith
-
Bill Pullman
Roland Emmerich’s iconic 1996 sci-fi disaster movie Independence Day chronicles the attack of a hostile race of aliens against planet Earth. When extraterrestrial aircraft occupy Earth without warning, the forces of humanity quickly band together to stop them. At the behest of President Thomas J. Whitmore (Bill Pullman), US Marine pilot Captain Steven Hiller (Will Smith) and satellite engineer David Levinson (Jeff Goldblum) organize humanity’s last-ditch counterattack against the technologically-advanced alien mothership.
Main Genre
Sci-Fi
Studio(s)
20th Century
Distributor(s)
20th Century
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One of Smith’s earliest blockbuster roles, 1996’s Independence Day chronicles a heroic fightback against a worldwide extra-terrestrial invasion. Turning in the highlight of the movie’s performances, the actor plays Captain Steven Hiller, a fighter pilot who finds himself thrust to the forefront of humanity’s daring counterattack after downing an alien ship in a thrilling dogfight.
The second most commercially successful movie of all time upon release, the financial returns for Roland Emmerich’s offering were sharply juxtaposed against a middling critical response. However, while Independence Day is decidedly not Citizen Kane in terms of cinematic quality, the film remains a thoroughly enjoyable crowd-pleaser, as it approaches its thirtieth birthday. Holding on to its status as cinema’s quintessential 4th of July movie, Independence Day rarely fails to entertain despite an array of clichéd characters and a relentless emphasis on American patriotism.
8
I, Robot (2004)
Directed By Alex Proyas
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I, Robot
PG-13
Action
Science Fiction
9/10
Release Date
July 15, 2004
Runtime
115 Minutes
Director
Alex Proyas
Writers
Akiva Goldsman, Jeff Vintar
Cast
See All
-
Will Smith
-
Bridget Moynahan
I, Robot is a science fiction film directed by Alex Proyas, set in a 2035 world where robots are integrated into society. Detective Del Spooner, played by Will Smith, is skeptical of these machines and investigates a crime he believes was committed by a robot, challenging the established trust humans have in robotic technology. The story explores themes of artificial intelligence, ethics, and the evolving relationship between humans and robots.
Main Genre
Action
Studio(s)
Davis Entertainment, Laurence Mark Productions, Canlaws Productions, 20th Century Fox, Overbrook Entertainment, Mediastream Vierte Film GmbH & Co. Vermarktungs KG
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Widely regarded as one of the key movies that have defined Will Smith’s career to date, 2004’s I, Robot is a notoriously underappreciated entry in the actor’s filmography. Rubber-stamping Smith’s status as a sci-fi mainstay, Alex Proyas’ picture is set in the near future and depicts a dystopian reality where highly advanced robots form an integral part of society. The Fresh Prince star is tasked with the role of Del Spooner, a detective investigating a potential murder perpetrated by a robot named Sonny.
…Proyas’ sci-fi offering is contentiously the director’s finest film since The Crow.
One of the 2000s’ better sci-fi entries, I, Robot is a far superior movie than its mediocre approval rating of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes would indicate. An intelligent thrill ride that boasts electric action sequences while simultaneously inviting deep introspective reflection, Proyas’ thought-invoking offering is contentiously the director’s finest film since The Crow.
7
Men In Black 3 (2012)
Directed By Barry Sonnenfeld
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Men in Black 3
pg-13
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Sci-Fi
Action
5/10
5/10
Release Date
May 25, 2012
Runtime
1h 46m
Director
Barry Sonnenfeld
Writers
Jeff Nathanson, David Koepp
Prequel(s)
Men in Black II, Men In Black
Cast
See All
-
Will Smith
-
Josh Brolin
The third installment in the Men in Black franchise, Men in Black 3 sees Agent J (Will Smith) travel back in time to prevent his partner, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) from being assassinated. Arriving in 1969, J meets younger K (Josh Brolin), and the pair must work together in order to stop an alien terrorist called Boris the Animal (Jermaine Clement).
Studio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
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The conclusive entry in the original Men in Black trilogy, 2012’s Men in Black 3 quietly staked a claim to rival the original installment for the best movie in the franchise. Introducing Josh Brolin to play a younger version of Tommy Lee Jones’ Agent K against the backdrop of a time-travel centric premise proved to be an inspired choice, with Smith also producing a lauded bow in his final appearance as the wisecracking Agent J.
|
Men in Black Rotten Tomatoes Approval Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Men in Black (1997) |
91% |
|
Men in Black 2 (2002) |
38% |
|
Men in Black 3 (2012) |
67% |
|
Men in Black: International (2019) |
23% |
J’s efforts to travel back in time to prevent K’s assassination produced what is arguably the series’ most compelling adventure, aided by the usual array of wacky monsters, crackling dialogue, and thrilling action sequences. With 2019’s Men in Black: International receiving dismal reviews and tanking at the box office, it’s all been downhill for the storied franchise since Smith’s final appearance, underling the third movie’s status as one of his most underrated films.
6
Focus (2015)
Directed By Glenn Ficarra & John Requa
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Focus
R
Drama
Crime
Comedy
8/10
Release Date
February 27, 2015
Runtime
105minutes
Director
Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Writers
John Requa, Glenn Ficarra
Cast
See All
-
Robert Taylor
-
BD Wong
Veteran con man Nicky Spurgeon (Will Smith) gets romantically involved with an attractive young woman named Jess (Margot Robbie) and teaches her the tricks of his trade. Nicky breaks the relationship off when Jess gets too close, and years later, the two are reunited on opposite sides of the same scam.
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
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2015’s Focus saw Smith cast alongside Barbie star Margot Robbie as one half of the movie’s leading duo. A notable commercial success, the crime comedy-drama follows two romantically involved career con-artists who duly find themselves pitted against each other. However, the reviews for Glenn Ficarra and John Requa’s picture were mixed, with many critics arguing that the film was overly reliant on Smith and Robbie’s considerable combined star power.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone were originally linked to Smith and Robbie’s roles in Focus, having previously worked with Ficarra and Recqua on 2011’s Crazy Stupid Love.
Fortunately, said star power is sufficient to distract from the majority of Focus’ more obvious flaws. Leveraging electric chemistry with his co-star to maximum effect, Smith oozes slick charisma throughout a top tier performance as seasoned con-man Ricky Spurgeon. Loaded with thrilling twists and turns, Focus’ gripping narrative and elaborate scams serve as the cherry on the cake for one of the actor’s most underrated offerings from the 2010s.
5
Bright (2017)
Directed By David Ayer
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Bright
TV-MA
Fantasy
Action
Crime
Thriller
3/10
8/10
Release Date
December 22, 2017
Runtime
118 minutes
Director
David Ayer
Writers
David Ayer, Max Landis
Cast
See All
-
Will Smith
-
Joel Edgerton
In an alternate Los Angeles, mystical creatures live side by side with humans. When police officer Daryl Ward is partnered with the division’s first Orc officer, the two must overcome the racism and police corruption in their way, in order to stop a magical artifact and mythical figure from wreaking havoc in the city.
Studio(s)
Netflix
Distributor(s)
Netflix
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Smith’s second collaboration with Fury director David Ayer following 2016’s Suicide Squad, 2017’s Bright is one of the most successful Netflix original films of all time in terms of viewership. Depicting a world where humans co-exist alongside various mythological creatures, Bright stars Smith as Daryl Ward, a cop who is involuntarily partnered up with the first orc to serve as an LAPD police officer, Joel Edgerton’s Nick Jakoby.
An ambitious blend of mythology and social commentary, Bright falls considerably short of its lofty aspirations through an over reliance on buddy cop tropes. However, Ayer’s fan-favorite movie is a far cry from the irredeemable disaster that the vast majority of critics painted it as. Bright may be a mess, but it’s never dull, a state of affairs highlighted by the movie’s stellar viewing numbers. Throw in a typically assured bow from Smith, and this entertaining urban fantasy offering isn’t anywhere near as terrible as the reviews made it out to be.
4
The Legend Of Bagger Vance (2000)
Directed By Robert Redford
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The Legend of Bagger Vance
PG-13
Drama
Fantasy
Sport
Release Date
November 3, 2000
Runtime
126 Minutes
Director
Robert Redford
Writers
Steven Pressfield, Jeremy Leven
Cast
See All
-
Will Smith
Bagger Vance
-
Matt Damon
Rannulph Junuh
-
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Charlize Theron
Adele Invergordon
-
Bruce McGill
Walter Hagen
The Legend of Bagger Vance is a sports drama directed by Robert Redford. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the film stars Matt Damon as disillusioned golfer Rannulph Junuh, who finds an unlikely mentor in the enigmatic caddy Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. Charlize Theron co-stars as Junuh’s former love interest. The story revolves around a high-stakes golf tournament that becomes a path to redemption for the troubled protagonist.
Main Genre
Drama
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Boasting a star-studded cast that includes Matt Damon and Charlize Theron alongside Will Smith, The Legend of Bagger Vance is contentiously one of the best golf movies of all time. Unfortunately, Robert Redford’s 2000 sports fantasy drama is more widely associated with the controversy pertaining to the movie’s reliance on the “Magical Negro” stereotype. Popularized by Spike Lee, this term refers to a concerning film trope that relegates African Americans to mere supporting stock characters.
…Smith still produces an excellent turn as the titular magical caddie to partially redeem this firmly average sports offering.
Accordingly, The Legend of Bagger Vance is justifiably bogged down by such troublesome accusations, a status quo that has likely contributed to the movie’s reputation as one of Smith’s lesser known films. However, while it’s impossible to escape the negative connotations of the film’s rhetoric and some of its more obvious creative shortcomings, Smith still produces an excellent turn as the titular magical caddie to partially redeem this firmly average sports offering.
3
Suicide Squad (2016)
Directed By David Ayer
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Suicide Squad
PG-13
Action
Superhero
6/10
20
6.1/10
Release Date
August 5, 2016
Runtime
123 minutes
Director
David Ayer
Writers
David Ayer
Sequel(s)
The Suicide Squad
Cast
See All
-
Joel Kinnaman
-
Will Smith
The Suicide Squad team is made up of villains, captured and kept in a secret prison, and offered reduced sentences if they participate in dangerous missions. In the tradition of continuity within DCEU films, the event comes in the wake of Superman’s death and the seclusion of Batman after the events that occurred in Batman V Superman. Agency head Amanda Waller, played by award-winning actress Viola Davis, is the one striking deals with the inmates of Belle Reve Prison. Heading “Task Force X” is Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag, alongside Will Smith’s Deadshot, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang, Jay Hernandez’s El Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye’s Killer Croc, and Adam Beach’s Slipknot. Karen Fukuhara’s Katana also joins the mission to keep Rick safe from the villains. Jared Leto (Joker) and Ben Affleck (Batman) have smaller roles in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, as does Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress.
Studio(s)
DC
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
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Before the debut of James Gunn’s acclaimed 2021 standalone sequel The Suicide Squad, 2016’s Suicide Squad appeared to spell the end for the film’s eponymous rag-tag motley crew. Despite an impressive box-office return that saw the film land as the tenth-highest-grossing entry of the year and some glorious visuals that earned the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, David Ayer’s picture was mercilessly torn apart by critics to such an extent that the director completely disowned the final product.
|
Suicide Squad Rotten Tomatoes Approval Ratings |
|
|---|---|
|
Suicide Squad (2016) |
26% |
|
The Suicide Squad (2021) |
91% |
With that being said, the film did still feature some notable silver linings. One of the many overlooked positives associated with Ayer’s original outing is Will Smith’s impressive turn as the elite marksman and assassin, Deadshot. Leveraging his natural charisma to the fullest extent, Smith’s gleefully unrestrained performance as the career criminal was head and shoulders above the majority of the cast, serving to partially compensate for this calamitous superhero flick.
2
Emancipation (2022)
Directed By Antoine Fuqua
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Emancipation
pg-13
History
Action
Thriller
5/10
Release Date
December 2, 2022
Runtime
132minutes
Director
Antoine Fuqua
Writers
Bill Collage
Cast
See All
-
Will Smith
-
Ben Foster
Based on the true story of a man named Gordon in the 1860s, Emancipation tells the tale of an enslaved person named Peter, played by Will Smith, who escapes from a Louisiana plantation. The film is an action/thriller that shows Peter’s journey as he tries to avoid murderous hunters that will stop at nothing to catch him. Finally, Peter escaped to the North and joined the Union Army to stop the slave trade in the south and fight for true emancipation. The true story of Gordon featured the famous photographs of Peter’s whipped back, which became a central focal point for strengthening the abolitionist movement of the time.
Distributor(s)
Apple
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Inspired by the horrific photo of the slave known as “Whipped Peter,” hopes were high for Antoine Fuqua’s historical thriller, Emancipation. Featuring Smith in the leading role of Peter, the 2022 movie follows the character’s desperate attempts to escape to freedom after Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation. Regrettably, the film only received middling reviews, with many critics highlighting the movie’s purported liberties with historical events and facts.
Emancipation holds a rating of 6.3 on IMDb.
It’s a crying shame, considering Emancipation boasts one of the better Smith performances in recent years. The actor utterly loses himself in bringing Peter to life, producing a stirring and visceral bow that helps elevate the movie above some of its more prevalent shortcomings. Emancipation was unfortunate enough to find itself caught up in the wake of Smith’s slapping scandal at the Oscars, a major factor in contributing to its status as one of his more underappreciated bodies of work.
1
Gemini Man (2019)
Directed By Ang Lee
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Gemini Man
PG-13
Action
Documentary
Drama
Sci-Fi
Thriller
5/10
Release Date
October 2, 2019
Runtime
117 minutes
Director
Ang Lee
Writers
David Benioff, Jonathan Hensleigh, Darren Lemke, Andrew Niccol, Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson
Cast
See All
-
Benedict Wong
-
Will Smith
Will Smith pulls double duty in Ang Lee’s Gemini Man as retired sniper Henry Brogan, whose biggest enemy turns out to be a younger clone of himself. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Benedict Wong, and Clive Owen round out the main cast of this 2019 action thriller.
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
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On the surface, Ang Lee’s 2019 movie Gemini Man appeared to be little more than a cocktail of played out sci-fi action tropes. A major box office bomb, the film pitted Smith’s aging mercenary Henry Brogan against a younger clone of himself tasked with “retiring” him. Compounding the movie’s disastrous aura, Lee’s film received a slew of negative reviews, garnering a measly 27% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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Visual effects supervisor Guy Williams reveals a surprising example of a CGI rendered, but not de-aged Will Smith in action thriller Gemini Man.
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However, reexamination of the movie reveals Gemini Man to arguably be one of Will Smith’s most underrated movies. Questionable digital de-aging techniques aside, the actor produces a surprisingly evocative bow in bringing Brogan and “Junior” to life, carrying what is otherwise a generic action flick through his star power and natural screen presence. Throw in Lee’s trademark stunning visuals, and there’s a remarkably entertaining viewing experience to be found at the heart of this maligned offering.
Will Smith
Birthdate
September 25, 1968
Birthplace
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Category: Entertainment