Originally by Ranker FilmList RulesVote up the African American male actors, living or passed, with the most consistent top acting performances.
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. 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.
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2,028404Morgan Freeman
Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss DaisyBirthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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2,486513Denzel Washington
Antwone Fisher, Book of EliBirthplace: USA, New York, Mount Vernon
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1,807370Samuel L. Jackson
Pulp Fiction, The AvengersBirthplace: Washington, D.C., United States of America
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1,663487Will Smith
After Earth, I Am LegendBirthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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1,045282Laurence Fishburne
The Matrix, Man of SteelBirthplace: Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
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1,073295Forest Whitaker
The Butler, The Last King of ScotlandBirthplace: Longview, Texas, United States of America
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890232James Earl Jones
The Lion King, Return of the JediBirthplace: Arkabutla, Mississippi, United States of America
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731224Sidney Poitier
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, In the Heat of the NightBirthplace: Miami, Florida, United States of America
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652192Danny Glover
Lethal Weapon, The Color PurpleBirthplace: California, United States of America
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999184Chadwick Boseman
42, The ExpressBirthplace: Anderson, South Carolina
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965363Jamie Foxx
Django Unchained, The Amazing Spider-Man 2Birthplace: Terrell, Texas, United States of America
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38882Mahershala Ali
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Place Beyond the PinesBirthplace: Oakland, California, United States of America
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944315Eddie Murphy
Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to AmericaBirthplace: New York City, New York
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838280Don Cheadle
Crash, Hotel RwandaBirthplace: Kansas City, USA, Missouri
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594228Michael Clarke Duncan
Planet of the Apes, DaredevilBirthplace: USA, Chicago, Illinois
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851222Michael B. Jordan
That Awkward Moment, Fruitvale StationBirthplace: Santa Ana, California, USA
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619236Cuba Gooding, Jr.
What Dreams May Come, Jerry MaguireBirthplace: New York City, New York, United States of America
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457163Ving Rhames
Pulp Fiction, Dawn of the DeadBirthplace: New York City, New York, United States of America
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520243Wesley Snipes
Blade, White Men Can't JumpBirthplace: Orlando, Florida, United States of America
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571254Terrence Howard
Iron Man, The Best ManBirthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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531252Ice Cube
Friday, 21 Jump StreetBirthplace: South Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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365162Louis Gossett, Jr.
An Officer and a Gentleman, Iron EagleBirthplace: Sheepshead Bay, New York City, New York, USA
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391187Chris Tucker
The Fifth Element, FridayBirthplace: Georgia, USA, Atlanta
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260104Sterling K. Brown
Stay, Our Idiot BrotherBirthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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426191Morris Chestnut
Boyz n the Hood, Kick-Ass 2Birthplace: Cerritos, California, United States of America
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