Even True Fans Can't Name All Of These Will Smith Movies...But They Can Try
- by Danielle Lasher
- – on
- in Movies and TV
If there’s an actor out there who’s already done his dues, it’s gotta be Will Smith. The famous actor, rapper, and comedian have already cemented his legacy with a huge body of work. He could retire from acting tomorrow, hide away from the paparazzi forever and people would still talk about him for years to come. Although he’s a man of many talents, he’s best known for his movies. Still acting today, Will’s most memorable roles came out of the 1990s and 2000s.
One of Smith’s notable traits is his appealing nature. Most of his films end up being big box office draws. There’s a reason Forbes ranked him the most bankable star in the entire world. According to IMDB, as of 2014, his movies grossed $6.6 billion at the box office across the world. That just goes to show that when Will Smith stars in a movie, everyone goes to the theater. With that being the case, it should be pretty easy identifying all of the movies in which he’s appeared. Granted, there are some earlier films he was in that aren’t as popular these days. But it shouldn’t be too hard for a true Will Smith fan.
What’s the name of this film that helped catapult Smith to fame and fortune?
A breakout role for Smith from this 1995 cop movie paired the actor up alongside Martin Lawrence. Directed by Michael Bay—the man behind The Transformers films—Smith plays Mike Lowrey, who’s good with the ladies. But when he’s not chasing skirts, he’s a Miami policeman working with his partner on a tough case to crack. The police department is out $100 million worth of dope. Now, it’s up to this pair of contrasting cops to work together. What’s the name of this film that helped catapult Smith to fame and fortune?
What is the name of this movie that spawned a sequel, though without Smith?
Like Spielberg’s Jaws, this movie set a new bar for tentpole summer blockbusters. The movie centers around an ensemble cast dealing with an alien invasion around America’s Fourth of July. Smith plays Captain Steven Hiller, a fighter jet pilot who welcomes one alien to Earth with a punch in the face. In order to destroy the aliens, he has to work with the nation's leader and David Levinson, who’s played by Jeff Goldblum. What is the name of this movie that spawned a sequel, though without Smith?
What movie stars a lawyer given something that changed his life?
In a film directed by the late Tony Scott, Smith plays Robert Clayton Dean, a lawyer who’s given something that changes his life. An old friend from college—unbeknownst to Robert—puts a disc in his belongings. It just so happens that the disc contains proof that the official didn't die of a heart attack, but murder. The belief is that the official died of natural causes, having a heart attack. But now, a disc with the truth is in Robert’s possession. As a result, Robert’s life becomes chaotic. What movie is this?
What's the name of this 2000 movie with Will Smith as a caddie that changes the fortunes for the main character Rannulph Junuh?
This golf film starring Smith as a caddie was directed by Hollywood legend Robert Redford. Although the film didn’t perform well at the box office, it managed to showcase Smith’s ability to take on different roles. The movie also stars Matt Damon and Charlize Theron. Taking place in the Great Depression, and centers on a match between two golfing legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. What's the name of this 2000 movie with Will Smith as a caddie that changes the fortunes for the main character Rannulph Junuh?
What is the name of this movie, which earned Smith an Oscar nomination for Best Actor?
A film about boxing's biggest legend, Will Smith took on this leading role. Directed by Michael Mann, the film goes through this boxer's life, including his major title bout and win against Sonny Liston. It also dabbles in this figure's choice to become Muslim and later refuse to fight in the Vietnam War. Eventually, this fighter met his biggest matches in the ring against Joe Frazier and George Foreman. What is the name of this movie, which earned Smith an Oscar nomination for Best Actor?
What is the name of this wacky alien adventure sequel?
In a sequel to the hit sci-fi and buddy cop film, Smith returned as James Edwards—also known as Agent J. This time around, Agent K is no longer around after returning to a civilian life. But a new threat forces Agent J to seek K out and team up once again. Although this film wasn't received as well critically as the first film, it still performed well at the box office. What is the name of this wacky alien adventure sequel?
What movie ends in romance?
This buddy cop sequel opens with cos Marcus Burnett and Mike Lowrey busting a KKK rally. Lowrey, played by Smith, returns as the loose-cannon he was in the first film. He even accidentally shoots his partner in the bum towards the beginning. As a result, the two have a rocky partnership as they soon become involved in a complicated case. Also, complicating matters is the fact that Lowrey becomes romantically involved with Burnett's sister. What movie is this?
What is the name of this action thriller with Will Smith in the lead role?
This film, loosely based on a story by sci-fi author Isaac Asimov, takes place in the future where artificial intelligence exists. Smith plays Del Spooner, a cop in Chicago who's suspicious of robots. He finds himself thrown into a situation where robots show signs of rebellion. It's up to him to determine whether the CEO of a company really committed suicide, or if the robots were behind it. What is the name of this action thriller with Will Smith in the lead role?
What's the name of this 2005 comedy that only helped elevate Smith's career further?
In a romantic comedy that also starred Kevin James and Eva Mendes, Smith plays a self-titled "date doctor." In the movie, he helps Albert Brennaman, played by Kevin James, get the girl of his dreams. What Smith's character doesn't expect is that he'd fall in love with someone else along the way. The problem is, the "date doctor" has problems himself when it comes to courting women. What's the name of this 2005 comedy that only helped elevate Smith's career further?
What's the name of this DC movie that made over $700 million at the box office?
This Warner Bros film based on characters in the DC Comics universe is about a band of misfits. Technically, the main characters are villains. But they're released from prison in order to deal with a threat that could cost them their lives. Smith plays Deadshot, an assassin who loves his daughter more than anything. The film also reunited Smith with his former co-star Margot Robbie, who plays Harley Quinn. What's the name of this DC movie that made over $700 million at the box office?
What's the name of this popular TV show?
This next one is cheating, as it's technically a TV show that starred Will Smith. Based on a kid who's actually named Will Smith, he's forced to move in with his uncle and family who live in California after getting in a fight. As the show's theme song says, his mom got worried about him and made him move away for his safety. The show eventually aired for six seasons and put Will Smith's career on the map. What's the name of this popular TV show?
What movie is this, which ended up being Jaden's first movie role?
In this movie based on a true story, Smith plays Chris Gardner. Gardner is down on his luck and homeless. To make matters worse, his wife Linda is sick of him and his dreams. Eventually, Chris and his son have to make it on their own living on the streets of San Francisco. The movie even stars Jaden Smith, Smith's actual son, in the role of Gardner's son. What movie is this, which ended up being Jaden's first movie role?
What is the name of this popular 2007 film?
This dystopian film is about Smith being the last (believed) man alive on Earth. His character's name is Robert Neville, who's determined to find a cure and is humanity's last hope. There was a virus that wiped out humanity and turned those who survived into strange creatures that resemble vampires. The only companion Smith has left is his dog. Apparently, the virus started after the human race tried to create a cure for cancer. What is the name of this popular 2007 film?
What's the name of this movie, also named after the movie's hero?
In this 2008 film, Smith plays a superhero. But he's not our typical superhero. Really, Smith's character is like any regular person. He's always getting into trouble and doesn't care about causing any collateral damage that ends up costing Los Angeles tons of money. But in a twist of fate, he has an opportunity to turn around his image after rescuing someone. He also happens to have a drinking problem. What's the name of this movie, also named after the movie's hero?
What is the name of this movie?
This buddy cop film came out on Netflix and stars Will Smith as an L.A. cop. His partner happens to be an Orc. After all, it's an alternate world where fantasy creatures run amok. There are elves and dwarves living in Los Angeles (but it's not The Lord of the Rings). Smith, who plays Daryl Ward, along with his Orc partner Jakoby, are on a case looking into the use of magic. What is the name of this movie?
What is the name of this film?
This 2008 drama puts Will Smith front and center in an emotional film. Despite the critics not liking it, the film performed well at the box office, pulling in a global haul of $168 million. The film starts out bleak from the get-go with a suicide. Not long after, it goes into several other stories, as Will Smith sets out to help improve their lives. It also stars Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, and Barry Pepper. What is the name of this film?
What's the name of this comedy and drama?
This movie marked the first time Will Smith and Margot Robbie worked together. Although the film didn't receive the best reviews, it managed to rake in $159 million at the box office. Smith plays a con man named Nicky Spurgeon, where he encounters a Jess Barrett. Barrett is a con as well, only much less savvy. They later encounter each other again and become involved in a plot involving the owner of a motorsport team. What's the name of this comedy and drama?
What's the name of this 2013 action film?
The tagline for this film was "Danger is real, fear is a choice." Joining Will Smith in this film was his own real-life son, Jaden, who plays his on-screen offspring. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film took place on Earth during the 31st Century. Earth is a much different place by then. There are aliens running amok and humans no longer occupy Earth. It's up to Smith and his son to survive when they land on the planet. What's the name of this 2013 action film?
What's the name of this movie?
This sports movie, based on a true story, is about a serious issue going on today. Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu as he goes up against the NFL. He's striving to reveal the truth about football players and the trauma CTE scans are revealing about their injuries. The film also stars Alec Baldwin and Albert Brooks. Coming out in 2015, this movie raised more awareness about an issue that's dogging the NFL today. What's the name of this movie?
What's the name of this film?
Will Smith returned to this franchise as Agent J. This time around, a dangerous animal named Boris the Animal has escaped his cell. Now, it's up to Agents J and K to apprehend him. The problem is, Boris the Animal managed to go back in time and kill Agent K in the past (to prevent his capture in the future). This forces J to travel back to the past and reverse Boris the Animal's plan. What's the name of this film?
What's the name of this animated film that also included the voices of Angelina Jolie and Jack Black?
For this 2004 animated film, Will Smith lent his voice as Oscar, a fish. As the main character of the film, Oscar tells a lie that gets him in loads of trouble. He says that he killed a shark's son in order to make himself look good. The problem is the shark is a gangster. Made by DreamWorks Animation, the film managed to gross almost $50 million in its opening weekend. What's the name of this animated film that also included the voices of Angelina Jolie and Jack Black?
What movie is it?
Will Smith plays an advertising exec who loses his daughter at the beginning of the film. Thankfully for Smith's character, named Howard Inlet, he's got friends who care about him. They put their heads together and make a plan that'll literally save his life. Alongside Smith is an all-star cast that includes Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren. The movie went on to gross $88 million, though it currently sits at a 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. What movie is it?
What's the name of this Will Smith-produced flick?
Will Smith showed a different side of his talents when this 2012 romantic comedy came out, only it would be behind the cameras instead of in front. The movie stars Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy. Pine and Hardy play agents who start off as good friends. But they soon find out that they're romantically involved with the same woman, which threatens to end their friendship. The two agents' names are Franklin "FDR" Foster and Tuck Hansen. What's the name of this Will Smith-produced flick?
What's the name of this 2008 film?
We technically won't find Will Smith in this film, except in the closing credits. Even though he didn't star in this one, he signed on as a producer. The film stars Dakota Fanning as an abused child who escapes home with a nanny. They go to South Carolina, where she hopes to find out more about her mom. During her adventure, she meets the Boatwright sisters, played by Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo. What's the name of this 2008 film?
What's the name of this movie, which is a remake taking place in China?
Jaden Smith stars in this remake of a classic film, which was also produced by his dad, Will. In the role of the mentor is Jackie Chan, who teaches Dre—played by Jaden Smith—how to stand up to bullies. Chan's character, named Mr. Han, happens to be a master in the arts of kung fu. Mr. Han also teaches Dre life lessons beyond just self-defense, including how to live responsibly. What's the name of this movie, which is a remake taking place in China?
What's the name of this romantic movie that bombed at the box office?
This 2014 movie is actually based on a play by William Shakespeare. Although Will Smith only appears briefly, many fans argue he steals the movie. The actor plays Lucifer who lives underground in New York City. But the movie itself stars Colin Farrell, who plays a thief that falls for a woman. The only problem is she dies early on in the story. That doesn't stop him from trying to bring her back though. What's the name of this romantic movie that bombed at the box office?
What is the name of this movie?
Will Smith makes a small appearance in this film by Kevin Smith. It's a 2004 movie starring Ben Affleck, who's forced to take his daughter in after an unexpected event. There's a scene where Ollie, played by Affleck, yells, "Shut up with the Fresh Prince stuff!" It becomes meta since Smith is playing himself in 1996 when one of his movies on this list comes out. But the movie we're looking for is this 2004 one where Smith plays himself. What is the name of this movie?
What's the name of this 2014 movie?
In a remake of this classic film about an orphan girl, Will Smith decided to work as a producer on this movie. His wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, along with rapper "Jay Z" also produced the film. Even though this character is an orphan, she finds ways to stay happy. When she's taken under the wing of a New York mogul running for mayor, who's named Will Stacks, her life is about to change. What's the name of this 2014 movie?
What's the name of this movie?
Although Will Smith didn’t star in this 2008 film, he's credited as a co-producer. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, it blends multiple genres including crime, thriller, and comedy. Jackson is a Los Angeles cop who doesn't play nice with his neighbors. Kerry Washington and Patrick Wilson play the neighbors, who Jackson harasses the entire movie. The film's title comes from a location in Los Angeles where Jackson's character lives. What's the name of this movie?
What's the name of this movie with Smith in a minor role?
The following is another lesser known role of Will Smith's from 1993. Whoopi Goldberg plays Sarah, who had her daughter without knowing who the father was (she got the seed from a bank). The father, who's played by Ted Danson, ends up surprising Sarah. At the time she got pregnant, she had wanted a black donor. Will Smith plays Tea Cake Walters, a humorous character with a backward cap and glasses. What's the name of this movie with Smith in a minor role?
What movie is it?
This 1992 film isn't one of Will Smith's most well-known roles. In fact, his role is much smaller in this movie than later ones. Filmed in Los Angeles, this movie is about disparate youths leaving their homes and embarking on a new adventure. Under the leadership of a man named King, played by Dermot Mulroney, the youths become like a gang on the street. Will Smith plays Manny, a man without legs who befriends King and the youths. Also starring Sean Astin, what movie is it?
What is the name of this movie?
Directed by Adam McKay, this comedy sequel has Will Smith in a small role as Jeff Bullington. Although the movie is about a news anchor played by Will Ferrell and his wife, Veronica Corningstone, there's a series of comedic scenes that involve Smith. The news anchors are always at war with each other (literally). At one point, Smith's character, who plays an ESPN anchor, has a fighter jet called in to attack. What is the name of this movie?
What's the name of this movie that's originally based on a play with the same title?
This is one of Will Smith's lesser known roles from 1993. Inspired by a true story, the story centers around a con man who manages to trick others into thinking he’s the son of Sidney Poitier, the famous actor. Smith, who plays Paul the con man, manages to trick Ouisa Kittredge and her husband Flan into buying into his lies. Eventually, though, Paul's plan catches up with him. What's the name of this movie that's originally based on a play with the same title?
What movie is this?
A cross between two other Smith roles, this film combines both sci-fi and buddy cop elements. In it, Smith plays James Edwards, a cop in New York City. During a routine chase on foot, he encounters something he didn’t expect: extraterrestrial life. Forced to come in for questioning, Smith soon becomes entangled in an organization that monitors alien activity on the planet Earth. Offered the job of a lifetime, Edwards accepts the role of an agent alongside his partner K, played by Tommy Lee Jones. What movie is this?
What is the name of this movie that failed to launch a franchise?
Will Smith was no stranger to the buddy cop genre. This time around, Kevin Kline plays his partner in this 1999 film. This one took place only four years after the U.S. Civil War. Smith played James West, a Captain who served in the U.S. Army. Along with Artemis Gordon (Kline), the two are after a Confederate General named “Bloodbath” McGrath. Even more, it’s personal for West since the villain killed his parents. What is the name of this movie that failed to launch a franchise?