In this blog post, we’re going to mention 12 must-see Jamie Foxx movies that showcase his versatility. Whether it’s his dramatic acting chops or his comedic timing, Foxx has proven time and time again that he’s one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. From “Miami Vice” to his stellar performance on ‘Django Unchained’, Foxx has consistently challenged himself and audiences with a wide range of roles.
Best Jamie Foxx Movies
1. Ray (2004)
“Ray” is a biographical drama film about the life and career of the legendary musician Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx delivers a stunning performance as Ray Charles, showcasing his incredible musical talent as well as his personal struggles with drug addiction and romantic relationships. The film traces Charles’ early years, when he lost his younger brother to drowning, to his later life as a blind, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. Foxx’s performance was hailed as a career-defining moment, and he won numerous awards for his portrayal, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. Critics praised the film for its attention to detail and its authentic portrayal of the period in which it is set. The music, in particular, was widely lauded, with Foxx’s own renditions of Charles’ songs being a highlight. The Hollywood Reporter praised Foxx’s performance as “mesmerizing” and wrote that the film “feels more like a celebration than a tribute.” The New York Times praised the film’s “soulful, sincere” portrayal of Charles, and noted that Foxx “masterfully captures the singer’s unique blend of charm, brashness and vulnerability.”
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Ray (2004)
2. Project Power (2020)
Project Power, directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, is a gripping science fiction action film that follows a drug dealer, a police officer, and a former soldier as they team up to stop the distribution of a pill that gives the user superpowers for five minutes. The film is set in near-future New Orleans, where a mysterious distributor offers a free supply of “Power” to a group of drug dealers, leading to chaos and a hunt for the source of the drug. The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback, who deliver powerful performances that bring their characters to life. The action sequences and visuals are stunning, making for an intense and engaging viewing experience. However, the screenplay has been criticized by some for lacking depth. The plot is intricate and engaging, with twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The story follows the trio as they navigate through the dangerous world of the drug trade and superpowers, trying to uncover the truth about the origins of the drug and its distribution. Their journey is fraught with danger and suspense, leading to an explosive climax that ties up all loose ends.
Watch on Netflix: Project Power (2020)
3. Collateral (2004)
“Collateral” is a thriller film directed by Michael Mann, in which Jamie Foxx plays a cab driver named Max who unwittingly becomes the hostage of a hitman, played by Tom Cruise, while he carries out his contracts around Los Angeles. Foxx delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as a man trying to stay alive in a dangerous situation. The film explores themes of morality, identity, and the complexities of modern-day Los Angeles. Critics praised the film for its taut screenplay and sharp direction, as well as the strong performances by Foxx and Cruise. The Guardian wrote that the film was “a stylish and intelligent thriller” that “marks a significant move forward for both Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise.” The New Yorker praised Foxx’s performance as “impressive” and noted that the film “gives him the chance to play a character who is neither a caricature nor a saint.”
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Collateral (2004)
4. The Soloist (2009)
“The Soloist” is a drama film based on a true story of a journalist who befriends a homeless man and talented musician, played by Jamie Foxx, living on the streets of Los Angeles. The film explores themes of mental illness, homelessness, and the redemptive power of music. Foxx delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance as Nathaniel Ayers, the talented but troubled musician. Critics had mixed reactions to the film, but Foxx’s performance was widely praised. The Los Angeles Times wrote that Foxx “gives a deeply moving performance” and called the film “a welcome change from standard-issue Hollywood fare.” The New York Times praised Foxx’s “mesmerizing” performance and noted that he “plays Nathaniel with dignity, nuance and respect.” While the film was criticized for its uneven pacing and melodramatic moments, Foxx’s performance was a highlight and earned him a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: The Soloist (2009)
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained is a 2012 Western film directed by Quentin Tarantino. Jamie Foxx stars as Django, a slave who is freed by a German bounty hunter named Dr. King Schultz (played by Christoph Waltz) and embarks on a mission to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner. The film was praised for its sharp dialogue, bold storytelling, and powerful performances, with Foxx’s portrayal of Django receiving particular acclaim. Django Unchained was a box office hit, grossing over $425 million worldwide, and received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film was noted for its unflinching depiction of slavery and its impact on African-American identity, as well as its use of genre conventions to explore deeper themes.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Django Unchained (2012)
6. Booty Call (1997)
Booty Call is a 1997 comedy that follows two friends, Bunz (played by Jamie Foxx) and Rushon (played by Tommy Davidson), as they attempt to hook up with two women. The night takes a series of hilarious turns, including a trip to the pharmacy for condoms, a misunderstanding about a vibrator, and a run-in with a group of gangsters. Jamie Foxx delivers a memorable performance as the smooth-talking Bunz, whose attempts to woo the women are often thwarted by his own ego. Critics were mixed on the film, with some praising the chemistry between Foxx and Davidson, while others found the humor too crude. However, Booty Call has gained a cult following over the years and is often cited as an example of 90s comedy.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Booty Call (1997)
7. Miami Vice (2006)
Set in Miami, detectives James “Sonny” Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) go undercover to take down a dangerous drug trafficking operation. As they infiltrate the organization, Crockett falls for the beautiful but mysterious Isabella (Gong Li), who has ties to the cartel. As the stakes get higher and the lines between their cover and reality blur, Crockett and Tubbs must use all their skills to bring down the operation and protect their own lives. Critics had mixed reactions to the 2006 film adaptation of the popular TV series, Miami Vice. While some praised the film’s stylish visuals and intense action scenes, others criticized its convoluted plot and lack of character development. Despite its flaws, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million worldwide.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Miami Vice
8. Just Mercy (2019)
“Just Mercy” is a legal drama film based on the true story of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, played by Michael B. Jordan, and his fight to overturn the wrongful conviction of Walter McMillian, played by Jamie Foxx. The film is set in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Alabama, where McMillian was convicted and sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. Foxx delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as a man wrongfully accused and sentenced to death, depicting the pain and frustration of being trapped in a broken criminal justice system. The film was praised for its strong performances, with Foxx and Jordan’s chemistry being a particular highlight. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Foxx “does some of his best work here, bringing a complex, deeply layered performance to Walter McMillian.” The Guardian praised the film’s “emotional power” and “urgent sense of moral purpose,” noting that Foxx’s “understated” performance “imbues McMillian with dignity and pathos.” The film was also lauded for its exploration of issues of race and justice in the American criminal justice system.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Just Mercy (2019)
9. Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
In “Law Abiding Citizen,” Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) takes the law into his own hands after his wife and daughter are brutally murdered and the justice system fails him. He exacts revenge on those he deems responsible, including the assistant district attorney (Jamie Foxx) who cut a deal with one of the killers. However, as the body count rises and the stakes get higher, the lines between right and wrong become increasingly blurred. Critics were divided on “Law Abiding Citizen,” with some praising the film’s intense action and thought-provoking themes, while others criticized its implausible plot twists and heavy-handed message. Nevertheless, Butler’s performance as a ruthless vigilante was widely praised, and the film has gained a following as a cult classic.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Law Abiding Citizen
10. Sleepless (2017)
In “Sleepless,” undercover Las Vegas police officer Vincent Downs (Jamie Foxx) steals a large shipment of cocaine from a powerful drug lord, only to have his teenage son kidnapped in retaliation. With only one night to rescue his son and clear his name, Vincent must navigate a web of corrupt cops and dangerous criminals. Critics were generally negative toward “Sleepless,” with many calling it a forgettable and uninspired action-thriller. However, some praised Foxx’s performance and the film’s slick visuals and intense action sequences.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: Sleepless
11. White House Down (2013)
In “White House Down,” Capitol Police officer John Cale (Channing Tatum) is tasked with protecting the President of the United States (Jamie Foxx) during a terrorist attack on the White House. As chaos erupts and the situation spirals out of control, Cale must use his military skills to save the President and his daughter and stop the terrorists from launching a nuclear strike. Critics were mixed on “White House Down,” with some praising its thrilling action and charismatic lead performances, while others criticized its clichéd plot and lack of originality. Nevertheless, the film was generally well-received by audiences and has become a favorite among fans of the action genre.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video: White House Down
12. Day Shift (2022)
Day Shift is a 2022 American action horror comedy film directed by J. J. Perry and starring Jamie Foxx as a father who works as a vampire hunter in secret. When he and his team must face a powerful vampire who has taken his family hostage, they engage in a bloody battle to save them. The film’s highlights are its well-choreographed action sequences, excellent performances, and lighthearted humor. However, the film’s pacing and predictable plot hold it back from being a great movie. Overall, it’s a fun and unique film worth watching for fans of horror or action genres.
Watch on Netflix: Day Shift (2022)
Conclusion
There you go, 12 must-see Jamie Foxx movies that prove why he’s one of the most versatile actors of our time. From his dramatic roles in “Ray” and “The Soloist” to his action turns in “Miami Vice” and “Django Unchained,” Foxx has consistently delivered unforgettable performances that have entertained and moved audiences. But what makes Foxx truly special is not just his range, but the depth and nuance he brings to each character he plays. Whether he’s playing a hero or a villain, a musician or a lawyer, Foxx always finds a way to make his roles feel authentic and human.
As we continue to see Foxx take on new and exciting projects, it’s clear that his talent and potential as an actor are only getting stronger. So if you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out these ten films and seeing for yourself why Jamie Foxx is a true master of his craft. Thanks for reading, and happy watching!
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