Morgan Freeman's Cinematic Masterpieces: A Ranking of His Best to Worst Movies
Morgan Freeman is one of the most iconic and respected actors in Hollywood, with a career spanning over six decades. With over 100 films and television shows to his credit, he has established himself as a master of his craft. But with so many films to his name, it's natural to wonder which ones are the best and which ones are the worst. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Morgan Freeman's filmography, ranking his movies from best to worst based on critical acclaim, box office performance, and enduring popularity.
As Freeman himself once said, "I don't think about being typecast. I think about being versatile" (Source: Entertainment Weekly). With a wide range of roles under his belt, from drama to comedy to action, Freeman has consistently proven himself to be a chameleon-like actor who can adapt to any genre or character. But what makes a Morgan Freeman movie truly great? Is it his signature gravelly voice? His authoritative presence on screen? Or something more?
Let's dive into the rankings to find out.
The Top 10: Morgan Freeman's Best Movies
Here are the top 10 Morgan Freeman movies, in no particular order, based on their critical acclaim, box office performance, and enduring popularity:
1.
Seven (1995)
Directed by David Fincher, Seven is a gritty crime thriller that showcases Freeman's ability to play a complex, nuanced character. As Detective William Somerset, Freeman brings a sense of gravitas and depth to the film, which has become a modern classic.
* Box office: $327 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
* IMDb: 8.6/10
2.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Frank Darabont's highly acclaimed drama is one of the most beloved films of all time, and Morgan Freeman's performance as Red is a major reason why. His gentle, wise, and witty portrayal of the character has become iconic.
* Box office: $500 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
* IMDb: 9.2/10
3.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan's superhero epic is a modern masterpiece, and Freeman's turn as Lucius Fox is a key part of its success. His character adds depth and complexity to the film's themes of heroism and morality.
* Box office: $1 billion (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
* IMDb: 9.0/10
4.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Clint Eastwood's sports drama is a powerful and emotional film that features Freeman as Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris, a grizzled boxing trainer. Freeman's performance is a standout, earning him an Oscar nomination.
* Box office: $216 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
* IMDb: 8.5/10
5.
The Shawshank Redemption's rival for the best movie about prison life: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Morgan Freeman played a nurse in this film. Based on the novel by Ken Kesey, the movie tells the story of a group of mentally unstable patients and their rebellious attempts against the corrupt Nurse Ratched.
* Box office: $70 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
* IMDb: 8.7/10
6.
The Bucket List (2007)
Rob Reiner's heartwarming drama stars Freeman as Carter Chambers, a wealthy man who befriends a terminally ill man and helps him fulfill his bucket list. The film is a feel-good classic that showcases Freeman's ability to play a nuanced and likable character.
* Box office: $176 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
* IMDb: 7.6/10
7.
Invictus (2009)
Clint Eastwood's biographical sports drama is based on the true story of Nelson Mandela's efforts to unite South Africa through rugby. Freeman plays Nelson Mandela himself, delivering a powerful and moving performance.
* Box office: $122 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
* IMDb: 7.6/10
8.
The Sum of All Fears (2002)
Phil Alden Robinson's action thriller is a prequel to the original Star Trek movie, with Freeman playing a high-ranking CIA officer. The film is a fun and action-packed ride that showcases Freeman's ability to play a character with a sense of humor.
* Box office: $190 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 59%
* IMDb: 6.6/10
9.
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Bruce Beresford's comedy-drama stars Freeman as Hoke Colburn, a gruff but lovable chauffeur who forms a bond with his wealthy employer. Freeman's performance earned him an Oscar nomination.
* Box office: $105 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
* IMDb: 7.5/10
10.
March of the Penguins (2005)
Luc Jacquet's documentary is a visually stunning and heartwarming look at the annual migration of Emperor Penguins. Freeman narrates the film, using his signature voice to bring the story to life.
* Box office: $127 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
* IMDb: 8.1/10
The Middle of the Pack: Morgan Freeman's Solid Movies
These films are not as highly regarded as the top 10, but still showcase Freeman's talent and range as an actor:
1.
The Long Walk Home (1990)
Virginia Cavendish's historical drama is based on a true story and features Freeman as a civil rights activist. The film is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of racial tensions in the 1960s.
* Box office: $100 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
* IMDb: 7.1/10
2.
Glory (1989)
Edward Zwick's historical drama is based on the true story of the first all-black regiment in the American Civil War. Freeman plays the role of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a courageous and principled leader.
* Box office: $57 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
* IMDb: 7.7/10
3.
Unforgiven (1992)
Clint Eastwood's Western classic features Freeman as Ned Logan, a grizzled outlaw who joins Eastwood's character on a mission to collect a bounty. The film is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of violence and redemption.
* Box office: $159 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
* IMDb: 8.4/10
4.
Seven Up! (1999)
Michel Roy's documentary series follows a group of children born in 1964 as they grow up, and Freeman appears in one of the episodes. The series is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the impact of social and economic factors on individual lives.
* Box office: N/A
* Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
* IMDb: 7.5/10
5.
Red (2010)
Robert Schwentke's action thriller features Freeman as Frank Moses, a retired CIA operative who must stop a plot to destroy the world. The film is a fun and action-packed ride that showcases Freeman's ability to play a character with a sense of humor.
* Box office: $219 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
* IMDb: 7.4/10
The Bottom of the Pack: Morgan Freeman's Weakest Movies
While these films are not as highly regarded as the rest of his filmography, they still showcase Freeman's ability to adapt to different roles and genres:
1.
The Ultimate Gift (2006)
Christian Messenger's drama features Freeman as Mr. Trask, a wealthy man who leaves a young man a mysterious gift that sets him on a journey of self-discovery. The film is a predictable and clichéd exploration of themes that have been done better in other films.
* Box office: $6 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 33%
* IMDb: 5.5/10
2.
The Big Bounce (2004)
George Armitage's crime comedy stars Freeman as Ray Ricard, a wealthy man who becomes embroiled in a scheme to steal a large sum of money. The film is a fun but formulaic take on the genre.
* Box office: $39 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 26%
* IMDb: 5.5/10
3.
Hard Promises (1988)
Martin Davidson's drama features Freeman as Henry Arnett, a pimp who becomes embroiled in a scheme to kidnap a wealthy man's daughter. The film is a gritty but predictable exploration of themes that have been done better in other films.
* Box office: $4 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
* IMDb: 4.5/10
4.
Bulletproof Monk (2003)
Paul Hunter's action comedy stars Freeman as Master X, a wise and powerful martial artist who helps a young man on a mission to save the world from an evil organization. The film is a fun but forgettable take on the genre.
* Box office: $45 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 30%
* IMDb: 5.5/10
5.
Marriage Story (2019)
Noah Baumbach's drama stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a couple who are getting divorced, and Freeman plays a family therapist who tries to help them work through their issues. While the film is a well-crafted exploration of themes, it's not as strong as some of Freeman's other performances.
* Box office: $41 million (worldwide)
* Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
* IMDb: 7.9/10
Conclusion
Morgan Freeman is one of the most talented and versatile actors of our time, with a career spanning over six decades and over 100 films to his credit. From dramas to comedies, action movies to documentaries, Freeman has consistently proven himself to be a master of his craft. While not every film he has been in is a success, he has a remarkable track record of delivering memorable performances that have captivated audiences around the world.
As Freeman himself once said, "I'm just an actor, I'm just a storyteller. I'm just a guy who likes to tell stories" (Source: The Guardian). With a career like Morgan Freeman's, it's clear that he's been doing it right for a long time.
