Not many actors have made movies audiences value like Djimon Hounsou. Since the 1990’s, Hounsou has become an African-American icon. Whether it’s diamond smugglers, political figures or ancient gladiators, Hounsou has portrayed several characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Blood Diamond
Diamonds are dazzling artifacts that always fascinated my mother. I remember my mother was always fascinated with dark diamonds that glimmer. Drawn towards diamond jewelry, she often spoke fondly about ancient African artifacts she regarded highly. She was fascinated with diamonds sold by smugglers that faced a dilemma in West Africa. My mother often believed movies were an art that couldn’t capture diamonds in Africa holding a precious place in her heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the business of diamond selling as powerfully as “Blood Diamond”. Released in 2006, Djimon Hounsou’s best movie captured the lives of diamond smugglers in Africa. In the greatest role of his career, Hounsou portrayed a clever diamond smuggler engaging in a life of crime causing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Hounsou has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Blood Diamond”, however, the actor took a huge step out of his comfort zone by playing a diamond smuggler in Sierra Leone. Working alongside Jennifer Connelly who is also amazing, Hounsou created a portrait of diamond selling that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Solomon becomes aware of the diamonds being sold causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Blood Diamond” Djimon Hounsou’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in South Africa, it tackles themes that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about diamond smugglers facing a dilemma in South Africa, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actor with charisma that has made movies in his career which always attract audiences to the Cinema.
2. Amistad
Slavery is a sensitive subject that shaped my friend’s identity. During my childhood, I formed strong bonds with a friend that always took great interest in slavery. He always made efforts to educate people in my school about an important time in U.S. history of which he was passionate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a friend awed by slavery, I loved “Amistad”. Released in 1997, Djimon Hounsou’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery. In the most tragic role of his career, Hounsou portrayed a slave leading an uprising on a doomed ship facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Morgan Freeman who is also amazing, Hounsou created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Cinque becomes aware that his slave ship is in danger is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Amistad” a classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about freedom which will resonate with everyone. A strong portrait of slaves in American history that are unchained, it’s a reminder about an actor that has gained a massive fan audience making movies that have always entertained.
3. Gladiator
Gladiators are great figures that shaped my grandfather’s identity. I remember bonding with a grandfather that took great interest in ancient Roman gladiators. He would love embarking on trips to the Cinema to watch movies about gladiators in the medieval era. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that loved gladiators, I adored “Gladiator”. Released in 2000, Djimon Hounsou’s movie captured gladiators in ancient Roman history. In the most historical role of his career, Hounsou portrayed a gladiator that participates in warfare causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Russell Crowe who is also amazing, Hounsou created a portrait of gladiators that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Juba first meets Maximus becoming aware of his true identity is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Gladiator” a medieval masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Ancient Roman history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about vengeance which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Maximus’ desire to become a gladiator, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has made movies which audiences treasure.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy
The Guardians of the Galaxy are a spectacular superhero team that shaped my teacher’s identity. I remember a high school teacher that adored a team saving the galaxy from danger. He would always love discussing a superhero team that got him hooked on a feeling. In 2014, Djimon Hounsou honoured the superhero team guarding the galaxy in his movie “Guardians of the Galaxy”. In the most villainous role of his career, Hounsou portrayed a space scavenger that engages in a life of crime causing despair. With “Guardians of the Galaxy”, the actor showcased rare aptitude for comedy that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Chris Pratt who is also amazing, Hounsou honoured a superhero team that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Korath catches Star Lord red-handed as he attempts to steal precious artifacts causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Guardians of the Galaxy” a comic-book classic is its appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted to comic-book fans, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about teamwork which would resonate with everyone.A great introduction towards a team defending galaxies in space, it’s a grand reminder of a commemorated actor making memorable movies which audiences embrace.
5. A Quiet Place: Day One
It’s challenging to survive in a world of silence. At an early age, my family faced a bombing in Saudi Arabia that caused damage. To avoid terrorists that were violent, parents told me to stay silent. Through my family’s abilities to remain silent, I survived a traumatic bombing incident. As someone haunted by bombings causing destruction, I adored “A Quiet Place: Day One”. Released in 2024, Djimon Hounsou’s movie depicted a woman living in a world of silence. In the most silent role of his career, Hounsou portrayed a brave man seeking to survive in an apocalyptic world where noises cause despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase subtlety he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Lupita N’yongo who is also amazing, Hounsou created a horror movie that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Henri becomes aware of the apocalypse causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A Quiet Place: Day One” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most horror movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. As strong as Samira’s desire to survive in silence, it’s a strong reminder of an actor with a powerful presence whose films attract an audience.
6. How to Train Your Dragon 2
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about a dragon, it’s discussing How to Train Your Dragon. Since its publication in 2003, Cressida Cowell’s series has become a literary classic. In 2014, Djimon Hounsou honoured the iconic series in his movie “How to Train Your Dragon 2”. In the most colourful role of his career, Hounsou portrayed a viking warrior seeking to prepare dragons for warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for creating compelling animated characters through his powerful voice. Working alongside Jonah Hill who is also amazing, Hounsou created an animated film that’s engaging. An awe-inspiring portrait of dragons that are animated, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made unforgettable movies which deserve to be appreciated.
7. In America
Djimon Hounsou has always excelled at playing emotional men that are easy to relate to. Hounsou has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Hounsou’s strength for playing heroes facing trauma is clearly evident in his movie “In America”. Released in 2002, Jim Sheridan’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most emotional role of his career, Hounsou portrayed an immigrant struggling to adjust in America causing despair. It gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for playing emotional men under intense pressure. Working alongside Paddy Considine who is also amazing, Hounsou created a portrait of immigration that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of families which immigrate, it’s a bold reminder of an actor making movies which audiences appreciate.
8. Shazam!
Few superheroes have earned the grand slam recognition of Shazam. Since his creation in the 1940’s, Bill Parker’s hero has appeared in memorable movies. With his sharp sense of humour, strong personality and strength, Shazam has earned a fan following. In 2019, Djimon Hounsou honoured the iconic superhero with a grand slam in his movie “Shazam!”. In the most action-packed role of his career, Hounsou portrayed a wise wizard that guides superheroes facing warfare. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase wisdom he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Zachary Levi who is also amazing, Hounsou honoured a superhero that’s inspiring. As strong as Shazam’s desire to become a superhero, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making memorable movies giving audiences dreams to follow.
9. A Quiet Place: Part Two
Sometimes, the sign of a great actor comes across when they steal the show in a supporting role. Djimon Hounsou has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Hounsou’s strength for leaving a strong impression in supporting roles is clearly evident in his film “A Quiet Place: Part Two”. Released in 2021, John Krasinki’s horror movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most scene-stealing role of his career, Hounsou portrayed the survivor of an apocalypse facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his strong screen presence. Working alongside Emily Blunt who is also amazing, Hounsou created a horror movie that’s engaging. A powerful portrait of families seeking to be silent, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made unforgettable entertainment.
10. Serenity
Djimon Hounsou hasn’t always made great movies that audiences value. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Serenity” falls into the latter category. Released in 2019, Steven Knight’s thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, the actor portrayed a troubled sailor engaging in a life of crime causing despair. Hounsou brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Serenity” is a bad movie, it honoured Hounsou’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Dill’s desire to become a fishing boat captain, it’s a dazzling reminder of a commemorated actor with strong dedication that has manufactured unforgettable movies in his career which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 