Don Cheadle’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Not many actors have built a legacy as powerful as Don Cheadle. Since the 1990’s, Cheadle has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s hotel managers, renowned singers or pornographic actors, Cheadle has portrayed several strong 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. Hotel Rwanda

The Rwandan genocide is a historic disaster that always fascinated my teacher. I fondly recall with nostalgia joyous memories of a teacher that was fascinated with grim genocides that had occurred in Rwanda. He would often like to tell dark stories about courageous hotel managers that saved the lives of innocent civilians from a living hell. My teacher always believed that movies were art that couldn’t capture genocides that tore lives apart. In 2004, Don Cheadle honoured the dark genocide that occurred in Rwanda in his movie “Hotel Rwanda”. In the greatest role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a heroic hotel manager seeking to save civilians from a genocide causing despair. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Cheadle has spent most of his career playing heroes in comic-book movies. With “Hotel Rwanda”, however, the actor took steps out of his comfort zone by playing a renowned humanitarian leader. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also amazing, Cheadle honoured a genocide that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Paul risks his life negotiating with soldiers to rescue innocent Tutsi people causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Hotel Rwanda” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in Rwanda, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with African history to appreciate it. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about hotel managers that risked their lives saving innocent civilians from trauma in Rwanda, it’s a riveting reminder of a bold actor with charisma whose great movies always attract audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

2. Boogie Nights

Pornographic actors are controversial figures that always fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother that adored adult actors facing damage. He would speak fondly about bravery of adult actors that starred in provocative movies. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that was fascinated with adult actors facing fights, I adored “Boogie Nights”. Released in 1997, Don Cheadle’s movie honoured the adult film industry. In the most provocative role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a pornographic actor facing a heavy burden to bear. It’s a sensitive role that gave the actor the chance to take a step out of his comfort zone. Working alongside Mark Wahlberg who is also amazing, Cheadle created a portrait of the adult film industry that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Buck is rejected a bank loan due to his pornographic profession causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career.  Ultimately, what makes “Boogie Nights” a masterpiece is its broad appeal. Despite its focus on a controversial industry, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. A powerful portrait of hardships that commemorated actors face, it’s a profound reminder of an actor manufacturing movies audiences embrace.

3. Captain America: Civil War

Captain America is a captivating superhero that shaped my teacher’s persona. I recall with nostalgia memories of a teacher appreciating Captain America. He adored a comic-book character with a shield carrying power. He would always love having classroom discussions about a captain he regarded with appreciation. In 2016, Don Cheadle honoured the iconic superhero facing a civil war in his movie “Captain America: Civil War”. In the most intense role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a superhero that participates in warfare causing 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 Robert Downey Jr. who is also outstanding, Cheadle created a comic-book movie that’s captivating. For instance, the scene in which Rhodes becomes aware that Tony’s life is in grave danger causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career.  Ultimately, what makes “Captain America: Civil War” a comic-book masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about friendship which would resonate with everyone. A captivating tribute towards a captain, it’s a compelling reminder of an actor with dedication whose movies definitely deserve immense appreciation.

4. Flight

Alcohol addiction is a painful process putting people under stress. Several years ago, I witnessed a close companion endure alcohol addiction. An alcoholic, he loved heavy drinking without concern for effects that could be tragic. Our friendship ended when I decided I could no longer bear seeing him getting wasted. As someone that witnessed a friend fight alcohol addiction causing a plight, I adored “Flight”. Released in 2012, Don Cheadle’s movie captured the harsh realities of alcohol addiction. In the most serious role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a lawyer seeking to assist an alcoholic airline pilot in a case causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role. Working alongside Denzel Washington who is also amazing, Cheadle created a portrait of alcohol addiction that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Hugh Lang first becomes aware of Whip’s severe alcohol addiction that caused his plane crash is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Flight”” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about addiction which would resonate with everyone. A fantastic portrait of the frightening barriers that alcoholic pilots fight, it’s a fabulous reminder about a filmmaker whose memorable movies have fulfilled audiences’ appetite.

5. Ocean’s Eleven

Teamwork is one of those skills which has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have commonly found it challenging to work within groups. I recall memories of struggling completing group projects in school. As someone that has always struggled working in teams to complete a mission, I loved “Ocean’s 11”. Released in 2001, Don Cheadle’s movie captured teamwork that can be used by thieves to accomplish goals. In the most mischievous role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a skilled thief pulling off an intricate casino robbery causing despair. Cheadle has always had a sharp sense of humour, and “Ocean’s Eleven” showcased his comedic talents as an actor. Working alongside George Clooney who is also outstanding, Cheadle created a heist movie that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Basher is first recruited by Danny Ocean to participate in a casino robbery causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Ocean’s 11” one of Cheadle’s greatest movies is its universal appeal. Unlike most heist movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. 30 years following the release of an iconic movie about criminals robbing a Las Vegas casino, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a fantastic actor that has made great movies which give audiences dreams to commonly follow.

6. Avengers: Endgame

It isn’t easy to bring a beloved comic-book franchise to a satisfying conclusion. Most film franchises start on a high note but end with a whimper. However, “Avengers: Endgame” is an exception. Released in 2019, Don Cheadle’s movie brought the Avengers franchise to a satisfying conclusion. In the most meaningful role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a superhero engaging in a final battle of warfare. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a supporting role with limited screen-time. Working alongside Chris Evans who is also amazing, Cheadle created a comic-book movie that’s captivating. An awe-inspiring tribute towards a groundbreaking team reaching an endgame, it’s an amazing reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced great movies throughout his career achieving fame.

7. Crash

Don Cheadle has often excelled at playing characters that are emotional. Cheadle has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing emotional heroes facing damage. Cheadle’s strength for playing emotional characters whose lives crash is clearly evident in his movie “Crash”. Released in 2004, Paul Haggis’ drama showcased the actor at his best. In the most emotionally draining role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a cop seeking to resolve crimes in a racist town causing despair. It gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing emotional heroes under intense pressure. Working alongside Sandra Bullock who is also amazing, Cheadle created a racism drama that’s engaging. A powerful portrait of racism in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making great movies that deserve to be celebrated absolutely today.

8. Out of Sight

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about barriers criminals fight, its worth discussing Out of Sight. Since its publication in 1996, Elmore Leonard’s book has become literature readers adore. In 1998, Don Cheadle honoured the iconic book about crimes committed out of sight in his movie “Out of Sight”. In the most villainous role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a bank robber committing crimes causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase a villainous side to himself he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside George Clooney who is also amazing, Cheadle created a crime comedy that’s compelling. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about criminals that are powerful, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor making memorable movies which audiences consider extremely special.

9. Traffic

Drug trafficking is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often avoided addressing a serious issue that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding discussing drug trafficking that’s tragic, it’s worth praising “Traffic”. Released in 2000, Don Cheadle’s movie offered a powerful portrait of drug trafficking. In the most tragic role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a gangster that becomes involved in a life of drug trafficking causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Michael Douglas who is also amazing, Cheadle created an authentic portrait of drug trafficking. As captivating portrait of drug trafficking, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies which are worth absolutely celebrating.

10. Iron Man 2

Don Cheadle hasn’t always made great movies which are special. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Iron Man 2” falls into the latter category. Released in 2010, Jon Favreau’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Cheadle portrayed a conflicted superhero seeking to prepare for frightening warfare. Cheadle brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Iron Man 2” is a bad movie, it honoured Cheadle’s commemorated legacy. As strong as Tony Stark’s desire to build iron machinery, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy manufacturing movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.