Who remembers Djimon Hounsou parading on the beach in the ’90s Janet Jackson video for “Love Will Never Do?” because we do, and we’re not about the let the world forget about it anytime soon. All joking aside, the fashion model turned actor, Djimon Hounsou, has appeared in some of the most important movies of the past two decades.
Amistad and In America come to mind in that regard, but Honsou has also appeared in nearly 60 other movies over his career. Next, Hounsou is poised to appear in A Quiet Place Part II when it hits theaters on March 20th. To get us prepared, let’s have a look at Djimon Hounsou’s 10 Best Movies, According to Rotten Tomatoes!
Unlawful Entry (73%)
In just his second feature-film credit, Hounsou made little more than a cameo appearance as Prisoner on the Beach in domestic thriller Unlawful Entry.
The film tracks an idyllic couple (Kurt Russell and Madeline Stowe) with a nice house in Los Angeles. But when a break-in shakes the couple up, a police officer (Ray Liotta) arrives and ensures their safety. However, over time, the officer takes a shine to the woman in the couple and begins framing the man to get him out of the picture.
Gladiator (76%)
As one of Maximus’ most formidable foes turned closest allies, Juba, Hounsou nearly stole the show in the sword-and-sandal epic, Gladiator.
Starring opposite Russell Crowe in his Oscar-winning performance, not to mention a young Joaquin Phoenix, Hounsou showcased his brawny physique and ability to battle in the Best Picture winner of 2000. The film won five Oscars in total, including Best Sound, Costume Design and Visual Effects.
Amistad (77%)
As the enslaved African native Cinque, Hounsou’s first big breakout role came in Spielberg’s 1997 historical drama Amistad.
The difficult subject matter deals with a slave ship traveling from Cuba to the U.S. in 1839. When the ship is stopped off the east coast of the U.S., a major debate rages among the leaders as to what should be done. Should they keep the captives and turn them into slaves or should they act with an open heart and let them free? The film earned four Oscar nominations.
Captain Marvel (78%)
Hounsou has carved a niche for himself as Korath in the MCU. His most prominent performance as such came in the 2019 hit film Captain Marvel.
The flick depicts the rise of Carol Danvers as the titular captain, who evolves from Air Force pilot to an all-powerful superhero by the film’s end. Hounsou does his thing as Korath, who first appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy. The film drew plaudits for its female-centric tale of empowerment and excellent turn from Brie Larson in the title role.
Furious 7 (81%)
Hounsou made his first appearance in the Fast franchise via the seventh chapter, Furious 7. Perhaps they should have recruited him earlier, as he plays one of the scariest villains in the entire series.
Indeed, as Jakande, a Somalian terrorist out to turn every electronic device on the planet into a weapon of mass destruction, Hounsou has never been better. He’s both terrifying and charismatic at once, giving a fully unpredictable performance along the way.
I Am Heath Ledger (86%)
In the heartbreaking but respectful documentary on the life and career of the late great Heath Ledger, Hounsou paid tribute to the fallen actor the best he knew how. With nothing but love and affection.
Several friends, family members, and collaborators of Ledger partook in the reverential doc, with Hounsou recalling his time working with Heath on the 2002 period movie The Four Feathers. The doc came out roughly a decade after Ledger’s untimely demise, which shook Hollywood to the core after losing one of its most talented young stars. A must-see for every Ledger fan.
In America (89%)
In the extremely moving Jim Sheridan film In America, Hounsou plays an unforgettable character named Mateo who, despite a fatal disease, has a giant heart.
Following the tragic death of one of their young children, an Irish couple takes their remaining two children to America to start life anew. Struggling to make their way and fit in, the couple is eventually welcomed by Mateo, an African-American artist afflicted with AIDS. The movie thematically celebrates the tenderness of family as well as it underscores the hardships endured by these hardworking immigrants.
Shazam! (90%)
Reflecting a much lighter tone and tenor found in comic-book/superhero movies of the 90s, Shazam! shocked almost everyone in how well it turned out. One of the reasons? The mere presence of Mr. Hounsou, of course.
In the film, Djimon plays Wizard, the almighty entity who bestows Shazam (Zachary Levi) with superhero powers. Once Shazam begins exploring his new powers with pal Billy (Asher Angel), he becomes the target of the evil Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong). The movie restored the primacy of laughing and having fun while watching a superhero film.
Guardians Of The Galaxy (91%)
Despite a paucity of screen time, Hounsou can always lay claim to being part of the MCU as Korath, first seen in the original Guardians of the Galaxy.
Also known as Korath the Pursuer, the character appears early in the film as Quill steals a cryptic orb from him, setting off the entire plot of the picture. Korath is a geneticist and member of the Starforce. Much like Shazam!, Guardians separates itself from the pack of superhero movies by leaning on a lighter tone, hilarious characters, snappy jokes, and cartoonish violence.
How To Train Your Dragon 2 (92%)
It’s definitely worth noting Hounsou’s three highest-rated films, according to RT, happen to be two superhero movies and an animated franchise film. It seems as if he might’ve carved out a proper niche for himself!
No matter how you slice it, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the top-dog among Hounsou’s filmography so far. Voicing the character of Drago, Hounsou adds a new character to the fold as the returning character set off on a new adventure. This time, Snotlout and the gang uncover a cryptic ice-cave full of fire-breathing dragons who they must defeat in order to keep the peace.
