Morgan Freeman: Ranking His Movies, Best To Worst

Hey guys! Let's dive into the incredible filmography of one of Hollywood's most iconic figures: Morgan Freeman. With a career spanning decades, Freeman has graced the silver screen with his commanding presence and distinctive voice. But, let’s be real, not every movie can be a Shawshank Redemption. So, we're going to take a fun, slightly controversial, and totally subjective journey through his filmography, ranking some of his movies from best to… well, let's just say "less best." Buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!

The Pinnacle of Perfection: Morgan Freeman's Best Roles

When we talk about Morgan Freeman's best movies, it's almost impossible not to start with The Shawshank Redemption. Freeman's portrayal of Red, the wise and world-weary inmate, is nothing short of legendary. He brings a sense of gravitas and humanity to the role, making Red one of the most beloved characters in cinematic history. The film itself is a masterpiece of storytelling, exploring themes of hope, friendship, and redemption. Freeman's narration is the cherry on top, guiding us through the dark and hopeful journey of Andy Dufresne. The connection between Red and Andy, played by Tim Robbins, is the emotional core of the film, and Freeman's nuanced performance makes it all the more powerful.

Next up, consider Million Dollar Baby. This film showcases Freeman's ability to portray complex and deeply human characters. As Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris, a former boxer and gym caretaker, Freeman delivers a performance that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. His character's quiet wisdom and unwavering loyalty to Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) and Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) add layers of depth to the story. The film's exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life is elevated by Freeman's subtle yet powerful acting. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this role, and it's easy to see why. His portrayal of Scrap is a masterclass in understated brilliance, capturing the character's inner turmoil and quiet strength.

And how could we forget Se7en? This dark and disturbing thriller features Freeman as Detective William Somerset, a seasoned detective on the verge of retirement who is partnered with the impulsive Detective David Mills (Brad Pitt). Freeman's calm and collected demeanor provides a stark contrast to the gruesome nature of the crimes they are investigating. His character's intelligence and experience are crucial to unraveling the mystery, and his moral compass guides him through the darkness. The film's exploration of good and evil, and the depravity of human nature, is made all the more compelling by Freeman's performance. He brings a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the role, grounding the film in reality even as it descends into the macabre.

Solid Performances: Great Movies with Freeman Shining

Okay, so now we're moving into the realm of movies where Morgan Freeman is fantastic, but maybe the movie itself isn't quite as iconic as the ones we just discussed. But don't get me wrong, these are still worth watching, especially for Freeman's performances!

First, let's talk about Glory. This historical war drama tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African-American units to fight in the Civil War. While the film features an ensemble cast, including Denzel Washington, Freeman's portrayal of Sergeant Major John Rawlins is particularly memorable. He embodies the dignity and resilience of the soldiers, and his performance adds depth and gravitas to the story. The film's depiction of the challenges and sacrifices faced by these soldiers is both powerful and moving, and Freeman's contribution is essential to its success. He brings a sense of quiet strength and determination to the role, making Rawlins a compelling and inspiring figure.

Then there's Unforgiven. Though Clint Eastwood dominates this film, Freeman still puts on a stellar performance. As Ned Logan, Freeman plays an aging outlaw grappling with his past. His character brings a sense of morality and regret to the story, balancing the violence and brutality of the Wild West. The film's exploration of justice, revenge, and the consequences of violence is made all the more compelling by Freeman's nuanced performance. He brings a quiet dignity to the role, making Ned a sympathetic and relatable character.

And who could forget Deep Impact? While it might get overshadowed by Armageddon, Deep Impact holds its own, especially with Freeman as President Tom Beck. He brings a sense of calm and authority to the role, guiding the nation through an unprecedented crisis. His character's leadership and compassion provide a beacon of hope in the face of impending doom. The film's exploration of human resilience and the power of unity is made all the more compelling by Freeman's performance. He embodies the qualities of a leader, inspiring confidence and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Good, the Bad, and the Forgettable: Movies Where Freeman Tried His Best

Alright, guys, this is where things get a little tricky. We're venturing into the territory of films where, while Morgan Freeman certainly delivers a professional performance, the movie itself might not be the greatest. Maybe the plot is weak, the script is clunky, or the direction is just plain bad. Whatever the reason, these movies are generally considered to be less impressive than Freeman's other work. But hey, even the best actors have a few missteps in their careers, right?

Take Dreamcatcher, for instance. Based on the Stephen King novel, this sci-fi horror film has a convoluted plot and some questionable special effects. While Freeman does his best as Colonel Abraham Kurtz, a military officer hunting down alien creatures, the film ultimately fails to live up to its potential. The convoluted narrative and bizarre imagery make it difficult to follow, and even Freeman's presence can't save it from being a bit of a mess. However, his commitment to the role is evident, and he brings a sense of gravitas to the otherwise outlandish proceedings.

And then there's Olympus Has Fallen. This action thriller features Freeman as Allan Trumbull, the Speaker of the House who becomes acting president when the White House is attacked by terrorists. While Freeman brings his usual gravitas to the role, the film itself is a fairly generic action flick with over-the-top violence and a predictable plot. The film's reliance on clichés and its lack of originality make it a forgettable entry in Freeman's filmography. However, he provides a steadying presence amidst the chaos, and his performance is one of the film's few redeeming qualities.

Let's not forget Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. As Azeem, Freeman adds a touch of class to this otherwise bombastic action film. While the movie has its moments, it's often criticized for its historical inaccuracies and over-the-top performances. Despite these flaws, Freeman's portrayal of Azeem is a highlight, bringing intelligence and dignity to the role. His character's loyalty to Robin Hood and his willingness to fight for justice make him a compelling and memorable figure, even in a film that is otherwise somewhat uneven.

The Bottom of the Barrel: Movies Best Left Forgotten

Okay, guys, we've reached the point where we have to talk about the movies that are, shall we say, not so good. These are the films that even Morgan Freeman's considerable talent couldn't save. They might be plagued by bad scripts, poor direction, or just plain lack of imagination. Whatever the reason, these movies are best left forgotten. But hey, we can still learn something from them, right? Like, maybe what not to do when making a movie.

We have to mention Kiss the Girls. As Dr. Alex Cross, Freeman couldn't save this film. The movie is filled with clichés, and the story is forgettable. Despite Freeman's effort, the film fails to deliver a compelling narrative or memorable characters. The plot is predictable, and the suspense is minimal, making it a disappointing entry in Freeman's filmography.

And finally, let's talk about Along Came a Spider. This is the sequel to Kiss the Girls, and it's not much better. As Dr. Alex Cross again, Freeman does his best, but the film is ultimately a forgettable thriller with a predictable plot and uninspired direction. The film's reliance on clichés and its lack of originality make it a disappointing sequel. Even Freeman's presence can't save it from being a mediocre and forgettable thriller.

In Conclusion: A Toast to Morgan Freeman

So, there you have it, guys! A totally subjective and potentially controversial ranking of some of Morgan Freeman's movies, from best to worst. Of course, this is just one person's opinion, and you might totally disagree with my choices. And that's okay! The beauty of film is that it's subjective, and what one person loves, another might hate.

But one thing is undeniable: Morgan Freeman is a true legend of the silver screen. His talent, his presence, and his iconic voice have graced countless films, and he has brought joy and inspiration to audiences around the world. So, whether you agree with my ranking or not, let's all raise a glass to Morgan Freeman, one of the greatest actors of our time! Cheers!