You may recognize Morgan Freeman most for his soothing, deep voice. While he appears in several voiceovers, Freeman is also an accomplished actor, winning awards and appearing in a variety of genres, from psychological thrillers to fantasy adventures. While he didn’t get his big break until 50 years old, Freeman has since dominated the film world. Check out these six best Morgan Freeman movies, and if you haven’t watched them yet, add them to your watchlist.
6. Seven (1995)
Starting our list of the best Morgan Freeman movies is Seven. Serial killer movies have a certain eeriness about them, and in this one, Freeman plays an experienced cop. He teams up with Brad Pitt’s rookie cop to hunt down a killer who uses the Seven Deadly Sins as his inspiration. The pair must track him down before the killer hurts someone else, but has he already set his sights on the two cops instead?
5. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Fifth on our list of the best Morgan Freeman movies is Million Dollar Baby, which earned Freeman his first Oscar award for Best Supporting Actor. The film centers around aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald, who wants legendary trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) to help her achieve greatness. Freeman’s character adds a perfect balance to Dunn and Fitzgerald’s rocky relationship, as he’s the first to believe in Fitzgerald.
4. Now You See Me (2013)
Next on our list of the best Morgan Freeman movies is Now You See Me, in which he plays Thaddeus Bradley, a professional magician debunker who exposes tricks and secrets. He is one of the main adversaries to the “Four Horsemen,” a group of magicians who carry out bank heists during their performances. On the run from both the FBI and Bradley, it’s a fast-paced and fun thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end.
3. Street Smart (1987)
Rounding out the top three best Morgan Freeman movies is Street Smart. While the film was made by a company known for somewhat poor quality products, some critics remembered the film during the award season. This led to Freeman earning his first Oscar nomination for his role as a brutal pimp and launching his career into the one it is today.
2. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Second on our list of the best Morgan Freeman movies is Driving Miss Daisy. Set in the 1950s, Miss Daisy can no longer drive due to her age, so her son hires a driver named Hoke (Freeman) to bring her places. Miss Daisy fights against the change in her life and her prejudice against Hoke, but as time goes on, the pair become “best friends.” The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Jessica Tandy.
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Last but not least on our list of the best Morgan Freeman movies is The Shawshank Redemption. Not only is this one of Freeman’s most recognized works, but it is a widely loved movie. Based on a Stephen King short story, the film centers around a seven-year friendship between two convicts. One is a former banker found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit, and the other is “Red,” played by Freeman. The film won several awards and earned Freeman an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.