AlthoughDon Cheadleis mostly known for his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he actually captured audiences' attention in hisbreakout performance oppositeDenzel WashingtoninDevil in a Blue Dressaround 29 years ago, establishing himself as a talented actor ever since, and eventually winning the ShoWest’s Male Star of the Year award. While Cheadle isn’t in many Hollywood blockbusters, he partook in many well-known movies where he showcased his undeniable talents, fromOcean’s EleventoOut of Sight.
Apart from being a skillful actor, Cheadle is also a great producer and director: he’s stepping behind the camera in theupcoming miniseriesThe Big Cigar, which centers around the founder of the Black Panther Party. But what are some of his most memorable performances? FromRosewoodtoHotel Rwanda,we rank the 10 best Don Cheadle movies by entertainment value and taking the actor’s efforts into account.
10’Rosewood' (1997)
Director: John Singleton
Based on the terrible 1923 racist lynch mob attack on the middle-class African-American community in Florida, which occupies almost all the small town,Rosewoodis a solidJohn Singletonmovie for those who like historical dramas. The story followsVing Rhames' outsider who comes into Rosewood, and Cheadle’s on-screen counterpart, a music teacher named Sylvester, as the two stand tall against the attackers.Jon Voightalso stars as a man who tries to save the town’s women and children.
Despite not being successful commercially, the R-ratedRosewoodreceived great reviews and was even entered into the Berlin International Film Festival. Naturally, one of the most valuable aspects of this Singleton film is the way it sheds light on the brutality of such a cruel moment in history, as well as the devastating consequences of racial hatred.Cheadle’s character adds to the story and the actor brings him to life flawlessly.
Rent on Apple TV
9’Traffic' (2000)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh’s crime dramaTrafficexplores the illegal drug trade from several points of view, ranging from the users and enforcers to politicians and traffickers.Michael Douglasis conservative judge Robert Wakefield who was appointed by the President to launch America’s war against drugs. The plot twist? He discovers that his own daughter (ErikaChristensen)is a crack addict.
Adapted from the 1989 British Channel 4 television seriesTraffik,Soderbergh’s acclaimed film(it earned four Oscar noms, including Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing) benefits froman ensemble cast, which includes the talented Cheadle as DEA agent Montel Gordon. While the grippingTrafficis not entirely based on real-life events, some bits draw inspiration from actual people and occurrences. General Arturo Salazar, for one, resembles Mexican GeneralJesús Gutiérrez Rebollo.
Watch on Netflix
8’Captain America: Civil War' (2016)
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Although Cheadle had established a career for himself prior to the MCU films in which he starred, there is no doubt that his role in the blockbusters played a part in the star’s popularity. Following his debut inIron Man 2, Cheadle reprised his role as Rhodey inCaptain America: Civil War. The movie illustrates the heartbreaking end of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Tony Stark’s relationship (Robert Downey Jr.) due to political involvement in the Avengers' affairs.
Captain America: Civil Warmay not be the bestCaptain Americamovie (The Winter Soldierexists, after all). However, it is still an entertaining and action-packed popcorn flick that will entertain superhero fans. AlthoughCheadle’s Rhodes is not the most important character in the film, his appearance makes all the difference, especially considering his devastating outcome after Cap and Iron Man’s rift.
Captain America: Civil War
Watch on Disney+
7’Ocean’s Eleven' (2001)
The second Soderbergh movie on this list isOcean’s Eleven, aniconic heist film— the first installment of theOcean’sfilm trilogy — starringGeorge Clooneyin the lead role. The story follows professional thief Danny Ocean, who is released from prison after four years. With the help of ten accomplices, Danny comes up with a meticulous plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos at the same time.
With great reviews and massive box-office earnings under its belt (it became thefifth highest-grossing movie of 2001), the witty and cleverOcean’s Elevenis a widely known and referenced film that has cemented itself as one of the essentials in its genre. Needless to say, the star-studded cast also adds to the film’s appeal;Cheadle’s contribution as Basher Tarr is highly valuable, even if uncredited (the actorreportedly removed his nameas a protest after negotiations over his salary and credits in the film).
Ocean’s Eleven
Watch on Hulu
6’The Guard' (2011)
Director: John Michael McDonagh
Blending the comedy, crime, and thriller genres,John Michael McDonagh’s critically acclaimed and commercially successfulThe Guardsees an unconventional Irish police officer (Brendan Gleeson, who received a Golden Globe nomination for his astounding efforts) with a confrontational personality paired with a by-the-book FBI agent (Cheadle) to investigate a global drug trafficking ring.
Quirky and creative, this offbeat take on the comedy and crime genres set against the backdrop of a small town is guaranteed to keep boredom at bay thanks to its top-notch writing, which earned McDonagh a BAFTA Award nomination, on top of great performances and amazing execution.Cheadle’s efforts are one of the highlights of the film—his character is well-written and three-dimensional, as expected from McDonagh’s writing.
5’Avengers: Endgame' (2019)
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Next up among the best Don Cheadle films is the highly anticipatedAvengers: Endgame. It would be impossible not to mention it, as it is one of the MCU’s most iconic. Set in 2023 after a five-year time jump fromInfinity War,Endgamesees the universe in shambles. With the help of the remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once again to reverse the deadly consequences of Thanos' (Josh Brolin) actions and restore balance to the universe.
While arguably not as great of a film asInfinity War, the chaoticEndgameis still a widely well-reviewed film featuring some of the best and most iconic Marvel moments — it marks the end of an era, after all, and pays a wonderful tribute to it. Rhodey may not have the longest screen time in it, butCheadle certainly succeeds in bringing the character to life once again.
Avengers: Endgame
4’Avengers: Infinity War' (2018)
Infinity Waris arguablythe best Avengers film to date(and the best MCU movie in which Cheadle partakes), so naturally,it deserves a higher ranking among Cheadle’s finest works. The film focuses on the Avengers and their allies' complicated quest to stop Thanos from putting an end to the universe, but this turns out to be way more complicated than anyone had thought, and sacrifices must be made.
Any Marvel fan probably remembers the first time they sawInfinity War, and understandably so: from the characters' reunion to the popcorn action scenes, this superhero epic was one of the most anticipated movies of all time. Furthermore, much likeEndgame, the film is a memorable roller coaster of emotions thanks to the complicated situations the beloved characters are put through.
Avengers: Infinity War
3’Out of Sight' (1998)
Based onElmore Leonard’s famous crime novel, Soderbergh’s Stockholm syndrome-themed movie stars George Clooney and depicts a career bank robber who breaks out of jail and develops a bond and moment of mutual attraction with a U.S. Marshal (Jennifer Lopezin one of her most memorable films) he has kidnapped.
Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards, the gripping and sensualOut of Sightgreatly benefits from Clooney and Lopez’s chemistry and the intriguing, well-executed narrative it features, resulting in a solid book-to-movie adaptation.Cheadle does a great job of playing the main antagonist, Maurice Miller. Special appearances byMichael Keaton(who reprises his role as Ray Nicolette fromQuentin Tarantino’sJackie Brown) andSamuel L. Jacksonare featured in the movie.
Out of Sight
Watch on Amazon Prime
2’Boogie Nights' (1997)
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Paul Thomas Anderson’sBoogie Nightsendures one of the director’s best up until this day. The movie provides audiences with an interesting plot surrounding the adult movie industry, followingMark Wahlberg’s Eddie Adams, a young dishwasher who meets a porn producer (Burt Reynolds) and elevates his craft by starring in his movies and adopting the screen name of “Dick Diggler.”
After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the superbBoogie Nightshas proven a fan-favorite inAnderson’s filmography, and it’s not difficult to understand why. It was also nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay for the director who wrote the movie (as usual when it comes to his work), Best Supporting Actress, and Best Supporting Actor.Cheadle shines as Buck Swope, an actor in the adult film industry and aspiring electronics store owner.
Boogie Nights
Watch on Paramount Plus
1’Hotel Rwanda' (2004)
Director: Terry George
Terry George’sHotel Rwandais the best showcase of Cheadle’s efforts to dateand features the star in an outstanding leading performance. This heartbreaking historical drama based on tragic real-life events illustrates hotel manager Rusesabagina’s incredible doing as he houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda, Africa.
Meditating about genocide, prejudice, political corruption, and the consequences of violence,Hotel Rwandais as relevant as ever today and sheds light on an unforgettable event. Despite its devastating story, it still manages to be a hopeful and inspiring movie with Cheadle at its heart. From the gripping story to the incredible execution,Hotel Rwandahas many great assets. Still, the star undoubtedly elevates the film to higher ground with his outstanding skills.
Hotel Rwanda
Watch on Hoopla
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