With a career spanning over three decades, Jamie Foxx is one of the most talented actors of our time. He's well-known in the entertainment industry, even dabbling as a comedian, musician, and producer. Foxx has delivered numerous memorable performances that have left a lasting impression on audiences.
Over the years, he has starred in countless movies, and his performances have been recognized with several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. Whether he is portraying a musician in Ray, a slave in Django Unchained, or a criminal in Baby Driver, Foxx brings a level of depth and complexity to his characters that is truly remarkable.
13 'The Truth About Cats & Dogs' (1996)
Director: Michael Lehmann
A romantic comedy that is a modern reinterpretation of the 1897 Cyrano de Bergerac story. It tells the story of a veterinarian and radio talk show host Abby Barnes (Janeane Garofalo) as she asks her model friend, Noelle Slusarsky (Uma Thurman) to impersonate her when a man named Brian (Ben Chaplin) asks her out on a date.
Foxx makes his debut in the comedy-drama as a lead in The Truth About Cats & Dogs. He plays Ed, a handsome and charming neighbor who catches Abby's eye. Foxx brings a sense of humor and warmth to the role, who already seems charming and likable. Although the film is not as well-known as some of Foxx's other movies, it is a delightful and underrated gem.
12 'Jarhead' (2005)
Director: Sam Mendes
Directed by Sam Mendes, Jarhead is a biographical war drama based on U.S. Marine Anthony Swofford's 2003 memoir of the same name. It follows his experience with a group of Marines during the Persian Gulf War. Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) joins a U.S. Marine Corps boot camp and comes across Staff Sergeant Sykes (Jamie Foxx), a Marine "lifer" who trains him to become a sniper.
Foxx's role as Sykes challenged him to play a tough and experienced Marine who tries to motivate and lead his troops through the trials of war. Despite its slight lack of emotional depth and character development compared to other war movies, Foxx and Gyllenhaal give performances that feel underrated.
Jarhead
RJarhead is a war drama directed by Sam Mendes, based on Anthony Swofford's memoir about his experiences as a Marine sniper during the Gulf War. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Swofford, the film explores the psychological challenges faced by soldiers amidst the monotony and anticipation of combat. The movie also features performances by Peter Sarsgaard and Jamie Foxx, capturing the often-overlooked emotional turmoil of military life in a desert war.
Release Date November 4, 2005 Director Sam Mendes Cast Jake Gyllenhaal , Scott MacDonald , Peter Sarsgaard , Jamie Foxx , Lo Ming , Lucas Black Runtime 127 minutes11 'Baby Driver' (2017)
Director: Edgar Wright
An action-packed heist movie that follows a getaway driver, Baby (Ansel Elgort), who drives a crew of robbers after being in debt to the criminal mastermind Doc (Kevin Spacey) for stealing a car that contained his stolen goods. Seeking freedom from a life of crime with his girlfriend, Debora (Lily James), he attempts to escape but is caught by one of Doc's henchmen, Bats (Jamie Foxx).
This longtime passion project of the director, Edgar Wright has been in development for over two decades. Foxx plays a supporting role as a volatile criminal who joins the crew of robbers. Foxx's performance is electrifying, as he infuses Bats with humor, menace, and unpredictability. Considered a cool car movie, it's an adrenaline-rush adventure that comes with a killer soundtrack and even more thrilling car chases. This talented ensemble cast added to its ever-so-entertaining plot.
Baby Driver
RBaby, a talented and music-obsessed getaway driver, works for a ruthless crime boss, using his incredible driving skills to execute flawless heists. Dreaming of a normal life, he falls for a charming waitress and decides to escape his criminal past. But his plans are jeopardized when a heist goes wrong, forcing him to fight for his freedom and the future he desires.
Release Date June 28, 2017 Director Edgar Wright Cast Jamie Foxx , Jon Hamm , Jon Bernthal , Ansel Elgort , Lily James , Eiza Gonzalez , Kevin Spacey Runtime 113 minutes10 'Project Power' (2020)
Directors: Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost
Foxx takes centerstage as Art in Project Power, a sci-fi action film set in a world where a pill that gives people superpowers for five minutes is causing chaos and destruction. Three people – a drug dealer, a police officer, and a former soldier – devise a plan to stop the pill from spreading once and for all.
Foxx is magnetic as the powerful Art, a former U.S. Army Major and Delta Force operator who also has a dark past as one of the pill's original testers. While the movie fell short of expectations and didn't manage to stand out within its genre, Foxx's performance makes it a fun watch for fans.
Project Power
R Release Date August 14, 2020 Director Henry Joost , Ariel Schulman Cast Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Jamie Foxx , Rodrigo Santoro , Machine Gun Kelly , Amy Landecker , Courtney B. Vance Runtime 113 minutes9 'Strays' (2023)
Director: Josh Greenbaum
Director Josh Greenbaum's Strays is a gut-busting movie about a naive dog, Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell), whose terrible owner abandons him in the big city. There, Reggie meets some strays who help him plan and execute a revenge quest that sees the group of canines on an epic journey toward the selfish ex-owner Doug (Will Forte).
Jamie Foxx voices the foul-mouthed and hilarious stray Boston Terrier, Bug, who teaches Reggie the basics of surviving without an owner. Foxx and Ferrell have surprisingly great chemistry, with Bug serving as a sort of co-leader of the group of strays alongside Reggie. The comical antics in the film wouldn't work without Foxx's talent for voice acting, which makes funny moments like the fight with a mirror or the bandana incident way more effective.
Strays
R Release Date August 18, 2023 Director Josh Greenbaum Cast Will Ferrell , Jamie Foxx , Sofia Vergara , Isla Fisher Runtime 93 minutes8 'They Cloned Tyrone' (2023)
Director: Juel Taylor
Directed by Juel Taylor as his debut, They Cloned Tyrone is an ambitious combination of the sci-fi, comedy, and mystery genres. The film is centered on a trio of unlikely collaborators who stumble upon a conspiracy – the government has been cloning people. Foxx plays Slick Charles, one of the three protagonists who seek to uncover exactly what's going on.
It may not stick the landing for everyone, but those who enjoy clever sci-fi and witty humor should consider the 2023 film essential viewing. Foxx is fantastic as the stylish and funny Slick, and his performance anchors the film's sometimes uneven storytelling.
They Cloned Tyrone
R Release Date July 21, 2023 Director Juel Taylor Cast Jamie Foxx , John Boyega , Teyonah Parris , Kiefer Sutherland Runtime 122 minutes7 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' (2021)
Director: Jon Watts
Spider-Man's (Tom Holland) identity is revealed for the first time in cinematic history. His normal life and superhero life are coming together in the most terrible way. When he asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for help in restoring his secret, a ripple in the world releases all of Spider-Man's villains in every universe. The fate of the Multiverse is in his hands as he is forced to fight Spider-Man's worst enemies: Electro (Jamie Foxx), Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), and Doc Ock (Alfred Molina).
Jamie Foxx reprises his role as Max Dillon/Electro from The Amazing Spider-Man 2. He delivers a fun and engaging performance, bringing humor and personality to the character. Although Foxx's role is a relatively small part of the movie, it's a true love letter to the Spider-Man franchise that gives an ode to all the new and original cinematic Spider-Man fans. Electro simply adds a spark of energy to the insane idea of a multiverse.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
PG-13Release Date December 17, 2021 Director Jon Watts Cast Tom Holland , Zendaya , Benedict Cumberbatch , Jacob Batalon , Jon Favreau , Jamie Foxx , Willem Dafoe , Alfred Molina , Benedict Wong , Marisa Tomei , Andrew Garfield , Tobey Maguire Runtime 148 minutes6 'Soul' (2020)
Director: Pete Docter
Pixar's Soul tells the story of Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. He is killed in an accident before his big break and goes on an adventure to reunite his soul and body. Voiced by Jamie Foxx, he brings Joe's character to life with a heartfelt performance.
This animated CGI family movie is a visual and emotional triumph that explores complex themes of identity, purpose, and fulfillment. Foxx is perfectly suited to the role as he is able to capture Joe's passion and determination in this soul-stirring story that encourages you to live life more fully and not be too focused on the negative. Pixar noted that it was among the most-watched straight-to-streaming titles of the year.
Soul
After landing the gig of a lifetime, a New York jazz pianist suddenly finds himself trapped in a strange land between Earth and the afterlife.
Release Date December 25, 2020 Director Pete Docter , Kemp Powers Cast Jamie Foxx , Tina Fey , Graham Norton , Rachel House , Alice Braga , Richard Ayoade Runtime 100 minutes5 'Dreamgirls' (2006)
Director: Bill Condon
Three best friends: Deena (Beyoncé Knowles), Effie (Jennifer Hudson), and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) create a music trio known as "The Dreams." At a talent show, a ruthless music executive, Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) offers them the chance of a lifetime to be backup singers to James Early (Eddie Murphy). Taylor sees their potential and exploits the talented girl group by making Deena the star and breaking up the group simply for fame and fortune.
Dreamgirls is a vibrant and entertaining musical that brings fantastic musical numbers and top performances by the entire cast. Although Foxx isn't the primary focus of the story, he provides depth to his character which could have easily been a one-dimensional villain. Foxx's intense and commanding performance is exactly what was needed to bring his evil character to life.
Dreamgirls
PG-13 Release Date December 25, 2006 Director Bill Condon Cast Jamie Foxx , Beyonce Knowles , Eddie Murphy , Danny Glover , Jennifer Hudson , Anika Noni Rose Runtime 1344 'Just Mercy' (2019)
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
A biographical legal drama that is based on Bryan Stevenson's 2014 memoir, Just Mercy explores the work of young defense attorney (played by Michael B. Jordan), as he represents the less fortunate people on death row in the South. It features his work with Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx) who was wrongfully convicted of the 1986 murder of Ronda Morrison.
This powerful and thought-provoking true story focuses on injustice and the indictment of our criminal justice system. It's the type of movie that brings out every emotion and motivates its audience to work towards making a difference in our communities. Foxx delivers a powerful and nuanced performance that proves he's an actor who puts his all into each movie he stars in.
Just Mercy
PG-13 Release Date December 25, 2019 Director Destin Cretton Cast Brie Larson , Michael B. Jordan , Jamie Foxx , Tim Blake Nelson , O'Shea Jackson Jr. , Rob Morgan Runtime 1363 'Collateral' (2004)
Director: Michael Mann
An innocent cab driver is stuck in a hostage situation where his customer forces him to take him to several locations during his contract killing spree. Collateral follows Max Durocher (Jamie Foxx), a Los Angeles cab driver who unwittingly becomes involved in the criminal schemes of a hitman, Vincent (Tom Cruise).
As one of Michael Mann's best movies, it received critical acclaim for Cruise and Foxx's outstanding performances. This tense thriller showcases Foxx's ability to convey fear, desperation, and courage as Max tries to outsmart his dangerous passenger. Although the movie is well-crafted, Foxx's performance is somewhat overshadowed by Cruise's showier role.
Collateral
R Release Date August 4, 2004 Director Michael Mann Cast Tom Cruise , Jamie Foxx , Jada Pinkett Smith , Mark Ruffalo , Peter Berg , Bruce McGill Runtime 1192 'Django Unchained' (2012)
Director: Quentin Tarantino
In Quentin Tarantino's violent and provocative Western, a Black slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) is freed and trained by Dr. King Schultz (Christopher Waltz), a dentist-turned-bounty hunter. Schultz offers to help Django rescue his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), who was separated from him after they tried to escape. The two men work together to seek revenge against his former brutal plantation masters.
Tarantino brought his revisionist style to the Spaghetti Westerns. With an iconic unscripted movie moment, the movie is a bold and ambitious piece of filmmaking that is certainly entertaining. Foxx's titular character allows for a charismatic performance that conveys both the pain and power of Django's journey.
Django Unchained
RRelease Date December 25, 2012 Director Quentin Tarantino Cast Leonardo DiCaprio , Jonah Hill , Samuel L. Jackson , Jamie Foxx , Kerry Washington , Christoph Waltz Runtime 1651 'Ray' (2004)
Director: Taylor Hackford
Ray is an Oscar-winning biopic of the legendary musician, Ray Charles. It focuses on Charles' 30 years as a rhythm and blues musician. Portrayed by Jamie Foxx, Charles narrates his life in flashbacks to his youth when he went blind at the age of seven and rose as a pianist in a touring band. He rises through the ranks of the Seattle jazz scene all while struggling with drug addiction.
The movie is well-directed and features a strong supporting cast that became a hit at the box office. Foxx delivers an unforgettable performance as the lead, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor along with the Golden Globe, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics' Choice. Foxx embodies Charles' voice, mannerisms, and spirit in order to create a mesmerizing portrayal of the iconic artist.
Ray
PG-13The story of the life and career of the legendary rhythm and blues musician Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South, where he went blind at age seven, to his meteoric rise to stardom during the 1950s and 1960s.
Release Date October 29, 2004 Director Taylor Hackford Cast Jamie Foxx , Kerry Washington , Regina King , Clifton Powell , Harry Lennix , Bokeem Woodbine Runtime 152ncG1vNJzZmibn6G5qrDEq2Wcp51kr6a%2F02ahmqWZmnqnu9exZKanpp6ytHnRmqWknZRk